English Channel
Activity Superstore (01799 526526) offers two days sailing on a traditional gaff-rigged ship in the English channel from £199. It's a team effort on the boat, where your crew of three to eight will be put through their paces by the experts. Everyone is given a chance to try every aspect of sailing, including climbing the rigging. You sleep aboard the boat at Town Quay, Southampton, on Friday before setting sail on Saturday for the Isle of Wight, where you moor for the evening before returning on Sunday to Southampton. Price includes tuition, bed, board (except Saturday evening meal) and all non-alcoholic drinks.

Croatia
Seafarer Cruising and Sailing Holidays (0800 496 4670) offers a week's private yacht charter on the dazzling Croatian Riviera from £994, or from £248.50 per person. Cost covers the hire of a 10.5m x3.5m yacht (sleeping up to four) and the full-time services of a skipper. You can do as much or as little of the sailing as you like, set your own itinerary around the islands off the Dalmatian coast or follow the advice of Seafarer's consultants. Fuel, food and flights cost extra. A dedicated caterer can be hired for around £30 per day. The yacht can be met in Pula, Split and Zadar. Ryanair flies from Stansted into Trieste from £39 return.

Seychelles
Cruise round the Indian Ocean with Top Yacht (01243 520950) for around £310 per person per week. Hiring a 35ft yacht (sleeping seven) with skipper for a week costs from €3,150 (£2,150). Pick up the boat in Mahé and chart your own course between paradise islands. Air Seychelles (01293 596655) flies twice weekly from Gatwick to Mahé from £399 return, including taxes.