Four Steps to Choosing the Right Bareboat Charter
May 1, 2008
1/ Sail boat or Cruiser Try this quick quiz to help you discover if you are more receptive to sailing or motor cruising
Can I do with just basic need or do I like all the mod cons?
Do I get more out of the trip or goal
Backpacking is OK or I need a bit of privacy?
Great a bush camp or where’s the motel
If your bent was toward the first choice a sailing yacht may be for you. If you preferred the second choice strictly stay with a motor cruiser. If you are some of one and some of the other it may depend on the duration of the charter but when in doubt go with the cruiser.
2/Who do I want to come with me Who comes along is the next big question. If your not a party animal, immediate family and friends that can tolerate your idiosyncrasies and you theres are a good choice. especially if you have had prior adventures with them and still talk with each other. if the weather gets a bit rough things can become a little strained, particularly in a sail boat.
3/ What Type of Vessel
The most spacious you can pay for
The most recently built you can pay for
The finest that you can spend the money on
Manufactured to fulfill the needs of the skipper yourself hirer ie plenty of water and refrigeration
Hire a Skipper or Go it Alone If your not that confident in taking charge of the ship you can usually hire a skipper even if it is only for a day. It will add to the cost. My experience as been that the vast majority are fine on a motor cruiser but some experience is needed to sail. In fact most charter companies require some evidence of someone on board having at least completed a pre-sail course. Pick someone in your party who has the following traits
Be able to see well
Be alert to their position and those of the vessels around them
Keep under the alcohol limit while the boat is under way
Be not easily panicked by an unfamiliar situations and able to take their time
The word is full of great places to charter a sailing or cruising yacht from the Bahamas to the Greek Islands my favorite place is The Whitsunday Islands of the coast of North Queensland Australia. These days my preferred mode of transport on the water is a motor cruiser. I have had many great days sailing but I do like a few creature comforts if I am out overnight, especially with a few friends. I hope this little article will help yo make the right decision for you. All the best
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