Hello First name / friend,

 

You may have noticed I’ve been talking about boats a lot lately. It’s on purpose. For two reasons.

 

First, we’re in what the industry calls Wave Season. It’s the one moment of the year when many of these sailings release their most competetive pricing and added value.

 

I’m not a bargain hunter in life or for clients, but I do care about leverage, and January and February are when you, the traveler, and I, the advisor, have the most of it.

 

Second, for years, I gave travel-by-water a hard pass. It felt binary. Either massive cruise ships or the rarefied world of yacht owners. Neither appealed, even though I come from generations (likely centuries) of people who made their lives near and on water. Turns out, I just hadn’t found the right way to do it.

 

Over the past few years, I have been finding my way. A different category of boats has been emerging, and I’m so into it. Small, beautifully run vessels. Heritage ships brought back to life. Thoughtful routes. Fewer people. Days at your pace, whether full or super slow. Experiences on the boats, that are often part of the cultural story, not simply transportation between destinations.

 

Below, I’ve pulled together a tight edit of my favorite petit boats for 2026. 

 

Each one offers a distinct personality and pace. You’ll likely know quickly which one or two speak to you, and don’t keep it a secret…tell me in a quick reply to this email.

This route is brand new for 2026 and very Acqua in spirit. They buy and refurbish existing yachts rather than build new, cap guests at around 30, and run everything like a safari at sea. Laundry, alcohol, and activities are included. No formal nights. Always casual. 

 

Seychelles sailings focus on snorkeling and diving, while longer routes reach protected coral islands that are hard to access any other way. It attracts mostly seasoned travelers, many 50+, including repeat safari-goers and couples who want wildlife, nature, and culture without lodges or resorts.

🔗 More info

Sailing the Nile by dahabiya is slow, atmospheric, deeply soulful, and Set Nefru has been one I’ve been anticipating for a while. Paired with their sister property Al Moudira, it creates a cohesive, gorgeous Egypt experience. It’s especially good for culture-driven travelers, couples who like to socialize, and full buyouts of 12–18 people who want that intimacy and depth without crowds or conveyor-belt touring.

🔗 More info

Orient Express Silenseas
If you’re intoxicated by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or the Royal Scotsman, hold onto your britches. This yacht leans heavily into atmosphere and heritage, using innovative sail technology that makes it part sailing ship, part yacht. It’s designed for travelers drawn to iconic brands, milestone trips, and experiences where the onboard world matters just as much as the destinations.

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Explora sits in a rare middle ground. Smaller ships with the amenities people like from big ones, but more spacious, more personalized, and completely inclusive. No constant add-ons for WiFi, tenders, or dining. It’s well-suited to travelers (folks who typically take the big boats) who want comfort, strong dining, entertainment, a high level of service, and serious polish.

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Burgess sailing yachts are for travelers who want the romance of a sailboat without the work, unless you want to get involved. Routes, rhythm, meals, and stops revolve entirely around your group. It’s a strong fit for adventurous seafarers, families, and friend groups who like things beautiful, flexible, and well run. And yes, they’re gorgeous.

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If you’ve ever said “blech, no thanks” at the idea of a cruise, or if you’ve been doing the big boats and wishing there was something different, you’re exactly who this is for.

 

It’s coastal access without unpacking daily. More personalization. More unique, hotel-like accommodations. Lesser-traveled ports. Meaningful time on land. Boats that attract discerning travelers who don’t want to deal with massive buffets and 5,000 other guests.

 

>>> The great thing is that many sailings only require a small deposit to hold a reservation (often refundable depending on the company), so it’s little risk to secure a spot for later this year or even 2027.

If you’ve got a sailing of any sort on the brain, reply and tell me what you’re thinking so we can check current Wave Season perks before they say goodbye, typically through January or February.