Yacht
charter is a very independent form of holiday and you are likely to have
questions reflecting your individual needs. Please ask us about anything which
may not be explained here, but in the meantime we hope the following is helpful.
Q.
What qualifications do I need to charter a
bareboat sailing yacht? A. It depends where you want to charter but, generally,
relevant experience is more important than paper qualifications. Certificates
are useful but, depending on your home country's traditions or law, they may be
neither issued nor required there (the UK is one of these, there are many more).
If you have no certification, a short sailing resumé, extract of your log,
yacht club reference, or similar documents to verify your sailing competence may
be required. <TOP>
Q.
Who decides who's 'qualified' and who isn't? A. Depending on the country, it may be the yacht
owner/operator, or the local port authority. If it's the port authority and the
Skipper (and, ideally, mate or "co-skipper") have a sailing licence,
permit, or certificate, the port authority will accept this. All you need to do
is provide us with the necessary information (see above)
and we'll deal with all the formalities for you. <TOP>
Q.
Do I need a professional skipper? A. Two answers:
(a) If you cannot satisfy any of the bareboat criteria for the place you want to
sail, yes. A professional skipper may be hired for any bareboat yacht, for any
length of time, from one day to the entire duration of your charter. The cost is
the same regardless of yacht type or number of people aboard. Although not
always professional instructors, many skippers are, so if you specifically wish
to learn we'll arrange it.
(b) Even for an experienced sailor, a skippered yacht can be a relaxed and
informative way of exploring new cruising grounds or experimenting with
unfamiliar yachts. Professional skippers are also tour guides, almost by
default, who enjoy showing people new places and letting them into their
secrets. Their guidance enables you to sail the yacht yourself, even if you are
inexperienced, in the knowledge that a trained eye is in constant attendance. <TOP>
Q.
Which days of the week can I begin and end my
charter? A. It depends on the country and its tradition. For some, any
day is possible; for those which operate a weekly schedule, the answer is
generally that they begin and end on Saturdays and last for multiples of seven
days: one week, two weeks and so on. Whatever the local situation, we shall
always try to accommodate your wishes for different days of the week and uneven
periods of time, such as a ten or twelve-day charter. We shall advise you and
discuss the possibilities, according to where you're planning to sail. <TOP>
Q.
Does a one-week charter mean a full seven
days? A. Again, it depends on the country, local custom, and the
owner/operator. In the Caribbean, Seychelles, Polynesia (but not only these),
the term is usually seven days, noon to noon. In the Mediterranean it's usually
seven days less several hours, as charters are booked back-to-back. In such
cases yachts are thoroughly inspected between each charter to ensure you leave
in a safe and reliable vessel. Following the yacht's previous charter, any items
lost must be replaced, running maintenance carried out, small repairs put in
hand. In the unlikely event of severe equipment failure, a replacement yacht
must be supplied. It all takes time. Your contract times will therefore vary.
We'll advise you as necessary. <TOP>
Q.
Are there any hidden charges? A. No! We guarantee you will have no unpleasant surprises,
everything will be explained, all costs accounted for in advance. All yachts we
offer are comprehensively insured, licensed for charter, all taxes paid. Unless
you wish to include items from the list of optional extras (in which case they
will be itemised), there will be nothing further to pay. In your own interest,
we strongly advise that you buy suitable travel insurance before leaving home,
including cancellation insurance to protect your booking deposit. Please also
bear in mind that a yacht's Security Deposit will usually be required before
embarkation. <TOP>
Q.
What is a Security Deposit? A. A yacht's Security Deposit amounts to the excess in her
insurance policy, covering loss or damage to the yacht or her equipment. This
amount is refundable and is notified for every yacht we offer. Return the yacht
(and her equipment) in the same condition as you took her and your Security
Deposit will be refunded in full. The cost of rectifying any damage or loss will
be deducted and the balance refunded. Normal wear and tear is excepted.
Some owners/operators offer a non-refundable alternative to the Security
Deposit. This is a much lower figure than the refundable equivalent and, like
any insurance premium (which it is, in effect), it is not refunded in any
circumstances. PLEASE NOTE: for skippered charter it is usual that only the
non-refundable Security Deposit is accepted. <TOP>
Q.
What do I need to bring with me? A. Not much! Every yacht we offer is fully equipped for
charter, from every imaginable viewpoint. Apart from stowing your personal
possessions, you could step aboard any one of them and leave the dock without a
further thought. Bring your own beach towels, sun tan lotion, sun hat and so on,
but that's about all. <TOP>
Q.
What about provisioning? A. If you list your requirements two to four weeks before your
charter, your shopping will be brought directly to your yacht. You will be
charged for the shopping at cost price & there is usually no extra charge
for the service. <TOP>
Q.
Where can I get more information? A. First, here.
If your query isn't covered, call, fax or email
us and we'll give you the answer (we've never failed yet...).
For specific sailing information there is a wealth of pilot books available;
we'll point you in the right direction, so just ask. <TOP>
Q.
How do I book? A. Once you have decided which yacht you wish to charter, when
and where, we shall "option" the yacht to hold it for you, without
payment or commitment from you. You may need to make travel arrangements and/or
agree final points with your crew and we understand this cannot always be
instant. Options are usually held for a few days, while your Yacht Charter
Agreement is prepared and sent to you for signature. Upon receipt of your signed
agreement and deposit, your charter booking is firm. <TOP>
Q.
Can you help with...? Airport transfers • Sightseeing tours • Mobile telephone
rental • Car rental • Hotel accommodation • Aviation services... A. Short answer: yes. <TOP>
