Bradford Marine - Yacht Sales
Worldwide Yacht Sales
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 
Yacht Charter Tips

 

Yacht Charter Tips

Arrival
To ensure your arrival is best coordinated with your yacht crew, please advise the crew of your flight details or tail number if flying privately. A uniformed crew member will then meet your flight with ground transportation to bring you to the yacht.

Dockage
Dockage arrangements during peak periods, especially in the most popular marinas for most destinations, can be difficult to secure without advance notification and often requiring deposits. We will, in collaboration with the yacht's captain, try our best to organize your requested berths if you let us know in advance. Nothing is guaranteed and some marinas only confirm bookings a few days before arrival.

Stateroom Assignments
You may wish to assign staterooms aboard in advance to allow the crew to deliver luggage to the appropriate cabin and escort the guests. This will ease the settling in of the charter party. Notify your charter specialist and we will inform the Captain of your desired requests.

Camera
Don't forget a camera! If you shoot with a digital camera, we are able to check with the crew of a particular vessel to determine if their onboard computer system supports your memory card format.  Often your selected charter vessel will be happy to provide a finished collection of your own vacation photos to be collected and returned to you in a slide presentation on disk or even in a collection book for you to enjoy.

Certificates
If you intend to use the powered water toys on board (jet skis, wave runners, etc) please check with us to determine whether a small watercraft certificate is required within the contracted cruising area. Utilization of the yacht's dive equipment is only permitted under special circumstances. Rendezvous diving (i.e. private arrangements with local diving schools) is the most common practice during a charter. Please be sure to bring your diving credentials with you.

Children
Although many yachts offer a range of amenities for children, we recommend that you bring a small selection of their favorite entertainment items with you. Advance notice of any special needs or desired amenities relating to children will assist the crew to provide the necessary equipment and guidelines to guarantee the safety of all guests and the children during the charter.  Children are at all times the responsibility of the Charter guests.

Clothing
Chances are you will need less clothing than you think. You may spend considerable time in swimsuits (bring several), shorts and casual resort clothing. Be sure to bring a loose fitting cover-up. Bringing a T-shirt to wear while snorkeling can help to prevent sun burn. A light jacket or sweater may come in handy on deck in the evening or while in air conditioning. Ladies may want to bring casual cotton dresses or resort attire for dinner aboard and for local dining ashore. Men may find casual slacks appropriate for dining ashore. If you are chartering in the Caribbean, coat and tie are generally not required in the restaurants and resorts, although the more upscale spots ask that men wear long pants and a collared shirt.


Communications

You can expect to be reached on charter via the yacht's cellular and/or SAT phones. Communications charges are the responsibility of the charter guests and will be charged to the Chatter guests account.  Notice of any extensive intended phone use should be made to your charter specialist, helping them to estimate this expense into your advance provisioning allowance (APA). We also recommend having a worldwide GSM phone, check with your cellular carrier for coverage in the areas you are visiting.


Crew Gratuity

At the end of every charter, at your discretion, it is customary to tip the Captain and crew. If your time aboard the yacht has been wonderful and you believe it was as a result of long hours and personal attention to detail by the crew, then 15 % of the base charter fee would be suggested.  Exceptional service and innovative ways of making a most memorable experience aboard often warrants 20 % or higher, at your discretion.

Electronic Appliances
If you wish to bring electronic appliances, we suggest that you inform your charter specialist in advance, so that they can check with the crew about compatibility with the yacht's electrical systems.


Insurance

Details of the yacht's insurance provisions will be laid out in your charter agreement. It is recommended that you carry independent insurance for personal effects whilst on board or ashore and for any medical or accident expenses incurred other than as covered under the Yacht's insurance.  Trip Cancellation Insurance is something offered at the charterers expense. More information can be provided for you by inquiring with your charter specialist.

Travel Documents
Valid passports and entry visas (when required) must be carried by all members of the charter party. Inquiring with your charter specialist to confirm all necessary documents for your specific charter destination will help to avoid any oversights with regard to all required travel documentation.


Luggage

It is generally suggested that you reasonably limit the quantity of luggage to be brought aboard. Depending on the size of the yacht you are chartering, it is best to inquire beforehand with your charter specialist and or your yacht captain to obtain information on any possible restrictions. Suggested luggage quantities preferred are largely due to the availability of space for stowing luggage for the duration of your trip aboard.


Motion sickness / Medications

Acupressure or electric impulse wrist bands reportedly work very well for many people, with no side effects. Ground ginger capsules (available at health food stores) and Tryptone (available at dive shops and pharmacies) are also reported to be most effective. It is best to check with a trusted physician for suggested remedies and bring this and adequate supplies of prescription or any other medications necessary to last the length of your charter trip.

Number of guests
Your charter contract reflects the maximum number of guests allowed to sleep and cruise on board. International maritime law restricts yachts from carrying more than 12 passengers at sea without special registration. Dockside parties with larger groups can be arranged in advance with the approval of captain and owner.  Check with your charter specialist for details and restrictions that may apply to your specific charter itinerary intentions.

Pets
Pets are generally not allowed on board, unless a special approval has been obtained from the owner and captain and this approval has been reflected in the charter agreement.  Possible pet deposits may apply.  Check in advance with your charter specialist for specific details regarding pets for the charter yacht you select.


Shoes
Generally speaking, we go barefoot aboard the yacht; boat shoes, slip-on sneakers, or thong sandals designated for use only while aboard the charter yacht are often accepted.  Research of shoes necessary for your specific itinerary and locations to be visited is strongly suggested.  Inquiring with your charter specialist or yacht captain can eliminate any oversights or inappropriate expectations while aboard with regard to shoes worn.


Sun Protection / Sunglasses & Eye Wear

Adequate sun protection is a MUST, even if you never burn - the tropical sun is strong! A selection of lotions with varying SPF will be provided on board. If you prefer to bring your own, please bring varieties without PABA or heavy oils, to avoid staining cushions and decks. Don't forget a hat or visor. You may want to include a (white) lightweight, long sleeved shirt and loose fitting cotton slacks as additional protection.  Bring sunglasses and a spare pair of prescription glasses or contacts.


 

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3051 West State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 • Ph: 954-377-3900 • Fax: 954-377-3901 • info@bradfordmarineyachtsales.com
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