FAQ
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General
Are pets allowed on the boats?
Although we respect many people’s preference to have their beloved pets with them at all times, most boat owners do not accept them. If you wish to bring your pet along, please inform us in advance and we will contact the owner in order to get his approval.
Nevertheless, you should be informed that a double end-cleaning fee will be applied and any damages caused by the pet will be paid from the security deposit.
How do I know if I have chosen the right boat for me?
Finding the right boat for your holidays is essential, but fascinating at the same time. We have worked hard to make your experience easy and fun! Full details and photos are available for each boat to make your decision easier.
If this is your first time renting a boat, start by checking the number of cabins and berths to make sure everyone has a bed.
If you need to hire a boat with a skipper, which is most likely the case if you are a rookie, you should consider a bed for him too!
What qualifications do I need for bareboat charter holidays in Croatia, Greece or Turkey?
Sailing Requirements in Greece
To charter a yacht in Greece, there must be at least one certified skipper and one experienced crew member, both over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time.
The Skipper should be accompanied by at least one crew member (First Mate) of “Competent Crew” level or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association.* As a yacht skipper, you are required to have a sailing license or a certificate from a recognized sailing association AND/OR an ICC or IPC as detailed below:
Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International – Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America – Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
AND/OR
- UK – RYA Day Skipper practical (with our without photo)
- USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
- Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See” or above
- Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite général
- France – LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
- Or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association
Sailing Requirements in Croatia
To charter in Croatia, there must be at least one certified skipper over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time. As a yacht skipper, you are required to have an official sailing license or a certificate issued by a government of state approved organization as detailed below:
Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International – Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America – Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
AND/OR
- UK – RYA Day Skipper practical (with our without photo)
- USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
- Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See” or above
- Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite général
- France – LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
- Or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association
A list of officially accepted licenses is available at the Croatian Ministry of Sea website (http://www.mmpi.hr). Please check the list of officially accepted licenses before contacting the base with any queries as the list is updated every few months. This list is organized by country and details the accepted competence levels for experience, boat size and distance-from-shore-sailing for the various certificates accepted.
Sailing Requirements in Turkey
To charter a yacht in Turkey, there must be at least one skipper and one crew member, both over 18 years old. The skipper should be competent at handling a yacht in close quarters, anchoring and mooring in varying conditions and be able to use navigation and pilotage skills to plan the day’s sailing and know your position at any time. As a yacht skipper, you are required to have a sailing license or a certificate from a recognized sailing association as detailed below:
Skipper is REQUIRED to have one (1) of the following:
- ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International – Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.
- IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America – Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
AND/OR
- UK – RYA Day Skipper practical (with our without photo) USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
- Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See” or above
- Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite général, France – LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
- Or a similar/equivalent certification from any recognized sailing association
- It is compulsory to have a sailing license for the skipper. This document has to be registered in the transit log and presented to the port authorities.
Charter Preparation Tips
A copy of sailing certificates must be sent to the base and received at least 2 weeks before the start of the charter. It is vital that skippers take their original copies of certificates with them, as it is likely that they are requested to present them in person.
Is there a technical support one can refer to during the trip in case of an emergency?
The base manager of the charter operator is your first contact for any issue that can arise during your holiday. In any case if there is an issue that cannot be resolved by him emergency line of KnottyBoats.com is always available to help you resolve the issue.
Top Boating Safety tips
Luxury sailing holidays are about relaxation and fun with an adventurous touch. In every adventure, safety comes first, so make sure that you have not omitted anything it would worry you later. Here are our top boating safety tips to bear in mind; most of them are self-explanatory, but they are also easy to forget or to ignore as unnecessary. Add them to your pre-departure checklist and prepare yourselves perfectly for your most amazing sailing holidays in the Mediterranean!
Life jackets
Life jackets are the most essential part of your safety equipment. Before you sail, make sure you know where the life jackets are stored and that every passenger has tried and fitted correctly to their vests. Children passengers must be mentioned on booking, to ensure that the boat is well equipped with children life jackets accordingly.
Local weather
Before setting sail from one itinerary to another, make sure you are well informed about the local weather conditions. In case you see dark clouds gathering or feel the wind getting stronger, we would advise to stay on the marina until the weather clears up.
Pre-departure checklist
Before you embark to your dreamy sailing holidays, follow a pre-departure checklist with all the essentials you might need on board, such as important medicines, first-aid kit, batteries, flashlight.
Float plan
Before you depart, discuss with the skipper about your desired route and plan your itinerary along. If you are on bareboat sailing holidays, get informed about potential dangers on your route and tell people ashore where you are sailing.
Clothing and footwear
Your clothing depends on the weather conditions, but your attire must be both comfortable and waterproof. Keep in mind that it can get chilly in the evening, so keep your windproof jacket handy in case you need it.
The most appropriate shoes to wear on a boat are non-slippery, soft rubber-soled closed shoes or flip flops. High heels and platforms are not only totally uncomfortable and easy to loose balance, but also they can damage the shiny wooden deck.
Αlcohol consumption
Having a cocktail party on board is really cool, but try not to get totally drunk on a moving sailing vessel. A wasted behavior could not only ruin everyone else’s fun on board, but firstly is a matter of self-protection to avoid injuries.
What is the duration of the trip?
The duration of the trips are usually one week long and it is common practice on yacht chartering to hire a boat from Saturday to Saturday. However, if you need to hire a boat for a shorter period of time please contact us and we will try to assist you in the best possible way.
Are towels, bed linen and toiletries included? What is normally included in charter?
In most cases, bed linen, face and shower towels are included in the boat facilities without extra charge. Beach towels for your daily sunbathing is considered as a billable extra, and are not included in the initial booking price so would advise to pack a couple of them, to avoid extra charges. About toiletries, most yacht charter companies provide “starter kits”, which are the basic cleaning and toiletries to get you going for a few days, but it is something to take into account when provisioning.
How many hours will we be sailing on average daily base?
Either on bareboat or skippered yacht charters, this depends on the charter party agreement and your desired route, but it cannot exceed a maximum of 5 hours in most cases.
What is the time check in and check out normally?
Most of the charters begin at 17:00 on the day of departure, end at 09:00 on the day of arrival and the traditional sailing week lasts from Saturday to Saturday. However, you will be required to return to base on the last evening of your charter since this time is necessary for a thorough inspection of the yacht and equipment, to ensure it is delivered to the next charter in perfect working order.
What kind of appliances can I use on the yacht? Can I charge my phone, tablet or laptop?
While on board a sailing boat, you can charge any electrical appliances that can be plugged into the 12V cigarette lighter. While on a marina though, you can use the shore power connections that supply 220 V, where you can wire all your electrical devices. Motor yachts and big catamaran yachts have generators that supply 220V all the time, but we should advise you to use the shore power connections for your devices to reduce fuel consumption to 3-5 liters per hour max.
How to plan cooking on board?
When it comes to cooking on board, here are a few tips to consider and prepare before the charter begins, to ensure everything will run perfectly during your sailing adventure!
People tend to be hungrier at sea.
To make sure nobody’s dying of hunger by dinnertime, serve healthy snacks throughout the day (fruit, nuts, crackers, etc).
Ask for your fellow travelers’ tastes and diet restrictions before you leave.
Out at sea isn’t an ideal time to suffer from an allergic reaction. And, you are on vacation, why to cook an alternate meal for any person that doesn’t like what you planned.
Make a precise list.
Keep in mind that storage places are limited in a vessel, so do not overdo it when shopping your supplies. For example, try to estimate exactly how many onions you’ll need, so you will save useful storage space in the fridge and kitchen cupboards.
Order your supplies.
For your convenience, you can ask the tour operator or the boat owner for a provision list form, fill it up with your shopping needs and they will cater all supplies are loaded on board upon check-in.
Plan the meals according to the equipment you have on the boat.
All boats come with fully equipped kitchens but do not miss to take a diligent look to the kitchen equipment and the cooking facilities, in order to plan your meals accordingly. What if you plan for barbequed meals only, and there is no BBQ but a cooking oven instead?
Bring your favorite kitchen tools with you.
If you are used to cook with specific kitchen gadgets, do not expect to find them among the common kitchen equipment. Also, you’d better bring your favorite knife, since you are familiar with its use and minimizes the possibilities of kitchen accidents.
Name one person responsible for managing the food.
Anyone can help prepare the meals, serve, and clean up, but it’s very helpful to have just one person responsible for the kitchen. Fitting all that food into the small fridge and in all the hidden storage spaces of the boat will be challenging, and having one person to remember where everything is, eases the whole process. This person is also responsible for ensuring the freshness of ingredients and will be able to advise if something isn’t edible anymore.
Don’t forget that storage space is very limited.
Especially in the fridge. Bring canned milk and drinks that can be stored at room temperature. For your booze, prefer canned beers.
Plan for lunches that can be prepared in advance.
Do not think you’ll be always able to cook while the boat is moving. Even on a calm sea, a boat is a boat, and by nature it’s ever moving. Prepare quick healthy snacks, sandwiches or salads in the morning when the boat is still anchored.
Expert tip: A headlamp can be a very helpful gadget to help you watch over the food in the oven without having to open the oven door.
Is smoking allowed on board?
Smokers, take some moments to breath in the salty breeze! Smoking is not allowed in any area of the boat for fire safety reasons. Even on the decks, consider asking the skipper’s permission before you light up.
Payments
What is the security deposit?
On bareboat and skippered charters we request you to pay a refundable security deposit, (which varies according to the size of the yachts), at the time of departure.
This can either be paid by credit card or in cash.
This amount is simply “held” from your credit card and is released upon the safe return of the yacht and the inspection by the boat manager.
The security deposit is to ensure the cost of repair in the unforeseen event of any minor damage and on the possibility that this amount exceeds the deductible amount of the insurance of the yacht.
What is not included on the charter price?
The following additional charges apply:
- Security Deposit – Refundable Security Deposit
- Fuel
The yacht should be delivered topped up with fuel as received. The fuel cost for sailing as well as the use of engine generator is paid at the end of the trip, depending on the consumption. - Port or Marina fees
This is a daily-base fee for docking which varies depending on the area and the season, and can range from €2 – €100. - Provisions
Food, drinks and extra toiletries. - Optionals
Any optional extras that you might have specifically requested such as outboard, windsurf, skipper, skipper’s food, etc. - End cleaning
Depending on the company/yacht policy, end cleaning may be included on the charter price or considered as a 3rd party service and charged as extra.
What is the additional cost for a skipper?
The skipper fee may vary from 100€ to 150€ considering the destination or yacht type. He is responsible not only for navigating the yacht but for the crew’s safety and well-being also. Therefore, it is recommendable for the skipper to have his own cabin and be able to get a proper rest during the night. In addition, renting a yacht with skipper, you should take into account that skipper’s meals are not included and is common practice for clients to provide them.
What is A.P.A (Advanced Provisioning Allowance)?
Depending on the boat type you will select, especially those with large running expenses such as motor yachts or big sailing yachts, the chartering company may require an Advanced Provisioning Allowance, or “APA”. This refers to the advance payment of a 15% – 30% of the charter fee, in order to cover the costs of yacht preparation, fuel, extras and other particular request for services, itinerary, food, beverages etc. This will be given to the yacht captain before boarding the charter. At the end of the charter, the captain will evaluate all expenditure that may result to a refund of money not spent or a request for payment if the APA was exceeded.
What is an appropriate gratuity for a crewed yacht charter?
As custom has it, a 5-15% of the charter rate is a proper amount to tip the skipper and crew on a crewed yacht charter.
Are there any additional costs?
Extra costs vary based on your destination, the chosen season, as well as your boat manager. While you move forward with the booking procedure, you will be thoroughly informed about the cost of the boat rental, as well as the compulsory and optional costs.
Moreover, during the booking procedure, it will be made perfectly clear to you which of the aforementioned costs are to be paid online and which ones before the departure.
You should also consider the fuel cost for sailing as well as the use of engine generator, which is paid at the end of the trip, depending on the consumption.
Additionally, you should also consider the port fees. These fees vary depending on the area and the season and can range from 2€ – 100€.
Cancellation
What do I need to do in order to cancel a booking?
If you wish to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing. Cancellation will be effective on the date at which KnottyBoats.com received the request.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policy may vary depending on the owner or management company of each yacht. Especially now during the Covid19 pandemic, most charters have pretty flexible cancellation policies so be sure to ask us before booking your yacht.
Skipper
What is the additional cost for a skipper?
The skipper fee may vary from 1050€ to 1390€ considering the destination or yacht type.
Which are the sailing qualifications in order to be able to rent a boat without a skipper?
Please note that our yachts are chartered bareboat, under the condition that at least one member of the crew has a valid sailing certificate. You will be asked to show this certificate before embarkation.
In case of extreme weather conditions or boats of length >16m the charter operator may require a sea trial to ensure the competence of the skipper and reassure the safety of crew and vessel. Regarding the maximum length of bareboat charter, legislation varies from country to country although this does not exceed 20 m in most cases.
How is a skipper selected?
Our highly experienced, certified skippers are carefully selected to deliver safety and peace of mind first. Helpful and discreet, our skippers are English speaking, with good local knowledge and, unless there is a special demand (e.g Russian-speaking) and if availability allows, they are handpicked according to your group’s profile, – age group, families with children, party people etc-. Before departure, it’s best to discuss your desired route with the skipper and plan your itinerary along, always considering weather conditions and timeframe.
Does a skipper choose the sailing route or is it my choice?
Sailing route is designed according to the preferences of the client bearing in mind suggestions of the skipper and weather conditions.
Sailing holidays for the first time? What you need to know
How to behave on a boat?
Boat booked, things packed, you are ready for your ultimate sea and sun worship holidays. If this is your first time on boat holidays, there are a few things you should know, to ensure everyone is happy during your bluest blue adventure! Here is a brief guide how to behave on a boat, for the first timers.
Embarking the boat
Whether you are on bareboat sailing holidays or skippered yachting holidays, tradition has it to request permission before coming on board. It is not compulsory, but, think of it as an unwritten rule of the sailing tradition. Follow it and get in the sailing mood from the very beginning! Before you depart, discuss with the skipper about your desired route and plan your itineraries along.
What to wear
Your clothing depends on the weather conditions, but your attire must be both comfortable and waterproof. Keep in mind that it can get chilly in the evening, so keep your windproof jacket handy in case you need it. Here’s a checklist with the absolutely necessary things you should pack for your comfortable sailing holidays, ensuring that you are prepared for any eventuality!
Shoes
The most appropriate shoes to wear on a boat are non-slippery, soft rubber-soled closed shoes or flip flops. High heels and platforms are not only totally uncomfortable and easy to loose balance, but also they can damage the shiny wooden deck.s
While on board
If you are not familiar with sailing, do not push buttons or pull ropes, unless the skipper asks you to do so. Always keep in mind that sailing is not a matter of one person and help is always welcome. Try not to get totally drunk while on board, a wasted behavior could not only ruin everyone else’s fun on board, but firstly is a matter of self-protection to avoid injuries.
Smoking
Smokers, take some moments to breath in the salty breeze! Smoking is not allowed in any indoor are of the boat. Even on the decks, consider asking the skipper before you light up.
What to pack for sailing holidays?
When packing for sailing holidays for the first time, you might feel a little confused about what to pack for sailing vacation. The first thing you have to bear in mind is that storage places are limited in a vessel and you’ll wear your swimsuit most of the time. Here’s a checklist with the absolutely necessary things you should pack for your comfortable sailing holidays, ensuring that you are prepared for any eventuality!
Sailing holiday packing list essentials
- A couple of swimsuits. Light and airy, swimsuits are the most comfortable clothing for your sailing holidays. We would advise to carry at least two pairs of swimsuits, so you can always have a dry one when the other is wet.
- Anorak or waterproof and windproof jacket.Full weather protection! Neither winds nor waves will affect you!
- Appropriate shoesNon-slip, rubber soled closed shoes and flip flops.
- Sun protection essentialsSun glasses, hat and sunscreen are absolutely essential.
- Hair band for long hair
- Personal medicinesIf you are on prescribed medicine, we would advise to bring enough for the duration of your holidays.
- Small duffel bag or backpack that can close securely.Ideally, this bag is waterproof or at least, water resistant.
- Beach Towels.Bed linen, face and shower towels are included in the boat facilities without extra charge. Beach towels for your daily sunbathing is considered as a billable extra, and are not included in the initial booking price so you should pack a couple of them, to avoid extra charges.
Clothes
The wonderful Mediterranean weather, with warm, lovely days from Spring to late October, doesn’t require much and heavy clothes for your sailing holidays. Casual clothing, some t-shirts, shorts and light dresses are suitable for any occasion. In case of a more brisky night, a pair of warm trousers and a sweater are enough. Of course, do not forget the anoraks mentioned in the list of essentials, above.
Useful details
Prefer packing in soft bags rather than hard suitcases as hard cases are more difficult to stow away in lockers onboard. It’s a good idea to choose soft bags with wheels or have a collapsible trolley for ease of transport. Leave jewelry, especially rings, at home. Any clothing or equipment that could be ruined by water should be carried in a zip-top baggie.
How to plan your sailing holiday for the first time
Are you planning to book a yacht and embark on sailing holidays for the first time but you are not sure where to start from? Here are a few tips to make it easier for you.
Select the right people: Space is limited on a sailing boat, so you have to make sure that you get along well with the people you will share the days and the expenses of your sailing holidays.
Get organized: Planning your sailing holidays and sharing roles and responsibilities according to each one’s skills and abilities, is very important for stress free and relaxing sailing vacations. For example, if one has knowledge of sailing, won’t be asked to cook, unless they want it.
Plan your itinerary: Get informed about the islands/coasts you will be navigating around. Search about what every place has to offer (beaches, sights, restaurants) and the distance between them so you can take the most out of your upcoming sailing vacations.
Learn the basics: Either on skippered sailing vacations or bareboat sailing holidays, sailing is not a matter of one person and help is always welcome. So, make sure you are prepared with the basic knowledge before boarding!
Pack appropriately: When packing for your sailing holiday remember that less is more, as storage places are limited in a vessel and you’ll wear your swimsuit most of the time. Swimwear, t-shirts, a casual outfit, windbreaker anorak, boat appropriate shoes and flip flops, are basics for your clothing needs. Consider the essentials and pack wisely!
Which boat type is the right for me?
From smooth, wind-powered sailing boats to fast, high-end motorboats or comfortable, luxury Catamarans, the selection could be mind-confusing. Here is the answer to all your questions, to pick the boat type that suits your needs.
Sailing Yachts
Silent, smooth and natural but more demanding in sailing skills, the sailing boats are engine powered monohulls, partly set in motion by the wind. Sailing yachts come in several shapes and sizes, ranging from 7,5 to 30 meters long, contemporary designed with perfectly arranged interiors including kitchen, bathrooms, lounge and bedrooms. Bareboat sailing charters is the more affordable choice for sailing vacations, under the condition that at least one member has a valid sailing certificate.
Catamaran Boats
Sleek and contemporary, comfortable and convenient, Catamaran boats are luxurious multihull yachts with vast spaces, ideal for family sailing holidays or large groups of friends. Designed for stable and smooth courses, Catamaran boats sit low to the sea level and are highly resistant to overturning, while are both, wind and engine powered.