Whether you’re new to the world of luxury yachting or have been cruising the high seas for years, there are plenty of ways you can make your time on deck that much more enjoyable. From personalized services to practical yacht maintenance tips, these five essential tips will help you experience luxury yachting like never before.
Don’t skip sail-away
Sail-away marks the beginning of your journey as a member of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). This is your opportunity to get an up-close look at the yacht and its crew, and set sail with the rest of the crew. Sail-away ceremonies vary from fleet to fleet, but they’re generally held at the same time each day. Depending on where you are sailing, this may be a very busy time. To avoid the crowds, try sailing-away at one of the quieter times of day. When it’s time to sail, you’ll want to be on the yacht to set sail. You can’t risk falling off the ladder and being seriously injured. So, be there when the crew takes the ladder down, and be on the yacht as soon as possible.
Dining with an Elite Crew
Just as there are social gatherings that are better suited to business than they are to fun, there are also occasions when it’s more appropriate to celebrate with your crew than to socialize with the rest of the guests. For the most part, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) frowns upon its guests dining exclusively with the RYA elite crew. However, there are some prominent exceptions to this rule. If you’re invited to dinner with the rest of the guests, don’t turn down the offer. The RYA elite crew is among the best in the hospitality business, and they’re more than happy to share their skills with fellow yachties.
Personalized services
Some fleets include a luxury concierge on board. This concierge is there to offer services according to your demands and preferences. If you’ve got a specific request for the meal, the drinks, or any other service on board, this concierge can work with the chef to provide it. If you’re lucky enough to have a concierge, don’t hesitate to request what you want. If the chef is willing to accommodate your request, great. If not, try again the next day. If you’re sailing with a fleet that doesn’t include a concierge, don’t fret. Even without a concierge, you can still have a personalized experience. The best way to do this is to be proactive and ask the staff members of the fleet what they can do to accommodate you.
Bring your own booze on board
There’s nothing like imbibing some of your favorite rare spirits to celebrate a job well done or to ease the pain of a hard day at sea. While most yachts are stocked with a selection of fine liquors, the rules on board can change depending on the charter company. To avoid any headaches, bring your own liquor on board and be sure to follow the rules. Depending on the charter company, you may be allowed to bring your own liquor on board. But, be aware that the rules may change at any time, so be sure to check with the charter company at the time of booking. If you don’t have the option to bring your own liquor, don’t fret. Most yachts can make arrangements to provide a selection of beverages on board. And, even if they can’t, it’s usually not a big deal. If you’ve got a group of friends who are willing to help you out, you can still have a fun time.
Don’t forget the folks at home
No matter how much you enjoy your time on the water, it would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to see your family and friends. If you’ve got a loved one who may be happy to see you, let them know when you’re booking the trip. If you don’t have a loved one, you can also let your friends, family members, and coworkers know when you’re sailing. They can send you a message on Facebook or Twitter with your sailing location. You can also post your sailing location on Facebook or Twitter so your loved ones can find you.
Bottom line
If you’ve got the chance to join a luxury yacht charter, don’t miss it. As long as you’re aware of the costs, the experience is something you can’t find on land. Luxury yachting may be costly, but you’ll always find that it was worth every penny if you do it right. Now that you know what can make your luxury yacht experience even more enjoyable, it’s time to get on board and start enjoying every minute of it.
