7 Tips for a Successful Charter

There is no question that a charter vacation to a sunny destination can be life changing — and at the least the antidote to a long winter. The freedom, sense of adventure and never-ending night sky can make you never want to visit an all-inclusive again. Here are some tips to make your first charter experience smooth sailing.

1. Consider Using a Broker

Depending on the destination you are looking at, there could be a dozen or more charter companies from which to choose. The advantage of using brokers is that they are knowledgeable about all boats across all companies. They can be helpful in finding the perfect model, configuration and amenities that are important to your specific needs. They can also be helpful in getting a good price on a boat that might be a few years older, but is in excellent condition. You gain their expertise and you can still take advantage of any discounts that the charter company would offer you if you were to deal with them directly. Win-win.

2. Provision Ahead of Time

Many charter companies offer a provisioning service based on number of crew. In our experience, looking at a local provisioning company that you can order from online is a better option. Most online provisioning companies are grocery stores with extensive items to choose from. You can decide if you want to do a full or partial meal plan, order specific items for different people in your group or special-order any items that might be required for dietary needs. Some provisioning companies also specialize in alcohol. Ordering refreshments in advance can often be less expensive, not to mention when you arrive at your boat after a long day of traveling, you’ll have a nice cold beer waiting for you.

3. Make a Loose Itinerary

The beauty of a yachting vacation is the freedom on the open sea so we strongly suggest keeping itineraries ‘loose’ and seeing where the wind takes you. That said, doing some research on potential stops and the amenities at each one can be helpful in preparing for your adventure. If you plan to stop at a few restaurants, you can provision for fewer meals. If your stops have a grocery store, you can purchase smaller containers of things like milk, which tend not to last quite as long with unpredictable refrigeration. It’s also a good idea to ensure you have adequate water, fuel and room left in your holding tank for the duration of your charter.

4. Order Gear Ahead of Time

On our first charter, we brought much of our own gear, but many charter companies can provision for that as well. Fishing gear, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, even pool noodles are often available for order online. Just book what you’d like, and it’ll be on your boat when you arrive and picked up when you disembark.

5. Pack Using a Rolling Duffel

There are many about opinions on what kind of bag to use when planning a charter. The consensus was to use a small duffel bag that is easily stowed and will keep guests focused on packing the essentials. There is plenty of room to stow a soft, rolling duffel bag on most charter boats. Depending on your destination, there could be lots of walking, ferries and customs lines where you would be grateful to have a set of wheels to pull instead of carrying everything on your back.

6. Pack Only the Essentials

This is a tough one for most people, but when it comes to a yachting vacation, less truly is more. Veterans say to take a pile of what you think you’ll need and then cut it in half. Bring a small container of eco-friendly laundry detergent, just in case.

7. Download Navigation Apps In Advance

Many charter companies are encouraging the use of tablets as a navigation tool. Download navigation software in advance and familiarize yourself with it beforehand. Ask the charter company or broker for details on what software to use when confirming the booking. Carry the tablet in a durable, water-resistant case.