Why Book a Yacht Charter!!!

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.