- What kind of experience do you seek? There’s a big difference between sailing in the open ocean on your own or having someone else do the work and serve you drinks on deck as you bask in the tropical sun. Among your options for charters are: learning vacations, tropical vacations, and more adventurous sailing.
- What’s your sailing skill level? Be realistic about it. If you need more training, many charter companies offer a learning component. A sailing charter vacation is much more enjoyable if you feel comfortable onboard and confident with your skills and/or those of your crew mates.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. Photo by Molly Winans
- Monohull or multihull? Both have their perks. Multihulls are much more spacious for big groups or families, yet monohulls have that old-fashioned heeling feeling so many can’t do without. Both are widely available at charter ports around the world.
- How much sailing do you want to do every day? Some sailors prefer certain locations (the British Virgin Islands, for example) because the destinations are so close together that you don’t have to spend your whole day onboard and have more time to snorkel, hike, or relax at anchor. Other places offer long sails to the next destination—or a combination of both. European ports are rich with history, so it’s worth carving out time on land to see them. Focus in on a few destinations that appeal to you and ask a charter specialist if they fit your goals.
- Want to party? Some charter destinations can take you from one dock bar to the next. Others may take you to nowhere… and that might be exactly what you want.
- Wil it be buggy? Funny how they never show bugs in the brochures! Think about it—if it’s tropical and muggy and hot in any pretty location, it might be buggy when the wind dies down. Be ready for it.
- What should you NOT do? One friend went snorkeling in diamond earrings only later to learn that sharks love sparkles. It does pay to read up on any location you’re visiting and find others who’ve been there before to give you some guidance.
- What should you pack? Before going to the British Virgin Islands, I was told I could pack a bathing suit, flip flops, a tee shirt, and shorts and that would be all I needed. That was absolutely correct, but I packed a suitcase full anyway. Ask the charter expert what he or she thinks—and if you’re still not sure, find a cruising forum and ask veteran sailors what they would do. Here’s an article on a few extra things you may want to consider bringing along.
- Know your currency. Even if you’re on a fully stocked boat, you may want to buy ice, beer, more snacks, tee shirts and trinkets, and freshly caught fish or tip someone. Know what currency the country accepts and have some money ready to hand out.
- Does your phone offer international service? Call your phone company and find out. Don’t assume you have international service built in. NOT using your phone should be one of the great things about a true vacation, but if you need to check in on family at home, it’s nice to know you could do so. Also, ask the charter company what kind of adapter the boat has for recharging phones and tablets. You may have to bring your own charging station.
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