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Before You Set Sail
Some tips to help make your vacation one you want to last forever.
Anyone about to embark on a Private Yacht Charter will soon see why this is such a great way to get away from it all. And some suggestions from “seasoned salts” can help make the sailing vacation even smoother. So, please share the information on this page with everyone in your charter group |
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| TIP #1 |
| On arrival . . . Life in the Islands is laid back – and that’s part of the pleasure! The idea is to relax and not let inconveniences upset you. For example, if you fly to St. Thomas or Tortola via San Juan, Puerto Rico, your luggage may not arrive on the same shuttle flight because of weight considerations on the aircraft. So carry valuables, toiletries and a swimsuit in your hand luggage. Your checked bags will arrive eventually, and your Captain will have them delivered to the yacht. |
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| TIP #2 |
| If your arrival is delayed, let the Captain know by calling the contact number provided in your documentation. Feel free to provide this number along with your charter broker’s number of people who may need to contact you during your charter. Most stateside cell programs will roam in the island areas. To ensure coverage make prior arrangements with your service provider. |
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| TIP #3 |
| Payments for the Private Yacht Charter are scheduled – a portion upon booking and the balance in full prior to boarding. |
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| TIP #4 |
| Shopping: Credit cards are occasionally not accepted in shops and small restaurants, so traveler’s checks are your best alternative to cash. U.S. currency is used in both the American and British Virgins. Each year we see more and more ATM's. |
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| TIP #5 |
| If you’ll be visiting the British Virgins or any other non-U.S. island, must bring passport. Without one, your Captain will have trouble clearing you into foreign ports and perhaps even more trouble getting you back to the U.S. |
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| TIP #6 |
| Stowing Away . . .Space is limited on a boat, so bring soft-sided luggage or duffel bags, which the crew can stow easily. |
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| TIP #7 |
| The tropical sun can be very damaging to skin, so bring a protective lotion that does not stain towels, sheets, cockpit cushions and decks. Greasy preparations and oils in general are forbidden on board. Don’t forget sunglasses and lip balm containing a sunscreen. Despite precautions, you may develop a painful burn, so bring something long sleeved and full length that is light and comfortable to wear as a cover-up, plus a wide-brimmed hat or visor. Evenings can be cool, especially out on the water, so a light sweater or windbreaker will come in handy. |
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| TIP #8 |
Bring your camera and plenty of film, disposable waterproof cameras to use while snorkeling, and an extra pair of glasses or contacts if you wear them. Also, any medications you require, plus antihistamines for any allergic reaction you may develop from unexpected encounters with sea urchins, fire coral or jellyfish. (If you watch where you’re swimming and snorkeling, this isn’t likely to be a problem, but remember: don’t put your hands or your feet where you can’t see them.)
You may also want to bring favorite CDs and DVDs, a good book or two, your diary or anything else that adds to the pleasure of taking life easy. Do not, however, bring illegal drugs. Your Captain has too much to lose to permit their use on the yacht and can terminate the charter without refund if you or your guests bring them aboard.
Remember, rules of the sea the hired Captain is responsible for the yacht and safety of those aboard and has the final word in all decisions on your sailing vacation. |
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| TIP #9 |
| Going ashore . . . Your
hired Captain will be happy to arrange for activities on shore, including recreational sports and dining out. Such excursions are, of course, at your own expense and will not be deducted from your charter fee. Most cooks will appreciate advance notice if you plan to eat out. |
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| TIP #10 |
| Provisions . . . You can have your hired crew provide will have received a food and drink preference list to be filled in completely with regard to all members of your party and sent back in advance of your charter. The cook will plan meals and snacks based on the information you provide, including any strong dislikes or allergies you indicate. Let the cook know what your entire group will be happy eating as it is very difficult to prepare more than one meal at a time in a small galley. Most cooks will have provisions for the entire charter on board prior to your arrival, so please be thorough with your preference sheet. |
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| TIP #11 |
| Working relationships . . .Your hired captain and mate may be a married couple or working partners. They may own the yacht or operate it for someone else. In any case, you are guests in their “home”. You’ll savor your own “quiet time” staring up at the starry night sky or reading a good book. The crew will appreciate being allowed such times, too – after all, they will probably be the first ones up in the morning and the last ones to bed at night, working hard to please you. |
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| Check list to help you ensure a carefree vaca
tion: |
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| Food and beverage preference
sheet filled in and returned ahead of time. |
| Where relatives and associates can reach us: |
| Boat Contact # |
| Yacht Name: |
| Where to board the yacht: |
| Passport for each member of party. |
| Soft luggage or duffel bags. |
| Adequate sun protection (OIL FREE lotions, hat or visor, clothing, sunglasses, lip balm with sunscreen). |
| Rubber-soled sandals and shoes, water shoes (opt). |
| Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses for those who wear them. |
| Prescription medications, antihistamines. |
| Camera, plenty of film, disposable waterproof camera. |
| Traveler’s checks or cash for shopping, dining ashore, other shore expenses and tip. |
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