Yacht Charter Preparation: Top Tips to Avoid Problems and Save Money

By Chris Lorenzo, Managing Director of Seafarer Holidays

As charter operators, you and I know the difference between good charterers and bad. As a client, you’re entitled to expect the yacht you receive at the start of your holiday to be in a good condition.

Following proper yacht charter preparation tips ensures that everything works well and sets the stage for a smooth sailing experience. In order to ensure this happens, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes.

Unfortunately, some charterers make this task difficult. Charter yachts work hard over a summer season, with charters often back to back. There are usually just a few hours between departure and the next arrival to ensure everything is clean and ship-shape.

Here are some basic tips to follow as part of your yacht charter checklist, to ensure you avoid unnecessary problems. They should also help keep your security deposit safe.

On arrival, ensure you have enough time for a comprehensive check-in from the base staff. Every yacht is different, so:

• Familiarise yourself with how things work as part of your yacht charter preparation tips to avoid potential problems.
• Fully understand the sail plan and which lines control different functions.
• Learn how to start and stop the engine, including any preheating requirements.
• Identify the locations of:
  • Fuel and electrical isolation switches.
  • Trip switches for equipment such as the windlass as part of your yacht charter checklist.

Make sure you’re familiar with all the safety equipment, including:

• Lifejackets and lifelines,
• Fire extinguishers,
• The first aid kit,
• Life raft, and
• Safety items like bolt cutters and the emergency tiller, as part of your yacht charter preparation.

If weather permits, ask the check-in staff to raise or unfurl the sails so you can check their condition.

Inspect the yacht thoroughly:

• Walk around to check for scratches on the hull and toe rail.
• Look for bent stanchion posts, the pushpit, or pullpit.
• Note any damage on your check-in sheet or app, similar to a car hire process.
• Take a time-stamped video or photos on your phone for documentation.

During your yacht charter preparation, make it a standard routine to check your deck for loose lines. These can quickly find their way into the water and around your prop if left unattended. Forgetting a mooring line on a forward cleat, for example, can easily foul your prop and damage your transmission.

What’s more, these things always seem to happen at the worst possible moment. Always take the time to check for loose lines and make sure they’re secured or put away. This includes things like jib sheets and furling lines.

Most of us charter with friends or family we’ve sailed with before. This probably means you know who is good at what. If you’re sailing with a crew for the first time, check who has sailed before. This way, you’ll know what they can or can’t do.

From the very first day, allocate specific responsibilities and tasks because you’re going to need help out there. This starts from the moment you leave harbour. You’re probably going to need someone for the lazy line or windlass, and perhaps someone for a roving fender. You’ll also need someone to drop or gather in mooring lines as you’re leaving the harbour.

Down below, check that all doors are secured and cabinets and drawers are closed. Anything that can potentially go flying across a cabin when the yacht heels over should be put away or secured.  Following these yacht safety checklist tips can prevent unnecessary problems during your trip.

Don’t over-rev your engine. Pushing the engine too hard will cause it to overheat, potentially leading to serious damage. You will also waste an unnecessary amount of fuel for very little gain.

I recommend you use your sails whenever possible. Let’s not forget that your sails are your primary means of propulsion. Your engine is actually classified as an auxiliary one. Besides, if you sail more, you’ll save fuel and enjoy yourself with a decent wind. On our flotillas, there is even a discount voucher for the yacht that uses the least fuel in each flotilla.

When motoring, follow these yacht motoring tips:

• Be aware of the engine sound. A sudden change in tone could indicate something is wrong.
• Listen for engine alarms and check the panel regularly for red warning lights.
• If the alarm sounds, stop the engine and investigate. It often indicates a blocked water intake or overheating.
• Alternatively, the alarm could signal a charging issue caused by a fan belt failure or alternator problem.

If the engine alarm does sound, it probably means your water intake is blocked, and the engine is beginning to overheat. You need to stop the engine and investigate. Alternatively, an alarm may sound if there is a charging problem, possibly caused by a fan belt failing or an alternator issue.

As part of your yacht charter preparation, make sure you pre-plan the exercise when you’re about to raise or deploy your sails. Allocate tasks to your crew and bring the boat head to wind before raising or deploying sails.

When winching, if you’re encountering difficulty or undue resistance, it probably means something is caught or you haven’t released a jammer. Forcing things in this way is likely to cause damage and lead to costly repairs.

Don’t allow your sails to flog for extended periods. In strong winds, flogging sails can quickly be damaged. If left longer, they could tear or end up in tatters. Following these sail handling tips helps prevent unnecessary problems while ensuring safe sailing.

Proper yacht charter preparation ensures a safer and more enjoyable sailing experience. By following these tips, you can avoid common issues and protect your security deposit. Remember to assign responsibilities, inspect the yacht thoroughly, and handle equipment with care.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore advanced techniques and additional insights to enhance your charter experience.

Happy sailing!

Chris Lorenzo, Managing Director