Over the past 3 decades, we have amassed an enormous amount of information on weather patterns and expected conditions.
A good reference website is Wind Guru which stores past weather data. It allows you to enter your charter dates and destination then view the relative temperature, wind speed and direction of previous years as a guide.
We understand that the weather will have a huge impact on your holiday enjoyment. Because there is a difference between low twenties, and mid to high twenties in ambient daytime temperatures, we will often advise a possible shift in location to obtain better weather outcomes.
Cheaper prices may mean the owner is marketing their yacht directly.
We only offer company branded vessels from proven reputable operators that have the ability and resources to maintain vessels at a high level and if necessary, upgrade you.
Dealing directly with an owner is fine if it all goes well. However, if there is a yacht issue on the previous charter and owners do not have the resources to substitute a similar vessel – at best you may be offered a refund at the quay, but no holiday.
Always make sure you place your holiday booking with a proven and reputable agency who will solve any unforseen problems and ensure your holiday goes ahead.
In the Mediterranean the season operates for only 5 months, so there is an expectation that vessels will be booked back to back. For this reason, Saturdays are the only days that you can board or disembark.
In the Pacific, Asia and the Caribbean where the seasons are longer, there is more flexibility in availability. Pick-ups are permitted on any day for any duration, although a minimum 5-7 night charter often applies.
In recent years the popularity of boating holidays has increased, yet due possibly the GFC investors have not. This has led to a reduction in new vessels entering fleets. In Croatia last year total capacity actually declined as charter vessels were retired but not replaced.
Most Australians are pro-active in arranging their holidays, usually the bigger the trip the earlier the booking (12 months prior is normal) even earlier is not unusual.
Of course it is important to get crew together and committed with dates prior to booking.
In the Mediterranean boarding time is usually between 1700 hrs and 1900 hrs on the Saturday – however this is the latest the yacht can be delivered to you.
I would estimate up to 80% of our charterers board mid-afternoon if they are already there, as it helps the charter operator not to have all vessels leaving at once.
Even if you do not get to board until 1700 hrs, it is light for at least a couple of hours and possible to get away from the marina before sunset.
It is totally up to you when and where you travel either as a bareboat or on a skippered or crewed charter. In most charter areas two hours a day is the norm – although some days you may decide not to move at all! It’s about relaxing and enjoying beautiful ports and harbours.
Gulet
Available across the Mediterranean, these traditional hand-built vessels offer exceptional comfort and attentive crews. Although they have a mast and sails – these are rarely, if ever, used. For space and value combined with an authentic feel, Gulets are extremely popular with family groups and couples.
Displacement Motor Yacht
These vessels have a cruising speed of around 10 knots and are more often comfortable in a sea as well as at anchor. Most of our clients enjoy the relaxing pace of a displacement vessel and just sit back and watch the world go slowly by.
Fast Planing Motor Yacht
These vessels are capable of speeds generally in the 20 – 30 knot range which has the benefit of getting you from port to port faster, which in some charter areas can be an advantage. The cost of this speed however is increased fuel (up to the hundreds of litres per hour). We will supply you with the average fuel consumption of every vessel so that you can make an informed choice.
Sailing Yacht / Catamaran
For those who enjoy drifting along in peace and tranquillity – the choice to sail or motor is entirely yours. Many motor yacht enthusiasts charter a sailing catamaran but never use the sails, happy to enjoy the large deck and cabin areas on a stable platform.
For a fully crewed charter it is often normal to pay an A.P.A (Advanced Provisioning Allowance). This is usually 15-30% of the charter fee and is there to cover the costs of fuel, provisioning, berthing etc. All are charged at cost and itemised to be paid from this fund.
Tipping is not part of Mediterranean, Pacific or Asian cultures and is not mandatory to do so on a crewed charter. If you are fully satisfied with the charter, you may like to pass on an envelope to the captain as you disembark. However, this is at your discretion.
