There are limitless possibilities for a sailing vacation. Luxury boat charters range from small sailboats to enormous powerboats to suit every price range and individual need. Rather than be a slave to cruise ship itineraries, a crewed yacht charter works to serve you, the client, taking you to any island, port of call or body of water your heart desires. You can sleep and eat on your boat or stop on land to explore. Not all yacht charters cost a fortune, either. Whether you are going to the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean, choosing sailing yachts will make your time more unique. However, there are a few points to consider before you set sail.
Do you want to be a skipper? This is one of the first decisions to make when considering a boat charter. If the answer is “yes,” then be prepared to hand over your boating resume to the charter company, which includes several years of experience sailing the size and type of boat you intend to charter. At www.ebare.com, you can take an assessment to see if you are ready for smooth sailing and to see what your options are if you are not quite prepared.
You may need to take a few boating and safety courses before being allowed to hold supreme power aboard your private yacht. On the day of your charter, some companies may take you out on a demo cruise, where you will demonstrate your knowledge. If you flunk the demo, then the company will place a captain aboard your vessel. If, on the other hand, you pass your demo, then congratulations! You will be commanding your first bareboat charter.
If you are not sure about sailing the high seas on your own just yet, then a flotilla is one of the better intermediate boat charters you can take. In a flotilla, a fleet of 8-10 private yacht charters band together on an unforgettable adventure. A captain, chef, engineer and activities planner will sail on the lead yacht, offering assistance to anyone in the fleet who needs it.
You will essentially sail your own ship for the most part. Each morning you will be briefed on optional activities and group meals for the day, as well as where to meet for nighttime docking. Many travelers say this is the ultimate party, offering some of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences, with none of the anxiety of going it alone. Greece and the British Virgin Islands are popular places to link up with a flotilla.
- You may need to take a few boating and safety courses.
- The cost of boat charters is entirely up to you.
- A wedding on a yacht could offer panoramic views.
Boat charters range tremendously in the amenities they offer. For instance, some sailing yachts come with BBQ grills, microwaves, blenders, CD players, DVD players and flat-screen TV sets, mini-bars, GPS and snorkeling gear. Some boats provide biminis that will protect guests from the relentless sunshine. Some charters have on-deck showers to rinse the salt water off your skin. Some motors are outboard, requiring manual effort, while others are the powerful inboard style.
You can sometimes get binoculars and hand-held compasses, but they are not standard equipment. Towels and bedding may be provided or you may have to pay extra. You’ll also want to look into kitchen supplies like dishes, utensils, dish cloths, cleaning supplies and corkscrews. Asking a lot of questions can ensure that you get the best luxury yacht charter possible.
