"There's a bit of a sailor hidden away in most of us. But the reality is - that apart from the lucky few - the only time we're likely to ever set foot aboard something that floats will be a rowing boat in the local park or a touristy harbour tour while on holiday.
After all, sailing's for the wealthy.
- isn't it!
Think againg. Thanks to Barcelona Business Yachtclub, anybody can become part of the boating world and live the dream. Catching the sailing bug has never been easier.
The Yachtclub is divided into sailing for members and sailing for guests, although they also organize a host of teambuilding and corporate events. So weather you're here on holiday, or you call Barcelona home, you'll find something to fit.
If you're living here, then becoming a club member, either as a sailing member or a charter member means you'll have access to a boat all year long without ever having to worry about mooring fees, maintenance, cleaning, or having the right license (If you want to join as a charter member and be able to take the boat out alone, you will need a recognised sailing license.)
It's just 190€ to join and only 35€ a month for membership fees. Think of it a bit like a gym membership, just a lot cheaper and a lot more 'real'.
If you're here on a holiday, or you only want to 'try' the sailing thing, then you can join the boat for a three hour sail with one of their qualified skippers at various time throughout the day for just 75€ per person.
The Experience:
If you thought sheets were something you tucked yourself up under and port was a drink your Grandpa got drunk on at Christmas, think again. Along with halyards, tillers, and jibing, they're just some of the new words you'll be learning as your skipper gives you a welcome talk aboard one of the club's J80 sailing yachts.
Yhese ultra fast sports sailing boats have a huge cockpit area (that's the place you'll be sitting in), and very little sailing 'bits and pieces' in the way. This make them very comfortable and easy to handle, which means that even the novice will get a chance to steer the boat and help with the 'trimming' and 'hoisting' of the sails.
But if you all want to do is sit back, catch a tan, and see Barcelona from the sea, their skipper will be more than happy to leave you with nothing more to do than enjoy the moment.
And for something really special, join one of their sunset sails and see the sun slip behind Montjüic as you sail along the coast at the end of a balmy summer's day.
After three hours proper sailing, 'tacking' back and forwards along the coast, most people will be gripped by the passion for sailing.
No noise, no pollution, no traffic, just the feel of the wind in your face, an expanse of white sail billowing out above your head, and the sound of the ocean as you skim across the surface.
It's with a heavy heart and a wistful look back across your shoulder that you'll fix those sails for one final time and head back to land and normality."