One of the first things to keep in mind when trying to find a great sailboat is the captain. You want to make sure that you find a captain that is experienced and comfortable with captaining a boat. The best captains will find the best views, sailing winds guide you in and out of the best ports. He should be friendly and be able to give you any helpful advice you may need. Before you step foot in a charter sailboat, find the captain and make sure you feel comfortable with him or her before you leave dry land. The enjoyment of the day largely depends on the Captain and crew. A courteous captain and mate can make the day enjoyable and relaxing. Likewise, nothing can make up for rude behavior from the boat's crew.
Another thing to look for when trying to find a great charter boat is know exactly what you are getting. Are meals provided? Will you stop in other ports? How long will the trip last? While some companies may ask you to pay extra for some services, the best charter fishing boats will offer them for free. If none of this is spelled out, then you probably want to look elsewhere for a sailing charter.
Several factors make choosing your boat important. First and foremost is safety. What kind of safety equipment does the boat carry? Another important consideration when trying to find a good sailing charter boat is the size of the boat. This is especially important for those who are not used to being on the water or for those who tend to get seasick easily. If you tend to get seasick or are not used to being on the water, you are usually better off going on a bigger boat, which will have less motion than a smaller vessel. It's a good idea to ask your captain several questions about the boat before making any commitments. Has the boat been inspected by the Coast Guard or other agency?
If you want a great sailing trip, you may want to consider asking around for recommendations. Check with your family and friends and see if they have any suggestions. Many times you can find a good boat just by taking the time to ask around.
You have paid for a service and it's the captains job to maintain his end of the agreement. Most problems stem from lack of communication at the time of booking. Here are some things you might want to clarify: * What happens if the weather is bad? What happens to the deposit if the trip is cancelled? * How far will the boat be going and how long will the trip last? * What items are not allowed on the boat? ( beer, liquor, GPS, etc.)
The captain is usually a licensed professional with years of experience and training. Common sense dictates that the charter should be respectful to the crew and treat the boat like it was your own. Excessive drinking, roughhousing or loudness is usually not tolerated. Carrying illegal drugs on a charter is a sure way to get a dockside escort to jail.
15-20% is the standard. It's a good idea to discuss this before booking.
Finding a good sailing charter is not always easy. If you have a nice experience, it's a good idea to share your recommendations with others. You can also share pics with the captain for use on his website, brochures, etc.
If you keep these simple tips in mind, no doubt you will be able to find a sailing charter for your day on the water. Hopefully after a day on the water you will arrive back on land with a great experience to remember.
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