Have you had your fill of city breaks? Are you rethinking your opinion of resort holidays? If you’re looking for an altogether different excursion, a yacht charter is the way to go. Perfect for those who dream of setting sail on open waters, yacht charters let you create a truly bespoke experience as you explore some of the most beautiful places on the planet.
However, arranging one of these trips can prove daunting for those who’ve never chartered before. First time hiring a yacht? Below are just a few of the things first-time charterers need to bear in mind when putting together the ideal itinerary.
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Choosing a Suitable Vessel
If you want your first charter to go as smoothly as possible, make sure you’re choosing the right vessel for your journey. How many people will be travelling with you? Unless you’re happy living on top of each other, you’ll want a vessel that provides plenty of breathing room for big groups. Do you have any special requirements when it comes to amenities? Do you or anyone in your party have any sailing experience?
Answering all of these questions will make it far easier to select the right vessel for your journey. When in doubt, turn to the experts. A yacht hire specialist will take all of your requirements on board and talk you through the best options for your planned itinerary.
Getting Acquainted with Your Vessel
Even if you’re hiring a crew to handle the sailing itself, you’ll want to familiarise yourself with the yacht you’ll be calling home during your trip. Getting to grips with basic operation is advisable, while your group will also need to be fully versed on what to do in an emergency and be able to locate safety equipment should the worst happen.
Decide on a Destination
Picking a destination is arguably the most important decision you’ll make when arranging your first charter. It will affect the length of your charter and the type of vessel you’re going to need. Looking to set sail during the summer months? The Mediterranean is typically heaving with tourists, but it’s one of the best destinations for beginners. Eyeing up a wintertime itinerary? With crystal clear waters and smooth all but guaranteed, the Caribbean is a popular choice if you’re looking to charter later in the year.
Steer Clear of Peak Sailing Season
Tempted to book your charter in the height of summer? While those balmy temperatures might be hard to resist, navigating the waves during tourist season can be more hassle than it’s worth. You’ll find the most popular ports and marinas packed out and charging a premium. Itching to visit picturesque beaches and sheltered coves? These secluded destinations aren’t going to seem so private during the high season.
By booking your charter early, you’ll avoid all of this. What’s more, you’ll have first pick when it comes to crew selection. Whether you’re looking for an experienced skipper or a seasoned yacht chef, you’ll find people’s schedules are going to be a lot clearer the earlier you book.
Don’t Forget About Insurance
As with any type of excursion, arranging insurance is important when chartering a yacht. Many first-time charterers don’t realise there are two key types of insurance you’ll need to shell out. First, there’s deposit insurance, which typically covers any damage sustained during the length of your trip. There’s also skipper liability insurance, which covers things like injury to crew members.
Book Your First Charter Today
Ready to experience life on the open water? A yacht charter is the perfect departure from the usual foreign getaways. Whether you’re heading to the Med or setting sail for more tropical climes, make sure you’ve properly prepared for your first maritime adventure. What’s more, don’t be afraid to make a few compromises here and there. While you might sacrifice scorching temperatures, an off-season charter will ensure you avoid heaving marinas, crowded coves, and packed-out beaches.
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