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When most mere mortals think about adventure, their minds race to exotic beaches, hidden trails, or sky-high peaks and this is of course all good and well.
But there’s another kind of adventure that combines the thrill of exploration, the rhythm of nature, and the deep satisfaction of mastering a timeless skill (one that helped shape human destiny…) – we are of course talking about monohull sailing.
If you’ve ever looked out over the waters and imagined yourself at the helm of a sleek, powerful vessel, slicing through the waves under nothing but the power of the wind — then this post is for you.
Read on to find out just Monohull sailing might well just be the best adventure you’ve never tried…at least yet…
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1. The Pure, Authentic Sailing Experience
Monohull sailing offers the sailor something that no catamaran or motorboat can replicate: the purest form of sailing. With a single hull slicing through the water and a tall mast catching the wind, you’re experiencing the most ancient, timeless and traditional form of seafaring that humanity has ever known. Every decision you make on a monosail — trimming a sail, adjusting your course by a few degrees — affects how the boat moves.
There are no automated controls or luxury shortcuts. It’s about connection, intuition, and feeling. As such, for anyone craving a truly authentic adventure, this is as real as it gets.
2. Heeling: The Thrill You Can’t Get Anywhere Else
One of the defining features of monohull sailing is heeling — when the boat leans over dramatically in response to the wind. Now while it might feel wild and even overwhelming at first, heeling is completely natural and even desirable because it basically means your sails are working efficiently and your boat is performing at its best.
Unlike multihulls, which stay relatively flat and stable, monohulls invite you to dance with the wind and waves, creating a physical connection to the elements you will never ever forget.
3. A Better Connection to the Sea
In a monohull, you don’t ride above the sea — you become part of it.
Because they sit deeper in the water (with what’s called a deeper draft), monohulls respond more directly to every swell and shift in the current. Some sailors even describe it as developing a sixth sense as you start to feel the rhythm of the ocean beneath your feet.
Rather than being insulated from nature, you’re absolutely immersed in it. This deeper connection doesn’t just make sailing more fun (and a bit scary) it builds a profound respect for the sea itself.
4. More Challenging (In the Best Way)
Monohull sailing is not just a cruise — it’s a craft.
It’s an opportunity for you to become a better sailor every time you leave the dock. From learning to adjust sails to balance the heeling, to mastering tricky maneuvers like tacking and jibing, monohull sailing sharpens your mind and body.
The learning curve can feel steep at first, but that’s what makes it so satisfying.
5. Easier to Find and More Affordable to Rent
Planning an adventure shouldn’t involve endless hassle or huge expenses. Well one of the biggest advantages of choosing a monohull is just how bloody accessible it is.
Compared to catamarans (which can cost up to 30–40% more for similar size and amenities), monohulls are far more budget-friendly. You can often get a beautiful 35–45 ft yacht for the price of a basic hotel stay — and split between friends or family, it becomes even more affordable.
We will talk further about Monohull Rentals further in this post.
6. Great for Solo Travelers or Small Groups
Unlike larger boats that require big crews to manage and finance, many monohulls are designed to be handled by just one or two people.
For couples or small friend groups, a monohull creates an incredibly personal, shared adventure. You get the chance to work together to handle the boat, navigate, and explore, creating bonds and memories that run deeper than any ordinary vacation.
7. They Look and Feel Absolutely Iconic
There’s something undeniably cinematic about a monohull under full sail.
The elegant sweep of the sails, the curve of the hull slicing cleanly through turquoise water, the distant silhouette of islands on the horizon – these boats are beautiful and sexy.
Furthermore, photos just don’t do them any justice.
The Lowdown on Monohull Sailing – What You Need To Know
I appreciate that some of you reading may well have a lot of questions about the practicalities and logistics of Monohull Sailing. Well in the next section we will try our darndest to anticipate and answer some of these.
Best Places in the World to Try Monohull Sailing
I guess that firstly we probably need to look at some of the best places to go and try a spot of Monohull Sailing.
Here are a few top destinations where monohull sailing truly shines:
- The Greek Islands: Perfect breezes, calm blue waters, and endless hidden coves to discover. We have written a whole Greek Islands Guide by the way…
- The British Virgin Islands (BVI): Consistent trade winds and short distances between islands make it perfect for beginners. You even form an LLP in these notorious tax havens while you’re here!
- Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast: Crystal-clear waters, historic ports, and stunning anchorages. Watch out for the party boats you might even sail past!
- Thailand’s Andaman Sea: Exotic islands, calm seas, and vibrant, diverse marine life.
- The French Riviera: If you want a mix of luxury and classic Mediterranean sailing, then there’s nothing quite like it.
Each of these spots has a strong sailing infrastructure, meaning you’ll find plenty of charter options, along with experienced instructors, and gorgeous routes of course.
How Much Experience Do You Need?
We have some good news for you here. You really don’t have to be an expert to try your hand at monohull sailing. There is an experience available for everybody as we shall now demonstrate.
- Absolute Beginners: Rookies can charter a monohull with a skipper (or a professional captain) who handles the boat while you relax, learn the ropes, and enjoy.
- Intermediate Sailors: If you have a little experience (say, a few courses or small boat handling), you can bareboat charter — rent a monohull without a crew and be your own captain.
- Certification: In some areas (like the Mediterranean), you may need a valid sailing license (like an ICC or an ASA certification), but many charter companies offer a quick check-out sail to approve you.
If you’re serious about learning, then a weeklong sailing course can turn even a beginner into a confident day skipper.
What Does It Cost?
While sailing is not exactly a cheap activity, Monohull charters are actually surprisingly affordable, especially compared to catamarans or motor yachts.
Here’s a rough idea for weekly charter rates (for the boat, not per person):
- Small 30–35 ft monohull: €1,000–€2,500 per week
- Medium 36–45 ft monohull: €2,500–€4,500 per week
- Luxury or newer 45+ ft monohull: €4,500–€7,500+ per week
Prices can and do fluctuate based on the season (summer is high season), location, and whether you’re adding a skipper, or extras like meals and fuel.
Many charter companies split the cost among your group — so even a mid-range yacht can end up costing you about the same as a regular hotel stay. When you look at it like that it really isn’t as out of reach as you might think.
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Final Thoughts
Monohull sailing isn’t just a sport or a pastime, but a journey into a different way of living, and seeing the world one where the wind guides you and the horizon stretches endlessly ahead.
It’s challenging, but its also thrilling, rewarding, and unbelievably beautiful.
If you’ve been looking for your next big proper adventure, then maybe it’s high time to hoist the sails and discover a whole new world — the Rod Hull, I mean monohull way.
See you on the seven seas guys!
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