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.
 Google News Updated : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:51:23 GMT UPDATE 1-Tropical Storm Nana forms in Atlantic - Reuters Reuters - MIAMI, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Nana, the 14th of the Atlantic hurricane season, formed on Sunday in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Caribbean islands, the US National Hurricane Center said. Forecasters: Tropical Storm Nana forms in Atlantic Tropical Storm Nana Forms Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:29:57 GMT Palin talks economic worries in Appalachian Ohio - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (AP) - Sarah Palin told voters in southeastern Ohio on Sunday that she and running mate John McCain would bring jobs back to this economically depressed piece of Appalachia. John McCain and Sarah Palin try new tactics US-POLITICS Summary Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:11:58 GMT Falcons' Ryan is not your typical rookie QB - FOXSports.com
FOXSports.com - by Alex Marvez Alex Marvez is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com. He's covered the NFL for 14 seasons as a beat writer and is the president of the Pro Football Writers of America. Falcons missed chances in red zone Bears rally late, fall to Falcons on last-second FG Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:14:27 GMT First Second-Generation Astronaut, Richard Garriott, Launched Into ... - AHN
AHN - Vienna, VA (AHN)-Space Adventures, Ltd, a company that provides space missions to the global community, announced that client Richard Garriott and his crew successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space ... Video: Raw Video: US space tourist begins journey US game designer blasts into space with DNA cargo Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:28:36 GMT Mighty Chihuahuas Eclipse DiCaprio and Crowe in Test of Star Power - New York Times New York Times - By BROOKS BARNES LOS ANGELES - This is how far movie stars have fallen in their ability to pull audiences into theaters, at least when the story revolves around Iraq and the messiness of the Middle East: A picture about talking dogs, “Beverly Hills ... Dogs rule: 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua' No. 1 again 'Chihuahua' fetches $17.5M, remains top movie dog Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:18:44 GMT Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Cancer survivor shares her story - Naples Daily News
Naples Daily News - By LIANE SMITH (Contact) She felt pain in her breasts. One of her aunt’s died in February from breast cancer. Another aunt, in her 60s now, has battled it on and off for more than a dozen years. Pink And Purple Join To Help Women Breast Cancer Awareness Month Should Be Prevention Month! Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:31:44 GMT Tigers still seeking QB to turn season around - SportingNews.com
SportingNews.com - AP Sports Wri AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- The Auburn Tigers didn't figure they'd be in this position: Unranked, desperately trying to salvage a once-promising season and still seeking a quarterback solution seven games into the season. Tuberville And Tigers Trying To Regroup A Pig Sooie Shocker in Auburn Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:13:08 GMT Increase Website Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... It's not just the size and opulence of their sleek... Read More Exploring Europe can be such a unique experience with a... Read More If you are a boater, in particular a sea or... Read More The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for... Read More Alaska is one of the world's great cruise destinations, particularly... Read More Ever since Marco Polo returned from his 24-year trek to... Read More The Alaska cruise is a major attraction drawing vacationers with... Read More Are you planning a cruise vacation but don't know where... Read More History, wine, serene beauty, dramatic people and stunning views -... Read More One of the most famous and popular brands in the... Read More Today, Norm Goldman Editor of Sketchandtravel.com, is pleased to have... Read More What could be more enjoyable than relaxing by a pool... Read More In the time that has followed since the tragic events... Read More Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to... Read More "All the world's a stage", the saying goes! And on... Read More Robotic Underwater ship cleaning robotic unit, the M3500 Robotic System... Read More A classic Mediterranean cruise visits major port cities located on... Read More Sometimes it can be difficult to round up the old... Read More There, you have just got a boat. A nice new... Read More Being our next door neighbor, Mexico can sometimes be forgotten... Read More Every cruise vacation offers passengers a luxurious cruising experience. Some... Read More Why is it, that when you are looking to buy... Read More Comprising of around 50 islands (750 if you count the... Read More A luxury cruise is just what the name implies, a... Read More When it comes to sailing, there are all kinds of... Read More
Adsense
websites
Norwegian Cruise Line - American Style!
River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience
Those Ellusive Crab and Prawn Traps
Bahamas Cruise Expert Guide
Alaska Cruise Ship Vacations
Asia Cruise Expert Guide
The Alaska Cruise- A Living Memory
Shopping for Cruises Online! How?
Italy Cruise Expert Guide
Meguiars RV and Marine Boat Cleaners and Waxes; Test Results
Want To Know More About Cruises and Cruise Ships?
Luxury Cruise Expert Guide
Keep Cruising and Keep Traveling - It is Safe
Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!
Entertainment At Sea
Robotic Boat Cleaning is Here, Soon it will be Affordable
Luxury Cruises On The Mediterranean
High-School Reunion Time? Host Yours on a Yacht!
Stocking up Your Boat
Mexico Cruise Expert Guide
Luxury Cruise Line Vacations for Your Romantic Getaways!
Buying the Perfect Boat
Caribbean Cruise Expert Guide
Six-Star Cruising on Luxury Cruise Lines
Learning How to Sail
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Cleaning Sails
Washing SailsOften you will see a beautiful sail boat with... Read More
Whats Involved With Honeymoon Cruise Packages?
With so many honeymoon cruise packages to choose from, it... Read More
Cunard! The Name Alone Evokes Nostalgia For A More Civilized Era
Traveling famously on a Transatlantic crossing or cruising the world... Read More
Boat and Yacht Detailing - Teak Reconditioning and Care, Detailing the Deck
If you find your boat with gray and weathered teak,... Read More
Boat Detailing - Stainless and Chrome Cleaning
Good quality deck hardware of stainless steel or chrome is... Read More
New Zealand Cruise Expert Guide
New Zealand is a country guaranteed to surprise. Emerald green... Read More
The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship
The magnificent Caribbean Princess ship is the new queen of... Read More
Royal Caribbean Cruises! Where Their Slogan Is Get Out There? And They Mean It
Imagine a cruise line where choices include ships with golf... Read More
Simple Things for the ?Sailing Life?
Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. "The... Read More
Buying the Perfect Boat
Why is it, that when you are looking to buy... Read More
Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!
Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to... Read More
Celebrity Cruises for All-Inclusive Vacations
Why Take a Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the cruise... Read More
Boat Washing 101 - Spring is Here, Lets Go Boating
As a boat owner you know that washing the boat... Read More
Celebrity Alaska Cruises!
Alaska cruises can be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance... Read More
Monaco Yachts
Sea and rich people: where else to find a better... Read More
Luxury Cruises On The Mediterranean
A classic Mediterranean cruise visits major port cities located on... Read More
Cleaning Canvas Tops on Boats
Cleaning boat canvas covers is difficult unless you know the... Read More
Mexico: Going Native
If you want to expatriate to Mexico to find an... Read More
Small Boats Should Have Certain Equipment On Board For Proper Safety Precautions
Relaxing in your canoe on a beautiful calm lake, fishing... Read More
Keep Cruising and Keep Traveling - It is Safe
In the time that has followed since the tragic events... Read More
Summertime And Boats... And Boat Insurance
Early summertime is the time of year, when boat owners... Read More
Tropical Cruise Expert Guide
A tropical cruise in the Caribbean or in the Gulf... Read More
Maximize Your Cruise Wardrobe With These Packing Tips
Cruises are a fun opportunity to dress up and look... Read More
5 Steps to Crime Prevention at your Marina
Spending the day or weekend on your boat is one... Read More
Stocking up Your Boat
There, you have just got a boat. A nice new... Read More
Cruising & Sailing |