How do I choose the right Yacht for me?

The decision to charter a yacht is a personal choice or preference depending on your budget, your party size and your experience in sailing, among other factors.

All sailing yachts have a set number of cabins hosting from 2 up to the stated amount of passengers. For a party of 6, for example you would choose a yacht with a minimum of 3 cabins. Other factors to consider is your comfort level and your budget. Generally, a yacht of 38ft and larger offers more space and head room than a smaller size yacht. You will want to sail in comfort without being cramped in tight quarters. Year build may also be a significant factor. The newer models are more spacious, better designed with newer engines and performance capabilities.

A rule to remember is, you will pay more for a newer model than an older one, but you will also have a more pleasurable sailing trip. Depending on your budget and party size, crewed motor yachts and motor sailors are an excellent choice for cruising in extreme comfort and luxury. Contact us for more detailed information on all our sailing vessels.

What do I need to bring with me?

Pack light is the key to enjoying your sailing Holiday/vacation. You will find that you will use half the clothing you pack. Essentials are: light summer clothing such as shorts, tops, skirts, sun hats or caps, sandals, trainers/sneakers or soft soled athletic shoes, bathing/swim suites and warmer clothing for night wear such as sweatshirt, sweater, windbreaker, jeans, light pants. A few of the more formal restaurants require long pants and collared shirts and occasionally a jacket, but “smart casual” is the norm. For cooler months we recommend warmer clothing and a rain-jacket.

We recommend soft sided luggage as most appropriate. They will fit in the cabin compartments and be easier to secure in cases of windy weather. Also hard luggage can damage woodwork and paint. Consider bringing additional foldable baggage to pack items you purchase on your visit.

Yacht sailing is a “soft adventure”, be prepared for calm seas as well as windy conditions. If any lean towards sea sickness, over the counter medications or prescriptions may be handy. Ensure, you have an adequate supply of prescribed medications as you may not be able to refill medical prescriptions whilst away.

Your own mask and snorkel if your inclined, but all yachts carry an assortment of sizes. Last you may bring with you a small telescope for stargazing and a camera for daydreaming.

Which days of the week can I begin and end my charter?

Weekly charters usually begin and end on Saturdays for multiples of seven days. We will try to accommodate your wishes for different days of the week and uneven periods of time, such as a ten or twelve- day charter.

Can I map out our own itinerary?

Of course you can map out your preferences. The most important advice is not to plan an itinerary that is too ambitious. What might seem fantastic on paper may in practice restrict your enjoyment. Trying to fit too much into each day will result in missing many delights en route. Approximately 4 hours cruising a day is an about the maximum, and you may find this far too much. Just present your preferences to your captain and he will do his best to make it happen. Winds, weather and mood may alter plans, so plan to be flexible. Your captain will also suggest an itinerary, but you’re not locked into a program and free to waiver from this route. In any case, the captain, as master of the boat, has the last word.

Will I experience seasickness?

This situation is hard to predict. In fact you may be the best judge based on previous experience. If you are worried about seasickness check with your local pharmacist for special medication before you leave home. If you are new to yacht chartering, let the crew know; they will make your trip as comfortable as possible by recommending routes in protected waters and keeping tabs on changing weather conditions.

Can I bring children?

Of course as all yachts are child-friendly, although the crew is always quite busy with their assigned duties and are not at liberty to offer childcare services. So if your charter party consists also children, you will be fully responsible for their safety, conduct and entertainment and no member of the crew shall be held responsible for their safety or entertainment unless you require babysitter in advance.

How does the tip procedure function on the yacht?

The crew’s gratuity is entirely a matter for your personal discretion, should you feel satisfied with the level of service received on board, a usual gratuity amount is in the range of 5-15% of the charter fee. We recommend that any gratuity should be handed to the captain to distribute fairly amongst all members of the crew.