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| Caribbean Sailing Articles |
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Charter Sailing - Getting Started
Check to make sure your provisions arrived on time, if you ordered any. Some companies offer a "starter's kit," a package of consumables such as toilet paper, paper towels, liquid dish soap, shampoo, etc, but you should prepare your own in case these run out. Finally, check to see if all members of your crew are present. Begin planning the sailing vacation of your dreams by choosing a location you'd like to visit. Fun places abound in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, ranging from bustling cities filled with tourists and upscale resorts to quiet little island chains populated by friendly native residents to secluded areas populated only by birds and lizards. Whether you desire a family trip full of swimming and fishing, a romantic getaway spent exploring small islands, or an extended, fun-filled cruise with all your friends, these directories will help you with your search for the perfect match. When you find the desired place for your holiday, use the directories to search for a chartering company that offers services there. The size and type of the boat depends on what kind of vacation you had in mind. Browse through packages and dates until you find a one you prefer at the price you budgeted. A package usually consists of such elements as a type of boat at a certain size, what accommodations you prefer, how long you plan to use the boat, with or without a crew, and a certain traveling distance and locations. Your vacation may last anywhere from three days to twelve days, the most common being a one-week cruise. Sailing charter websites usually provide an easy online system for reservations. You might be asked to pay a deposit with your credit card, which can be refunded if you cancel within a certain period before your reservation. Contact information can be found on the websites if you prefer to make your reservation by phone. You should consider talking to a representative before you make your final booking, to go over your chartering agreement, in case you have inquiries the websites do not answer or if the websites are outdated. You will be required to sign a contract and either mail or fax it to the chartering company. Depending on if you want to charter a vessel bareboat (without a captain or crew), you might need to mail in a sailing resume as well, detailing your experience and any courses you have taken. |
