Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a yacht charter?
It is the hire or lease of a yacht for a specified time and purpose.
Q. Why charter?
Owning a yacht is a lifetime's ambition for many. But often the time available for sailing is not sufficient to justify the expense and commitment. Chartering is a smart option since all the responsibility and hard work is taken care of by the owner and at the end of your charter you can simply "walk away" from the boat without a care in the world! Even for yacht owners it is not always possible to enjoy their own yacht in far away destinations so chartering provides a cost-effective way to see new places and experience sailing a wide variety of yachts.Q. Can I / we charter the whole boat?
Yes, if you want to take it on your own, it is called a bareboat charter. The skipper is an optional extra !
Q. Can I join another couple/group?
Of course, but we need to confirm with the others that suitable space is available.
Q. What is included in a bareboat charter?
As the term suggests, it includes the hire of the yacht with all the equipment and insurance required by law to sail her. Apart from all the statutory safety equipment our charters typically include galley equipment (cutlery, crockery, pots and pans etc.), cooking gas, bed linen, washroom towels, dinghy and outboard.Q. Will I incur any other costs with a bareboat charter?
You will need to pay a refundable security deposit of € 2500. On your return, the yacht is checked for any damage or loss (other than normal wear and tear) and if there is none you are refunded the full amount. In the unfortunate event of damages or losses occurring you are liable for the total cost of such but limited to the amount of your security deposit, without prejudice to your statutory rights and responsibilities. Other costs may include mooring fees, any local taxes, the cost of hiring a skipper (if you need one), cleaning the yacht at the end of your charter, fuel, water, food and other provisions. It is our policy to inform you in advance as accurately as possible what these costs are, if applicable.
Q. What qualifications do I need to charter bareboat?
Regulations vary from country to country. Typically, you need one skipper's license/certificate and one qualified competent crew member. Some countries require a VHF operator's certificate. Our team will advise you as to local regulations in advance. We may request that you demonstrate your competence at sea and, if lacking, to insist that you hire a local skipper at your cost for at least part of the charter period.
Q. Should I hire a skipper or other crew?
Even experienced sailors often prefer hiring a local skipper. The advantages are obvious: apart from the safety aspect, your skipper will share a wealth of local knowledge of places to visit, where to anchor, services available in each harbour, where to eat etc. Also, he/she will free you from any concerns about the safety of the yacht while you swim, visit local attractions or enjoy a nice meal out. You will still have ample opportunity to sail the yacht under his/her supervision, provided it is safe to do so. Finally, provided we know well in advance, you can use the services of a skipper for the first couple of days in order to help boost your confidence in handling the yacht. Please note that hiring a skipper does not release you from the obligation of the security deposit. Also, it is customary to allow for the skipper's food in your provisioning, although he/she will not expect that you eat together and will be discreet at all times, respecting your privacy. You may also hire a hostess who will prepare meals for you and help keep the boat clean and tidy and/or a deckhand, if you do not wish to get involved with sailing the yacht.
Q. What about provisioning?
We provide you with a provisions list, which you can complete and return to us before you set off for your destination, and we will then ensure that your shopping is delivered and stowed away before you embark. If you are after comfort, the last thing you want to do is trek round the local shops in hot weather just after you have arrived, checked in and unpacked a whole load of travel bags. This is normally a free service at average supermarket prices.
Q. What can I expect from a crewed charter?
Crewed yachts come with a full complement of dedicated, full-time crew, trained to sail and manage the yacht without your involvement and to look after her guests. The number of crew varies according to the size of the yacht. Typically this may include a skipper, a first mate and a cook/hostess. Crews work as a team and take great pride in providing a courteous and hospitable service and in spoiling their guests with a variety of delicious food and drinks. You can choose a menu selection as part of your booking. The cost of meals and wine would normally be included in the charter price, although you may have to pay extra for drinks from the bar.
Q. Is a yachting holiday suitable for children?
Parents know their children best and, to a large extent, the answer depends on the level of the parents' sailing competence. Several families bring along their children, sometimes just a few months old! Yachts are equipped with life vests for children by law. However, it would be advisable to bring your own having made sure that they fit. Alternatively please give us as much information as possible in advance so we can ensure that there are suitable life vests on the yacht. Naturally, the yacht you choose and the type of charter are important factors to consider before making this decision. Please ask for further advice when discussing your charter requirements.
Q. What about suitable travel insurance?
We strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance at the time of your booking. Unforeseen circumstances may force you to cancel or postpone your booking and you should be covered for such an eventuality. Also we advise that you check with your insurance company or agent whether sailing is specifically covered. In most cases your policy will cover some types of sailing (inshore, coastal) but not others (offshore, racing). Please ensure that a suitable level of cover is included. We are at present negotiating favourable specialist insurance packages, which will be available to clients shortly. As soon as this service is in place you will receive the relevant form along with your booking form.
Q. What do I need to bring?
You will receive a comprehensive checklist along with your booking confirmation. As a general rule, you will need good protection from the sun, which is often more intense than on a land-based holiday. High-factor sun cream, a light sleeved shirt, a hat and good sunglasses are essential. Bring a change or two of bathing suits, since you will be spending a lot of time in them. Other essentials include beach towels, deck shoes, t-shirts, warmer clothes for the evening, items of personal hygiene and ANY MEDICATION YOU MAY BE ON. It is also advisable to bring waterproof sailing gear for those crew members who may be expected to help sail the yacht in case of rain or rough weather.
Q. Can we book flights with you?
No, sorry, but that is not our field of expertise
Q. Do you organise transfers?
Yes. We are keen to help you find your yacht as easily as possible and as part of our service commitment we organise return transfers.
Q. How do I find the yacht once at my destination?
We will provide transfer details and diagrams making it easy to find your yacht. We also provide mobile telephone numbers of our representatives at the base so that it is easy to make contact.Q. Can you organise overnight hotel accommodation?
Yes, we can plan and book your overnight stay in a suitable local hotel.
Q. How do I pay?
A deposit of 50% of your charter fee becomes due at the time of booking. The remaining 50% is payable no later than six weeks before embarkation. We prefer bank transfers. Security deposits are payable before by bank transfer or at the time of embarkation by cash or traveller's cheques. You will be advised accordingly when you receive your booking confirmation.