Yacht Charter Preparation: Top Tips to Avoid Problems and Save Money
Sailing tips · Yacht charter · Part 1
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.
In short
Good yacht charter preparation starts at check-in: take time to learn how the yacht works, find the safety equipment, and record any existing damage with time-stamped photos. Once you’re under way, keep the deck clear of loose lines, give each crew member clear jobs, secure everything below, avoid over-revving the engine, and handle the sails with care. It all helps you avoid problems and protect your security deposit.
5
key areas to check on your charter
2
parts in Chris’s charter guide
Head to wind
before you raise the sails
Time-stamped
photos to record the yacht’s condition
On this page
Check-in
Essential steps when you arrive
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.
Safety
Safety gear essentials
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.
Before you leave
Pre-flight checklist for a safe start
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.
Under power
Engine and motoring tips
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.
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.
Under sail
How to handle sails safely
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.
A final word
Prepare well, sail happy
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
Part 2 is here
Read Practical Yacht Charter Tips: Expert Advice for Safe Sailing for Chris’s advice on batteries, the dinghy, anchoring, instruments, harbour manoeuvres, and good housekeeping.
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Common questions
Yacht charter preparation: your questions answered
What should I check when I pick up a charter yacht?
Take time over the check-in: learn how the yacht works, including the sail plan, engine, and isolation and trip switches, and find all the safety equipment. Walk around the yacht, note any damage on the check-in sheet or app, and take a time-stamped video or photos.
How can I protect my security deposit on a yacht charter?
Record the yacht’s condition at check-in, keep the deck clear of loose lines that could foul the prop, avoid over-revving the engine, and don’t force winches or let the sails flog.
What should I do if the engine alarm sounds?
Stop the engine and investigate. It often means a blocked water intake or overheating, or a charging problem such as a failed fan belt or alternator.
Is there a part 2 to these tips?
Yes. Practical Yacht Charter Tips covers batteries, dinghy care, anchoring, instruments, harbour manoeuvres, and housekeeping.
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