Question 1

Can SOFIA be rented with or without a skipper?

Accepted Answer

You can charter SOFIA bareboat (you skipper) if you hold the relevant sailing licence, or hire a professional skipper alongside the yacht. The choice is yours when you request the quote.

Question 2

What sailing licence do I need to charter SOFIA?

Accepted Answer

Bareboat charter typically requires a recognised sailing licence (RYA Day Skipper, ICC, ASA, or equivalent) plus a VHF radio licence. The exact requirements depend on the country of charter, we confirm with the operator when you enquire.

Question 3

What's included in the charter price?

Accepted Answer

The charter fee covers the yacht, standard equipment, and insurance for the dates booked. Tourist tax, transit log (final cleaning + bed linen), fuel, food, marina fees during the trip, and any optional extras (skipper, paddle board, etc.) are normally extra and paid at the base.

Question 4

What additional costs should I expect at the base?

Accepted Answer

Typical mandatory extras are the transit log (often €200–€350), tourist tax (a small per-person-per-day fee), and a refundable security deposit (often €1,500–€5,000 depending on the yacht). Optional extras like a skipper, hostess, paddle board, or early check-in are listed on the quote.

Question 5

How does the security deposit work?

Accepted Answer

The deposit is held by the operator at check-in (usually card pre-authorisation) and refunded after check-out if the yacht is returned without damage. Many operators offer a deposit-waiver insurance product that reduces the held amount in exchange for a smaller non-refundable premium.

Question 6

Can I cancel my charter booking?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation terms vary by operator. Most allow cancellation with a full refund if requested more than 60–90 days before the start date, with progressive penalties closer to departure. Some operators offer a flexible-cancellation insurance product when you book.

Question 7

Is the yacht insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes: every yacht is insured by the operator against damage and third-party liability. The insurance covers the yacht itself; personal effects and trip cancellation are not covered and are worth insuring separately.

Question 8

What documents do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

You'll need your passport, sailing licence (if chartering bareboat), VHF radio licence, and proof of payment. The operator will send a check-in form ahead of time covering crew details and any special requests.

Question 9

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Charter fees are normally paid by bank transfer in advance (often a 50% deposit at booking, balance 30 days before charter). On-base extras are usually paid by card or in cash.

Question 10

Bareboat or skippered, which suits our crew?

Accepted Answer

Bareboat is for crews with at least one experienced skipper (RYA Day Skipper / ICC level) plus a co-skipper, and a track record of similar passages. Skippered charters add a professional skipper for typically £150-£250 per day, recommended if anyone in your group is light on Mediterranean experience, if you want a relaxed week without responsibility, or if the area is new to you. You can also hire a hostess (cook + cabin help) on top.

Question 11

Can we sail to a neighbouring country during the charter?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, with the operator's written consent and the right paperwork. Common cross-borders: Croatia → Montenegro, Greece → Turkey, BVI → USVI. Most operators charge a one-off cruising-permit fee (typically €100–€300) and need 4–8 weeks' notice. Tell us at quote time and we'll arrange it: spontaneous border-crossing during the trip usually isn't allowed.

Question 12

Do I need travel insurance on top of the charter insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The yacht is insured by the operator for damage and third-party liability, but that doesn't cover you. Charter cancellation insurance (typically 4–5% of the charter fee) covers you if you have to cancel last-minute; standard travel insurance covers medical, flight, and personal-effects loss. We can recommend a UK broker that bundles both.

Question 13

What happens if there's bad weather on the day?

Accepted Answer

For day-to-day weather you'll plan the week to avoid the worst: the Adriatic and Aegean have very predictable wind patterns. If a serious storm makes the start-day handover impossible, the operator delays check-in until conditions improve and refunds any lost days. The yacht itself is insured against weather damage, so you're not exposed.

Question 14

Can I hold this yacht while I decide?

Accepted Answer

Yes: an option holds the yacht in your name for typically 48–72 hours at no cost. Useful if you're waiting on the rest of the crew to confirm, comparing it against another yacht, or sorting flights. Ask us when you enquire and we'll arrange the option with the operator.

SOFIA (Sun Odyssey 479)

Three yachts to weigh against this one

Odysseus

KNOT

Kepi