(Courtesy of Kosher Sailing) Warren Marland’s life took a remarkable turn when he founded Kosher Sailing, transitioning his career from high-tech to the high seas. This is the story of how he 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, Warren longed for something more fulfilling—a way to combine his love of the outdoors with his business experience. His journey took an unexpected turn when he decided to learn how to sail. What began as a personal challenge quickly evolved into a new career path.

After earning his skipper certification, Warren 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. Warren 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, Warren 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 two to three 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. Warren takes immense satisfaction in seeing his 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 Warren as the skipper (or another experienced captain), a hostess/deckhand—often one of his 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, Warren 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 his trips this summer, after Sukkot, Warren plans 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 Warren Marland, Kosher Sailing is more than a business—it’s a personal mission. He has 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, Warren cherishes every moment spent on these journeys.

As he continues to expand Kosher Sailing’s offerings, Warren remains committed to providing intimate, meaningful experiences that combine adventure with tradition. Kosher Sailing is a unique venture that integrates his love for sailing with his commitment to Jewish traditions.

Visit Kosher Sailing at www.koshersailing.world, reach out directly to Warren at [email protected] or on WhatsApp at +972 54-539-1767.