Yacht charter guide

Renting a yacht can be a clever choice in many ways. You don’t necessarily have to hire a trained crew, the captain or to maintain the equipment. It may be enough to enjoy the journey and the relaxation. But in order to do that, you have to make a wise decision on where, how and for how much you rent a yacht. This introduction will give you some practical advice on that.
In this article, you can receive answers to the following questions:

• Yacht charter guide: How to start your yacht rental?
• What size of yachts does a charter company offer?
• What factors contribute to yacht rental costs?
• For whom is it better to rent a yacht without the crew?
• What official documents are necessary for rental?
• What should you pay attention to, when you get the yacht?
• What should we do, if there is a problem, or if there is the immediate danger?
• What should you take on board?
• When is it most suitable to rent a yacht?
• How should you choose your destination?

Yacht charter guide: How to start your yacht rental?

The most simple and most important piece of advice: if you are a beginner, make sure you ask for the help of an expert! There are many types of yachts and boats with very different features. The ideal yacht may depend on whether you want to go alone, with friends or if you plan your honeymoon with it.

What size of yachts does a charter company offer?

From the smallest to the largest, every size is available. There are also “mega yachts” with a length of more than 100 feet and excellent and versatile equipment. These typically represent the luxury level. The size of power yachts is less than 100 feet, they are ideal for the yacht vacations in smaller groups. Renting a catamaran is a good option for families or a larger group of friends. This is a yacht with a double body, which can host surprisingly many people compared to its size. The traditional sailing boat with or without power can be a good choice for individual travellers because this gives you the traditional, most „sea-close” experience from all options. It is worth noting that larger yachts have more space for passengers and this is pleasant in hot weather, while smaller yachts are easier to heat in the winter.

What factors contribute to yacht rental costs?

Yacht rental fees include pre-calculated costs and you can have extras on top of that. What extras mean could be different in each country or with each yacht charter firm. It’s always worth getting information in advance. There are cases when free airport transfer or an arrival welcome package is part of the price. Prices actually are influenced by many factors, e.g. boat size, age, number of cabins, insurance fee, fuel cost, caution, etc. And last, but not least if you want to rent the yacht with or without the crew.

For whom is it better to rent a yacht without the crew?

Clearly for those who have sailing experience, because in this case it is you who decide about the route and you are responsible for the yacht and its passengers. You also must have a proper international yacht driving license that the given country accepts. Laws of that country may also prescribe how many hours of experience you must have in yacht driving. Experience may decide what kind of a yacht you may rent and on what water surface you can use it. If you are not experienced enough, you may be obliged to have at least one crew person with you who is trained.

What official documents are necessary for rental?

You must have a passport (with visa if required). When you want to rent the yacht, you’ll be asked to present your boat driving license or a certificate of training. Another basic document is the VHF radio operator permission. It is not compulsory to take out health insurance, but you’d better do it. If you are an EU citizen, the European Health Insurance Card is worth having with you. This card doesn’t replace health insurance but makes it easier for you to get access to state-financed health institutions in the entire European Union.
The charter firm will hand over the yacht documents to the renting partner when you rent the yacht. Besides the yacht’s logbook, the most important document is the sailing certificate, which proves that the yacht’s condition and equipment are suitable for the waters you want to use it on. Local police or the port authority may check the validity of this document.

What should you pay attention to, when you get the yacht?

Before departure, you should have at least an hour to get the yacht. You’d better check for example, if it has the compulsory equipment. These include various navigation tools. Especially, compass, maps, speed, and depth meters, binoculars, GPS. Ship documents, VHF radio, barometer are important, just as the flags of different types and meaning, that are expected in sea navigation. You must also be sure to have the proper number and quality of life-saving vests, boats and other essential security equipment on board.
This is also the time to check if the yacht is filled with enough fuel. If you find any problems, scars or the absence of any objects that can be expected to be present, this is your chance to tell this the representative of the charter firm. Write down your complaints. Before departure, you also must get information on when and where you are supposed to leave the yacht at the end of the rental period or what you should do if you have any problems during the journey.

What should we do, if there is a problem, or if there is the immediate danger?

Follow the regulations of the COLREG rules and the SOLAS agreement for safe sailing. In case of danger, you must use the internationally approved signs of danger. Sea law prescribes that a yacht in trouble will be helped. In case of a yacht emergency, you must have a phone number to get help from, all day round, if possible. It is important to be aware of your health condition and that of others before departure. If you have medication that you take regularly, don’t forget to have it with you, just like the compulsory or suggested vaccinations. The captain must always know about the health condition of crew and passengers, in case this might require some special preparation or equipment (e.g. asthma, diabetes).

What should you take on board?

Storing things on boats is a frequent problem, therefore light, but water resistant bags or suitcases can be useful. Sun milk and drugs for nausea may also be handy. Water cleaning tablets can save the life if you run out of bottled water on the journey. Seek information in time about the boat’s electric system and plugs, because you may need a converter. One more practical piece of advice: you should have some local currency cash with you, because you may not be able to pay with a bank card in distant bays or restaurants.

When is it most suitable to rent a yacht?

Never wait for „last-minute” offers, if you look for a yacht. The sooner you book, the better. Summers are the most popular periods for a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea, while Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the most popular on the Caribbean that you should prepare for in advance if you want a boat you prefer. The months between June-September are the main season of the Adriatic Sea. If you only wake up late, you’ll find crowded ports and they may run out of yachts for rent by then. But if you start organising in time, sometimes you can significant 30-50% pre-reservation price cuts.

How should you choose your destination?

If you have planned it all and prepared for everything, all you need to do is to experience the journey. Whatever your ideas and situation are, we can give you hints on where to go. No matter if you are a beginner or experienced sailor; we can guide you to more than 300 ports in over 40 countries of the world.
We have offers for you if you are interested in culture and historic memorials, but also if you go sailing with your family and kids. Searching for natural beauties we can help you explore more and more islands, coasts, hidden bays in many countries and regions.
Read more about the type of yachts
Read more about boat rental services
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