Three hours out of Port Vell with the wheel in your hands — no experience needed.

Most boat trips out of Barcelona are a seat and a drink. On this one you sail the boat. We leave Port Vell mid-morning, when the breeze off the land is steady and the water is still empty. The skipper takes you through the basics on the way out — points of sail, what the wind is doing, which rope does what and why — and then hands over. You will take the helm, trim a sail, and tack the boat yourselves at least once. Nobody is made to do anything they would rather watch. We run out past the port entrance and along towards Barceloneta, stop somewhere quiet for a swim and coffee, and sail back in before the afternoon chop gets up. No experience needed and nothing to bring but sunscreen, a hat and shoes with soft soles. Eight people maximum, so everyone gets a turn. Under-12s are welcome with an adult but cannot take the helm.