Basic information

I have never sailed. Is it for me?

Yes! If you have never sailed and you would like to try, our offer is for you. We will advise you on the yacht, the route and we will easily guide you through all formalities. Our skipper will steer the yacht and will show you places no-one has ever seen – and you will enjoy yachting.

Is sailing safe?

Sailing for fun in South Europe is safer than driving a car :). The skipper is qualified, experienced and he/she knows the basin and the yacht well. The type of the cruise is adapted to your capabilities and skills so that you could feel safe and comfortable.

Whom will I sail with?

You can sail with who you want! We rent the entire yacht to one client – we don't sell single cabins or beds. You can sail with your family, your friends or work colleagues. If you decide to sail with a skipper, he will be on board, too. We guarantee the skipper will have expert knowledge, high personal culture and good sense of humour.

Who will be the skipper?

If you don't have proper permissions/licences we offer only professional skippers who know their yacht perfectly, insured and legally working. It guarantees high quality service and safety. Every skipper knows his/her basin perfectly and is an indispensable guide to tourist attractions and local pubs.

How many people can sail?

Of course it depends on the yacht size. We offer yachts for 2 up to 18 people. The most popular yachts have two, three and four cabins for 4 up to 10 people. Each cabin can accommodate two persons on a double bed or a bunk. Two additional places to sleep are often available in the living room (called a mess) on a sofa. Some yachts also have cabins for a single person or two persons, so called skipper cabins – a bit smaller and usually with a separate entrance.

When to sail?

In Europe, the season begins in May and ends at the end of September. After the season, the weather is changeable, and conditions are more challenging for avid sailors. The peak season is in July and August, when prices are the highest and there are many people everywhere. June and May mean a long day and fine weather, good for those who cannot go anywhere beyond holidays. In September, the weather is still fine, water is warmer than in spring, but days are shorter.

Where to sail for the first time?

Croatia is the best for the first time due to a developed infrastructure and a wide range of yachts.

Where dies the cruise begin and end?

Cruises begin and end at the port (base) where the chosen yacht is based. For an additional payment and upon an agreement, you can return the yacht in another base.

How much is it?

The charter cost, port charges, fuel, etc. – all costs excluding accommodation and the trip to the port begin from approx. PLN 800 per person in the economic version. A week on a comfortable yacht with a skipper in the peak season is approx. PLN 2400 per person.

Are yachts insured? What am I responsible for?

Yachts are fully insured in terms of civil liability and Casco. Your responsibility/liability for potential damages is limited to the deposit you pay upon the yacht takeover. Only if you are a skipper, in case of your grave negligence, the insurance company can take so called recourse action after the yacht owner is reimbursed, so it would be good if you take out a skipper insurance.

What would I eat on the yacht?

Yachts have fully equipped kitchens (called a galley). Depending on the yacht size, the kitchen can be equipped differently, but the standard are: fridge, cooker, plates, cutlery and jugs. The bigger and newer the yacht, the better equipment (e.g. oven, microwave oven, dishwasher, freezer, ice cube maker, etc.).

Can I sail with kids?

Of course you can sail with kids – you will have children life vests, you can also request a so called safety net protecting children from falling out (can be additionally paid). Kids love to sail on yachts, you just need to plan a shorter route, otherwise they will get bored.

Can I take my dog/cat with me?

Yes, you can. Sometimes, an additional payment for cleaning is needed in such cases.

Will I get sea sickness?

Everyone can get sea sickness, but is easy extremely rare when you sail recreationally. You just need to plan the route properly to avoid it.

Is there access to the Internet on the yacht?

Most of yachts have Wi-Fi with access to the Internet. This is mostly for free but sometimes it is paid additionally. Using our search engine, you can find yachts with the access to the Internet included in the price.

Is there a bathroom on the yacht?

Yes, all cabin yachts are equipped with bathrooms with showers – one bathroom on smaller yachts up to several on the bigger ones. The more expensive the yacht, the bigger and more comfortable the bathrooms.

Should I have my plates, jugs etc. with me?

Cabin yachts have fully equipped kitchens. You don't have to take: plates, jugs, cutlery, etc. with you. Of course, the more expensive the yacht, the kitchen is better equipped.

Are there bedding and towels available on the yacht?

Bedding and towels are a standard. Sometimes there is an additional charge for washing.

Is there power supply on the yacht?

Most of yachts have 220 V power sockets, but they can be used only in the port (unless we choose a yacht with a power generator). Outside ports, we have 12 V sockets like in cars.

Searching for and selecting a yacht

When to reserve a yacht?

If you are not choosy or you don't plan to sail beyond the season, you can find good LAST MINUTE offers a week before the planned holidays. However, if you are interested in a specific yacht, and in the peak season, you should make the reservation earlier (winter would be the best). Catamarans should be reserved in spring at the latest, because there are not so many of them, and they can be unavailable in summer.

How do I find a yacht suitable for me?

Specify where, when and how many people will sail. Select options in our search engine at the home page. Compare the results, and then clarify your requirements using the search engine on the left.

How do I choose a yacht?

Apart from obvious criteria like number of places, basin, cruise time and price you should consider the following:

• yacht age – the newer, the better equipped and more reliable, but more expensive
• yacht size – the larger, the more comfortable, but more difficult to operate
• water reservoir capacity – larger reservoirs allow you to avoid frequent sailing to the port

Equipment:

• rolled mainsail on sail yachts – comfortable for a less experienced crew, but not reliable,
• batten mainsail on sail yachts – requires more work but is more reliable,
• chart plotter in the cockpit – it's really comfortable,
• bow thruster – useful on larger yachts, not necessary on the smaller ones,
• air-conditioning – sometimes useful in ports, but is not necessary on water,
• heating – it is really useful beyond the season,
• electric toilet – important especially for women (you use it once, you will never have any other),

Additional options:

• dinghy motor – very comfortable, and the cost is low, but it is not necessary,
• deposit insurance – you can really use this option.

How to find a yacht when you know its name?

You just need to enter the name in the fieldModel or namein the search engine on the left and clickSearch

What is a deposit?

A deposit is a securing amount in case of potential damages to the yacht by a client. If the client returns the yacht undamaged, the entire deposit is returned to the him/her. The deposit is usually € 1000 up to 2500. The amount is usually secured at the client credit card account. Sometimes it is paid in cash. If you want to limit the liability for damages to the yacht to a lower amount, you can use a so called deposit insurance, which paid additionally will relieve you of paying the deposit or reduces it to a lower amount.

How to find yachts with a possibility of deposit insurance?

You just need to check a proper option in the yacht search engine on the left inEquipment Options Freebiesand clickSearch

What permissions/licences are required for yacht renting/steering?

You can find the information in descriptions of yachts. In most cases, a yacht skipper (currently marine yacht helmsman) or a senior motor-boating helmsman (currently marine helmsman) licences are a minimum. For smaller yachts, a yacht sailor is sometimes enough. In Croatia, a SRC operator licence is also required. If you are not sure if your licences are enough, contact us.

Can I rent a yacht if I don't have permissions to steer it?

Yes, you can. You just need to hire a skipper who will steer the yacht and will guide you to local attractions. You can order such a service during yacht reservation. It will guarantee you that the yacht will be steered.

How to rent a skipper yacht?

Select an additional serviceProfessional skipper during the reservation. You can enter your requirements for the skipper in the comment box (e.g. if you want a younger skipper or a person speaking a given language). We will try to meet those requirements. The skipper will wait for you on the yacht.

Can I hire my own skipper?

Of course, you can hire your own skipper. But remember that in that case you are the one who is liable to the yacht operator. If your skipper is paid, you should check if he/she works in a given country legally and has a professional skipper insurance.

Will I have to pay for something else apart from renting the yacht?

Apart from renting (chartering) charge, you will have to pay for the preparation of the yacht to the cruise and cleaning afterwards. This charge is usually included in the price called Transit log. Apart from the above, a tourist tax is required in some countries. You can find the information on all additional costs in the yacht description under the price. Apart from the above-mentioned charges, you will have to pay a security deposit before the yacht takeover which is returned after the return of the yacht.

What is Advanced Provisioning Allowance?

APA is a type of cruise cost settlement on large yachts with a permanent crew. The APA amount (usually approx. 30% of the charter price) is paid before the cruise to the captain, and he/she covers port charges, fuel and accommodation costs, etc. The client has nothing to worry about. After the cruise, the captain shows the client a detailed expenditure sheet and returns the rest amount or asks for a supplementary payment. As a standard, the APA amount is established to cover all costs, unless the client has extra requirements in terms of the route or the yacht supply.

Yacht reservation

How is the yacht reserved?

1. Select your yacht and time.
2. Click Reserve.
3. Select additional services. Click Next
4. Enter you data and click Next.
5. Verify the given information in the reservation summary and click Reserve.
6. The yacht will be preliminarily reserved for you.
7. Confirm the reservation before the date specified there paying the amount specified.
8. If the cruise is to be performed in more than 30 days, the payment will be divided in two instalments to the amount specified in the reservation. You will be reminded of the potential other instalment by email.
9. After paying the whole amount and not later than a week before the cruise give the names of the crew members to prepare a crew member list.
10.    All documents necessary to take over the yacht are emailed 7 days before the cruise. These documents can also be downloaded from your client account.

All information on your reservation can be found at your Client Account after logging to the website, all dates and deadlines will be reminded by email.

What document will I receive when reserving the yacht?

1. You will be emailed an agreement after making the reservation.
2. If you took out a charter resignation insurance, you will receive an insurance certificate after giving the data of insured persons.
3. You will be confirmed of the payment by email.
4. After paying the whole amount and giving the crew member list, you will receive a Boarding Pass entitling you to take over the yacht with guidelines on the travel and necessary contact information.
5. If you took out a travel insurance, will also receive an insurance certificate.

How to pay a reservation>?

The reservation can be paid by a bank transfer or using safe online payments (electronic transfer and credit cards). The amounts and deadlines can be found at your client account. A the client account, you will also find an up-to-date information on the amount due in zlotys, even if the reservation was made in euros. To make the payment, log in to your account and pay the indicated amounts by a bank transfer or click Pay online to use the safe electronic payments.

I don't know the precise members of the crew but I want to receive the yacht takeover documents. What should I do?

Tell us about it and we will prepare documents without the crew member list. But remember it may lengthen the yacht takeover procedure.

Before the cruise

What documents should I deliver before the cruise?

In order to speed up the yacht takeover, it would be good if you send us a scan (image) of the yacht skipper licence. You will also need to fill in the crew member list (cruise participants)

How to plan the cruise route?

Use route suggestions that you can find next to the yacht description. Accept general assumptions you will modify depending on the weather and moods onboard. Don't plan too much, because you will not be relaxed. When going with children, don't plan long routes. In case of doubts contact us.

How to get to the destination place?

It depends on where. When planning a route, remember the following:

• If you arrive too early, you will wait in hot weather and get angry the yacht is not ready yet, but if you get lucky, you may set out earlier.
• If you arrive too late, you should inform the operator (you will find the phone number on the Board Pass) – you can spend the night on the yacht and collect it on the next day.
• If you fly, order a transfer service, it will be cheaper than a taxi.
• If you want to arrive or set out earlier, contact us. We will check the possibilities.
• When driving to Croatia or Italy, remember that in summer (especially in on Saturdays) there are traffic jams on motorways and you can get stuck there for hours.

What should I pack for the trip?

For summer cruises, you should pack things like for holidays – not too much and whatever you like :).

What should I consider:

• documents and money,
• sweatshirt (e.g. softshell) or a sheer jacket protecting from wind,
• sheer sweatshirt for nights,
• one pair of sheer trousers for nights,
• shorts you like,
• T-shirts, cotton shirts,
• underwear,
• socks (not too many, sheer, breathable),
• sheer, lightweight pyjama,
• baseball cap – you can take two because they can get lost,
• light shoes, crocs, shower footwear, sandals if you like, don't take high-heeled shoes on the yacht, make sure your shoes don't slide and leave traces on light surfaces,
• swimsuits/swimming trunks – 3 sets,
• sponge bag,
• sunglasses (2 pairs on a line – they get lost),
• UV high filter cream,
• phone battery chargers – USB car chargers,
• medicines you take,
• something for mosquitoes.

Special sailing clothes: storm coats, wellingtons, gloves (good for cruises beyond seasons).

It is better to pack in soft bags, because large and stiff suitcases are hard to store on the yacht (or you would have to leave it in your car after unpacking).

Practical hint:

In restaurants and marinas the atmosphere is easy-going, so evening wear is not necessary, but women usually take summer dresses for nights. The nights are warm, but after a day in the sunlight you can feel cold, so you can use something to put on your shoulders.

Arrival at the marina and yacht takeover

Where can I leave my car?

All marinas have paid car parks where you can leave your car. They prices differ, it is usually € 5 to 10 per night. You can also use cheaper car parks outside the marina if you have the time and you want to save money. If you drive by several cars, you can consider this option. Information on car parks and charges are usually available on the Internet.

How does the yacht takeover look like?

At the office:

After arriving at the marina, you have to go to the operator's office (the precise location can be found on the Board Pass). You leave the Board Pass and do the paper work at the office. You will be asked to show the skipper documents and sign the charter contract. You can also be asked about additional services you ordered, such as dinghy motor or deposit insurance. If the services were not paid during the reservation, you will have to for them now – you will have to prepare the required amount of money. If you don't use the deposit insurance, you will be asked to pay it or to secure it on the credit card. Note: It has to be a credit card, not a payment card. There also have to be funds for the deposit coverage available on the card. The amount will be held for the cruise and released approx. 7 to 14 days afterwards, if you do not make any damages. After formalities you will receive a so called checklist and you will be directed to the yacht.

On the yacht:

Check the compliance of the equipment with the checklist. In case of doubts or in-compliance check it on the list. The operator's representative will be on the yacht who will show how the basic equipment works. If something is unclear, feel free to ask. If we find any faults that cannot be removed immediately, but they are not important for us, you can shoot a photo of them using you phone. After checking you will sign the checklist, keep a copy of it, we collect yacht documents from the operator and we can set out.

If you took out the skipper service at the reservation, you will only have to check the number of bedding, towel sets, etc. The rest is done by the skipper, because he/she is the one responsible to the operator for the yacht technical condition.

Practical hint:

• Go to the yacht alone or with one person, and send the rest of the crew for a cup of coffee.
• Take your time when taking over the yacht and double-check everything.
• If there is something missing, like a knife, a tie, etc., ask the operator for them. He/she will not refuse.

What documents should I have at the takeover?

At the yacht takeover you must have the following documents:

• Board Pass – a document entitling you to take over the yacht
• Travel documents (passport or personal ID)
• Document entitling to steer the yacht (unless you hired a skipper)
• Credit card and/or cash for additional services and the deposit.

How to pay a deposit for the yacht?

The most convenient way is to lock it on the credit card. There also have to be funds for the deposit coverage available on the card. Some operators allow to pay the deposit in cash, but it should be agreed upon before the trip

Should I rent the dinghy motor?

The rent of the dinghy motor, if it is not included in the charter price, costs approx. € 80 per week, which is approx. € 30 per person with 10 people onboard. You won't have to paddle to the coast when standing on a buoy or anchor. It is good to have the dinghy motor, unless you plan to park only in ports.

What to pay attention to when taking over the yacht?

• You should check outside and inside the yacht if there are no damages, and if they are, you should indicate them on the checklist and shoot a photo.
• The operator's representative will show you how the basic equipment works. You can do more than just watch. Repeat all operations on your own and let him/her watch.
• After he/she leaves, try once more on your own and check if everything is okay – you can ask one more time, if you must.
• Ask for every valves and fuses.

Where to shop?

If don't have any supplies with you, shopping at the destination place is easy and not too expensive. If there are no shops in the marina itself, you can find something nearby. Shops in marinas are usually more expensive than outside. If you don't know where the shop is you can ask the operator.

During the cruise

Where to stay for the night and how much is it?

At the marina – the most expensive option but you get access to bathrooms, electricity and water. The price depends on the marina category, season and yacht size. It usually is € 40 to 100 per night.

In a city port – usually cheaper than marina, but the conditions are not so good. Prices are lower than in marinas, and sometimes you don't have to pay at all.

On a buoy – cheaper than marinas, sometimes they belong to restaurants and you park for free if your a guest.

On the anchor – usually for free.

How much is the fuel for the yacht?

For sail yachts fuel costs are usually below € 100 per week. For motor yachts the cost is significant (usually € 3 to 10 for each mile).

What to do in case of the yacht failure or fault?

1. Secure the yacht against further damages.
2. Contact the operator by phone (the phone number will be available in the yacht documents)
3. The operator will tell you what should be done.

Return of the yacht

What is the yacht return procedure?

As a standard, you should return to your home marina on Friday afternoon. Before returning to marina, you should top up the fuel in tanks (keep the fuel receipt). The yacht will be accepted on the same or on the next day first thing in the morning. The operator's representative will check if the yacht is not damaged. You should leave the yacht before the hour indicated in the reservation (usually 9:00).

What if I have some objections concerning the yacht or the service?

You should report them along with potential expectations to the operator in writing or by email and email them to us (CC). Our complaint department will help to solve the issue.

Yacht feedback

How to post a comment?

ClickAdd commendunder the existing comments on the yacht and fill in the form. The comment/opinion will be posted within 2 to 3 days of which you will be notified by email.

Can I add a comment on a yacht not reserved via YACHTIC.EU?

Yes. If you want to add a comment on a yacht not reserved via our system, you should search for it in our search engine, go the yacht rating section on the page with the yacht description and clickAdd comment.
Don't forget to enter information allowing to verify your opinion.

How are the yachts commented?

The overall opinion of the yacht includes yacht parameter (e.g. equipment, age, size, etc.) and the opinions of people who sailed the yacht. The more comments, the less significant is the yacht parameter rate. Therefore we encourage you to add your own opinions concerning yachts you sailed on.

Deposit insurence:

What is the deposit insurance?

The insurance secures against the loss of the deposit partially or in full in case the yacht is damaged. Generally, in case of damages in the charter, the reparation costs are taken from the deposit. If you take out the deposit insurance, these costs are covered by the insurance company. The deposit insurance can have different forms: 

1. Full deposit insurance – the insurance covers the loss of the deposit in full (sometimes approx. € 50 to 100 deductible). In this option the deposit is not paid at all. 
2. Deposit reduction – the deposit is reduced to the lowest amount (for example the deposit is € 2000, and the insurance reduces the amount to € 300). In this option the reduced deposit amount is paid. 
3. Deposit insurance with the necessity to pay it. In this option the whole deposit in paid, and in case of a damage an amount is deducted from the deposit, but the lost amount are returned to use by the insurance company.

Is it worth to take out the deposit insurance?

Yes, unless you are positively sure of your skills, and covering costs of minor damages during the charter are no problem for you. Deduction from the deposit are not a rarity, and the insurance allow us to forget about the problem – so although the price is relatively high, peace on holidays is worth paying it. Notice that depending on the operator, the deposit insurance does not always cover all damages. Sometimes the dinghy motor or the loss of the anchor are not included. In case of doubts feel free to ask us. We will determine it for the yacht chosen by you.

Travel insurences:

Who do the Standard and Standard Plus insurances cover?

The insurances cover the whole crew reported on the crew member list. The insurance protection begins on the day before the yacht takeover and ends on the day after the return of the yacht, so it is travel and return time. For example, for a standard weekly cruise (yacht takeover on Saturday and return on Saturday) the insurance starts on Friday at 00:00 and ends on Sunday at 23:59.

What does the Standard crew insurance cover?

The Standard insurance covers costs of medical treatment and transport, post-accident policy and luggage insurance.

What is the difference between the Standard and Standard Plus insurances?

The Standard Plus insurance has higher insurance amounts than the Standard and in addition covers civil liability insurance. It also includes consequences of chronic diseases. The differences between the Standard and Standard Plus insurances are given in a table on the insurance page.

Are there situations where Standard Plus is advised?

The Standard Plus insurance has higher insurance amounts and wider range of insurances. The Standard package is a necessary minimum, the Standard Plus package is the optimal choice. The Standard Plus package should be chosen if there are persons suffering from chronic diseases onboard.

How does the charter resignation insurance work?

The charter resignation insurance can be taken out at the yacht reservation. If you have to resign from the trip, all the money paid for the charter so far will be returned to you.

Who does the charter resignation insurance cover?

The insurance covers all persons reported for the insurance at the client's account. Persons can be reported only before the end of the period of the preliminary reservation.

What chance events are covered by the charter resignation insurance?

Death, sudden illness, accident, damage to property, loss of work. These events can apply to the insured or his/her relatives. Detailed information can be found in the General Insurance Conditions.

Where can I find the detailed information on the insurance?

The detailed information on the insurance can be found here. Don't forget to read the General Insurance Conditions as well.

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