Sailing is both a recreational as well as functional activity for millions of people around the world. Often, when we think of sailing, we think about the massive ships that cruise the oceans, the yachts that race in competitions, and about the money it takes just to own one, let alone having enough friends or family who might be interested in going out on the water on any given day.

But sailing is so much more than that. It is about connecting with nature and being surrounded, and powered, by the forces that encompass us on a daily basis. It’s often easy to forget that such wonderful things are all around us when we drive to and from work, text on our phones, or merely walk through the grocery store to find something to eat. The world is abundant with the basic necessities and the promise of reconnecting with it.

Sailing doesn’t have to be a process requiring five, six, or even a dozen people to be successful. Small sailboats require only one person to cruise around calm waterways, such as rivers and inland lakes. Of course, whenever you have help, and company, the entire day can open up so many more possibilities.

Imagine bobbing gently in the cool water, the air calm, waiting for it to take its next breath. The sail ripples gently but you’re in no hurry and there’s not another boat or person in sight. All you hear are the distant sound of life and nature moving about in its perfect symbiotic way. You don’t concern yourself with gas prices, work problems, or difficulties in a relationship. Out here it’s only about relaxation.

Then the wind begins to build. It tugs on the mainsail or the jib and slowly the boat beneath you cuts through the water. The boat leans up gently and your hand is on the rudder, steering straight ahead. Soon the wind is in your face, brushing past you and that’s the only sound you hear aside from the occasional splash of water against the hull.

You move across the lake, catching every puff of breeze in the sails and you begin to laugh in delight. If you’re alone, you are loving every minute of it. If you’re with someone, you two share a special bond, knowing that this day couldn’t be any better. Sailing helps people to reconnect with not only their inner child and the joys we once embraced on a daily basis, but also with the world around us.

If you haven’t tried sailing yet, then it’s the perfect time for you to experience it. As a beginner, I suggest on not doing it alone – share the experience with your friends and family by planning a holiday to the best sailing locations in the world. I had my first sailing experience when I was seven together with my parents. All those times I was adorably munching on pick and mix sweets. Since that time, we regularly set a sailing opportunity every year.

The Caribbean offers a lot of beautiful locations for your sailing vacations. One of these is the St. Lucia, Windward Islands. The place is called by many as the Jewel of the Winwards. The land is covered with lush green vegetation. The view is simply spectacular. Sailing from this beautiful island you will pass through open-water passages and witness the mystical islands of Bequia and Tobago Cays. After sailing you can also go kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, windsurfing, shopping, enjoy a scrumptious fine dining, or see the sun set while indulging in some pick and mix sweets.

Another equally stunning location for sailing is the Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands are comprised of more than 25 islands surrounded by turquoise waters. It presents a tropical pleasures which you can enjoy either laid-back or active. Feast your eyes as you sail across majestic scenery like the flooded caves, stone formations, and coral reefs below. There are also a lot of beach-side bars, luxury resorts, shopping stores, and even candy shops where you can buy some pick and mix sweets, just like I did when I was young.

You may also want to consider going to Abacos, Bahamas. The Bahamas is situated east of Florida and to the north of Cuba. Sailing in the Bahamas is best experienced in the Great Abaco Island and the various cays around. There are also countless scenic spots, barrier reefs, and historic sites. You will also find resorts, hotels, and restaurants on shore; candy shops that sell pick and mix sweets are also available in select areas.

Along the vast Caribbean Sea lies Belize, a country of splendour, filled with tropical forest, towering lush green mountains, and magnificent
coastlines. These make it an ideal location for your sailing vacation. When you are done with your sailing, enjoy other activities like snorkelling and scuba diving; or have a taste of the best of Belize’s fine dining and exotic confectionery products like pick and mix sweets.