Blog

16 Apr, 2020
With restrictions across the Globe it’s hard to say when the World will get back to normal. What is for certain is that we all deserve a Holiday! That is why we are launching Sailing Starboard Vouchers , you could save in excess of 30% off your next Sailing Holiday . How It Works Purchase any Euro amount of Sailing Starboard Voucher that you desire. Sailing Starboard will take a 7% commission (our usual agency commission is between 15-20%) Sailing Starboard Vouchers are valid up until 31/12/2021 to make a booking (This means the voucher is valid for bookings in 2022 as long as they are booked before the end of 2021) When you book your yacht with the vouchers, we pass our agency commission onto you of 15-20% , in the form of a discount. On top of our agency discount you will still receive the usual discounts such as “Early Booking”, “Long Term” and “Return Guest”. Many Charter companies are also offering additional discounts of between 10-20% for bookings made during the pandemic. Example You purchase an 8,000 Euro voucher. Sailing Starboard receives 560 Euro commission and therefore your voucher is worth 7,440 Euro You book a 2-week charter in Greece for July 2021 - Charter Rate: 10,000 Euro - Early & Long-Term Discount: -1,500 Euro - Agent Commission: -1,700 Euro - Overall Cost: 6,800 Euro - 7,440 Voucher – 6,446 Overall Cost = 640 Euro remaining voucher Terms and Conditions Deadline to purchase vouchers is the 31st of May 2020. Payment for vouchers is split into two payments. 50% down payment before deadline of 31st of May and final payment due 3 months from the date of the 1st deposit (e.g. you deposit on the 20th of May, final payment is due by 20th of August). Vouchers are only valid towards the charter rate and are not applicable for extras such as skipper, hostess, kayak, final cleaning, fuel etc. Vouchers are non-refundable and you must secure your boat booking by the 31st of December 2021, via Sailing Starboard. After the deadlines unused vouchers become invalid and Sailing Starboard property. If the charter rate after agency commission discount costs more than your voucher amount, the difference must be paid. There will be no agency commission discount applied on the remainder balance above the voucher total. If your boat booking costs less than your voucher amount. The remainder balance will remain valid for one year after the end date of your latest charter booked through Sailing Starboard or until 31st of December 2021, the date which is furthest away will apply. You also have the option to have the remaining balance refunded with a 10% handling fee. Once a booking is made the T&C’s of the charter operator will apply. Cancelling your voucher before a booking or the December 31st 2021 deadline, will result in a 10% handling fee of your latest voucher balance. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US VIA EMAIL: info@sailingstarboard.com
by Sailing Starboard 18 Jan, 2020
Phuket, Thailand is like no other sailing destination. The Andaman sea has hundreds of exotic Islands to offer from the notorious Phi Phi Island to hidden gems away from mass tourists such as Koh Muk, Emerald Cave. It’s crystal clear waters, lime stone landscape, friendly locals and Thai cuisine will make you fall in love. Dates - 21/11/20 – 28/11/20 - 28/11/20 – 05/12/20 - 19/12/20 – 26/12/20 - 26/12/20 – 02/01/21 T&C’s 1) The Flotilla will run with a minimum of 4 yachts and a maximum of 12. 2) Deposit of 1,000 Euro to confirm interest, which will only be refunded in the event the minimum amount of yachts is not fulfilled by 01/05/20. 3) When the minimum number of deposits is collected, you will be notified to then book your yacht. The booking terms of your yacht will be between you and the charter operator, upon booking through Sailing Starboard. 4) The price to join the Flotilla is included within your yacht booking. Extras such as water, fuel, generator, national park fees, food and beverage are not included. 5) If you do not hold a sailing license please contact us with your sailing experience, otherwise a skipper will be needed to be hired, approx. 1,050 Euro for the week. Proposed Route Day One: Phuket (1) – Phang-Nga (2) This National Park is home to stunning limestone cliffs and James Bond Island and you can go kayaking in the Caves (Hongs). In the evening when all the day trippers have gone, it is a very peaceful area. During sunset you will see fruit bats fly from the trees. Day Two: Phang-Nga – Krabi (3) Along the way there is the biggest Hong (cave) in the area, which is definitely worth exploring. The water also starts to get a lot clearer for snorkeling. Krabi is the place to let loose and have a few beers in the town, with ideal chances to see fire shows. Day Three: Krabi – Koh Phi Phi (4) Apart from Phuket this is the most famous Island in Thailand, you can even go to see the place where the movie “The Beach” was filmed. This is a popular place to snorkel and perhaps see Reef Sharks, don’t worry they are harmless. Day Four: Koh Phi Phi – Koh Lanta (5) With a nice open stretch of water this is the perfect day to test out your sailing abilities. As we travel further South the water gets clearer and clearer. Day tripper boats are less frequently seen and therefore each stop has less tourists. D ay Five: Koh Lanta – Koh Ngai (6) This is often the highlight of our customers holiday, words cannot describe the beauty of Koh Muk and Emerald Cave. You Kayak/Swim through an 70 meter cave where it opens up to turquoise waters and a white sandy beach, the definition of paradise! Day Six: Koh Ngai – Free Sail As it is so idyllic down South, you may wish to spend another night here. This is why we give you the option to go off and explore yourself and have some alone time. If you have booked a charter longer than one week it is also the perfect location to carry on your holiday towards Koh Lipe. Day Seven: Free Sail – Ao Yon (7) If you have chosen to stay down south you have a nice long stretch of water to sail back towards Phuket, the wind should be coming from the NE. Ao Yon is the perfect final destination to reminisce on your week whilst watching the sunset. For those of you who enjoy the nightlife, it’s only a short taxi ride to Patong. Day Eight: Ao Yon – Back to the Marina Its time to have your final dip, soak up the sun and head back to the marina. We hope to see you next year either in Phuket or another destination. During the Flotilla you can choose to join in the social events as much as you like. Every morning or evening there will be a briefing on the days plan: - Where to go for a lunch stop, usually a choice to eat on land or cook on board. - Weather update and navigational hazards. - The local area of the overnight stop, evening entertainment and whether you would like to join in the group meal. Extra Activities There is fun for everyone to be had in Phuket and we are more than happy to assist with booking activities ahead of your arrival date. - Scuba Diving: For those of you who hold Padi Certificate already. There are chances to see Whale Sharks!!! - Thai Massage: On the beach or in a Spa, you choose. - Cooking Classes: The food is incredible in Thailand, although sometimes very spicy. - Jet Ski: There will be plenty of opportunities to give it ago at the popular tourist spots. - Elephant Riding/Sanctuary: The trend has switched to more tourists visiting the sanctuaries and bathing with the elephants, although we can still organize trekking. Additional Information There will be a team of two on your flotilla: 1) An experienced English Skipper who knows the area very well and is there to assist whenever you need. 2) A local Thai guide who speaks good English and is there to assist with the entertainment. Skipper Experience: Thailand waters are fairly easy to navigate with a Tidal range of around 2 meters. Mooring is all done under anchor and free swinging as the marinas are not located in an interesting cruising area. Making it an ideal location for first time sailors on a Catamaran. National Parks: There are two National Parks on the proposed itinerary that charge. This is usually 300/400 baht per person per night. Provisioning: There are many places to provision along the way. The majority of the stops also have restaurants. Fishing: Fishing is allowed, there are also many fishermen that you can buy from. We have had customers who have traded beer for fish! So, who is ready for the trip of a lifetime? If you have any questions please get in touch. Email: info@sailingstarboard.com WhatsApp: +66 (0) 91 823 3338 Website: www.sailingstarboard.com
03 Jan, 2020
Have you ever been sunbathing on a beach and see a yacht pull up in the bay and wonder what they get up to and wish you could experience a holiday like that …? Well read on and we will explain exactly why you should charter a yacht! Do I have to be a sailor? Absolutely not, every charter company provides the option to hire a skipper who knows the local area better than anybody else. Crew are also usually great with families and children and will be more than happy to let you helm and give pointers on how to sail. They also know how to provide privacy and not intrude on your family holiday experience. We even find that a lot of customers who know how to sail hire a skipper to relax. A lot of people are put off sailing thinking they get sea sick. Although this sometimes can happen it is usually when there is a bumpy sea state. Being on a small yacht is not the same sensation as being on a large boat such as a Ferry. You will be sailing in coastal waters and not in the open ocean where you get the big waves. The best cure for sea sickness is to put the sails up, look at the beautiful horizon, eat ginger products and bring sea sickness tablets with you. You will have your sea legs in no time! Hotel vs Yacht A yacht cannot be compared to a hotel room, think of it more as a well thought out luxury apartment: - Double bedrooms with their own bathrooms - A saloon area for lounging and dining downstairs (often can be converted to an additional bedroom) - A cockpit area for relaxing outside under some shade which also converts to the outdoor dining area - The foredeck for sunbathing - The transom for getting out of the water with an outdoor shower to rinse the salt off - Many yachts come with a generator for air-conditioning, water makers so showers never go a miss, multiple fridges and freezers and even Wifi Cruising Area Most charter destinations are cleverly located so that you are always within 1-to-2 hours sailing distance of an anchorage or marina. The itinerary is up to you, perhaps you want to stay in the same spot for one more night or you want a leisurely sail to the next bay and for the more adventuress you can choose to sail all day. A normal one-week charter you will cover around 130 nautical miles. Typical Day on a Yacht 1. Wake up to the soothing sound of water lapping against the side of the yacht. If you are up early enough you will have the chance to see some of the clearest and best sunrises. 2. Whilst the breakfast and the all-important coffee is being prepared, JUMP IN. In the early mornings those typical busy bays and beaches are likely to have none of typical tourists there. 3. Plan your itinerary for the day, perhaps you have changed your mind on where you want to go. Afterall it’s your holiday. 4. Set sail and if you get too hot along the way again, JUMP IN. It is a truly amazing experience to swim in the middle of the ocean or to hang on a fender and rope and get dragged along by the yacht. Another popular hobby of charter guests is to fish a long the way, you will be surprised how many people actually catch Tuna (usually the friendly restaurants will even cook it for your Supper). 5. Stop off at a secluded bay for lunch and cocktails that is only accessible by yacht. This is when you get to see the true natural beauty of a country without the hustle and bustle of other holiday makers and beach selling vendors. You could even choose to spend your night here. Then again you will have the opportunity to see some of the clearest and best sunsets. 6. Perhaps the wind is picking up in the afternoon making it ideal to sail to your final destination for the evening. Make sure to arrive at your final destination with plenty of time before the sunsets, as charter companies do not allow night time sailing. Once you are safely moored up, you will probably find that the other yachts around you have some of the friendliest people on board that are always happy to share a G&T with you. What are the Costs? 1) Flights are not usually included in the yacht charter price 2) The Charter Price is just for the cost of the yacht. This is usually a set price depending on the season for the whole yacht. The more guests you bring with you, the cheaper the cost per head. 3) The standard additional costs: - Final Cleaning of the yacht, approx. 180 Euro - Fuel, depends on how much you sail but approx. 15 Euro per day - Toys for the yacht such as kayaks and SUP approx. 20 Euro per day - Crew, a skipper will cost around 150 Euro per night and a chef/hostess around 130 Euro per night. - Full Board with 3 meals and soft drinks, this option is only recommended if you hire a hostess/cook but approx. 50 Euro per day per person. We recommend to use the provisioning service where you can order exactly what you would like, usually this is the cost of food plus a provisioning fee. Approx. 100 Euro. You are on holiday so remember most evening stops there will be restaurants for you to choose from. - Mooring fees, these vary massively depending on your location. Many places such as Greece you won’t need to pay for these, unless you choose to stay in a marina. Other locations expect to pay between 20-50 Euro including electric and water and in National Parks. How can Sailing Starboard Help? Our vast knowledge of the Sailing Destinations that we sell means that we are able to give you pointers. Perhaps you want to go somewhere that has more consistent wind, lots of restaurants to eat out at or want to know what is the best time of the year is best to go to a particular destination. We only partner with reputable charter companies and know you will be in safe hands. In the unlikely event that any issues arise along the way, we will be there to help and assist every step of the way. Yacht charter are no different to any other holidays when it comes to costs, they add up. Sailing Starboard is here to sweeten the experience for you by offering discount on the charter price. Allowing your money to go further so you can sit back and enjoy your holiday in style! Contact us today for help and to book your next holiday.
More posts
Share by: