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How do we make our sailing trips sustainable?

Sustainable tourism has been at the core of our mission since day one. This cause is deeply personal to our founder Carl. As a father of two, he wants to show his children a world as pristine and beautiful as the one he enjoys today. He lives by these values in his personal life too, swapping the family car for a bicycle that he rides to work every day, rain or shine. Nachhaltiger Wassertourismus bedeutet für uns, unvergessliche Erlebnisse auf dem Wasser mit aktivem Umweltschutz zu verbinden. Der Tourismussektor ist eine der größten Branchen der Welt – und damit kommt auch eine große Verantwortung. Plastikverschmutzung, insbesondere an Stränden und Buchten, beeinträchtigt nicht nur die Attraktivität der Reiseziele, sondern auch das gesamte Ökosystem. Dies wird auf unseren Törns immer wieder sichtbar. Wie kannst auch du auf unseren Segeltörns nachhaltig unterwegs sein?

sailwithus Team mit Travelife Certified Zertifikat für nachhaltigen Segelurlaub

Member of Forum Anders Reisen & Travelife Certified

At sailwithus, sustainability is more than a passing trend, it is a core value. Sailing itself is inherently gentle on the planet, powered by wind and quiet waters. Since 2020, we have been a member of Forum Anders Reisen, an association for sustainable travel companies that promotes high social and ecological standards. By late 2025, we earned Travelife certification, an internationally recognized standard confirming that we protect nature and respect local communities. We bring this commitment onto the ocean through our Green Ahoi trips, combining sailing adventures with coastal and marine cleanups. For us, a great vacation should give back to the environment as much as it gives to you.

Eine geschäftige Nachtmarktszene mit verschiedenen Essensständen, die eine große Auswahl an Gerichten anbieten, hell erleuchtet von Menschen, die stöbern und Verkäufer sind, die während ihres Segeltörns vorbeischauen.

Active Dialogue with Local Communities

Our passion goes beyond protecting nature to supporting the people who call our destinations home. We partner with locally owned restaurants, activities, shops, and hotels that feature regional products. By building long term relationships and maintaining regular communication, we help strengthen local economies wherever we sail.

Eine Gruppe von neun Personen in passenden gelben Hemden lächeln und posieren gemeinsam an einem Wasserufer während eines Segeltörns bei Sonnenuntergang.

Real Connections & Local Secrets

This close connection with locals allows us to steer clear of mass tourism and share insider secrets you won't find in any guidebook. We firmly believe this way of traveling creates better vacations for you while fostering fair, genuine friendships with local communities. Nature benefits too. We place the highest priority on respecting protected marine reserves and safeguarding coastal wildlife habitats.

Fünf Personen mit Strandausrüstung stehen in einem Waldstück neben einem Schlauchboot, strecken den Daumen hoch und sind bereit für ein Segelabenteuer.

Reaching Our Goals Through Awareness

We aim to inspire our guests to embrace sustainable habits at sea. Conserving water and electricity is essential aboard a yacht—both for the environment and practical reasons. You can find more details on daily life aboard in our Sailing Vacation FAQs. Because shower wastewater often flows directly into the sea, we encourage guests to bring microplastic-free soaps and shampoos. Thanks to our partner Benecos, we even provide eco-friendly toiletries on select trips!

Ein Mann im blauen Hemd lässt während eines Segeltörns eine Meeresschildkröte von der Seite eines Bootes aus zurück ins Meer. Das Wasser spritzt herum, als die Schildkröte freigelassen wird.

Our mission is to reduce plastic

We are proud to join the International Tourism Plastic Pledge, teaming up with strong partners to build a plastic-free travel industry. As one of the world's largest sectors, tourism carries a massive responsibility—especially since we see the impact of plastic pollution on beaches and coves firsthand on our trips. With estimates suggesting there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050, action is urgent. That is why we created the Green Ahoi Plastic Trip: a dedicated week where skipper and crew join forces to save our oceans by cleaning up beloved beaches every single day.

Eine ruhige Bucht mit kristallklarem, türkisfarbenem Wasser, eingerahmt von hoch aufragenden Kalksteinklippen. Ein kleines Boot liegt in Ufernähe und eine Segelyacht ist weiter draußen vertäut.

Setting Goals Together

As active supporters of the International Tourism Plastic Pledge, we are committed to:

  • Raising awareness across the industry, in travel destinations, and among our guests

  • Driving action through reuse and recycling

  • Sharing knowledge and best practices

We believe every single plastic item replaced on board makes a real difference. By offering eco-friendly alternatives, we help reduce our impact—supporting you before, during, and after your sailing adventure.

#joinusinthebattle #againstplasticwaste

Note: Since shower wastewater often flows directly into the sea, we recommend bringing microplastic-free soaps and shampoos. Thanks to our partner Benecos, we even provide eco-friendly toiletries on select trips!

Eine Frau steht auf einem Dock und hält einen großen schwarzen Müllsack in der Hand. Im Hintergrund sind festgemachte Boote und eine Stadt am Hang zu sehen. Sie trägt eine Sonnenbrille, Shorts und ein rosa Oberteil neben einem Seg

Together for the Future

Keeping our oceans clean and healthy is vital to us at sailwithus. While protecting our most popular destinations is second nature, we look at the bigger picture—factoring in every part of your trip, from booking to travel. To tackle climate change and shrink our carbon footprint, we partner with atmosfair to let you offset the emissions from your journey.

Partnering for Sustainability

Frequently Asked Questions

Before Your Trip

Is sustainable travel possible?

Yes.

Some sailing destinations can be reached by train, ferry or long-distance bus.

Examples: Baltic Sea, Sardinia, France, Croatia.

Which insurance policies are useful?

Insurance is not mandatory, but recommended:

- Travel cancellation insurance

- International health insurance

- Accident insurance

- Liability insurance

How do I get from the airport to the marina?

All travel information is available by e-mail and here:

https://swu.pixelriver.de/gut-zu-wissen/anreiseinformationen/

What is the best way to pack my travel bag or suitcase?

You can find packing tips here:

https://swu.pixelriver.de/gut-zu-wissen/packliste/

When does the crew meet and can I come outside the recommended arrival time?

The crew usually meets between 2 and 4 p.m. in the marina or a nearby café.

From around 5 p.m., the skipper can board the yacht and carry out the handover. Meanwhile, the crew goes shopping.

Late arrival is possible in exceptional cases by arrangement.

Saturday is an organization day - sailing usually takes place on Sunday after the safety briefing.

Which piece of luggage is best?

A sports bag or hiking rucksack is best.

Please do not bring a hard-shell suitcase - there is no storage space for it and it is always in the way.

Recommendation: Packing list on the website.

YouTube:

- https://www.youtube.com/embed/5dPxMRSR9OM

- https://www.youtube.com/embed/JGboVfN5hVQ

What happens after I book my cruise?

After your booking, you will receive further information by email at regular intervals. This includes tips on packing, advice on meal planning, etc.

About a week before the start of the trip, we create a Whatsapp group where you can get to know each other as a crew and the skipper.

Approx. 5 days before the start of the cruise you will receive the final arrival information including a harbor plan and berth.

And then it's time to cast off!

Do I need a passport or identity card?

That depends on the area.

An identity card is sufficient in most districts.

A passport is required for overseas destinations (Thailand, Caribbean, Seychelles, etc.).

Recommendation: Check current information with the Federal Foreign Office.

Will I get to know my fellow sailors before departure?

Yes, a WhatsApp group will be created in the week before your trip. You can discuss travel and organization there.

Are there bed linen, pillows and towels on board?

Yes, you will be provided with bed linen and a towel.

But bring another towel yourself.

A beach towel is not necessary - you jump straight into the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black Week

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Only from 23 to 29 November: 12% off all offers – excluding skipper trainings.

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