Planning a luxury yachting charter can be a daunting task. After all, there is much to consider before an itinerary can be finalized. Depending on the length and type of sailing, a yachting trip will likely entail several different ports of call along with varying durations.
Therefore, it’s important to take some time in advance to map out all of the details so that the final journey is as flawless as possible. The key to a successful luxury yacht charter lies in careful consideration and planning – which is why we have put together this handy guide to help you along the way!
Know What You’re Looking For
As with any other trip, setting out with the specific end goal in mind will help you to focus your efforts accordingly. For example, if you’re hoping to experience something unique and culturally significant while on your yacht charter, then you should be aware of what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re hoping to sail along the famed Canals of Venice, then be sure to read up on the history of the city so that you know what you’re looking for when you’re there.
Likewise, if you’re hoping to experience some beautiful landscapes, then you should be well informed about the various cruising grounds that you plan to visit. As a general rule of thumb, the farther away from the coast you intend to sail, the more likely it is that you’ll encounter some spectacular scenery.
Set Your Destination
Not only does this help you to narrow down your travel itinerary, but it will also greatly simplify the process of acquiring your yacht charter in the first place. If you choose to set sail from Europe as a starting point, then you are far more likely to be able to find a suitable charter company in the region. Once you’ve selected a few potential locations, then you can begin to conduct some preliminary research in order to get an idea of what you’re up against.
As mentioned above, it can be helpful to conduct some preliminary research in order to get an idea of what you’re up against. Depending on the type of sailing trip that you’re looking to embark upon, you might want to consider sailing along a well-known cruising ground or sailing region. For example, in order to sail along the canals of Venice, you’re likely to want to sail along the Baltic Sea. However, you might also want to consider sailing along the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal, as both of these cruising grounds are less well-known than the canals of Venice.
Decide On The Length Of Your Trip
This can be a tricky decision, as it will heavily influence the final cost of your trip. For example, if you’re hoping to sail along the canals of Venice for a month, then you will be paying a significantly higher amount than someone who’s sailing for a week. Therefore, you may want to consider the length of your trip when you’re making your final decision about where to charter your yacht.
Given that, you can also choose to split your trip into two or more parts and take a break between each leg. For example, you may be able to sail along the canals of Venice for eight days and then take a few days off and sail to Florence or Rome. Likewise, you can also choose to sail along the canals of Venice for two weeks, sail to Greece for a week, and then sail back to your original port of call.
Choose A Crew Ahead of Time
This can make a significant difference to the overall experience of your trip. For example, if you’re hoping to sail along the canals of Venice with a private chef on board, then you should be sure to book them ahead of time. Likewise, if you’re hoping to charter a sailing trip that includes a dive master or a local guide, then you should ensure to book them with your selected yacht charter company as well.
While it may seem like a minor detail, it can help to make a significant difference both to your trip and to the overall experience. After all, cruising grounds are often a bit off the beaten path, and if you don’t have the necessary information or expertise, then it can be extremely frustrating or even dangerous!
Determine Port Of Call
Depending on the type of sailing trip that you’re planning to embark upon, you can make an effort to visit some of the lesser known ports of call on your way. For example, if you’re hoping to sail along the canals of Venice, then you should be sure to visit the lesser known ports of call that are located along the way. Likewise, if you’re hoping to charter a sailing trip that includes some coastal cruising, then you can also consider visiting some of the less well-known ports of call to break up the trip.
Conduct Research Before You Go
While this isn’t particularly essential as far as planning a luxury yacht charter goes, it can help to make your trip even more memorable. For example, if you’re hoping to sail along the canals of Venice, then you may want to consider reading up on the history of the city so that you know exactly what you’re looking for when you’re there. Likewise, if you’re hoping to experience some beautiful landscapes, then you should be well informed about the various cruising grounds that you plan to visit.
Depending on the type of sailing trip that you’re hoping to embark upon, you can also consider reading up on some of the lesser known ports of call that you plan to visit on the way. For example, you may want to visit the lesser known ports of call that are situated along the way in order to break up the trip and add some local flair.
Take Photos and Video Throughout The Trip
Not only will this help to document your trip, but it will also help to make the journey even more memorable. For example, if you and your crew are trying to decide on a photo or video theme for your trip, then you can choose to focus on a particular theme throughout. Likewise, if you’re hoping to visit some of the lesser known ports of call, then you can also consider snapping some photos along the way.
Depending on the type of sailing trip that you’re hoping to embark upon, you can also consider taking some photos of your crew. For example, if you’re hoping to charter a sailing trip that includes a private chef, then you can also consider snapping a pic of your chef along the way.
Wrap Up
Finally, it’s important to note that successful luxury yacht chartering doesn’t just depend on meticulous planning and preparation it also depends on being flexible and open-minded. It’s often helpful to speak with locals and get a feel for the local culture and customs so that you can make the most of your trip.
It’s also important to remember that, regardless of how carefully you plan your trip, some things simply can’t be controlled. Thus, it’s also worth remembering that sometimes the best that you can do is enjoy the trip while it lasts while being prepared for any surprises that might come your way.
