You are the captain now!

Top tips for newly qualified skippers just about to embark on their first-ever bareboat charter!

Planning

Check out our bareboat charter page!

Do you have a plan A and a Plan B? Possibly a C? If not, you should probably think about jotting down at least a plan B. Things happen at sea that is sometimes out of your control, the job of a skipper is to take control of the things you can!! It’s worth, if not just for peace of mind, to have a plan B when it comes to route planning. The winds can change, the anchorage could be full, your children might be fighting or you are running low on gin whatever the reason plan for eventualities.

Questions to ask yourself

Is the Boat safe?

Bareboat charters 101

  • Are all your lines out of the water?
  • Is the gas turned off?
  • Is everything stowed away safely?
  • Is your radio on CH16?
  • Are your fenders in the lockers?
  • Do the children have lifejackets on?
  • Are your winch handles in the winch pocket and not left in the winches?
  • Are your hatches shut? Especially your deck hatches?
  • Have you checked your engine? (WOBBLE: Water, Oil, Bulge, Belts, Look (does it look okay?) Electrics)
  • Are the beers in the fridge cooling for when you are back in port?!

Crew

  • Are your crew happy?
  • Does someone onboard what to do if you go overboard?
  • Do you know where the life jackets are?
  • Does anyone in your crew know how to make a MAYDAY call?
  • Do they feel sick?
  • Have they been fed?!

**TOP TIP: You sail to the ability of the least able crew**
Sailing with children should not be seen as a daunting task, in fact, it is an incredible thing to do with your children. An idea, especially when chartering with young teens is to give them a responsibility each day. Child A is in charge of making sure all the lines are nice/throw to shore. Child B is in charge of hatches etc. Be creative. Don’t shout at them!

Challenging winds – mooring and sailing.

Check out our weather page to see when the challenging weather hits your desired sailing area.

Mooring

Mooring can undoubtedly be a stressful part of sailing. People standing on their bows waiting for you to overturn, your crew not throwing a line that hits the shore, people standing on the harbour wall screaming instructions that you cant hear. It can all get a bit much without the added stress of a crosswind. Mooring shouldn’t be stressful when everyone knows what they are doing.

**TIPS for mooring in CROSSWINDS**

  • Prep the yacht ahead of schedule. Fenders, lines and crew all appointed and aware of what they need to do.
  • Get the strongest (with the best aim) to throw the windward line. This is the most important line to get to shore first.
  • Have enough speed to combat the wind, but not so much that you can see the fear in the eyes of the person catching your lines!
  • When going astern, motor as close to the wind as possible into your spot. This gives you some drifting room if you have a gust.
  • Start going astern as far away as possible…it might look funny but this gives you so much way you have complete manoeuvrability of the yacht!

Sailing

Sailing in gusty areas or certain times of the year can be daunting to a new skipper. Particularly in Croatia where you have the Bora wind, or in Greece when you have the Katabatics running off the hills. You can experience some gusty sailing almost everywhere in the world. Read our weather page to find the best time of year to sail in your desired destination.

**Tips for GUSTY sailing**

  • Mainsheet on the winch – always. Get into the habit of having the mainsheet locked off on the winch, with the jammer (breaks) open. This allows you if need be, to dump the main which will de-power the boat thus not scaring the life out of your crew. Its a win win.
  • If you’re thinking of reefing, its time to reef. Reef before you NEED to reef. Is it the kids day to be captains? Chuck in reef! If the wind doesn’t pick up as much as you thought, great! Chuck the sails back up! Nothing worse than trying to reef in heavy winds. It scares the crew and it’ll shake you up (trust me – we’ve all been there).
  • Check the weather. It’s normal that charter companies will not allow you to sail in a predicted force 6.
  • If it’s not “reefable” weather, but the gusts are strong, appoint one of your well-fed, warm happy crew to sit with the mainsheet so they can either ease or dump.

For further information on how we support you on your first charter please email us here!

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Let’s take you sailing with Captain Ning!

The Boatbookings Brokers have delivered another fantastic summer season in the Mediterranean. Crewed Catamaran charters continue to rise in popularity; they are extremely safe for children, provide double cabins for couples and lots of sociable volumes for families. Now that the 2019 Mediterranean season has closed, where can you go this winter to escape the dark winter nights in search of paradise?

The Caribbean continues to be the popular choice for many yacht charterers, especially around the British Virgin Islands. The Grenadines are increasing popular as the season develops, but the area we would recommend for winter 2020 is South East Asia. Phuket is easily accessible from many international hubs and provides great island hopping. You will also enjoy cultural tours and mesmerising diving opportunities. Check our 7 night Phuket crewed catamaran itinerary for inspiration.

BLUE MOON is one of our favourite Lagoon catamarans in Thailand. Not only is BLUE MOON one of the newest Lagoon 52s in the area but she has a spectacular crew. Our clients rave about Captain Ning, his knowledge, experience and expertise. See a recent testimonial from one of our last charter.


M.S’s Review: 5 Stars *****

“ Captain Ning Rocks! We had an amazing family Christmas sailing from Phuket around Phang Nga bay. We made it all the way down to Koh Rok`s stunning turquoise sea and white sand beaches. The whole family love Thai food so we chose to eat Thai all week and we were amazed at how fabulous every meal was – definitely exceeded out expectations. We had never sailed on a catamaran before so we were all thrilled with how smooth she was and how much space and comfortable we were.   Captain Ning knew where to take us to and timed it to ensure we avoided the busy tourist times and best of all was when we got the sail up, turned the engine off and went with the wind…. ”

We know that you will love your time around Phuket and would really recommend taking your family and friends on a Thailand adventure over the winter months. Let the Boatbookings Broker Team help you today!

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The New 110 Sunreef Power Multihull Superyacht

Sunreef yachts continue to go from strength to strength. Since the commission of Rafael Nadal’s 80 Sunreef Power earlier in the year, the Polish superyacht manufacturers have just announced they will launch a larger model. The 100 Sunreef Power is due accommodate 8 guests in 4 suites and scheduled for delivery in 2021.

© Sunreef Yachts

The 110 Power will span four decks weighing in just under 500GT. She will feature distinctive automobile design with sweeping lines, lots of glass and expansive volumes throughout. We cannot think of a better yacht charter destination than island hopping in Croatia or the Balearics to really make the most of her design. You would love it!

© Sunreef Yachts

The 110 Power will continue to accommodate the growing trends of an extensive beach club on the aft deck and large tender garage to house your favourite water sports. The socialising spaces continue to impress with easy access to the bow through the main saloon giving you easy access to the bow. The Sunreef 110 Power will host up to 9 crew members to take care of your every wish. Watch this space!

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Mirazur

Not sure where to eat on the French Riviera? Add this one to your list!

3 Michelin starred restaurant, Mirazur, has been crowned the world’s best restaurant at an awards ceremony in Singapore! Mirazur which is located in Menton on the French Riviera won the annual competition organized by the world’s 50 best restaurants.

Mirazur is nestled at the foot of the mountains overlooking the sea and surrounded by lush vegetation. The large windows running around the 1930s rotunda building offer panoramic views of the French Riviera.

Mirazur’s Argentine chef, Mauro Colagreco, is inspired by the sea, the mountains, and the garden and offers culinary delights such as salt-crusted beetroot from its own garden with caviar cream.

Their ethos is to use in-season produce including gatherings of the forest such as plants, flowers, fruits, and wild mushrooms, vegetables from the garden or local market. Fish is sourced from the local fisherman and meat, poultry and dairy from hinterland farmers.

Be sure not to miss this wonderful restaurant during your French Riviera charter 2019. Contact one of our brokers today to book your charter.

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Spending the night in Split.

Before or after your yacht charter in Croatia, a visit to Split should most definitely be on your to-do list. Most of the surrounding ports in Split are only a 10-15 minute taxi from the beautiful city of Split.

Sailing into Split, catching sunsets and watching dolphins.

Restaurants and Bars

Hidden in underground chambers or on beautiful Venetian streets, there is a wide variety of restaurants for everyone in Split. Traditional Croatian food and contemporary fine dining is both available throughout the city. Be sure to visit the palace for some live music, Croatian wine and historical underground tours. Anthony Bourdain once stated that ‘Croatia is the next great thing. If you have not been there, you are… an idiot! I am an idiot’.

Bokeria

Grilled Octopus, traditional lamb shank, truffle pasta, and cuttlefish are some of the best options from this fabulous restaurant. This restaurant is most definitely worth a visit pre or post charter.

The History behind Europe’s Venetian Capital

The story behind Split is one of the most diverse in Europe. The story resonates from Greek settlement in the 3rd century followed by a Roman invasion and taken by Venetian rule in the late 14th century. Venetian architecture can still be seen all over the city. The infamous Venetian Palace was constructed and the city grew around the palace walls.

After the world war, Croatia was transformed into Yugoslavia and this city experienced industrial growth alongside a large shipbuilding industry and a very dynamic port. Despite the destruction caused to Croatia during the Yugoslavian war in the 1990’s however, soon lost its industrial hold during the years following the liberation. The main industry now in Split is tourism. The city is full of hidden gems, beautiful hikes, beach clubs and some of Europe’s most fascinating architecture.

Get in contact with one of the Boatbookings Broker’s to find out more about your net yacht charter in Split.

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