Families are being offered an exciting new way to take a break in the Med this summer with the launch of “turn-up-and-go” crewed yachting holidays by Essential Sailing (0845 653 0126; www.essentialsailing.com).

The seven-day luxury sailings combine some of the best cruising in the world with on-shore fun and give families a relaxing way to explore whole stretches of the French and Italian coasts rather than being restricted to just one destination.

Each day begins with a refreshing morning sailing to the next port of call. The crew will seek out hidden creeks for a chance to fish and swim from the yacht, or weigh anchor near beaches for some sandy play and exhilarating watersports. Snorkelling equipment, beach gear and an inflatable kayak can be provided, and complimentary soft drinks, confectionery and ices are available on demand.

Alternatively, there are lively harbours to explore, such as ritzy Cannes, where guests can follow in the footsteps of favourite film stars. Families are also welcome to pre-book as many (or as few) cultural excursions as they wish, such as the family-friendly Oceanographic Museum in Monaco.

And while no experience is necessary, everyone is invited to try their hand at the ropes on the “Essential Start to Yachting”, a short, easy and fun introduction to sailing that will be particularly popular with teenagers.

In the evenings, adults can put up their feet while the crew prepares a gourmet four-course dinner, accompanied by regional wines, or the family can go ashore to try out recommended restaurants. The yacht's comfy saloon has a TV with DVD, as well as games and books.

“First Essential”, a Beneteau Oceanis 50-foot yacht, provides smart, contemporary quarters for up to six guests in three cabins. It is one of the best blue-water cruisers in its class, with a spacious deck for sunbathing and dining al fresco – or to just watch the world go by. Below deck, the air-conditioned yacht has an elegant saloon furnished with comfortable sofas and a TV/DVD. The double en-suite cabins are spacious, with beds dressed in luxury Egyptian cotton and complimentary toiletries by L'Occitane.

Whole yacht cruises start from £8,658, including breakfast and lunch daily and dinner on four nights, a Champagne and canapés reception, professionally qualified skipper and personal hosts, daily cabin service, soft drinks, confectionery and ices on demand, and use of snorkelling equipment, beach gear and an inflatable kayak. Plus, there are no hidden extras – mooring fees, fuel, gas and cleaning are all included in the price.

A selection of shore excursions is available to pre-book and special requests can also be arranged. Chauffeur-driven airport transfers are available on request for a supplement.

To book: visit www.essentialsailing.com or call 0845 653 0126

Follow developments at Essential Sailing on Twitter @EssentialSailin and at Facebook.com/EssentialSailing and on Linkedin.com/company/essential-sailing

For further information, hi-res images, or to arrange press trips, please email: travelnews@lbbcreative.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Simone Kane on 07811 161839 and simone@lbbcreative.co.uk, or Kate Simon on 07939 526109 and kate@lbbcreative.co.uk.

Notes to editors

Essential Sailing is a family business, founded in 2010 by Richard Reeves, a chartered civil engineer in the construction industry, and Phil and Kate Reeves, both of whom have many years' professional sailing experience. The company is relaunching its offering for 2016 with a redesigned website that features lots of destination information, giving insight into ports of call and recommendations on places of interest. Richard has had a passion for sailing since his childhood, and aims to offer luxury crewed sailing without the responsibility of owning a yacht, making such holidays more accessible to a wider clientele.