Yachtcharter

.

Everything you need to know about yacht charter of sailing and motor yachts:

 Definition of yacht charter

 Yacht charter refers to the temporary rental (charter) of a yacht, which gives the charter customer the opportunity to sail a self-selected trip or to sail a motor yacht and to sail to individual destinations.

  

Distinction between bareboat charter and crewed charter

With a bareboat charter, the charter customer assumes complete responsibility as skipper and is himself responsible for the navigation, maintenance and safety of the yacht. This means that he must be in possession of all official sailing certificates and licences. With a crewed charter, the yacht is chartered with a skipper and possibly a complete crew in order to enjoy a carefree holiday on the water.

 A detailed explanation of the term "yacht charter" can also be found on Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yachtcharter.

 Bareboat charter

• Requirements for bareboat charter:

   The requirements for bareboat charter can vary depending on the country and the charter company. As a rule, however, you must have an appropriate driving licence or sailing licence and, in some countries, a radio licence (VHF), which can vary depending on the size of the yacht and the area. Some charter companies also require an international boat licence such as the ICC (International Certificate of Competence). In addition, you must of course have sufficient experience in handling yachts of this size and navigation. With some charter companies, you will also have to complete a sail or motorboat training course or demonstrate manoeuvres in the harbour before you can take over the yacht responsibly.

  Choosing a suitable yacht: When choosing a suitable yacht, you should pay particular attention to the size, the equipment, the year of construction and thus the condition of the yacht. Also consider how many people will be sailing with you and how much space you will need on deck but also below deck. You should also bear in mind that you may experience bad weather. Pay attention to the sail or engine power of the yacht to ensure that you can manage your planned trip. In addition, when handing over the yacht, you should also check the equipment on board to make sure you have everything you need for a safe and comfortable trip.
  Safety aspects and liability: When bareboat chartering, you as skipper are fully responsible for the safety of the yacht and the crew. You should therefore ensure that you have sufficient knowledge of how to handle the yacht and safety measures, even in bad weather. Make sure you have safety equipment on board, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers. It is also important to always get an up-to-date sea weather report. Liability in the event of damage or accidents depends on the terms of the contract. As a rule, you have to pay a deposit and are liable for any damage that occurs during the charter period. In any case, it is advisable to take out skipper's liability insurance and a deposit insurance.
  Briefing on the yacht: Before handing over the yacht, you will usually require a detailed briefing on the yacht and its equipment. You will learn about the various instruments and systems on board and how to operate and navigate the yacht. The briefing also includes safety aspects such as how to handle rescue equipment and what to do in case of accidents or emergency situations. It is important to follow the briefing carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable charter. Document any damage you now see on the yacht, take photos or sketches of it and get the log signed by the base manager.  

    

  Crewed Charter

• Choosing a suitable yacht and crew:

• With a crewed charter, you can charter a yacht with a skipper and, if necessary, a full crew. When choosing a yacht, you should pay particular attention to the size and equipment to ensure that there is enough space for everyone and that the desired amenities are provided. When choosing the skipper and crew, you should pay attention to their experience and qualifications to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
  Duties of the skipper and crew: The skipper has the responsibility for the yacht and the safety of the crew and passengers. He is responsible for the navigation and manoeuvring of the yacht and gives instructions to the crew. The crew is responsible for the care and maintenance of the yacht and assists the skipper with navigation and manoeuvring. Depending on the crew, there may also be additional roles such as cook, stewardess or diving instructor.
  Service and catering on board: A crewed charter often includes service and catering by a cook or cookess on board. The crew will take care of preparing the meals and cleaning the cabin and public areas on board. Depending on the charter company and crew, there may also be additional services, such as a bartender, a masseur or a yoga instructor. Onboard catering is usually tailored to passengers' preferences and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Special dietary requirements can also be catered for if necessary.

   

  Differences between sailing yachts and motor yachts

  Features of sailing yachts:

  Sailing yachts are generally slower than motor yachts and have less engine power. However, they are more seaworthy and can sail better against the wind. Monohull sailing yachts have a sleeker design with a slender hull and a high mast height. Sailing catamarans are sailboats with two hulls arranged parallel to each other and connected by a platform. In contrast to sailing yachts with only one hull, a sailing catamaran offers more space and stability as well as greater speed and efficiency when moving around on the water. Sailing catamarans have recently become increasingly popular with sailors and charter clients due to their versatility and high level of comfort on board. In general, all sailing yachts are suitable for sailing enthusiasts who see sailing as a leisure activity and enjoy being sporty.

 

2. Characteristics of motor yachts:

   Motor yachts are usually faster than sailing yachts and have a higher engine power. They are suitable for passengers who prefer to get to their destination quickly and spend more time ashore or in a bathing bay. Motor yachts often have a luxurious design with spacious cabins and living areas. They are suitable for passengers looking for a comfortable and relaxing holiday.

    

   Differences in terms of chartering:

   When chartering a sailing yacht, sailing experience and knowledge is an important factor, as the client usually acts as skipper. Sailing yachts can also be chartered for regattas and sailing events. Motor yachts are usually chartered with a crew who are responsible for navigating and manoeuvring the yacht. Chartering a motor yacht is suitable for clients who want a relaxing and luxurious holiday and do not want to worry about navigating and manoeuvring the yacht.

 

Destinations for yacht charters

There are many popular destinations for yacht charters around the world, including:

Mediterranean: The Mediterranean is a popular destination for yacht charters and offers a variety of options: Here is the order in popularity:
The Croatian coast with the offshore Kornati Islands with 2400 sailing yachts, 800 catamarans and 370 motorboats and motor yachts.
Greece in the various Greek sea areas with 2243 sailing yachts, 850 catamarans and 60 motorboats and motor yachts
the Italian mainland and coast with the large islands of Sardinia and Sicily with 790 sailing yachts, 358 catamarans and 33 motorboats and motor yachts
the Balearic Islands with Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca with 189 sailing yachts, 136 catamarans and 21 motorboats and motor yachts
the French Mediterranean coast with Corsica with 171 sailing yachts, 94 catamarans and 26 motorboats and motor yachts
the Turkish Riviera with 370 sailing yachts, 146 catamarans and 15 motorboats and motor yachts
the German, Swedish and Danish Baltic Sea with 320 sailing yachts, 18 catamarans and 15 motorboats and motor yachts
  
Caribbean: The Caribbean the Bahamas and the BVI are the dream destinations for yacht charter and offer a wealth of islands and coastal regions, such as the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia or Antigua with 190 sailing yachts, 550 sailing catamarans
Seychelles is known for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches with 75 sailing yachts, 240 catamarans and 15 motor boats and motor yachts
Thailand offers an abundance of islands and coastal regions perfect for yacht charter with 25 sailing yachts, 62 catamarans 

 

Sailing areas and conditions:

Conditions and requirements in different sailing areas can vary greatly and should be considered when choosing a charter destination. For example, some areas may have strong winds or currents, while others may offer calmer conditions. The infrastructure in the marinas, the arrival possibilities, the price structure of the offer and the availability of anchorages should also be considered.

  

Special considerations when choosing a destination:

When choosing a destination, the interests and preferences of the travellers should also be taken into account. Some prefer a quieter environment and look for places to relax and unwind, while others prefer to be active and enjoy various water sports. The culture and history of the destination can also be an important factor when planning the perfect holiday. Ultimately, you should choose a destination that suits your needs and desires and offers you the opportunity to spend an unforgettable holiday on the water.

Tips for a successful yacht charter

1. Planning and preparation:

   Good planning and preparation are key to a successful yacht charter. Here are some tips that can help you:

   Plan ahead and book the yacht early to ensure you get the yacht and destination you want.
   Find out about the conditions in your sailing area and take them into account when planning your itinerary.
   Find out about the bareboat charter requirements in your destination and make sure you have all the necessary licences and qualifications.
   Create a checklist for preparations and make sure you have all the necessary items on board, such as food, water supplies, safety equipment and navigation equipment.

    

   Yacht holiday packing list:

   To make sure you don't forget anything and are prepared for all eventualities, it is important to create a comprehensive packing list for your yachting holiday. Here are some important things you should pack:

    

   Lightweight, quick-drying clothing for warm and cold conditions.
   Sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses
   Non-slip shoes with rubber soles
   Snorkelling gear and water sports equipment
   Medication and first aid kit
   Waterproof bags and storage facilities

    

   Tips for life on board:

   Life aboard a yacht can be a unique and exciting experience, but it also requires some adjustments. Here are some tips that can help you:

    

   Make sure you familiarise yourself with the vessel and have a briefing with the skipper before setting off.
   Always keep the boat clean and tidy to avoid accidents and injuries.
   Respect the privacy of the other guests on board and abide by the common rules.
   Avoid unnecessary noise and keep background noise to a minimum.
   Enjoy your time on board and take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

   Conclusion

   Summary of key points:

   Yacht charter is a great way to experience the freedom and adventure of sailing or motor boating without having to own your own yacht. There are two types of charter: bareboat charter, where the charter client can charter the yacht without a crew, and crewed charter, where the client can charter the yacht with a skipper and/or a full crew.

When choosing a suitable yacht for bareboat charter, it is important to pay attention to size, equipment and navigation equipment. For crewed charters, it is important to pay attention to the experience and duties of the skipper and crew. The choice of destination depends on the conditions in the sailing area and individual preferences.

Recommendations for future charter clients:

Plan ahead and book early to ensure you get the yacht and destination you want.
Find out about the bareboat charter requirements in your destination and make sure you have all the necessary licences and qualifications.
Create a comprehensive packing list for your yachting holiday to ensure you are prepared for all eventualities.
Respect the privacy of the other guests on board and abide by the common rules.
Enjoy your time on board and take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Outlook for the future of the yacht charter market:

The demand for good yacht charter offers will certainly continue to increase as more and more people discover the adventure and freedom of sailing and motor boating. At the same time, the market is expected to evolve and technological innovations such as autonomous boats and digital booking platforms, with the possibility to book online, will play an increasingly important role. However, it should be noted that it will still be very important to book through a good and experienced charter agency.

There are the following advantages:

- Financial security through many years of company existence, a lot of experience and a company headquarters in Germany.

- You can take the decision-making process into account through rating portals such as Google or Trustpilot.

- Good agencies place a lot of emphasis on personal customer service, are very easy to reach by phone or mail and also help with problems on site.

It is to be expected that the focus on sustainability and environmental protection in the yacht charter market will continue to increase in order to protect the natural environment of the sailing areas and to improve the eco-balance of the yachts.