3 Pitfalls To Avoid Before Booking Your Yacht Charter
Booking a yacht charter can be an exciting experience, but it requires careful planning to avoid potential pitfalls.
Here are three critical mistakes to steer clear of before finalizing your booking:
Ensure the Yacht is Registered for Commercial Charters
Safety should always be a top priority when selecting a yacht. Yachts registered for commercial charters undergo stringent safety inspections, ensuring they meet the highest standards. To verify this, check the yacht’s registration number:
- SZ: Indicates a private yacht.
- SZH: Denotes a yacht registered for hire and suitable for commercial charters.
Booking a private yacht (with an SZ registration) for commercial purposes is not only unsafe but also illegal. Always confirm the registration details to ensure your safety and compliance with regulations.
Consider Wet Weather Suitability
Weather at sea can be unpredictable, and most yacht operators do not allow rescheduling unless conditions are deemed unsafe for sailing. To make your trip enjoyable regardless of the weather:
- Look for yachts with ample sheltered spaces, such as a large saloon or a spacious flybridge (a covered upper deck).
- Don’t rely solely on photos, as they can be misleading. Whenever possible, inspect the yacht in person to confirm its suitability.
By choosing a yacht with adequate shelter, you can still enjoy your trip even if it rains.
Review Cancellation Policies
Life is unpredictable, and plans may change. Understanding the cancellation policy of your chosen charter operator is essential:
- Look for flexible policies that allow cancellations up to a certain number of days before the trip.
- Check whether costs for add-ons like BBQ food, drinks, or water activities will also be refunded in case of cancellation.
- Avoid operators with overly strict policies that could result in significant financial loss.
Reading and understanding the fine print of cancellation terms will save you from unexpected fees or disputes.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Sailing Experience
Prepare for Seasickness: Even experienced sailors can feel queasy at sea. Over-the-counter remedies like Novomin (available at Guardian or Watsons pharmacies) are effective. Alternatively, consider seasick bracelets for non-medicinal relief.
We at Wanderlust Adventures want you to have the best day out at sea. That’s why we offer amazing perks when you become a member:
- Free Seasickness Bracelet: Sign up today and get one on us!
- Free Membership + $50 in WanderMiles: New members receive 5,000 WanderMiles (worth $50) to use toward your charter.
- Earn as You Spend: Get WanderMiles for every dollar you spend on charters.
- Guaranteed Yacht Replacement: In the rare event your chosen yacht is unavailable, we guarantee a similar or better replacement.
- Price Matching: Found a better price elsewhere for the same yacht? We’ll refund the difference!
Sign up now and get ready for unforgettable, worry-free yachting adventures with Wanderlust Adventures!