The Bottom Line on Yacht & Boat Charters

Whether you are considering your first yacht charter vacation or simply looking to live the experience again there is a lot of vital information you need before planning and embarking on your voyage. Firstly, you need to consider the type of yacht charter that is suitable for you. There are crewed or unscrewed yacht charters, bareboat or even a motorised yacht. Each have their advantages and personal preference will dictate the chosen charter for you.

One thing for certain, though, whatever type of vessel you go on, there are many destinations to choose from each of them offering beautiful islands and shimmering seas by day and exciting or romantic night life. As with any vacation you need to plan carefully, but when chartering a yacht it is absolutely imperative that you take the essentials and spares. Once you're out to sea there will be few opportunities to stock up and an emergency is much of an emergency when you're hundreds of miles from the nearest chemist or shop.

Many who are chartering for the first time do so for a little quality time with family, friends and loved one because chartering a yacht is one of the most tranquil and peaceful vacations you can decide on.

What experience is required for charters.

The experience you need is dependant on the type of charter you are looking for. A bareboat charter means you and a group of family or friends charter the boat with no crew to assist. For a bareboat charter, you are always required to have some former sailing experience and usually need to submit a sailing resume to the charter company. Many will require that you have experience on a similar sized boat and with similar displacement and rig. A number of chartering companies may request that you go on a short sail around the harbour to make sure that your actual skills match your resume.

If you or a member of your group does not have this experience then you should consider chartering a crewed yacht. Chartering a boat and crew requires little or no experience. You may decide that your sailing skills are a little rusty, in which case you can take a captain or small crew for the first few hours of your trip to help you get your 'sea legs' back. Alternatively, if you have no experience whatsoever with yachting then you can take an entire crew and spend your vacation safe in the knowledge that your boat and your vacation are in safe hands.

What insurance do I require, and what is available?

As well as the usual travel insurance, you may want to consider further insurance for your yacht charter vacation. In fact, some charter companies will demand it. Accidents happen in everyday life and this is no different when chartering a yacht, however, there are some vital differences; the cost of a yacht and any parts of the yacht can be very pricey. The charterer is responsible for loss or damage to any of these parts. While many charter companies offer insurance that will cover a certain amount of damage, you should consider taking extra Charterer's liability insurance, usually costing approximately $250 for $1m cover. This figure can change depending on the terms of the agreement and the time of year you intend to charter the boat.

Additional health insurance is advised but not essential, although you should especially consider this for foreign travel of any kind not just charter vacations.

Another good idea is to take cancellation or curtailment insurance because many charter companies require a deposit of up to 50%. If you any of your party cancel or need to finish the vacation early, this insurance will become invaluable.

Charter vacation destinations.

But where should you go? There are many places you can charter a yacht, so you should consider exactly what you are looking for in your vacation.

The Galapagos is an archipelago that consists of 13 volcanic islands as well as 40 small islands. It is a haven of beautiful plants and exotic animals including marine iguanas and sea lions, the weather is very good, and there are many coves and incredibly picturesque beaches to relax on and around.

The Bahamas is a popular destination consisting of more than 700 islands. There are countless cays and beaches to explore as well as some incredible nightlife and beautiful settings. The reef and shallow waters make this a safe place for families to charter a yacht.

And then there's the Greek Islands. One of the world's most enchanting cruising grounds, with ancient history and culture at every turn. Islands such as Lesvos, Mykonos and Paros offer a combination of breathtaking scenery and history.

Still in the Mediterranean - at the western end - there are the Balearic islands off the coast of Spain. There's Majorca, it's smaller sibling Menorca, and the hedonistic playground of Ibiza. You'll find it a little busier than the Greek islands, but on the plus side the back up and support is first class.

On to the Caribbean: It has it all. Many different cultures and nationalities, hundreds and hundreds of islands to explore, and clear blue waters. Yachting at it's best.

The choice of destinations is amazing, and the beauty of chartering a yacht is that you are free to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, drop anchor, pour a stiff drink and soak up the sun!

© 2005 John Thompson

John Thompson is webmaster for http://www.yacht-and-boat-charters.com, an online information resource for yacht and boat chartering.

---

Renting out Cruise Ships for Hurricane Victims, a Brilliant Idea Indeed

Who says FEMA is not doing their job. They just... Read More

Beautiful Tropical Beaches!

The world is blessed with wonderful beautiful sandy tropical beaches.... Read More

Boat Timeshares - A Unique Vacationing Experience

If you've dreamed of sailing the seven seas, but don't... Read More

Cleaning Sails

Washing SailsOften you will see a beautiful sail boat with... Read More

Luxury Cruise Line Vacations for Your Romantic Getaways!

Every cruise vacation offers passengers a luxurious cruising experience. Some... Read More

Are you Ready for the Cruise of a Lifetime?

Cruises are one of the best ways to unwind and... Read More

Amazon Cruise Expert Guide

An Amazon cruise is the ultimate jungle adventure. From the... Read More

Cruising---What Everyone Should Know

August 7, 2005 -- Taking a cruise is now one... Read More

How to Choose Alaskan Cruise-Tours with Princess Cruise Lines Vacation Packages

Are you planning to take a cruise- tour vacation to... Read More

Keep Cruising and Keep Traveling - It is Safe

In the time that has followed since the tragic events... Read More

Celebrity Cruise! Opulence Perfectly Staged

Each generation of Celebrity ships has emerged to assume a... Read More

Maximize Your Cruise Wardrobe With These Packing Tips

Cruises are a fun opportunity to dress up and look... Read More

Boat Detailing - Stainless and Chrome Cleaning

Good quality deck hardware of stainless steel or chrome is... Read More

Online Shopping for Cruise Deals, Travel Deals & Great Vacation Packages!

Are you contemplating a travel vacation and don't know how... Read More

See Alaska as Never Before: Alaska Inside Passage Cruises

Between the Alaskan mainland and its islands, lies an intriguing... Read More

Family Cruise: Family Get-Together for Fun

Family Cruise: Happy Times you will not forgetA family cruise... Read More

Mexico: Going Native

If you want to expatriate to Mexico to find an... Read More

Preventing Boat Propeller Injuries

Each year hundreds of propeller accidents leave tragedy in their... Read More

Find Many Cruise Deals That Suit Your Personal Style And Needs!

Finding Cruise Deals are half the battle when considering a... Read More

There Are Many Reasons Why You Should Choose Inflatable Boats Over Traditional Boats

If you spend any time in or around the water... Read More

Back to Nature: Observing Marine Life When Boating

"Whether you boat on fresh water or on the ocean,... Read More

Six-Star Cruising on Luxury Cruise Lines

A luxury cruise is just what the name implies, a... Read More

Take a Wine-Tasting Tour While Yachting

Just think of it, the world of opulence and leisure:... Read More

Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!

Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to... Read More

What To Expect - My 1st Cruise Experience

Some years ago my wife and I decided to take... Read More

Update April 2005 - Holland America Cruises, Signature of Excellence Program

Holland America Cruise Lines has initiated a program of up-scaling... Read More

Buying the Perfect Boat

Why is it, that when you are looking to buy... Read More

The Absolute Best Romantic Gift Idea!

We all want to please and impress that special someone... Read More

New Zealand Cruise Expert Guide

New Zealand is a country guaranteed to surprise. Emerald green... Read More

Types of Cruise Ship Cabins

Many cruise ships today have standard cabins of similar size... Read More

River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience

Exploring Europe can be such a unique experience with a... Read More

Holland American Alaskan Cruising - New Alaskan Cuisine April 2005!

Alaska is a place to experience not merely to visit... Read More

Holidays Afloat: Your Guide To Yachting Vacations

Yachting vacations used to be the sole preserve of the... Read More