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Introduction to Bareboat Chartering. Caribbean Cruising. What sailing skills/knowledge should I have?. Basic Navigation. Where am I now? How do I safely get from here to where I want to go?. Compass Use Translating a compass point to a chart. Reading a Chart.
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Introduction to Bareboat Chartering Caribbean Cruising
Basic Navigation Where am I now? How do I safely get from here to where I want to go?
Where Am I? Dead Reckoning Position and a Fixed Position
Label the position with the DR symbol and time of the position.
Planning a Charter • How long ahead should I begin planning? • What will I need? • Who to go with? • Where and when to go? • What charter company? • Which boat?
Planning Checklist • Have passports and required documentation • Get an up-to-date sailing guides and charts • Map out possible cruise routes considering tides, currents, prevailing winds, depths and activities • Determine distances and estimated travel times giving yourself a margin for the unexpected • Don’t overplan and prepare alternate plans in case of adverse weather, winds or unplanned events • Identify specific waypoints and hazards along the route to be aware of • Involve your entire crew in the planning process
Who to go with? • Compatibility is the key – similar tastes, temperaments and EXPECTATIONS • Enough experience for the job(s) – at least two sailors who can skipper an emergency • Bareboats do best when its clear that a single person is in charge of the final sailing decisions • Enough room for comfort • Respect and tolerance • Always remember – we all came to have fun, so don’t sweat the minor stuff!
Where and when to go? • Experience, cost, climate, culture and activities. • Almost the whole world is available, but some place are easier and cheaper – Door County, Bayfield, Florida Keys, Caribbean, Mediterranean • Ask around and research different locales – sailing guides, magazines, charts, internet, charter companies, other sailors, etc.
Where and when to go? • Know what each place has to offer in terms of culture, cost, time commitment & weather. • Don’t try to do too much too soon – work your way up as you gain knowledge & skill • Consider hurricane season, wind conditions, temperature, language, travel connections.
Why the Caribbean? Wind, Sun, Culture, Fun
Know Where It’s NOT Safe The International Marine Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre has issued a warning about attacks by pirates off the coast of Somalia and recommends that yachts stay at least 200nm from the Somali coast. Other areas which are also prone to piracy warnings include: Bangladesh East Africa Gulf of Aden Haiti India Indonesia Iraq Jamaica Malacca Straits Peru Singapore Straits Southern Red Sea West Africa
What charter company? • Compare prices, boats, recommendations, travel costs, boat equipment and systems, reputation, and history – use the internet, sailing magazines, friends, phone • Consider cost of deposits, cancellations & refunds, provisioning, extra travel or lodging, sleep-overs. • Bigger companies offer more selection, newer boats, more comfort, more support, but are usually more expensive – Moorings, Sunsail, Footloose
What charter company? • All charter companies require deposits, contracts, and proof of sailing ability • They don’t care as much how you “sail” as how you anchor, land at piers & moorings, know “rules of the road” and navigation, motor in the marina, etc. • Sailing resume and testing out
Sailing Resume and Test Out • Including all prior chartering experience. • Skippering is key and on similar sized boats and similar conditions highly preferred. • Include study of U.S. Sailing manuals, passing courses/tests and Hoofer keelboat instruction. • Other sailing experience. • You may be quizzed orally, in writing or on-the-water before being released, and they may require you to take a paid-skipper if you fail.
Which boat? • Length, number of cabins, number or heads – don’t overcrowd or you’ll regret it! • Monohull or cat? – speed, layout, draft, heel, stability • Cruising systems – engine, galley, MSD, stove, frig, VHF, safety equipment, GPS, instruments, heater, A/C, autopilot, furling, winches, sail plan, windlass, dingy, stereo/CD, tools, first aid kit, showers, etc. • Incidentals – bedding, linens, towels, supplies, TP, soap, trash bags, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils and pans, snorkeling gear, ice, etc. • Provisioning – none, dinner ashore, split, full
Chartering Checkout • The charter company will do a briefing and have you sign off their checklist – make sure they cover your questions. • Ensure that you have adequate fuel, water, spares and other provisions for the voyage. • Review all of the major systems including engine, radio, instruments, location of all safety gear, MSD, water, stove & oven, anchor, dingy & engine, battery and electrical panel, seacocks, bilge pumps, backup tiller, sail rigging and operation, etc. • Have a checklist of your own and actually make sure things work properly before leaving the marina.
Restrictions & Breakdowns • Often there is no night sailing, certain locales that are not allowed, and favored anchorages. • For a non-emergency breakdown, you generally call the charter company either on VHF or by boat phone. • When to call: failure ofengine, MSD, fresh water system, refrig, furling system, steering system, anchoring system. Also, damaged sails, thru-the-hull fittings or halyards, and lost dingy or anchor.
Chartering Checklist • Find out the contact procedures in case of a breakdown or emergency. • What’s the procedure for returning to the marina? • Ask for navigation and cultural advice and suggestions – anchoring, mooring, towns, restaurants, bars, tipping, etc. • Again ASK QUESTIONS.
Returning the Boat • Most charters end at noon. • You must clean the boat, remove all food and personal gear, be packed and ready to vacate, and turn off systems and seacocks, so that its in similar condition as when you boarded. • You must have enough time for the charter company to inspect the boat and do a post-cruise checklist.
What else will I need? • Passport and related documentation – allow at least 2 months • Soft-sided or easy to store luggage • Foul weather gear, non-slip deck shoes and closed-toe shoes • Sunscreen, toiletries, sunglasses and hat • Ziplock or waterproof bags • Handheld GPS and compass if available • Bathing suits and beach towels • Camera, film, batteries, CDs, books, games, etc. • DO NOT OVERPACK! Most things won’t get used.
