Yachting is a fantastic hobby, but it demands respect and careful consideration. The sea is a force to be reckoned with, and yachting requires adherence to its rules. Before embarking on an independent cruise, you should be familiar with all the essential details.
Obtaining a Skipper’s License
If you plan to rent a yacht for an independent cruise, you will need a skipper’s license. Your license must authorize you to operate the vessel in the area where you plan to sail. Several schools, such as IYT, RYA, MYA, and ISSA, offer skipper’s courses that allow you to rent a yacht in the country where you plan to sail. However, if you recently obtained your license, take a few trips with a professional helmsman to hone your skills.
Chartering a Yacht
According to international regulations, boat rental begins on a Saturday and ends on a Saturday as well. You rent a boat after lunch on a Saturday and return to the marina a week later. However, many charter companies request that you return the boat on Friday evening. The crew who used the yacht before you must leave in the morning. The remaining time is used for cleaning and preparing for the next trip.
Choosing a Yacht
You can rent three types of boats: monohull sailing yachts, sailing catamarans, and motor boats. The net rental price of the yacht listed on the website does not include additional charges, such as the outboard motor, skipper services, bed sheets, final cleaning after the charter, and insurance deposit.
Making a Reservation
When making a reservation, you should provide as much detail as possible, including the dates of the cruise, the sailing vessel model, and whether you need a captain. The charter company will contact you to discuss the details. Our company Barcelona Boat Rental partners only with professional charter companies with positive reputations and confirmed experience.
Payment and Refund
You must pay 50% or the full price for the rental during the booking process. You can transfer the rest of the payment a month before the rental if you only paid half. The charter company contract will specify this item. If you decide to cancel your cruise, you will receive a partial refund, depending on the timing of the cancellation.
Medical and Sports Insurance
Before boarding the yacht, you must have typical insurance for EU countries. You should clarify the conditions for entering the country if you plan to vacation in another region. You can choose a sports insurance policy that covers more cases but is significantly more expensive than standard insurance.
Additional Costs
The amount of additional costs when renting a yacht depends on the country of entry, the yacht type, and the charter company you choose. Embassies provide information on the recommended amount to take with you for additional expenses, such as 50 euros per day for Greece.
Crew Safety
Modern sailing yachts are safe for sea travel. Manufacturers and regulatory organizations ensure that each yacht is equipped with necessary facilities for the cruise’s region and class. Yachts are equipped with EPIRB beacons, life jackets, rafts, and pyrotechnics. Nonetheless, the captain is responsible for the crew’s safety under all circumstances.
Conclusion
Yachting is like any other trip, but it takes place at sea. Visas, insurance, itinerary, and other laws and regulations apply. Understanding the essential details of renting and sailing a yacht will help you have an enjoyable and safe vacation.
