Want to sail the high seas?

In Singapore, a nation surrounded by water, the allure of sailing is inescapable. But does it make more financial sense to buy a boat or rent it?

A yacht in the Adriatic Sea near Rovinj in Croatia on May 28. When you own a boat, the sea is your limit, barring pandemic restrictions, and it is an opportunity to chill and have staycations on board.
A yacht in the Adriatic Sea near Rovinj in Croatia on May 28. When you own a boat, the sea is your limit, barring pandemic restrictions, and it is an opportunity to chill and have staycations on board. PHOTO: REUTERS
Yachts and boats at the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. It is important to plan your budget carefully before commiting to buy a yacht.
Yachts and boats at the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. It is important to plan your budget carefully before commiting to buy a yacht. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
Fun-seekers on a luxury yacht in Dubai. People in the boating industry recommend that prospective buyers try renting a boat for a week or two before committing to a purchase.
Fun-seekers on a luxury yacht in Dubai. People in the boating industry recommend that prospective buyers try renting a boat for a week or two before committing to a purchase. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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With so many islands to explore around Singapore and the allure of having the freedom to sail farther away, owning a boat can seem like a luxurious way to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city.

During the coronavirus pandemic, boat ownership can also be an opportunity for staycations and a chance to chill.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 27, 2021, with the headline Want to sail the high seas?. Subscribe