We try to build the route around two main principles. The first is the profile of your group: how many hours you would like to sail each day, whether you are travelling with children, whether there are particular islands you definitely want to see, and what you generally enjoy doing - sightseeing, history, local life, swimming, snorkeling or simply spending time on the water.
The second is the weather at the time of your arrival. These two things need to work together in order to create a trip that feels pleasant and relaxed rather than adventurous for the wrong reasons.
Distance also comes into the equation. A successful week needs to strike a balance between many different things, not just sailing. You want time to enjoy the food, explore the islands, meet the locals, discover some history, read a book, paddleboard, snorkel, swim - or simply do absolutely nothing. All of this needs to find its place within the week.
That also means having realistic expectations about how far you plan to go. We don't consider sailing endlessly just to reach another island part of the fun. Spending more hours at sea simply to tick destinations off a list can easily take away from everything else the trip has to offer.
Last but not least, the yacht itself plays a role. A longer hull can generally achieve higher cruising speeds and cover distances more efficiently. Larger catamarans also place you higher above the waterline, offer more space and comfort, and can generally handle more demanding sea conditions with greater ease. So, beyond the accommodation and layout, the yacht you choose can also influence what makes sense for your itinerary.
All in all, there are several things to consider when planning the week. Your group sets the priorities, your yacht helps define what is comfortable and realistic, and the weather always has the final say.