Stylist’s Siobhan Morrin finds her sea legs on a new-generation sailing adventure in Croatia

Wind in hair, wine in hand, strolling the deck like Brigitte Bardot on the French Riviera – that was my impression of yachting. But, as I discovered on my first ever sailing trip, that sort of cinematic scene takes place on the super-yachts of the mega rich – not on a 34-foot-long chartered boat.

The sailing I was in for was more like glamping – tiny cabins, a refreshing absence of mirrors and wardrobes – with the freedom to leap in the sea whenever you fancy. Yachts and Friends is helmed by two young sailors, Erik and William, who want to challenge the middle-aged, intimidating yachting market by offering bespoke sailing trips and courses that are accessible, affordable and fun. For a newbie like me, it’s perfect – they provide an experienced skipper to get you safely into ports and bays, but there’s plenty of opportunity for hands-on sailing. Boarding in Split, I’m greeted by skipper Dale and first-mate Brooke, two of the most chilled-out Antipodeans I’ve ever met – keen to help me flex my muscles hoisting the sail and dropping the anchor but lovely enough not to laugh at my early struggles getting aboard, walking the (alarmingly thin) plank that joins the boat to shore.

Escape routes: enjoy a sailing adventure in Croatia