Firstly, you need to decide on the type of charter. Bareboat charters have no crew, so you are responsible for everything on board. This saves money but can limit your options if you still determine what to do.
Know Your Budget
After taking your first ASA course, you probably dreamed about this moment – the day you charter your boat and sail off into the sunset. But before you can do that, you must know your budget and choose the best option.
Cost is essential because the boat and destination will significantly impact your experience. Catamarans, for example, are more expensive than monohulls. The age and quality of the boat also play a role. Similarly, some companies have full-service hotels at their bases with amenities such as pools and grocery/liquor stores, which can add to your expenses.
A bareboat charter provides cost-effective possibilities. This excursion is where you rent the boat and agree to return it by a specific date. You will get help from the charter company but are responsible and in charge. This option will save you the most money.
Know Your Boat
A charter is a fancy word for renting a boat, which can be done for a day, week, or more. You can have a “bareboat” charter (no professional captain) or a “crewed” charter (a professional captain and chef).
The charter company will help you plan an itinerary that will suit your travel needs. If you want a lot of privacy, the boat charters Sag Harbor NY will recommend quiet destinations like islands and rock formations with more solitude. For a more social experience, the charter will suggest spots along the coast where people gather, such as beach barbeques.
Whether hiring a professional or going it alone, it is essential to understand your boat’s systems.
Know Your Crew
Unlike a hotel, where the staff calls all the shots, you decide what you want to do on a charter vacation and when. If you’re a sailor, that means deciding what destination to sail to and where to go daily.
Before departing, you should make a master grocery list using your menu plus crew food preferences (appetite level, allergies, and dislikes) to avoid impulse shopping and waste. For easier shopping at your charter base, you can divide the items into categories (meat/seafood, drinks, produce, and cleaning supplies). It’s also customary to tip the crew at the end of your charter; between 10 and 20 percent is typical. Some charter brokers even offer cancellation/curtailment insurance, which can help defray costs if something unexpected happens.
Know Your Destination
If you are new to chartering, consider joining a flotilla with an experienced captain. These sailing vacations are a great way to travel and explore with the security of being with a fleet, and many companies offer both crewed and bareboat options.
If a bareboat option suits your style, research your destination and learn about mooring balls and onshore activities. Pick a location with predictable winds, easy navigation, and plenty of anchorages.
A bareboat trip can be an exciting and memorable experience that offers you a sense of adventure. You can navigate to hidden beaches and secluded coves, find your quiet place on the water, or enjoy company with friends and family.
