LEARNING THE ROPES IN THE LOFOTENS

RUBICON 3, NORWAY

Hiring a yacht with a skipper and crew is relaxing and indulgent, but those who’d prefer to be more hands-on have exciting options, too. On an expedition-style, learn-to-sail charter in the Lofoten Islands, the skipper and mate will impart such secrets as navigation and helming while exploring this unspoilt archipelago under the midnight sun. As well as mastering figure-of-eight knots and learning how to deploy the mainsail and jib, participants can head ashore to discover traditional fishing villages and Viking heritage. Adventure sailing specialist Rubicon 3 offers sturdy Clipper 60 yachts for charter in the Lofotens this summer for families or friends (be they novices or experts) keen to practise, hone and relish their nautical skills.

THE DETAIL A two-week sailing (sleeps eight) costs from £14,999 (or £1,875pp) in June, July or August, including full board, excursions and expert instruction. rubicon3.co.uk

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Given the success of Airbnb, it was only a matter of time before boat users turned to the sharing economy, too. Among the portals serving this sector are Click & Boat, Samboat and Boat Bookings, but leading the charge is Borrow a Boat, the UK’s first peer-to-peer platform for boat charters. With access to more than 17,000 yachts in over 50 countries, the on-demand (accessed via website or app) allows users to book a skippered, crewed or bareboat rental anywhere, anytime – and by offering late bookings, flexible dates and affordability, it’s changing up the boat-rental industry for the better. borrowaboat.com samboat.com boatbookings.com clickandboat.com