Brits lose sense of adventure as survival skills are a thing of the past

Sunsail St.Lucia Torillo © www.photo.vi

Dee Caffari © Charlie Clift

New research has found that despite Britain once boasting the world's biggest navy, we've lost our desire for adventure. 30% of Brits have never navigated using a printed paper map and of those who have used a printed map, 51% have never used a compass to take a bearing.

Sunsail, the global yacht charter company that offers sailing holidays to first time sailors and experienced adventurers commissioned the research of 2,000 UK adults.

With almost one quarter (22%) of adults having never slept in a tent, and only 2 in 5 (41%) having walked 10 km or more on a hike, Britain is losing its relationship with adventure. 94% of British adults wouldn't consider sailing for their next summer holiday, with a quarter (24%) identifying it being outside of their comfort zone.

A third of adults (29%) have described their ideal summer holiday as somewhere they've been before, with only 4% of adults describing their ideal summer holiday as the more extreme the better.

Commenting on the research Dee Caffari, who has sailed around the world six times, says, "Imagine waking up with a different view from your bedroom window every day that's what you can get from a sailing holiday. You get a completely different perspective and no two days are the same. If you haven't stepped on a boat before then a holiday is a great way to try sailing for the first time with the instruction and support to help you make the most of the adventure that sailing offers."

Over half (54%) of those who identified an interest in sailing, did so due to the appealing ideal of freedom and the opportunity to explore multiple destinations. 18-24 year olds take the most oversea holidays, with an average of nine taken in the last 2 years, compared to just two by those aged 65 years and above. A fifth (18%) of those aged between 18-24 years identified they would consider a sailing holiday for their next summer vacation.

Sunsail's Senior UK Marketing Manager, Kate Staniforth commented, "Our sailing holidays are designed so that first time sailors and seasoned adventurers can find the right balance - whether that's hiring a skipper to show you the ropes or honing your skills at our sailing schools. Island hopping in the British Virgin Islands, snorkelling off the boat in Croatia or anchoring and exploring a taverna in Greece, our dedicated Sunsail Holiday Planners are there to help you find the right blend of relaxation, sightseeing, beaches and onshore activities."

For further information visit www.sunsail.co.uk