Sailing for young people
Sailing with young people: sailing trips for young adults
The easiest way to sail with young people is on a cabin charter: you book a single berth and sail with a crew you get to know on board. You don't need a sailing licence. Many providers have their own trips for young people.
Updated: 2 November 2026 · Editorial team toernfinder.de
from 88 providers compared
The essentials at a glance
Season
Mainly spring to autumn
Duration
From a weekend to an Atlantic crossing
Most common departure ports
Baltic Sea, IJsselmeer, Mediterranean and Atlantic
Requirements
No sailing licence required
Week-long trip per person
mostly 690–1,400 €
Current Cabin Charters
Here you can see a changing selection of current cabin charters. The crew's usual age is often given in the trip description. Otherwise, just ask the provider.
How does sailing with young people work?
On a cabin charter, a small crew lives and sails together for several days. Sailing is hands-on; in the evening the crew cooks together and winds down after the day.
Many providers offer trips aimed expressly at young people. On these, the crew is roughly the same age. On other trips the crew is mixed, but young people are often on board there too.
Whether it's a small yacht or a big ship, a weekend on the Baltic Sea or two weeks in the Caribbean: choose the trip that appeals to you. It's best to check the crew's age directly with the provider.
How do I find a sailing trip for young people?
First look at the trip description: many providers state there what age group the trip is intended for. If nothing is stated, just ask.
- Read the trip description: Notes such as “young crew” or an age range show who the trip is aimed at.
- Ask the provider: Through the enquiry on Törnfinder you can contact the provider directly. Ask how old the crew usually is.
- Consider the size of the vessel: On a yacht you sail in close quarters with just a few people, while on a large ship you get to know more people.
- Choose any type of trip: Whether it's a weekend, a week-long trip, a long passage or training for a sailing licence, you'll find young people on every type of trip.
- Sailing with friends: If you'd rather keep to yourselves, you can charter a private yacht charter with skipper.
Sailing on a budget as a young person: here's how
The cheapest way to sail is on the hand-for-a-bunk principle. Short trips, the low season and inexpensive travel to the departure point also keep costs down.
- Hand for a bunk: You help out on board and pay nothing for your bunk, only the onboard kitty and your travel. More at Working passage.
- Short trips: A weekend trip is an affordable way to get started.
- Low season: In spring and autumn, many trips are cheaper than in high summer.
- Travel: Sailing areas such as the Baltic Sea and IJsselmeer are easy to reach on a budget by train or long-distance coach.
On top of the trip price come travel costs and usually the ship's kitty for food, harbour fees and diesel. The box shows what typically belongs in it.
What's included in the price and what goes into the crew kitty
Included in the trip price
- Your bunk on board
- The vessel
- The skipper
Usually via the crew kitty
- Food
- Hafengeld
- Diesel
Usually around 150–300 € per person per week, depending on what the group agrees, for example whether restaurant visits are included. On some boats, meals are already included in the price.
It is best to clarify in advance with the provider exactly what is included.
Sailing trips for teenagers under 18
Whether teenagers under 18 may join a cabin charter on their own is decided by each provider. Parental consent is usually required, and some providers only take minors if they are accompanied.
Before booking, ask the provider about the minimum age and which documents are required. For families with teenagers, a Family sailing is also a good choice.
Countries with the most trips
With the usual weekly price and the next departure. Each card shows the matching trips there.
Frequently asked questions about sailing with young people
Short answers to the questions young sailors ask most often.
Are there sailing trips specifically for young people?
Yes. Many providers offer cabin charters for young people, often noted in the trip description. On other trips the crew is mixed, but young people are often on board too. If in doubt, ask the provider how old the crew usually is.
Which sailing trip is suitable for young adults?
That depends on what appeals to you: a weekend on the Baltic Sea, a week in the Mediterranean, a long passage with night watches or a trip towards a sailing licence. The crew matters more than the type of trip. Look for notes in the trip description or ask the provider.
How can I sail on a budget?
The cheapest way to sail is hand for a bunk. Short trips and trips in the low season also cost less.
Do I need sailing experience?
No. On most trips a skipper leads the boat, and the crew learns everything necessary on board. For long offshore passages, some providers expect experience.
Can young people under 18 join a cabin charter?
Each provider decides this for themselves. Parental consent is usually required, and some providers only take minors if they are accompanied. Ask before booking.
Find your trip
Use the filter to search by sailing area, date and boat type, and send your enquiry directly to the provider.