Kosher Sailing: From Hi-Tech to High Seas
This article originally appeared in the Jewish Link on March 25, 2025
My life took a remarkable turn when I founded Kosher Sailing, transitioning my career from high-tech to the high seas. This is the story of how I turned a passion into a groundbreaking business that has opened up the world of sailing to the Jewish community.
After a long and successful career in hi-tech, I longed for something more fulfilling—a way to combine my love of the outdoors with my business experience. My journey took an unexpected turn when I decided to learn how to sail. What began as a personal challenge quickly evolved into a new career path.
After earning my skipper certification, I realized there was an untapped market: sailing vacations tailored for the kosher and Shabbat observant. Traditional kosher cruises are often large-scale operations on mega-ships, which lack the intimacy and flexibility of private sailing. I envisioned something different—a boutique experience aboard luxury catamarans or private yachts where guests could enjoy adventure, relaxation, and Jewish traditions.
The Birth of Kosher Sailing
In 2022, I launched Kosher Sailing. The concept is simple yet revolutionary: create an environment where Jewish travelers could enjoy the beauty of sailing without compromising their religious observance.
Kosher Sailing solves two significant challenges for observant Jews: maintaining kosher dietary laws and observing Shabbat while traveling. Each boat is equipped with a kosher kitchen, a shabbat urn and a hot plate. Fresh ingredients are sourced locally, supplemented by kosher staples brought from Israel or kosher suppliers in Europe. On Shabbat, the boat moors at a marina, allowing guests to rest and disembark to walk around town. Kosher Sailing is supervised by Global Orthodox Kosher (GOK).
The Experience
Unlike traditional cruises where passengers are passive spectators, Kosher Sailing offers an interactive experience. Guests can choose how involved they want to be—they can raise the sails, navigate the boat, or simply relax on deck with a book. Many kosher sailors enjoy learning the basics of sailing, tying knots, or even taking turns on watch during hops between islands that are usually no more than 2 – 3 hours.
The highlight of the day often is at sunset when guests gather on deck with cocktails in hand, watching the sun dip below the horizon in a tranquil bay. Activities like snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or exploring charming coastal towns add to the allure. I take immense satisfaction in seeing my guests’ delight as they immerse themselves in these unique experiences.
Life on Board
Kosher Sailing typically operates catamarans with four guest cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom. Guests can choose from different levels of luxury depending on their budget. A typical crew includes me as the skipper (or another experienced captain), a hostess/deckhand—often one of my daughters—and an Israeli chef who prepares gourmet kosher meals onboard. There is also an option of self-catering for the more budget minded.
The itineraries are flexible and tailored to guests’ preferences. Some may want to spend their days swimming or paddleboarding along serene coastlines, while others prefer exploring historic towns or hiking scenic trails. Regardless of their choice, every trip is designed to be both relaxing and enriching.
Expanding Horizons
Kosher Sailing began in the Mediterranean with an ambitious “7 Volcanoes in 7 Days” itinerary exploring Sicily’s Aeolian Islands. The following year, we expanded to include Croatia’s northern archipelago and Greece’s Saronic Gulf. Each destination offers its own blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
While there is still availability for our trips this summer, after Succot, we plan to take Kosher Sailing across the Atlantic to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), offering winter voyages in a spectacular Caribbean setting. The BVI’s turquoise waters and secluded beaches promise an unforgettable experience for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Building Community
Kosher Sailing is more than just a vacation; it’s an opportunity to disconnect from life in the fast lane and connect to the slow and tranquil pace of sailing. Guests often book the entire boat and travel as families or a group of friends but others come alone as a couple or single, booking a cabin and making new friendships with fellow travelers from around the world. The shared experience of sailing fosters camaraderie and creates lasting memories.
A Personal Mission
For me, Kosher Sailing is more than a business—it’s a personal mission. I have found immense fulfillment in creating opportunities for others to explore the world while staying true to their values. Whether it’s guiding guests through sailing maneuvers or sharing stories under starlit skies, I truly cherish every moment spent on these journeys.
As we continues to expand Kosher Sailing’s offerings, I remain committed to providing intimate, meaningful experiences that combine adventure with tradition. Kosher Sailing is a unique venture that integrates my love for sailing with my commitment to Jewish traditions.
