Frequently asked questions
F.A.Q.
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1. GENERAL
Can I see or talk to my crew before I book or depart?
What is a by the cabin yacht charter?
What is the difference between a cabin charter and an all-inclusive charter?
How flexible is the itinerary for an all-inclusive or by the cabin cruise/charter?
Are there child or age restrictions?
How eco-friendly are your experiences?
Do you have water bottles, t-shirts, sunscreen, etc. for sale onboard?
How can I get one of those cool rash-guards you wear?
What kind of quality control do you do on your boats - how do I know they will be in good condition?
2. LIFE ONBOARD
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Can I bring my own food, drinks, snacks etc.?
Am I required to help sail the boat?
Who will be sharing the yacht with me in the other cabins for cabin charters?
How are special dietary requirements managed?
How do guests get to the shore from the yacht?
Why are only 6 passengers allowed onboard?
Can I be/swim naked/topless onboard?
What footwear should I wear onboard?
Can I use my hairdryer and hair straighteners onboard?
Can I charge my mobile phone/tablet onboard?
What is the smoking policy on the yachts?
Do you have snorkel equipment onboard?
Will I see dolphins, turtles, sharks etc.?
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3. BOOKINGS/ PAYMENTS
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Do I have to tip the captain/crew, and if so what's the normal amount?
What are all the hidden extras - what will I REALLY end up paying?
Once I book a charter, how do I pay?
How can I check availability or make a reservation?
Do you hold a cabin while I decide?
What is the cancellation policy?
Can I choose which cabin I want when I book?
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How long are the charters?
The charters vary between 2 hours- 1 full day for daycharters to 6 days for The Sailing adventure and 3 to 10 days for Cabin Charters
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Do I need a certification?
No, you can join as a complete beginner with no prior experience required
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What kind of boat is it?
Our flagship is a Jeanneau 54'DS, a monohull sailboat. Our secondary vessel for Daysailing is a Beneteau First 40
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Where do you offer charters?
Currently cruising in the Caribbean, check our latest news and schedule for our live and upcoming planned locations
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Can I see or talk to the crew before I book or depart?
Yes, reach out to us and we will arrange this via video call
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What is a by the cabin yacht charter?
By the cabin means you will be allocated one bed per person or per couple onboard and will share the yacht with other travellers who will have booked the other cabins.
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What is the difference between a cabin charter and an all-inclusive charter?
Cabin charters are sold per person and are a shared trip with other travellers, all-inclusive charters such as "The Sailing Adventure" are a private experience for your own party of up to 6 persons.
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How flexible is the itinerary for an all-inclusive or by the cabin cruise/charter?
The day-to-day itinerary is very flexible and we strive to meet the wishes of all those onboard. We are however limited by the wind, waves, and weather, putting safety as our top priority over any itinerary. The Start and End times of the charter are locked and not flexible once set.
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Do I need insurance?
We provide insurance that covers our crew, the yacht, and third-party liability. However, we highly recommend personal travel insurance that covers you in case of any unexpected circumstances to cover non-refundable deposits.
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Are their child or age restrictions?
Minimum age 6 years. Parents or guardians are responsible for all care of minors under 16 onboard.
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What day do yachts depart?
This varies by experience contact us to inquire about your preferred dates/times.
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How eco-friendly are your experiences?
Extremely eco-friendly. The nature of sailing makes it a very environmentally friendly way to travel as we are powered by the wine. We aim to use all biodegradable products on our vessel as well as create our own energy from renewable sources. It is our goal to create a fully self-sustaining energy and resource system onboard our vessel in the near future.
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What about sharks?
Sharks are often more afraid of you than you are of them. Take care in interactions with all wildlife and be vigilant that all sea creatures are wild animals. Take some time to learn and educate yourself on this topic. It's something we care greatly about
https://www.robstewartsharkwaterfoundation.org/
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What about pirates?
The areas we frequent are considered very safe and do not have any high-security threat alerts, we remain vigilant of petty theft and scams when going ashore anywhere in the world.
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Do you have water bottles, t-shirts, sunscreen, etc. for sale onboard?
Yes, we have many items available. Check out our online store. If you have an item in mind reach out to us before your trip and we will be sure to have your size onboard.
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How can I get one of those cool rash-guards you wear?
They are available for purchase in our online store and onboard during your trip.
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Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes, we are all-inclusive onboard
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What kind of quality control do you do on your boats - how do I know they will be in good
condition?
Our boats are maintained to top-notch standards as our crew come from superyacht and engineering backgrounds. We also live onboard and the condition of our boat is very important to us.
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Can I bring my own food, drinks, snacks etc.?
Yes, provided you remove any cardboard packaging if purchased onshore (as this prevents cockroaches from getting onboard)
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Am I required to help sail the boat?
This is not required
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Can I help sail the boat?
Yes, we welcome the help and are open to helping you learn
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Who makes up the crew
A Captain and Host/Chef
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Who will be sharing the yacht with me in the other cabins for cabin charters?
As well as the crew, there will be other guests who have booked cabins just like you. We find there is typically a varied group of nationalities and ages whom all love to travel and adventure.
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Can I see sample menus?
Yes, reach out to us and we would be happy to provide you with examples. We lean towards a healthy balanced menu with infusions of local cuisine.
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How are special dietary requirements managed?
The chef can be made aware of any specific dietary requirements and will strive to accommodate but cannot prepare specific meals. There is always plenty of fruit and vegetables on board. Please talk to us for advice.
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How do guests get to the shore from the yacht?
The crew transports the guests to the shore with the dingy/tender
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Why are only 6 passengers allowed onboard?
We aim to maximize the comfort and enjoyment of those onboard. We find a maximum of 6 to be the ideal number to maximize both the comfort and safety of our guests.
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What is the dress code?
There is no dress code
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Can I be/swim naked/topless onboard?
There is no dress code (just be mindful of others and local laws)
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What footwear should I wear onboard?
We most often go barefoot onboard or wear boat shoes. Shoes that have been worn to shore are not to be worn onboard as well as footwear that may damage the deck (ie. heels). We recommend socks or barefoot.
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Can I use my hairdryer and hair straighteners onboard?
Yes but please check with the crew first. Our boats are 12V and 230V and your appliance may not be compatible.
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Can I charge my mobile phone/tablet onboard?
Yes
NOTE* Vaporizers and Vape pens are permitted to be charged provided they are monitored while being charged and don't pose a fire risk.
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How much cash should I carry?
It's up to you
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What is the smoking policy on the yachts?
Smoking is permitted outdoors only off the aft (back) of the boat. We follow local laws with regards to marijuana please consult your crew.
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Can I jump from the boat?
This is forbidden while the vessel is in motion. Check with your crew for rules on swimming at anchor.
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Can I steer the boat?
Absolutely, provided the captains deems it a safe time/area to do so.
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Do you have snorkel equipment onboard?
We have some equipment available for use, however, we recommend personally fitted equipment for the most enjoyment.
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How safe is this?
Very safe. We maintain top safety standards and equipment in accordance with the flag state of the vessel. Our crews are well trained, experienced and certified in all safety and emergency procedures onboard.
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What if I fall overboard
Your crew are well trained for this eventuality and will enact the person overboard (MOB) protocol to retrieve you and provide medical assistance if required.
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Can I scuba off the boat?
Yes, please reach out to us for scuba inquiries. Our captain is a PADI Master Scuba Instructor. We are currently in the process of adding a dive compressor and tanks onboard our flagship vessel.
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Will I see dolphins, turtles, sharks etc.?
We hope so! But we can't promise nature.
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What about storms?
Your crew monitors the weather constantly. They will make informed decisions on sailing and destinations based in real-time data available at the moment. Should the boat be caught in a short squall follow the crew's directions as they are well trained in heavy weather sailing. We seek safe and sheltered anchorages for any forecasted events. Named Storms are forecasted well in advance however these may require delay, cancellation, or relocation of the scheduled charter.
What about medical care on board?
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Can I go fishing?
Yes, we encourage fishing to support our food needs onboard. However, we do not fish for sport (not eating the fish). Consult your crew as local regulations/permits may be required.
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Can I go spearfishing?
Yes, we encourage fishing to support our food needs onboard. However, we do not fish for sport (not eating the fish). Consult your crew as local regulations/permits may be required.
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Do I have to tip the captain/crew, and if so what's the normal amount?
Tipping is purely voluntary; if you do decide to tip the crew because they've been professional, helpful, gracious, etc - then it's customary to pay 5% to 15% of the total charter amount before you leave the boat on the last day.
We normally recommend 5% to 10% in the Mediterranean, and 10% to 15% in the Caribbean.
Tips are split equally among the crew
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What are all the hidden extras - what will I REALLY end up paying?
The quoted price is all-inclusive and includes everything you need onboard. We aim to be as transparent as possible on our fees and payments, what is included and not included. No required hidden extra charges. We inform you immidenitly of any and all charges before you decide to move forward with any transaction. We do however have optional extras that are not required such as excursions, merchandise, and extra nights in a marina these are not required and decided on by yourself or your group.
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Once I book a charter, how do I pay?
On booking, you will receive an invoice documenting your charter and requesting payment or a deposit. We accept Bank Transfers, Wise, Revolut, Credit Card (2% fee), Major Cryptocurrency and Cash (USD, EUR, CAD)
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What is included?
Please consult with us, as this depends on your experience and package
Food and drinks are always included, as is cleaning, and bedding.
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What is not included?
Gratuities for the crew, flights, optional excursions (such as scuba diving), national park fees, tourist taxes and landing fees, customs taxes, local cell coverage or wifi, optional travel insurance, and any taxi transfers. Miscellaneous (see terms and conditions with regard to damages, negligence and specific circumstances)
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How can I check availability or make a reservation?
You can check the upcoming cabin charter and availability on our Calendar.
Also, you can contact us to inquire
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Do you hold a cabin while I decide?
We understand there is a lot to think about before confirmation and we can provisionally hold a cabin for a couple of days if there are more than eight weeks before departure.
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What deposit is required?
You will need to pay a 15-30% deposit to confirm the booking and the balance is due 5 days prior to embarkation. Once a booking has been confirmed, offers and discounts cannot be applied retrospectively.
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What is the cancellation policy?
If cancellation of the contract is more than 60 days prior to the original departure date - Full refund
If cancellation is between 59 to 30 days before the original departure date - 10% of the charter fee lost
If cancellation with notice less than 30 days before the original departure date - 50% of the charter fee lost
If you are not present at the time of departure and we have made all efforts to get you on board in a timely manner, this will be treated as a cancellation of reservation and you will lose the entire charter fee.
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Can I choose which cabin I want when I book?
You can request your preferred cabin. While we cannot guarantee your preference, we will do our best on a first-come, first-served basis.​
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What currency can I pay in?
USD, EUR, or CAD (based on the current exchange rate to USD)
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Can I pay in cryptocurrency?
Yes, only major coins are accepted consult us for more details.
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Do you accept credit cards?
Yes with a 2% processing fee.
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