More and more people dream of an adventure on the high seas, the sound of the waves and the scent of the sea. Whether it’s for an unforgettable vacation in dreamy bays or as a long-term investment in personal leisure time enjoyment – chartering or buying a sailing yacht offers a variety of options for experiencing a special maritime freedom. But before you embark on this exciting journey, there are some important aspects to consider. From choosing the right model to the legal framework, financial considerations and the right care – deciding on the right sailing yacht requires careful planning.
What sailing license do you need?
For many people, a sailing trip at sea is a real dream and an adventure that they finally want to experience. If you want to sail on the open sea, for example in the Mediterranean, you have to meet a few requirements. This does not only include the sailing yacht itself.
Another requirement is the FB2 sailing license. This is an official certification. It certifies that you have the necessary and, above all, important sailing skills and are familiar with the rights on the high seas. In addition, this license is recognized throughout the EU and is one of the basic requirements for chartering a sailing yacht. As with other licenses, you have to pass an exam for this sailing license, which not only includes answering various theoretical questions but also a practical part. You can take this sailing license in numerous sailing schools, but you must pass the theory exam in advance in order to be admitted to the practical part at all.
How to charter the right boat
To have the perfect charter vacation under sail, the right sailing yacht is the be-all and end-all. However, to ensure that it is a wonderful and unforgettable vacation, some selection criteria are particularly important.
Type of ship – catamaran or keel yacht?
The question of whether it will be a keel yacht or a catamaran is not only a question of geld, but also of comfort. On average, catamarans with the same number of cabins cost 50 percent more. Furthermore, you also have to expect some extra costs for diesel, final cleaning, port fees and other additional costs.
For these additional costs, you get one thing above all – more space. Cabins, deck space and saloon, as well as the kitchen, offer you not only more space but also more comfort. In addition, beginners in particular often get along better with upright sailing than with the sloping position of a catamaran. When it comes to pure sailing performance, many opt for a keel yacht.
Special models and manufacturers
In particular, brands such as Bavaria, Elan, Dufour and Beneteau dominate the market when it comes to chartering and buying sailing yachts. However, sailing fans rarely have their favorites when chartering sailing yachts. This is not surprising, since all manufacturers are very similar in terms of price and quality.
Age of the sailing yacht
Many of the so-called purchase-charter models remain in the program for only six to seven years and are replaced by new models at regular intervals. However, there are always providers that make a kind of “economy fleet” available, where interested parties can enjoy a savings opportunity of up to 30 percent on the age of the yacht. However, the condition of the sailing yacht is and remains more important than its age.
Size
Depending on the number of people embarking on the adventure, the size of the sailing yacht is also important. The average size is usually between 30 and 56 feet, which is between nine and 17 meters. In the case of a catamaran, on the other hand, the size is between 36 and 52 feet.
Cabin layout
The cabin layout is also an important point, or rather, the number of cabins is an important point. Depending on the size of the sailing yacht, there are now many different cabins. From two double cabins in small keel yachts to five double cabins in yachts of 49 feet or more, there is something for every need and budget.
Equipment
The equipment that a charter sailing yacht should have always depends on individual needs. The following are among the standard features:
- Autopilot
- Swimming platform
- Life raft and life jackets
- Sleeping gear
- Kitchen and kitchen equipment
- Plotter
- Bimini
What you should consider when buying a sailing yacht
More and more sailing fans who have previously chartered sailing yachts decide at some point to buy their own sailing yacht. Of course, there are a number of things to consider when buying, and the individual points are similar to those for chartering.
Nevertheless, we would like to list the most important points for you again:
- Always take someone with you who can objectively assess the sailing yacht and is familiar with it.
- Always take a closer look at the engine and have a cold start and a test drive carried out
- Check all electrical equipment for proper functioning
- Check all papers for completeness
- Check the entire sailing yacht for porous spots and leaks
- Pay attention to valves, hoses and adhesions
- Are the berths comfortable?
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