| eboat charter is a great way to enjoy a luxury sailing | | | | something for everyone in your group. |
| vacation, without the hassle of other passengers. The | | | | Requirements |
| first step in planning your voyage is to select a | | | | You will need to prove that you are qualified to handle |
| destination. The Bahamas and Caribbean are popular | | | | the ship you intend to rent. You will be asked for your |
| destinations for yacht charters. Several companies in | | | | sailing resume, which details your experience. Some |
| Miami and Fort Lauderdale offer ships for trips to | | | | companies require a Bareboat Sailing Certificate. Prior |
| these destinations. | | | | to departure, a skipper will take you out on a short |
| An Overview of a Bareboat Charter | | | | cruise for you to demonstrate your skills. This allows |
| Once you have decided on a destination, you will need | | | | them to be sure of your ability and gives you a chance |
| to choose a boat. The charter company or broker will | | | | to get comfortable with the sailboat or motor yacht. If |
| send you brochures, pictures and descriptions of boats. | | | | the skipper is not convinced of your skill, you will need |
| Once you have chosen a boat, you sign a contract | | | | to hire a skipper for the voyage. This can cost up to |
| and pay a deposit to reserve your trip. Read the | | | | $200 per day. |
| contract carefully. It will contain information on:o Liability | | | | Choosing a Charter Company |
| insuranceo Cancellation policyo What is included in your | | | | You can charter either directly with the charter |
| chartero Security deposito What to do if you | | | | company or work with a charter broker. A broker |
| experience a problem with the boat | | | | works with several charter companies worldwide. The |
| Read the information carefully and ask questions | | | | fee is paid by the charter company. The benefit of a |
| about anything that isn’t clear or that you | | | | broker is they have access to more boats and may |
| don’t understand. | | | | be better able to find the perfect boat for your needs, |
| In most cases, you are paying only for the boat. You | | | | and to fit your budget. |
| and your crew will be responsible for sailing the boat | | | | Good brokers are familiar with all the boats they |
| on your voyage. If you aren’t qualified, you will | | | | broker. You will be sent pictures, brochures and |
| need to hire a skipper. The charter company can help | | | | descriptions of each boat to help you make a decision. |
| you with this. You will be responsible for fuel, taxes | | | | Ask about the age and condition of each boat. The |
| and port fees. In addition, you will need to provide food | | | | newer the boat, the higher the price you will pay for |
| and other supplies. You will need to arrange travel and | | | | your vacation. A five year old boat will be less |
| hotel reservations. Some companies work with a | | | | expensive, but if it is well maintained, can give you a |
| travel agent that can help you with this and often get | | | | great trip at a lower cost. |
| you a better rate. | | | | Whether you are using a broker or a charter |
| The size and age of the boat determine the cost. If | | | | company, choose an organization that has been in |
| you are travelling with several friends, family members | | | | business for a long time. Check with the Better |
| or other couples, you can split the cost. This is a great | | | | Business Bureau for information on companies |
| way to enjoy a luxury vacation at a reasonable cost. | | | | operating in the United States. Ask for references |
| With your co travellers, you will need to set an itinerary | | | | from people who have used the company or broker in |
| for your trip. Decide what activities you are interested | | | | the past. Your trip is a big investment and you want to |
| in, and the sights you want to see. The charter | | | | be sure you are making the best choice. |
| company will help you set an itinerary that will include | | | | |