Publication date: 16/12/2025
Sailing during the winter holidays: a well-kept secret
We don’t always think about it, but sailing at the end of the year has many advantages. First, even in winter, there are often fine days that allow you to go out to sea. Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, for example, if properly equipped against the cold, it is possible to go for a few hours of sailing or several days of cruising.
In winter, it is an opportunity to discover new landscapes: you will see that even places you know by heart, having sailed there frequently in spring or summer, will seem very different at the end of the year!
Furthermore, sailing in winter allows you to enjoy destinations that are usually very busy, almost just for yourself: as there are significantly fewer boaters at this time, you can moor or anchor alone, or almost alone, in idyllic locations. From our Port Napoléon marina, for example, discovering the island of Porquerolles in winter is an excellent idea.
Solo, as a couple, with family or friends… Depending on the capabilities of your boat, why not embark on a sailing trip? Whatever destination you choose, access to your stops will be easier, calmer, without needing to plan excessively. You will find that sailing at the end of the year often offers much more freedom!
Celebrating Christmas on board, in a less traditional way
Have you ever considered spending Christmas at sea? Sailing at the end of the year is also an opportunity to celebrate Christmas in an atypical way, different from traditional celebrations!
Sailing at Christmas is a chance to celebrate the holidays your way, returning to the essentials. In the Atlantic, the English Channel, or the Mediterranean, you can bring a small Christmas tree, decorations, and a good meal, to enjoy Christmas Eve on the water.
This is sure to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones this year!
Does Santa Claus visit on board?
All the boaters we know who have tried spending Christmas on a boat reassured us: Santa Claus does indeed arrive each year on motorboats and sailing yachts!
However, no one could tell us exactly how… For some crews, Santa Claus came through a porthole to leave the presents on the table in the saloon. For others, he simply left the presents in the cockpit or at the foot of the mast of the sailing yacht, without entering the interior…
According to some boaters, decorating the boat well would allow them to receive more gifts.
Celebrating New Year on your boat: an original way to welcome the new year
Often, we try to do something memorable for the New Year. Going out on a boat for New Year, whether a motorboat or a sailing yacht, is an opportunity to experience a unique celebration!
Many pay a lot to spend New Year at sea or at anchor, boarding a boat they do not own. You, however, can mark the arrival of the New Year at lower cost, on your own boat and with those you love, deciding everything that is important. What a joy, at the stroke of midnight, to start the new year on the water…
Using pyrotechnics for celebrations on board, prohibited
If you plan to use flares or distress rockets to celebrate New Year on your boat, we would like to remind you: this is strictly prohibited!
The use of safety equipment is strictly reserved for distress situations at sea, and pyrotechnics must never be used to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Calling out rescue services in case of misuse of safety equipment can lead to a two-year prison sentence and a fine of 30,000 euros (article 322-14 of the French Penal Code).
Preparing to sail during the festive season
To sail in winter without sacrificing comfort on board, it is important to prepare properly. Some boats are equipped with heating: before departure, make sure to check them and ensure they are working properly!
Then, there are some important items to take on board: think of warm clothing – fleece jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, ear warmers… – and waterproof tops and bottoms, bringing enough sets. Bedding should also allow you to stay warm at night. If temperatures are very low, you can take a hot water bottle, which must of course be handled with extreme care.
Provisioning must also be done accordingly: think of hot drinks and hot meals that provide warmth and help you stay comfortable throughout the day!
