Charter Checklist
Here are some lists to help you plan your charter - you may want to print this page out to help with packing and planning.
Things to Pack:
- Charter Agreement/Boat Papers
- Passport and any Visas required (plus pack a photocopy of your passport in a different place)
- Wallets/purses (but take unnecessary credit cards, etc out first)
- Sunglasses (2 pair)
- Sun Cream, and Sun Block for Skin and Lips
- Glasses
- Hats
- Medication if needed (if you get seasick, you may want to discuss remedies with your pharmacist)
- Camera (in a waterproof bag)
- Binoculars
- Guidebooks
- Novels, books to read, especially those that are set in the region where you'll be sailing
- Cash or Travelers Checks sufficient to pay for deposits, provisioning, tips, etc. in local currency
If you're bareboating, also make sure you have:
- Motor or Sailing Competence Certificate (enquire as to what papers are necessary in the country where you're chartering)
- Any other boat training documentation you have (course certificates, etc)
- Copies of contracts from boats you've chartered previously. (This gives the Operators confidence in your abilities)
- VHF radio licence (if you have one - not generally required)
Don’t forget to:
- Cancel mail delivery and newspapers
- Provide contact details and itinerary to at least one neighbor and family member
- Read up on the area you'll be visiting, looking for interesting itineraries and things to do. Google is great for this!
- Arrange for hotel rooms if required for your flights. (Most sail boats require you to be in port by Friday night on a Saturday-to- Saturday charter. You can stay on the boat if you like, or often people want the comfort of a hotel room)
Things NOT to pack:
- Expensive jewelry, other non-essential valuables
- Watches etc. that are not waterproof, etc.
- Anything that, if lost would cause you great inconvenience or distress
- Less is more – remember that boats do not have large storage areas and that you will be plenty busy on the boat!
When Departing from the Marina:
- Assure you have all the Charts required for your trip, and others in case you change your plans
- Make sure any personal navigation equipment, such as a portable GPS plotter, is working properly
- Inform your Base Operator of your itinerary
- Test the radio, assure you know the relevant frequencies
- Make sure all passengers know the rules of the boat and emergency procedures
- Also make sure the crew knows how to use Safety equipment (Lifejackets, Flares, Fire Extinguishers, First Aid Kit)
- Check if there are non-swimmers and take appropriate precautions
- Make sure you have sufficient money - in the right currencies - to pay for provisioning along the way
When Leaving the Yacht:
- Check with the marina as to your responsibilities in regards to cleaning up, but in any case tidy it in a manner that shows you have respect for the boat
- Take your personal belongings with you
- If you have any complaints about the boat, or if anything needs fixing, photograph them and report them to the Base Operator. Do not wait until you return home!
- Remove all food
- Don't forget to tip the Captain and Crew (if you have them )
Arriving Home:
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