Check-in Time for Yacht Charter?
Our Tips and Advice on Check-in Time for Yacht Charter
Check-In for a Bareboat Sailing Holiday
Check-In Time for Yacht Charter
Check-in Time for Yacht Charter is typically 5pm, occasionally 6pm and sometimes midday. It’s important to note your yacht is likely to be ready for boarding before this time, you will be able to get a better idea from base staff on the day. A charter operator will always try to get you sailing at the very earliest opportunity, they are a keen to see you gone as you are to be sailing.
What Governs Check-In Time for Yacht Charter?
Check-In Time for Yacht Charter is governed by your yacht charter agreement. This is an important document that you often don’t see until you are at the base checking in.
What if my Charter Company Misses the Check-In Time for Yacht Charter Deadline?
Missed Check-In Time. Should your operator fail to get your boat threough check-in to you by the contracted time, you will nearly always be entitled to some sort of compensation. For many guests, no amount of compensation can make up for not being about to complete a well designed and prepared route, yet like airlines, each week a number of charters will not be completed and check-in on time.
What Does the “Check-In Time for Yacht Charter” Really Mean? Can I Check-in Early?
Almost every charterer aims to leave the base on the same day, but it cannot be guaranteed. Some Yacht Charter Operators offer an early check-in service for a fee. This simply means that your boat is prioritised for cleaning and maintenance. Even then, nothing can be guaranteed, if your operator failed to meet the early check-in time, you will not be billed.
What Factors to be Taken into Consideration When Deciding to Leave the Base?
Having got your check-in out of the way, it’s still not guaranteed you can leave your berth. On each and every occasion the base will be communicating with you. The factors are worth knowing since any plan that riles on leaving the base on Saturday is fraught with risk. Here are the factors that will need to be taken into account:
-
What time is sunset in that area of the world? Remember in the Caribbean, it’s typically between 6pm and 7pm all year round, whereas it can be as late as 9pm in the Mediterranean giving you more time.
-
Have you completed all that you need to do? The first day of a charter holiday can be hectic for many reasons. If you are self-catering, you might still need groceries, or you’re waiting for a delayed passenger.
-
Once slipped, is there somewhere close enough for you to reach – and importantly moor – by nightfall. Remember in sailing to allow some contingency time in your plans and that sailing at night is forbidden by most charter operators.
You can sometimes sail before this and our connections with the charter companies will allow us to give advice on this subject, but first of all, we need a plan. Please read this blog to get our Tips and Advice on Check-in Time for Yacht Charter
Everyone will have a slightly different agenda, your decisions will be based on many factors – here are a few facts to take into account when considering check-in time for Yacht Charter.
-
Victualling (Provisioning). Unless you have requested crew or are using a provisioning service, at the very least, you will want to ensure you have some drinks and light snacks on board.
-
Chart Brief. Carried out differently depending on fleet operators, unless you are very familiar with the waters in which you are about to sail, the skipper and navigator will need to get a good briefing from the local staff.
-
Safety Brief. There should be two. One given to you by the charter operator and the one you give to your crew at before sailing or spending the night on board.
Tips and Advice on Check-in Time for Yacht Charter
If You Want To Sail Away
Our advice to clients who are looking to take advantage of every moment
When you check-in for a bareboat sailing holiday you will be given a specific time. Please bear in mind that your official check-in time is likely to be late afternoon.
This is because the operators have only disembarked last weeks clients at around 9 am. This only gives them a few hours to inspect the yachts for damage, make repairs and clean the boats for you.
That being said, like any good hotel, they will allow you to take the boat once it is ready, in fact, they actually rely on clients taking their boats as soon as they are ready, as they could not administrate every yacht at 5 pm.
Our advice is to let us know that you are looking to get away as early as you can (understanding that this may not be able to and will end up waiting around a little). We will check to see if the yacht has been booked the week before, if it hasn’t, you will know that there is a good chance of an early getaway.
If You’re More Relaxed Or Go With The Flow
For many, it’s about reducing the stress levels on day one.
We know that some yachts are charted from very nice places and very nice marinas. For many people, they have already planned in advance not to sail on the first afternoon and enjoy the location of the boat, particularly if it’s a one-way charter. Making the check-in for a bareboat sailing holiday an easy task.
In this case, try to arrive 2 or 3 hours before your check-in time, less if you have already got your provisions. Use this time to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Try to call the base on the day and find out where your yacht is in the queue to be cleaned and if there is any anticipated delay.
Advice for All
This is an extremely busy day for charter fleets.
Remember when you check-in for a bareboat sailing holiday the boat, unlike hotel rooms, are not perfect, the previous week’s charter may not have gone well, and you may experience a late check-in.
After a long day or two of travelling, spending a lot of money and often with others looking to you as the organiser, things can be a little stressful if you are not prepared.
It’s best to have more than one plan for the first day and to lower the expectations of the more ambitious in your crew.
The fact is, most charters are handed over much earlier than stated and without any issue whatsoever, but having thought through the other possibilities, will make you more prepared if you are one of the unfortunate few.
Finally, we repeat one of the pieces of advice from earlier, it is best to try and communicate with the base on the day, particularly if there is somewhere more comfortable you could be.
Yes it will be busy and they may not always be able to give you any extra information, but any information you do get will no doubt make your day more relaxing when dealing with check-in time for yacht charter.
Amazing Sailing Experiences
Our Amazing Customers
-
Great family vacation.
I didn't think sailing with my family would be so much fun...
Sailing for the first time.
USA
-
USA
I recommendate them !Everything went smooth, the paper processing, special requests and the specs of tht check-in procedure. Boat was also in good shape, so no complaints and a worry free holiday...
We had a great experience with booking through sailchecker.
<read more> -
United Kingdom
Great service from Kate.Informative and looked for the best value for our family. Very good customer service on this side and in Greece. Great boat and skipper...
Fantastic holiday from start to finish.
<read more> -
Very professional outfit!
They were very responsive and very quick to answer questions via email and instant chat. They had extensive knowledge of the area...
We will most definitely use their services for our next bareboat sailing vacation.
<read more>
USA
-
Sail checker were professional from start to finish - we wouldn’t book through anyone else!Sailchecker were professional from start to finish - and were awesome dealing with a problem! Our first Yacht had serious issues and sail checker helped us to resolve it...
They are easy to deal with, straightforward and honest and I would recommend them to anyone planning a charter holiday.
<read more>
UK
-
Coronavirus pandemic support has been brilliant!During the Coronavirus pandemic, Kate and her colleagues at Sailchecker have performed brilliantly. They have been considerate and highly efficient in re-organising our Turkey charter and also provided lots of assistance in getting our Yacht Security Deposit insurance policy transferred to match our revised charter dates.
Truly worthy of a 5 star rating!
<read more>UK
-
Sailing is the perfect family holiday.Would I go sailing again? OMG yes! Sailing is the perfect family holiday. Boys loved the activities, I enjoy relaxing as well...
Sailchecker.com arranged a sailing cruise her family of 2 sons, daughter & hubby in the BVI with their own.
USA
-
 Thank you sooo much!Arranged for 6 friends to sail Spring Break in the British Virgin Islands for under $500 each.
USA
-
We had an absolute blast !!All bookings and confirmations was always accurate with no delays. Our boat was also fabulously maintained and the Skipper new the area extremely well...
Everything was down to the tee.
<read more>
Netherlands
Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 215 reviews on Trustpilot
Have you ever been through check-in for a bareboat charter? Got a story to tell us!
We’re Happy to Answer Any Yacht Charter & Sailing Question
Leave us a quick question here, or call your local office, the numbers are located in the footer below. Why not arrange a call back?
