Yacht charter unwritten rules
A yacht may seem like your own piece of heaven. But do have in mind that you're surrounded by many other pieces of heaven. There is nothing more annoying than getting disturbed on your holiday. Most boaters love this type of vacation for the same reasons:
- some alone time
- privacy
- quiet time
- relax and distress
Perhaps it may seem you can do nothing wrong. The best is not to do to others, what you would want somebody to do to you.
So, here's a quick guide for boating beginners on how to act on board a boat.
If your idea of a wonderful holiday includes enjoying and pampering yourself, perhaps the perfect boat rental for you would be a crewed motor yacht. Motor yachts have that luxurious feel of a boutique hotel, and the crew will be at your disposal 24/7. Sounds good?
Stick to the law
Before you decide to bareboat make sure that you know the law. It is not just rules of conduct on the water. You can get in real trouble if you break it. This will save you time and money. For example, if you get caught speeding, you'll have to pay a substantial fine.
Here are some basic instructions:
- maintain a proper distance from the shoreline. You just can never know if a diver or a swimmer is going deeper into the sea;
- no speeding, watch your speed while entering a port;
- have a valid license. This means that the license is up to date and the category fits the boat you plan to rent.
Envisioning a more active holiday? Consider picking a sailboat for your vacation. Action and some rest. They really combine the best of both worlds.
Keep distance on anchor
When you find that perfect bay to spend the night in. Give other boaters some space. Nobody is here to look at another boat. If you can hear each other talking, you are definitely too close. You would not like waking up in the morning, your first look is not clear turquoises see, white clouds resting on the blue sky, but your neighbor having breakfast. With the exception, it's a really cute neighbor.
Fueling
Boat gas stations are rare, so watch carefully your tank level. When it's time to fuel up, probably you are not the only one, so stand in the line and wait your turn. Once docked at the gas station, fill up, pay and go. The gas station dock is not a mooring place. You may feel tempted to go for some grocery shopping or have a coffee, but it would be just rude to the people waiting their turn.
Planing a fishing trip? A smaller motorboat fully equipped for a fishing adventure is your best choice. Hiring a skipper would be an even better one. Fish tend to hide and locals know where.
Offer help
Be kind, offer help when needed. You just never know when you'll need some. For example, cooking lunch and realizing you have forgotten some essentials? The first shop is miles away. Shout out to the nearest boat. I'm sure they will be glad to help. Sometimes it's something small, sometimes it's something big. On the water, the best is to treat the boat next to you as your friend and neighbor.
Boat party
There is no party like a boat party. No one will mind a small birthday celebration. But loud music 24/7 is just rude. As said before, boaters more or less all chose this type of vacation for some peace. Even if everybody escapes, and you are left alone in the bay, have in mind, your partying disturbs the wildlife as well. Remember your just visiting, and some poor sea turtle lives here, and perhaps she's not a fan of Lady Gaga.
Yacht chartering
If you are chartering a yacht, wearing shoes inside the boat would be a big no-no. Especially if the flooring is carpet laid. There is no better time for going barefoot than onboard a yacht. The Captain will probably not warn you about it, but it's common practice.
Traveling in groups? Large family? Try a catamaran for your holiday! This double-hull vessel will provide more than enough space for everybody, and some privacy when needed.
Be environment-conscious
When you go grocery shopping, plan to buy bigger volume packaging. This will reduce waste. Make sure you make regular disposal of your waste, so it does not build up. Pick up after yourself. You here for that untouched nature. If you leave it, others will too. In a few years, you all will be wondering what happened to this beautiful destination.
Fishing & diving
If you plan to fish on your holiday. Look up if there are some endangered species. Some water areas can be a part of nature or a national park. Usually, it is completely forbidden to fish or exploit shells. If you do catch a protected species, return it to its habitat unharmed.
A superyacht is the essentially bigger, better, and more luxurious version of a motor yacht. No matter how big, they can only check in 12 guests onboard. The captain, chef, stewardess, and more than a few deckhands will make you feel you're in heaven.
Boating etiquette 101
To conclude, there are some unwritten rules. The French term "etiquette" sums up rules of polite behavior in society, social class, or social group. In this particular case, a group of boaters sailing in the same water area. Following these simple instructions will ensure your boat trip is pleasurable to you and others in your vicinity.
Boat charter and info
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