(Newswire.net — March 19, 2022) —
If you are considering a yachting itinerary or a cruise along the world’s best island destinations, there are several options for you. Some of these travel itineraries are family-friendly, meaning you can all enjoy exclusive boating activities, sightseeing, photography, and fishing. Here are the five tips for a successful sailing expedition:
1. Plan Ahead
The first step to a successful yacht charter is to prepare in advance. Before you can decide on a travel destination, you always want to check if the yachting destinations you have identified meet your travel needs and expectations. Some of the main things you should consider include travel season, on-water fun activities, demand for travel services, weather conditions, and safety.
Once you have narrowed down your options, find the right boat or yacht company that suits your needs. The level of comfort you need, the sailing skills required, and your budget are key aspects to look out for when choosing a yacht. Afterward, you need to plan your routes and get professional help and guidance where necessary.
For instance, different travel destinations will have varying visa requirements, so it’s necessary to seek information from a reliable travel partner. If you are planning a trip to some of the popular Greek Islands, be sure to have your travel guide in advance. Zakynthos Island is one place you would want to visit for those breathtaking landscapes, turquoise waters, and exotic beaches, to name a few. Before getting into the island, you want to research the best boat rental Zakynthos and choose one that best suits your needs.
2. Safety Comes First
Safety is a critical aspect of boating or sailing. Travel itineraries are dependent on weather conditions, and unexpected storms and tides could easily jeopardize your dream charter. This can often be avoided by picking the safest months and dates for your sailing expedition, but you still want to keep an open mind.
When planning your charter destination, always have a contingency plan and be flexible enough to welcome suggestions from the other team members. This could help save you and your team from poor experiences, just in case the main travel plan is canceled due to safety concerns.
Similarly, you should stick with the sailing or boating safety rules and regulations set forth by the charter company. Being on the water always comes with some risks. If the captain recommends changing the route or skipping some destinations due to safety issues, always abide and be open to discuss alternatives.
3. Experience Is Not Mandatory
If you lack the necessary sailing expertise, you can still enjoy the charter by just relaxing and enjoying the moment. Remember, not all waters offer the same sailing experiences. Some have more safe ports, while others may limit you to anchoring in bays. Additionally, you should consider the distance between the anchoring spots and mooring spots in the charter region you intend to co-skipper.
It’s also advisable to judge your sailing skills with respect to the prevailing weather conditions. Sailing in colder regions with storms and tidal changes, for instance, can be a lot more involved than cruising in the Mediterranean with constant good weather and minimal tides. If you are to sail, always stay within your domain of competence.
4. Consider a Yacht Charter Insurance
Some of the most important yacht charter insurances are skipper liability insurance and yacht deposit insurance. The latter is a refundable security deposit that you pay ahead of the trip. If an accident occurs, you forfeit the deposit, but the charter company resolves the issues independently. On the other hand, the skipper liability insurance complements the insurance of the yacht’s owner.
Choosing a third-party policy means you are covered in case of damages to the crew members or other boats and their occupants. Third-party skipper insurance will often cover damages in accidents due to gross negligence. Policies do vary, and you want to check what is excluded in the contract before signing up for skipper liability insurance or yacht deposit insurance.
5. Pack According to Your Travel Plans
The decision of how light or heavy to pack will largely depend on the area you are traveling to, along with the activities and places you’ll want to explore. If you are going for a summer vacation in the Mediterranean, a swimsuit, sunglasses and a sarong will do. However, winter travels will require warmer jackets, boots, and hiking gear.
6. Do Your Part
Whether you are sailing with friends or have joined a group of travelers on a hired yacht, you’ll always have a role to play throughout the journey. That could be interacting with others, adding suggestions to the travel routine, or participating in boating activities. You can also make your holiday more exciting by taking your entire family with you on the yacht charter. However, this comes with added responsibilities as you need to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your young ones. If you have toddlers or preschoolers on board, you will need to babysit them and ensure they are safe throughout the travel itinerary.
Besides assuming responsibility for yourself and your family, you also need to conduct yourself in an appropriate manner, especially when airing out your views. For instance, you don’t want to push the crew or captain into fulfilling your own interests without considering the needs of the other travelers on board.
Be sure to obey the simple rules and regulations laid out in the yacht. Most luxury boats will require that you take off your shoes while onboard. Teak decks on sailboats are fragile and expensive, so everyone would be expected to walk barefoot to avoid unnecessary damage or marks on the deck.
Endnote
A great yacht charter requires proper planning, where you are intentional about the travel experiences you want and expect. Regardless of your travel plans, you will always find the perfect destination to suit your group or family. All you need is to take your time and do proper research.