We were horrified watching Category 5 Hurricane Dorian camp out over the Bahamas for 2 straight days, and then seeing the damage this storm has wrought. Our thoughts are with the Bahamians and all of the people who call these islands home.
We will keep you up to date about the progress of rebuilding these islands, and when it is reasonable to visit again. In the long run, the best thing you can do is to ultimately charter or vacation there, as it brings back the funds they need to rebuild their lives.
Please see our “Bahamas after Dorian” page for current status of chartering and sailing in the Bahamas.
The BVI went through a similar disaster and rebuilding process virtually two years ago this week. They are now almost completely rebuilt, and many were open for business within 6 months. Islanders are incredibly resilient people. We hope the Bahamas can rebuild this quickly as well.
Have you always wanted to spend your holiday on the water but thought that it was out of your financial reach? Yachting has never been so accessible, especially when you compare the prices against a high end Caribbean resort.
Take a look at our BVI Crewed Catamaran Breakdown to show you attractive it can be!
Chartering a yacht has a single base price, so split the cost between family or friends and get an amazing deal. You have the whole experience for a segment of the cost. Spending a week on ALTESSE would be just over $3,000 per person – where else will you find such incredible value for the care, attention and quality that you will enjoy? We have a wonderful Pricing and Affordability guide to explain all further.
Shopping Around
All Brokers use the industry standard platforms and therefore have access to the same yachts at the same prices. It is incredibly beneficial to select your Broker carefully to build a solid business relationship and give your vacation the best chance of success. Playing the field will only drive the price up!
Our Brokers visit the yachts and destinations first hand so that you are able to make an informed decision. They look forward to showing you the best vacation to date.
If you are traveling in from the Americas or further afield it might be worth adding a London stopover to combat the dreaded jet lag. Sea Containers will get you into the spirit of your charter which is a nautical-themed 4* hotel. Conveniently located just a short 7-minute walk from the well-connected Blackfriars station, this hotel is ideally located for an easy commute from one of the 5 airports based in and on the outskirts of London.
The reception area of Sea Containers
Architecture
Sea Containers House immediately immerses you in architectural brilliance. With the opening reception hallway resembling a brushed copper hull, it’ll get anybody in the mood for life at sea. The copper colouring provides warmth to the expansive reception area that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a metal heavy interior.
12th Knot Bar, top floor.
12th Knot
The upmarket hotel is furnished in an industrial come nautical way which fits in perfects to the industrial history of London. Overlooking one of the most famous rivers in the world, watch the clipper yachts and cargo boats drift by while relaxing in the 12th Knot Bar, situated in the top floor of this impressively built building. Look east and soak up the London Skyline.
Sea Containers Resturant bar area
Immerse yourself in luxury with an extensive, well thought out menu that matches the seasons perfectly. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner available all under one roof – you cannot go hungry. With reasonably priced dishes, small plates, and sharing plates alike providing a great range of culinary delights. From Ceviche Tacos, seabass, coriander salsa to Whole Roasted Corn-fed Chicken, confit onions there will be something for everyone.
Stopping off in London is the best place to enjoy a varied, culturally vibrant city with fantastic links to the rest of the world. With direct flights to thousands of yachting hot spots around the world including, Greece, Croatia, Caribbean, Italy, and Asia it’s the perfect hub to start your holiday from.
Reception area, Sea Containers house.
Get in touch with us today to experience London before you embark on your charter. Wherever you are in the world, be sure that Boatbookings can provide a door to door service.
1- Bring a hard copy of your sailing certifications.
A hard copy of the relevant sailing certifications is due upon embarkation of the yacht in any country. If you cannot bring the sailing certifications with you, you may not be allowed on the boat.
Note that the specifications for sailing certifications vary from
country to country.
European requirements for a yacht charter:
Croatia: Day Skipper/ ICC/ International equivalent + valid VHF licence for smaller catamarans and most monohulls. For larger catamarans in Croatia, the yacht master certification is sometimes required. Greece:
Caribbean: Detailed sailing resume with charter experience on similar sized vessels.
Asia: Detailed resume alongside qualifications in certain areas.
Bring soft bag luggage onto the boat.
This is not a mandatory requirement for a bareboat charter however it certainly helps with space onboard. Typically on a monohull or a catamaran, the cabins are not oversized so taking a soft bag does help with storage onboard. It also saves the decks and prevents any harm or damage being caused to the boat.
3- Be aware of extra costs
The bareboat concept is essentially just the boat. Other costs such as cleaning, a starter pack, and a handling fee are usually covered in the charter fee. Mooring fees differ from port to port however can range for a bareboat from €25- €60 per night. These are payable in cash on spot so remember to take cash with you.
4- If you have chosen a skipper- trust the skipper’s knowledge.
Although your broker can give you an insight into the best boats, destinations, restaurants, bars and sailing grounds for your charter the skipper is the best person for itinerary discussion. Upon embarkation, you will be given both a safety briefing and an itinerary briefing for the charter. Be aware that a 10% gratuity of the charter fee is usually given at the client’s discretion.
5- All bareboat charters in the Mediterranean
run on a Saturday – Saturday basis. This is not the same for the Americas, the
Caribbean or Asia.
Most of the boats are chartered on a back to back basis throughout the summer (high) season in the Mediterranean. Embarkation time is at 1700H to set sail the following morning. Disembarkation is usually early morning and requires the charter vessel to be back in port the prior evening.
Mediterranean charters also solely run on a weekly basis and cannot do 10-day charters in high season. Most reputable yacht charter bases only run charters on a Saturday- Saturday basis.
In the Caribbean and Asia, charters do not run on a Saturday- Saturday basis. You can rent a boat for any period of time in these charter destinations.
6- Using the base manager as a go-to throughout
the week.
The base managers are always a phone call away throughout the week. If you require any assistance with regards to the boat, breakdowns and general maintenance issues throughout the week keep the base manager as your first port of call. Upon embarkation, if any issues are encountered, the base manager must be made aware of this.
7- Reserving moorings for the charter.
This is up to you to organise if you have specific marinas you wish to stay in. In the majority of cases, you can just check-in and out of the marinas however, it is sometimes recommended to reserve a berthing spot. Marinas in Croatia are continuously busier and you need to be there pretty early on in the day to get a spot in your preferred marina.
8- Transportation to and from the boat.
Boatbookings can only assist with this service if the base provides it. The Boatbookings charter brokers organise the boat, not the transportation to and from the boat for bareboat charters. Taxis are always available from the airport and some locations have UBER as an option.
Uber is a great option in the South of France and Croatia for your yacht charter. Be sure to check out Uber Boat in Croatia and to look at Uber Copter in the South of France to get you to your charter.
9- Provisions
Some bases provide the service to do online provisioning prior to embarkation. This is not always the case and varies on a base-base basis. There is always the option of heading to a supermarket prior to embarkation on the yacht. It is advisable to buy basic provisions such as sunscreen, toilet roll, cleaning products, drinking water, and dry foods.
10- Take photographs and make memories for a lifetime.
Catch sunsets, swim in the clearest waters in the world and make memories with friends and family that are unforgettable. No matter what size the boat is, the waters and destinations are all the same and pave for the best holiday that the globe has to offer. Be sure to invest in an underwater GoPro before heading on the charter.
Get in touch today for any bareboat/crewed charter requests.
The Boatbookings Charter Broker Team are often asked whether it is a good idea to arrive the day before their Mediterranean yacht charter. The answer is always, yes! Travelling in the summer is busy, so arrive early, get into the time zone and make sure you’re relaxed ahead of embarking on your private yacht vacation.
Athens & Greece Yacht Charter
King George Hotel, Athens
A Greece yacht charter will continue to be the standout activity for summer 2020. Flying from California takes over 12 hours, crossing 10 time zones. Stay in Athens and explore one of the most mystical cities in the world. We have just returned from the city and spent some time at the King George Hotel, which offers spectacular views over Syntagma Square, as well as the Acropolis. You will then your Greece yacht charter itinerary full of energy and excitement!
Eze & French Riviera Yacht Charter
Château de la Chèvre D’Or, Eze
The French Riviera is home to some of the best hotels, restaurants and beach clubs in the world, so it would be a shame to not include them in your South of France adventure. Set high above the bay of St Jean Cap Ferrat lies the ancient citadel of Eze and the world famous Château de la Chèvre D’Or. The hotel has dazzled the most discerning guests and even played host to Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson in the blockbuster movie The Bucket List. If you do not have time in your schedule, ask your Boatbookings Broker to include dinner on your French Riviera motor yacht charter itinerary.
Rome & Amalfi Coast Yacht Charter
Hotel de Russie, Rome
Is there a more famous city in the world? Whether you feel inclined to visit the Pope and tour Vatican City, or step in the footsteps of Robert Langdon and hop from one Piazza to the next, Rome has something for everyone. Stay in the heart of the action at the Hotel de Russie in Piazza del Popolo and be pampered by world class service, cuisine and hospitality. The hotel has one of our favourite interior courtyards, which is the ultimate place to unwind ahead of your Amalfi Coast yacht charter.
Whichever destination you choose, our Brokers will guide you to the heart of the action so that you make the most of your time away. Complete our Enquiry Form today and set sail on an adventure like no other!
