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Guidelines to chartering
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F THIS IS your first
time on a crewed charter boat, you will definitely
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some guidelines as to what to expect. And if it is not,
this should be useful anyway! This should prevent some
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surprises in terms of lack
of right attire/equipment, (un)appropriate behavior
from your party and/or the crew, etc… and have
put together all this useful information below. Some
of this content applies mostly to boats under 21m (70ft).
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Before leaving for your cruise |
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Here are some suggestions
for typical and efficient packing. (Be sure to check our complete
run-down of what to pack.) |
The "musts" of packing |
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- First and foremost, most yachts 15 to 18m (50 to 60ft)
simply do not have enough room to accommodate the storage
of hard-shell suitcases. If this is the case your packing
cannot be in hard cases, but has to be only in collapsible
soft bags or duffel bags… Very often, charterers do
not pay attention to this and they are forced to keep their
hard luggage on their beds… Not fun!
- Tee shirts. Lots of them.
- A couple of sweatshirts (optional) as nights are usually
very mild.
- Shorts (jeans or long slack are really not a necessity
unless you are intending to visit some Island resort restaurants
with a strict dress code - they are relatively rare outside
of the Whitsundays region and you can spend a long time
along an Australian coastline, particularly in the Kimberleys
region without going to one). So in general, for your clothing,
nothing fancy; it's totally unnecessary.
- Several bathing suits
- The sun is unforgiving in those regions, so bring:
- Hats
- Sun-protection lotions (lots of it)
- Sun glasses of good quality (polaroids)
- Beach and/or walking Sandals
- Basic toiletries - shampoo, tooth paste, etc. —
all the rest is provided on the boat: soap, towels, toilet
paper, etc.
- Any medication you need (although most is available).
If you prone to seasickness, bring the medication that is
appropriate for you.
- Music CDs, a Walkman, Discman or IPod.
- A disposable under water camera.
- Books / magazines, lots of reading
- Mobile or cell phones: If you have to stay connected to
the outside world, all crewed yachts carry on-board equipment.
But you can bring your own portable and subscribe a temporary
phone number with your credit card.
- If you are bringing the kids, check that the yacht carries
the appropriate sizes in life jackets and snorkelling gear.
Do not pack:
- Any kind of dress — OK, OK one if you insist
- Long slacks
- Any kind of towels
- Snorkelling gear: Not necessary (unless for young children),
as all crewed yachts have their own equipment in all sizes.
- Fake nails (they break immediately)
- Fake eyelashes (they fly immediately)
- Extensive make-up: you're in the water most of the time.
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Rules for the chartering party |
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What to expect
- How to behave
A good crew has a very simple and very complicated job: Do everything
they can to make your cruise the absolute best vacation memory
of your life. They really do — IF they are good. Therefore,
they will cater to all your reasonable requests. Here is a sampling
of what to expect.
In one word, they will be very nice - at least they should be.
Because you are their livelihood!
They will discuss with you the itinerary that will suit your
wishes, at the beginning of the cruise and every morning according
to the weather conditions and your party's mood… they
will keep the boat very clean at all times… they will
take you to this dream anchorage you've been reading about…
they will be at anchor with drinks ready in the "golden
hour" just before the sun starts going down… they
will cook your meals according to your preferences… they
will let you, or teach you how to, steer the boat -under supervision-
if you so desire… they will be very discrete — you
know, when you feel like being romantic with your wife under
the moonlight… they will take you to this great snorkelling
spot filled with incredible corals and tropical fish…
they will be patient with the kids, teach them how to make knots
and tell them great stories… they will pick you up at
the beach or at the restaurant with the dinghy; etc.
Now, how should YOU behave? Well, there are two important types
of situations where problems can arise.
- Safety: If you request to go to this great anchorage you
read about in your magazine, or ask to do anything involving
safety, and the Skipper says it is presently unsafe, or
the sea/weather conditions are not suitable, or whatever,
do not insist. They are professionals, you're not, and they
are responsible for your safety. So do not push them, because
they will have to change tone and be very firm. If you understand
that, you'll be fine. If you don't, you'll have a big problem.
- General Courtesy: As an agent we always get feedback from
many crews. One of the situations they dread the most is
when guests are discourteous, arrogant, unreasonably messy
or dirty, rowdy after drinking too much, etc. You see, some
guests view crew members as their servants. Guess what,
they're not. They are professional sea(wo)men and hosts
who try to do the job the best they can. At least the vast
majority of them. So treat them with respect and friendliness
and everything will be fine. The opposite behavior is sure
to make for an unpleasant cruise.
Rules on Board
The first priority of a good, professional Skipper is the safety
of their guests and of their yacht; therefore, when you step
on board, it is usual that he give you a briefing of the do's
and don'ts. Just think about the yacht as a luxury guesthouse
where the crew are the host/home owners and you'll get the idea.
Here are a few examples (they will vary depending on the type
of yacht —sail or power— yacht size, equipment and
Skipper)
- Usually, guests are not allowed to wear any shoes while
on board. Shoes can damage the deck teak or leave skid marks
everywhere.
- Zero tolerance on drugs. A Skipper has the right to terminate
the cruise on the spot if you violate this rule.
- No smoking in cabins.
- Follow instructions on head/bathroom operation. Marine
gear does not operate like at home!
- Try to save water, even if the boat is equipped with a
water-maker. I.e., do not leave the tap water flowing while
brushing your teeth! So simply be considerate and save water.
- All crewed yachts have a power inverter, so you can plug
in any electrical device as you would at home. However,
before plugging in your big 1500-watt hairdryer, ask the
Skipper about any power usage precaution.
- Follow strictly the yacht's safety rules if you sail at
night and decide to wander on deck or participate in the
night watch cycles.
- Do not use the galley (kitchen) equipment/stove yourself
unless you are specifically invited to do so: Chefs/cooks
absolutely hate that. Similarly, do not help yourself with
food and drinks in the fridge unless the chef/hostess has
set up an area where you can help yourself.
- Always remember and respect what the Skipper explains
to you… generally these will be simple, common sense
rules that combine your safety, your comfort and allow the
crew to do their work to your entire satisfaction.
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Conclusion |
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When you think about
it, all of the above is really common sense. So it is relatively
easy to follow these simple guidelines. If you do, you will
have the time of your life… Guaranteed. 
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