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Planning a sailing holiday?
Choosing a charter company and checking out your sailboat
By Larry MacDonald
We all have a passion. For me it's sailing. Few things in life give me greater
pleasure than sailing "hither and yon" on a self-contained yacht. Unfortunately,
I'm a little short of cash to own a cruising sailboat. So how do I fulfill my
passion? I charter a boat a week or two each year for a sailing holiday.
After more than 25 years of chartering, I've learned a few things about choosing
a charter company and checking out my boat. In addition to my own experiences, I
conducted a survey of charter companies and borrowed freely from their feedback
to write this article. So read on if you share my passion and if you want to
ensure that your next sailing holiday is carefree.
Bareboat or Crewed Yacht?
One of the first decisions to make, after you decide you want to go sailing, is
whether you want to be the skipper. Of course, being the skipper means you have
to know how to sail! Before you can rent a boat, a charter company will ask you
for your "sailing resume." Both for your safety and the safety of their yachts,
a charter company wants you to be well qualified. They are looking for several
years of well-rounded sailing experience in boats of the approximate size you
intend to charter. Satisfactory completion of recognized boating courses is
helpful, knowledge and experience in navigating and anchoring procedures are
essential. Especially important in coastal sailing is knowing how tides and
currents affect a small boat. Many companies will ask you to verify your skills
in a brief "demonstration cruise" on the first day of your charter. And they
reserve the right to put a captain aboard (at your expense) for a day or two if
you flunk the demo!
Let's say you passed your demo, the company signs over the yacht to you, and off
you go. This option is called "bareboating," meaning that you are responsible
for the safe operation of the vessel. While I enjoy being in charge of an
expensive yacht, many competent sailors do not. They would much prefer to just
go along for the ride, helping out occasionally whenever they like -- a laid
back kind of holiday! These folks charter a yacht and pay extra for the crew,
commonly know as a "crewed yacht." Generally, these are private boats, run by a
captain and cook. Crew quarters are separate and the boats are larger and more
luxurious. Many are air-conditioned and offer water skiing, scuba diving, or
sailing instruction. Food is usually excellent and geared to your preferences.
Where you go and how long you stay are choices you make in consultation with
your captain. A crewed yacht is a lot like a luxury hotel afloat, offering all
the fun and excitement of a new harbor, beach, or village every day and best of
all - worry-free cruising.
An in-between option is sailing as part of a "flotilla," which is a group of
yachts, perhaps a half dozen or more, all going the same place at the same time.
As a skipper you won't need to have as much sailing experience as required for
bareboating on your own since the flotilla leader is always nearby to provide
nautical advice. Flotilla sailing is one way to gain the experience that you'll
need for your resume if you eventually intend to bareboat.
 Some
charter companies offer only bareboats, others offer only crewed yachts, while
still others offer both. Only a few companies in selected locations (e.g.,
Greece and the British Virgin Islands) offer flotilla sailing.
After deciding which type of sailing holiday you want, you then have to decide
whether to contact a charter company directly or go through a broker.
Broker or Charter Company?
A yacht-charter broker will help you find a suitable boat by contacting various
charter companies in your intended sailing area. They make their living off
commissions from the charter companies at no extra expense to you. The advantage
of going through a broker is that they do all the work and you reap all the
benefits. A competent broker will want to be knowledgeable about you and your
needs so be prepared to provide lots of information: When and where will the
charter occur? How many people? Will there be children? Is price a
consideration? Do you prefer mostly sailing or sightseeing? Will you eat
primarily aboard or ashore? What experience do you and your crew have?
With over 200 brokerage firms around the world, some are going to be better than
others. Here are some questions you can ask to help you find the better ones:
Ask if they are knowledgeable about charter companies in the area that you are
visiting. They should be familiar not only with the area, but also with the
yachts and staff at each company. Ask if they would provide a few references
from previous clients who have used their services. Ask if they have an alliance
with either the American Yacht Charter Association or the Charter Yacht Brokers
Association. If overseas, they should be connected with a national group such as
the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association. And most importantly, ask if they
love sailing and whether they are truly concerned with your sailing-holiday
experience. If they answer "yes' to all these questions, tell them to get busy
locating the perfect yacht to meet your needs - a good broker can save you a lot
of time and grief. One brokerage company in Massachusetts has as its motto; "the
fun begins the minute you call us!" It's your holiday - if you're not having
fun, you may have picked the wrong broker.
Instead of going through a broker, you may want to contact a charter company
directly. These can be located in various boating magazines or on the internet.
For example, see www.ebare.com for a
comparison of various companies. In choosing a company, a number of factors
should be considered.
 An
established history of 15 years or more is a good indication that the company is
doing something right. This history allows staff to anticipate problems and
prevent them from occurring. They will likely have systems in place to quickly
and competently handle most situations such as switching your party to another
boat of the same type if problems cannot be rectified, and having chase boats to
service disabled yachts. You may want to ask if these services are available
from the company.
Another factor to consider is the age of their yachts. Usually, but not always,
boats which have been chartered for more than five years have more problems. Of
course, the newer boats are usually more expensive. If price is no object, go
newer. Cheaper is not always the best value but you can usually shop around and
find an affordable yacht that has been well maintained. To do so, you'll need to
ask questions about their maintenance schedules and the condition of the yacht
you plan to charter. Don't be afraid to ask for references from previous clients
who have chartered that particular yacht.
In some sailing areas such as the British Virgin Islands, the number of charter
companies is quite large. Some companies have over 20 yachts while others have
one or two. And each year, some new companies pop up and a few go belly up! Be
very careful with a new company (less than 10 years old) that has just one or
two boats. They can be here today (when you pay your fees) and gone tomorrow
(when you're standing on the dock searching for your boat)! I had one bad
experience with a one-boat company in Ontario. Even though I returned the boat
in good condition, they kept my $1000 security deposit for almost a year after
our sailing holiday. I had to threaten a lawsuit to get it back. On the other
hand, I also chartered from a one-boat company in Greece and everything went
well. The boat was clean, well maintained, and they returned my deposit with a
"thank you" card.
 One
hint as to the quality of a charter company is the extent of their advertising
(as bad as that sounds). If a company can afford to advertise month after month,
often with large ads that change regularly, chances are it is because they offer
a good product at a good price. Their product is patronized and re-patronized to
a fairly high capacity, which in turn allows the company to continue to
advertise. It is the law of the economic jungle - the strongest and best survive
and prosper.
Another factor to consider is based on the kind of amenities you want from the
company. Do you want showers ashore, swimming pool, fax machine, restaurant,
hotel accommodations, or travel service? Regarding hotel accommodations and
travel, many charter companies (and brokers) can get you lower prices than going
through your local travel agent. Some charter companies will also arrange
provisioning of food and drinks for a fee. If you decide to provision yourself,
you should ask whether a well-stocked supermarket is located close to the
marina.
Finally, a big factor is staff attitude. Are they helpful and do they go beyond
the basic service? Are they knowledgeable about the sailing area - where to go,
what to do, what to bring? Do they give you a ride from the airport and a
friendly greeting upon arrival? In Greece, we had a couple of bottles of wine
waiting for us in the galley (I really should go back there soon!). Do staff
give you a thorough boat orientation and chart briefing or do they give the
impression they have better things to do? Obviously, prior to your charter you
won't know the attitude of staff. This can best be determined by talking to
previous clients, so ask for a few references and find out if they would return
to charter with the company again.
Once you (or your broker) have decided on a charter company, you're well on your
way to ensuring a successful sailing holiday. The next steps are to choose the
right boat and check it out.
Choosing the Right Boat
As I mentioned, the reason brokers ask so many questions is to ensure they
obtain a boat that meets your needs. Four gung-ho guys, who love to sail and can
survive on pretzels and beer, are going to want a different-type boat than two
couples who enjoy relaxing, reading, and eating gourmet meals. The guys are
going on a sailing holiday; the couples are taking a holiday on a sailboat.
Whatever type you select - performance or luxury, catamaran or mono-hull - try
to ensure there is a separate bunk and personal space for everyone. Using the
salon as Uncle Walter's sleeping quarters may not make for a happy holiday,
especially if Walter wants to sleep and the rest of you want to party! Also, the
expression "two heads are better than one" really applies on a sailboat where
privacy is scarce. Many people place "separate heads" at the top of their
priority list.
And don't cram too many people onto one boat; overcrowding will strain even the
closest friendships. Then again, don't select a boat that is too big for your
party or your level of experience. You will stress the crew and not enjoy your
time underway. Worse, you might injure a crewmember or damage the yacht.
Make sure the boat has equipment that is important to you. For example, does it
have a BBQ, microwave, blender, CD player, GPS, autopilot, or snorkel gear? What
about an electric windless, roller furling sails, and self-tailing winches? Does
it have a Bimini to protect you from the sun, a necessity in southern latitudes?
Does it have a tiller and outboard engine or a steering wheel and more powerful
inboard engine? Does it have an on-deck shower for rinsing off salt water? Does
it come with binoculars and a hand-held compass (our last charter did not)? Will
towels and bedding be provided as part of the charter fee or will you have to
pay extra or bring them from home? What is supplied for the galley in terms of
cleaning supplies, dish cloths, garbage bags, clothespins, or a corkscrew?
Asking the right questions will go a long way in choosing the right boat. But
even the "right boat," equipped with everything you'll need and want, may be the
wrong boat if it is a floating wreck.
Checking It Out
Selecting a yacht that meets your needs is usually done long distance; that is,
sight unseen except possibly for a picture and schematic of the layout. Once you
get to the marina, the Charter company will give you an orientation to your
boat's equipment and systems (usually early on the first day of your charter).
This is your opportunity to make sure the boat looks good, smells good, and is
in seaworthy condition.
Lift the floorboards, is the bilge clean and dry? Is there a diesel or gas
smell? Does the head or holding tank smell? Is everything in working order - the
stove, fridge, bilge pump, head (especially the head!), lights, depth sounder,
compass, wind-direction indicator, VHF radio, etc? Are the marine batteries less
than five years old and well charged? Is this a boat you would go to sea in? If
not, do NOT accept the yacht. Ask them to remedy your concerns. Just remember,
your holiday should be the charter company's only focus; this is what they do
for a living.
Check out the dinghy that comes with the yacht. Does it leak (water or air)? Is
it big enough to accommodate your crew? Will you want an outboard or will
paddles suffice? Many charter companies today are supplying rigid-hulled
inflatables - these are usually more comfortable and secure than a wooden or
fiberglass dinghy, especially in rough water.
Of course, you'll want to check out the condition of the sails - the newer the
better. Certainly if there are signs of wear and tear, ask the company for a
replacement or at least point it out to them so you won't have to pay for a
repair job if they rip. While you're at it, check out the winches, winch
handles, sheets, and lines that come with the boat. A long (150') line for tying
off the stern to shore will be useful when anchoring in crowded harbors. And
make sure there are sufficient fenders to prevent scratches when docking.
Actually, a "demo cruise," although somewhat intimidating to the
less-experienced sailor, is an excellent opportunity for you to check out the
sails, rigging, and other systems, such as the knotmeter, autopilot, and GPS,
which can't be checked at the dock.
Make sure you know the range of your sailing area and whether the appropriate
charts and navigational tools are on board. A "Cruising Guide" which provides
pictures and detailed descriptions of ports, anchorages, and hazards is very
useful. Try on the Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's), at least one for each
person, to ensure they fit, especially if children are on board. Know where the
first-aid kit, sound device (horn, bell, or whistle) and signal flares are kept.
See whether you can deploy the life preserver quickly in the event someone falls
overboard (sometimes these are tied on to prevent their loss - not a good idea).
Is the primary anchor securely fastened to the bow and the bitter end tied off?
Is there a second anchor with sufficient chain and rode to double anchor if
required? Where are the fire extinguishers located and are they charged and
ready to use? Is there a safety harness on board, which is particularly
important in rough weather when the crew may have to go up on the foredeck? Is
there a boat hook? What about tools? I can almost guarantee that you're not
going to complete a week of sailing without using at least a screwdriver,
pliers, or duct tape! A flashlight with spare batteries is essential, especially
if you plan to go ashore at night. Are there fans or wind scoops if you're lucky
enough to be someplace warm? And are there screens for the hatches? Nothing
ruins a good night's sleep like a boatload of mosquitoes!
 Gosh,
so many questions and so little time (the average boat orientation takes about
an hour and a half)! The point is, whenever possible, you'll want to avoid
learning by experience on your sailing holiday as I did when an old worn jib
ripped in moderate winds and cost me $200 of my deposit, or when the icebox
drain was plugged and our food floated in melt water, or when the starboard
winch wasn't working and we had to do a lot of serious luffing to set the jib,
or when we didn't have a long enough line to tie off our stern to shore and had
to tie all our docking lines together, or when the electric bilge pump didn't
work and we had to manually pump out 20 gallons of water daily because the
packing gland leaked, or when the primary anchor, chain, and 160 feet of rode
all went into the drink because it wasn't tied off at the bitter end, or when ….
After many years of fixing problems on my sailing holidays, I've come to one
conclusion: good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from
bad judgment! So, if you have a passion for repairing boats, choose any charter
company, any boat, and cast off. However, if you have a passion for carefree
sailing, keep this article handy when planning your next sailing holiday.
The author would like to thank the following brokers** and charter companies who
responded to his Survey and gave permission to share their feedback.
The Catamaran Company
4005 N. Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 566-9806
Cooper Boating Center
1620 Duranleau Street
Vancouver, B.C, Canada V6H 3S4
(888) 999-6419
Ed Hamilton & Co**
Yacht Charter Agents
28 Nilsen Lane
Whitfield, ME 04353
(800) 621-7855
Florida Yacht Charters
1290 Fifth Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(800) 537-0050
Lynn Jachney Charters, Inc.**
P.O. Box 302
Marblehead, MA 01945
(800) 223-2050
Nicholson Yacht Charters**
29 Sherman Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
(800) 662-6066 |
North South Yacht
Vacations
655 Dixon Road, Suite 18
Toronto, ON, Canada M9A 1J4
(800) 387-4964
Pro Valor Charters
112 Norquay Heights N.W.
Calgary, AB, Canada T2K 6H4
(888) 988-4788
Sailing Vacations, Inc.**
415 W. Magnolia Ave, Suite 215
Merritt Island, FL 32952
(800) 992-4880
Sun Yacht Charters
P.O. Box 4035
36 Danforth Street
Portland, MA 04101
(800) 772-3500
Trade Wind Yachts, Inc.
PO Box 1186
Gloucester, VA 23061
(800) 825-7245 |
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[Download a text version of
a Sailboat Orientation Checklist]
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Larry MacDonald (also known as Captn' Mac) currently lives in Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada. For a number of years arry has been teaching Boating courses for the
Canadian Power and Sail Squadron. He also teaches sailing skills on charter
boats off the coast of British Columbia. Occasionally, he charters a boat for a
week or two and writes about the experience.
Larry's website is at
http://www.sailing-away.com/ |
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Page updated:
July 28, 2006 |
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