What is and how to charter a sailing boat
Sailboats are classified by hull type (monohull or multihull), by sail configuration (sloop, ketch, schooner, catboat) and by purpose (cruising, racing, sport). Cruiser yachts are normally chartered as they provide comfort, have several cabins to accommodate guests on board and open cockpit seating.
Sailboat basics
If you are new to sailing, you should get acquainted with your sailboat. Here are the basics.
The forward part of the sailboat is known as the bow, and the back half as aft or the stern. The bow's location directly relates to the two most important sailing terms - port and starboard.
When you look forward towards the bow, the
The flat piece of wood or plastic under the boat is called the rudder, and it is used for steering the boat. The ropes that control the sailboat are known as the sheets.
Sailboat charter
Sailing is a perfect activity for adventure seekers. It used to be the only way of
Sailing boats are more economical than motor yachts since they have
Depending on your sailing skills and comfort preferences, choose one of the following options - bareboat, skippered, or fully crewed.
Read more about the types of yacht charter
Benefits of sailboat holiday
A charter sailing boat takes you to places only reachable by
A charter sailing boat gives you the feeling of that primeval connection of man and sea. However,
Leisure sailing
If you are more interested in sailing as a leisure activity rather than a sport, charter a sailing boat and enjoy all the benefits of a modern sailing boat charter. Today, nearly every charter sailing boat uses roller-furling technology to make sailing a more leisure activity. Most commonly, roller-furling would be implemented on the front sails of your sailing boat. This comes really handy if you are somewhat short-handed. There are several different types of mainsails on modern charter sailing boats for you to choose from depending on whether you want to get the best performance out of the mainsail, or if you are more interested in ease of use. There are also some systems that combine the options and utilize lazy-jacks and a canvas nest.
Winds
There is no point in chartering a sailing boat unless you can, well, sail it. So, naturally, it is best to charter a sailing boat in seasons when the breezes are frequent, constant and steady depending on your chosen sailing location. However, unless you and your crew are experienced sailors, you may want to avoid seasons with strong cold winds and high seas. Also, avoid windless seasons or you will end up listening to the sailing boat's diesel engine. And that is not quite the point of sailing boat charter, is it?
How to Select a Sailboat
When looking for a charter sailboat you will need to look at the following: the number of cabins, the minimum size of the yacht required in some destinations, the luxury-to-performance ratio, your sailing skills (and your crew’s sailing skills), your budget, the age of the yacht, and, last but not least, the brand of the yacht. Find all the tips and
Safety on a Sailing boat
Chartering a sailing boat for your holidays is not all about enjoying the sun and the sea. You should also bear in mind the safety of your crew, yourself, and your boat. Safety on a sailing boat includes a range of activities and equipment.
First, you should understand the right of way rules to avoid collisions with other boats. Right-of-Way (ROW) rules are: a sailboat running free must keep clear of one close hauled; a sailboat close hauled on the port tack must keep clear of a sailboat close hauled on the starboard tack; when both boats are running free on opposite tacks the vessel with the wind on the port side must keep clear; and when both boats are running free on the same tack the boat to windward must keep clear.
Necessary equipment
Use a safety checklist to check the boat's equipment before setting sail. There should be enough life vests for everyone in the crew, fire extinguishers, horn, whistle or bell, flares, radar reflector, and all the necessary documentation.
Emergency procedure
Adopt a healthy attitude in case of an emergency - do not panic - and use a float plan to alert rescuers in an emergency. Make sure you and your crew wear a PFD (personal flotation device) at appropriate times - children should wear them all the time - since falling off the boat is the leading cause of boating fatalities. Using a safety harness in rough weather, as well as when sailing solo, is a smart idea. In case someone does fall overboard, you need to know crew-overboard (COB)
Another important sailing safety advice is to sail with the VHF radio turned on to monitor for distress calls and for other information.