Want to get away on a yacht? Want to set sail with friends and family?
In recent years, yacht catering has taken the vacationing industry by storm. From gatherings to traveling, there are so many things to do for fun on a yacht.
However, there are certain things that you can and can’t do on a yacht. In fact, some activities and mistakes need to be avoided in order to get the best experience possible.
Here are 8 mistakes to avoid when chartering a yacht:
Ignoring The “Bare Foot” Rule
“Being barefoot on a yacht is more than just taking your shoes off for leisure,” says Jesse Williams, a sailing blogger at Paperfellows and Assignment Help. “Moreover, there is a reason why you’ll need to be barefoot on the yacht. Many yachts have a rule that shoes need to stay outside the cabin, and not on the deck, so that shoes don’t leave any scuffmarks or dents on the floor. If shoes are allowed on the yacht, then they’ll need to be soft-soled ‘boat shoes.’”
Breaching Boundaries
The crew needs to have their own boundaries. Invading their space without an invitation can disrupt their work. The same is true for the kitchen.
If you need something like food or drink, most yachts provide mini fridges in the guest areas. You can always ask a crew member for these items, whenever you need them.
Smoking On The Yacht
If you’re a smoker, then you may want to take note of this point.
On most yachts, you’re not allowed to smoke inside the cabin. While there may be designated smoking areas on deck, you still need to be careful when smoking on the yacht. Prior to chartering the yacht, make sure that you have the all-clear from the yacht crew and host.
Not Checking The VHF Radio
Believe it or not, the VHF radio is 100% important to have on the yacht. You’ll need to educate yourself on what channel the radio works on, which you can learn at the charter briefing. The briefing will let you know what situations warrant a call to the Coast Guard – a serious injury, severe illness, a fire, etc. You can also gain local knowledge from Sea Tow or Towboat US.
By checking the VHF radio prior to your voyage, you, your guests, and the crew will have help on standby whenever something happens.
Not Knowing The VHF Rules
In addition, keep in mind the VHF rules. Some of the rules go as follows:
- Don’t abuse Channel 16. This channel is for hailing and distress ONLY.
- Switch to a different channel only to inform your charter buddy boat you’re entering the anchorage. During anchorage, switch your VHF to 1W (low power)
- Switch the VHF back to 25W (high power) when you’re underway.
- Be sure to check if any local anchorages have unofficial designated channels. AND,
- Know the necessary channels before you go on your voyage.
Not Checking The Yacht Batteries
Like any form of transportation, yachts need to be powered by batteries. The boat’s batteries are responsible for running the following:
- The lights
- The electronics
- The fridges
- The computers
- The winches, etc.
When the batteries are low, your yacht will eventually run out of power. You wouldn’t want to run out of power when you and the crew are in the middle of the ocean.
So, make sure that the yacht stays at least 60% charged at all times.
Not Having Enough Water For The Trip
Water is essential for all kinds of travel, including yacht. That’s why you’ll need to check to see if the yacht has enough water supply for the following:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Showering
- Grooming, etc.
Plus, don’t let the water run. It’s just like how you would do things at home.
Not Having Necessary Documentation
“Like any form of travel, you’ll need to have some sort of documentation that proves your identity, your residence, etc.,” says Sven Walters, a writer at Oxessays and Best Essay Services. “This is especially imperative, if you’re taking a yacht outside US waters. In that case, you’ll even need a valid passport on your person. And, it pays to double check to make sure that you have documentation on hand to avoid conflict with law enforcement.”
Conclusion
All of the above mistakes can be avoided just by using common sense. By doing everything you can to avoid said mistakes, your yacht charter will be a success!
Happy travels!
Emily Henry is a writer and editor at UK Writings and Academized. She is also a tutor and a contributing writer at Boomessays.com. As a content writer, she writes articles about sailing, vacationing, and tech trends.
