Staycation 2021? 5 Ways a Boating Staycation Wins!

The experience of 2020/2021 and the pandemic will go down as the year that has changed people’s attitudes towards travel, as well as the availability of low-cost travel options. For those with a keen sense of wanderlust and an urge for healthy outdoor living or simply children to entertain over the summer holidays it’s definitely time to look at the alternatives. Escaping the crowds has never been so appealing.

Last summer RIB boats became the ‘go to’ choice for people wanting to get away from it all. A RIB is the easiest boat to drive, and most versatile boat for getting out on the water. A RIB is great whether you’re looking to do watersports, fishing or simply admire the beautiful Solent coastline and find your way to a local waterside pub. For those new to boating, as an RYA approved Powerboat Training Centre we provide all the training you will need to get out on the water. We also offer advanced courses for those wanting to move up to the next level.

So, what’s great about a boating staycation:

Boating is good for you! The adage that a “change is as good as a rest” could not be truer for boating. Whether you are blasting along at full speed or at anchor enjoying the huge skies and a sundowner, being in a boat strips life back to simplicity. You, the boat and mother nature.

There is something amazingly calming about escaping to the sea. From the moment you leave the dock, you are literally leaving everything behind you on the shore. Your senses are filled with sounds of the water rushing past, the boat skimming over waves, the wind in your hair. It’s the best kind of mindfulness where your focus is on driving the boat and absorbing the scenery. You really can relax and put your daily life to one side. Of course, the mobile phone must stay switched off and out of easy reach!

The beauty of boating is the sense of well-being it achieves in a very short time. Every trip afloat feels like a ‘mini-break’ – or boating staycation. It doesn’t have to be a week away, even a day out on a boat can be the ultimate stress-buster. It’s little wonder there is a growing body of research evidencing the well-being benefits of enjoying life on a boat.

Explore the UK coastline by RIB. Imagine never having to queue in traffic or worry about finding a car park when you can dock alongside a town quay or in a marina, step off the boat and start exploring! A RIB is a perfect boat for exploring new places whether it is meandering into small bays, pushing up tidal creeks or heading to one of the traditional seaside towns on the Isle of Wight.

It’s the speed and versatility of a RIB that opens up your boating staycation options. It’s great fun to arrive by boat, moor up and visit the local museums and attractions. Typically, many of the UK’s coastal harbours and towns are packed with fascinating maritime and naval history, sea life centres and seaside entertainment especially in the summer months.

For those of you who love geology then you’ll enjoy the coastline views that you can only see from the sea.

Flexible touring in a RIB. A RIB opens up a whole new range of places you simply can’t reach by car. Hop from place to place without having to queue for a ferry and anchor up where the only other visitors have arrived by boat. All in your own, safe, bubble. Check out Britain’s Secret Beaches, the video series by Virgin Radio’s Sam Pinkham.

Of course, one of the great things about having a RIB is you don’t always have to launch your boat from the same place. If you’re someone who likes to explore then having a RIB that you can easily tow will open up completely different parts of the UK.

RIBs are easy to moor up in a variety of places. You can park on the beach, anchor up, or go onto a pontoon. You can be confident that the robust inflatable RIB tubes act as additional ‘fenders’ (like bumpers) especially if you plan to moor up somewhere for any length of time. Motor from port-to-port, moor up and stay overnight in a local boutique hotel, or try the nautical way of finding a bed for the night using Beds on Board.

A RIB offers something for everyone. Most RIBs can take a small family and as with all boats, everyone should be able to get involved. You may find even teenagers addicted to their screens will enjoy working out the chart plotter and GPS to plan the best route. Away from other boaters and in calm waters everyone can have a go at steering (with good supervision, of course). If they decide they want to know more, then a powerboat training course is a good next step.

Take with you a kayak or paddleboard and for the ultimate fun get organised for wakeboarding and water skiing. For anyone who loves speed, there are many different inflatable options to tow behind a boat.

All up, boating is a brilliant way to spend time together, experiencing new places and activities. Beach swimming, snorkelling and water sports in remote places all become achievable if you have a boat.

Alfresco dining. I don’t know why food tastes different outside, but it does! If you’re looking for some peace and quiet at the end of a day then eating outdoors on your boat in a quiet harbour or bay is a wonderful way to end the day. Have a couple of beers and put the fishing line out or simply open the picnic, sit back and relax.