Questions that you should direct to potential charter companies include:

What equipment is included with the charter?
Do we need to bring any tackle or equipment?
Is a fishing license required?
How many people can join us on our charter?
May our party bring beer or wine onboard?
Can I keep my fish?
What about Tag & Release?
How do I know if I'm getting a reputable captain and a safe boat?
What are the terms of cancellation - including forced cancellations due to weather?
Do I need to pay a deposit?
What activities are included?
What sort of power supply is available aboard?

Popular Q & A's regarding vessel charter:

How do I reserve a yacht?
What's the difference between bareboats and crewed yachts?
How do I find out if I am qualified to bareboat?
If I am not qualified, can I hire a captain?
Can I charter one-way?
What's included in the rental fee?
Should we bring the kids?
What should I pack?
What if I have to cancel my trip?
Am I responsible for damage?
How can I be reached in an emergency?
What's on board the boat?
What about food and drinks?
Can I sail after dark?
Can I scuba dive?
What about extra "toys"?
Who do I contact if I can't find the answer to my question?

How do I reserve a yacht?
You'll need to make a charter deposit (usually 25% to 50% of the charter fee depending on the charter company) sign a charter agreement and complete a sailing resume and possibly other paperwork. Most companies accept credit cards for payment though some lower-priced companies do not. top

What's the difference between bareboats and crewed yachts?
You operate a bareboat by yourselves, or hire a captain if necessary. Bareboats are just that - bare. No food, no floating sun mats, CD's or movies while crewed yachts have a permanent crew and many items are included in the price. top

How do I find out if I'm qualified to bareboat?
Bareboat companies want to see some experience in similar sized yachts or lots of experience in smaller yachts. For most charter areas including New Zealand you don't need "bareboat certification" though this would help if you are relatively new to boating and sailing. In some overseas areas a "sailing license" may be required. top

If I'm not qualified, can I hire a captain?
Absolutely! In fact, if you're not qualified the charter company will insist that you do. All bareboat charter agreements state that the company has the right to put a captain aboard at your expense if the base manager feels this is necessary after he meets you and evaluates your skills. top

Can I charter one-way?
Some companies permit one-way charters but it generally costs much more. The company will have to send a crew to return the yacht and will lose charter days while doing so. In most cases you're better off chartering for an extra day or two, returning the yacht yourself. This way you'll get extra sailing time and probably won't pay any more than you would for the one-way drop-off. top

What's included in the rental fee?
Your bareboat charter cost covers the boat only. Most companies include a dinghy with outboard. Check ahead to see if the company you're hiring from includes a dinging in the overall cost. Many companies require you to take out damage insurance (typically to per day) or if they don't a hefty damage deposit is required. top

Should we bring the kids?
Kids are seldom bored on charter. They really get into the sailing and particularly the snorkeling and playing on the beach. We'd advise leaving really young kids at home, though. Those 5 and under who don't know the word "No" could be in danger of catching fingers in winches, etc. Get comfortable floatation vests for all young children - something they won't mind wearing. top

What should I pack?
In general, dress in layers, with spare warm cloths and bring plenty of sun protection. top

Here is a non-exhaustive list of important items to take with you:

• Sunglasses
• Hat (warm and to keep sun off)
• Sunscreen (New Zealand's sun can be very harsh)
• Wind and waterproof jacket
• Fleece Pullover
• Plenty of fresh Water
• Snacks
• Waterproof Camera
• Comfortable non-slip, non-marking soft soled, shoes, such as boat shoes or sneakers
• Pack an extra flashlight
• Your own binoculars
• Hand-held VHF and a hand-held GPS, if you have them

What if I have to cancel my trip?
Most companies have a relatively affordable cancellation charge (0 to 0) if you cancel more than 60-90 days before the start of your charter. After that, you usually lose your entire deposit if you have to cancel. Check with the charter company that you intend to charter with and make sure you understand their cancellation terms. Ask about trip cancellation insurance as well, which under certain circumstances would take care of any such penalties. top

Am I responsible for damage?
You are responsible for any damage or loss to the vessel during the term of your charter. This liability applies even if you hire a captain as he is considered your employee, not the company's. Most companies limit your liability to the amount of the insurance deductible on the yacht and may require a security deposit equal to or less than this figure. Most companies also offer you additional insurance and some even make it mandatory. It reduces your liability further and in some cases provides full coverage. Make sure that you understand the insurance offered and the liability you assume. Insurance does not cover damage caused by extreme negligence. Examples of extreme negligence include sailing into prohibited areas, sailing after dark (unless permitted), and operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. top

How can I be reached in an emergency?
All vessels have VHF radios and many areas have marine telephone operators that can contact you through your VHF. You can of course bring along your own cell phone. Calls from the British Virgin Islands back to the USA can be very expensive. Always get the local phone number of the charter base and leave this as an emergency contact number, and call home periodically from a landline if you need to keep in touch. In many areas, purchasing a phone card from the local phone company is often the most economical way of making calls. top

What's on board the boat?
Everything needed to sail it, anchor it and operate it, but not much else. Some yachts have dinghies with outboard motors and most companies provide you with snorkeling equipment including mask, fins and snorkel. The galley is fully equipped including hot and cold running water and refrigeration. Most yachts include towels, sheets and bedding. Most vessels do NOT include 110-volt electricity, air conditioning, TV/VCR, video or audiotapes or CD's, floating sun mats, fishing gear, cleaning supplies or any "toys". In other charter areas your boat may not be nearly as well equipped, so make sure that you know what to expect. top

What about food and drinks?
Almost all charter companies provide an optional provisioning service and will have food and drinks delivered right to the yacht for you. You can also arrange provisioning directly with a provisioning service or shop for your own food upon arrival. top

Can I sail after dark?
In most cases insurance regulations do not permit you to sail after dark. Exceptions are made in some areas for purposes of making a night crossing in order to make a daylight landfall. top

Can I scuba dive?
Nearly all companies will permit you to carry scuba equipment aboard your vessel. Check with your company to find out if there are any restrictions before making your reservation if scuba is important to you. Most companies will arrange for rental gear to be delivered to the yacht. top

What about extra "toys"?
Many companies can help you to arrange for windsurfers, wind gliders or kayaks to be delivered to your yacht prior to the charter. You can also arrange rentals yourself. Note however that such equipment can get in the way while you are sailing and that in some areas, you can rent such toys by the day, which might be the better way to go. top

Who do I contact if I can't find the answer to my question?
If we have not addressed your important question, click here to send us your question. We'll either answer it ourselves or pass it along to someone who can. And we may add your question to this section if we think others might want to know the answer as well.  top