The following suggestions may be useful in helping you enjoy your time on board in the best possible way.

Clothing

If you are chartering a small boat then dress will certainly be informal and practicality is fundamental. Remember to pack waterproofs. On a more prestigious boat the dress code need not be limited to informal. However, soft luggage is preferable to rigid, being much more easily stowed.

Water sports

One of the great joys of chartering is enjoying water sports whenever you want. We suggest you do this with utmost pleasure but always with great care, for your safety and for those nearby. A special note concerning jet ski and water ski: Be extra careful not to ski near the coast and, in particular, near to crowded beaches or other yachts. This is highly dangerous, not to mention irritating. Many countries have now introduced strict laws concerning the above.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving needs great care. Many of the numerous yachts with diving facilities also impose restrictions regarding use. Generally speaking a PADI certificate or equivalent will be required. There are areas where diving is not permitted. Remember, too, that diving is as wonderful as it is dangerous. Follow safety guidelines and, if possible, take out personal insurance, as this type of activity is rarely covered by yacht insurance. Check which equipment is available on each yacht.

Smoking

Normally, for safety reasons, smoking is only allowed on deck, but in a number of cases it is also permitted in the dinette.

Drugs and weapons

All drugs and weapons are illegal on board and possession will automatically result in contract termination with no right to reimbursement, and the appropriate authority being contacted.

Tips

We are often asked how much a crew should be tipped. It is difficult to answer as much depends on the service received. However, it is worth remembering that your crew works more than you might imagine. You may have decided to go to bed extremely late, for example, but the crew will be in action before the first guest wakes the next day. The best advice we can give is to allow 10% (approx.) of the rental cost for an optimal crew service. We consider this fair. We suggest that this sum be deposited with the Captain who may then distribute it fairly among the crew.