When looking for a company that provides yacht charter in Hampshire, or anywhere in the UK for that matter, you’ll generally be presented with two options – “bareboat charter” or “skippered charter”. In this article we'll be discussing bareboat charter which means that you or someone in your party will be a skipper with a certain level of experience in sailing a yacht. Depending on the size of the yacht, you’ll typically need a minimum of one skipper and one competent crew member on board. For yachts over 40ft, you should preferably have two experienced crew members with the skipper. If you don’t have the necessary experience it is recommended that you take advantage of skippered Solent yacht charter.
Whoever you charter your yacht from will expect the skipper to have an RYA Coastal Skipper certificate in both theory and practical. If you don’t have this qualification but can provide evidence of chartering experience, being a long-term boat owner or having significant skippering experience this can be acceptable.
Solent Bareboat Yacht Charter Tips
Who to charter from
There are various places you can charter a yacht from in the Solent area ranging from huge businesses with a big fleet of yachts to one person operations with a single yacht. In the UK, single-yacht charter operations generally offer a service that is more flexible with the added bonus of being cheaper and more personal.
Where can I go with the yacht?
This will depend on the charterer who will be influenced by your experience and the location where their yacht is based. You may be limited on how far out you can sail by the category code of the boat so be clear about your expectations when you enquire and find out the limits of the yacht and the charter area.
How big a yacht do I need and how much will it cost?
The size of yacht you need depends on a number of factors. How many people are you taking with you? How long do you want it for? How far do you expect to go? For a group of eight people a 40ft boat will be more than comfortable and provide some exhilarating sailing if the conditions are right. Solent yacht charter rates will vary depending on the time of year, location and the company that you charter from. High season is the most expensive time of year and runs from May through to August. Mid season operates in the months of April, September and October. If you use a more affordable single-yacht charterer in High season you'll pay about £450 per day while in Mid season that price reduces to around £400.
What facilities and equipment will I need?
Again the type of on-board equipment and facilities you'll need depends on what you plan to do during your charter period. Will you require hot water and cooking facilities? Do you need a tender (outboard dinghy)? What type of sails do you require? Whatever your requirements the essential navigation and safety equipment like the VHF radio, life jackets and life-raft should be present and meet the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) standards.
Yacht safety and coding
Charter yachts must meet the minimum safety provisions governed by the DTI (Department of Trade & Industry) regulations. These safety provisions include things such as life-rafts, fire extinguishers and the gas systems on-board. The yacht you charter should also be category coded (only charter from a someone who operates a coded boat) and the coding will tell you the yacht’s usage. For example, a Category 2 coded boat can operate up to 60 miles offshore. Check with the charterer about the coding of the yacht before making the booking.
Deposits, Insurance, Breakdown cover
When you charter a yacht you’ll be asked for a refundable deposit to cover any losses or damages that may occur during the hire period which fall outside of the boat’s insurance cover. Check that the charterer has valid and in-date insurance and find out what is and what isn’t covered. Also enquire about what happens in the event of a mechanical failure.
On the day
Before setting off on your hire period you and the owner should perform a charter yacht handover check to familiarise yourself with the boat and make sure all equipment is present and functioning. Below is a list of things you and at least one other crew member should be shown before sailing.
- Location/operation of safety equipment i.e. fire extinguishers, life-rafts, life jackets, first aid kits etc.
- Operation of cooking and heating facilities
- Operation of the heads (toilets)
- Location of emergency bungs and seacocks
- Operation of the engine (and any routine checks you should make)
- VHF radio operation and location of back-up radio
- Operation/location of navigational equipment and instruments
- Operation/location of lines, sail controls, halliards etc.
- Operation of anchor system
- Any other systems of equipment specific to the yacht
If there’s anything you’re unsure about ask. Also take advantage of the charterer's local knowledge about conditions, tides and destinations you should visit.
