5 Ways to Prepare For Your Next Yacht Vacation

Yachting vacations are fun, exhilarating and they come with several mental and emotional health benefits. There is just something dreamy about spending early mornings, afternoons and late evenings on a luxury yacht. Sipping cool drinks, watching the sun rise and set, the sounds of the calming water and serene surroundings. It’s certainly a wonderful thing to experience. However, to make your trip the best it can be, you need to prepare.

Here are five practical ways to prepare for your next yacht vacation. Whether you own your boat outright or you a part of a yacht share network, preparation plays a vital role in ensuring that your yacht vacation goes smoothly.

How to Plan a Boat Trip

Planning for a boat trip is necessary especially if you plan to spend more than two days on the boat. If you are a fractional boat ownership yacht owner, you will probably have less to think about when planning your yacht vacation. Sole owners have much more responsibility when it comes to yacht ownership, as sole owners would need to hire crew and captain and other staff members to manage the boat during the vacation.

Whether you are a sole owner or a yacht share network owner, there are a few things that you would need to think about to prepare for your next yacht vacation.

Choose your destination

Choose the right location for your yacht vacation. Do you want to spend time in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or the East African coast? You choose, but make sure you research the location before you make your final decision.

The location is key to the success of yacht vacations. If you are a part of a yacht syndication group then you would need to make arrangements with the yacht share company and the previous boat occupant. As a sole owner, you can skip this step but there are many extra steps you would need to take as the person solely responsible for the boat.

If you are new to yacht ownership, ask other yacht owners to recommend the best yachting locations.

2. Check boat regulations

Again, if you are new to yacht ownership, make sure you check the yacht rules and regulations of a particular jurisdiction before you set off. Each country has its own rules however, there are general stipulations that you need to be aware of before you start your yacht vacation.

For example, as a general rule of thumb, twelve is the maximum number of passengers you can have on a yacht at any given time. However, it depends on the type of boat you own, check with the yacht share network company if you are a shared yacht ownership boat owner. If you are solely responsible for your boat, check with your insurance company or the British Marine Organisation.

Speaking of insurance, make sure you have the appropriate insurance coverage before you set off.

3. Hire crew and captain

If you are a sole owner, you would need to arrange captain and crew however, if you are a yacht share network owner, you can skip this step. Because most fractional boat ownership companies handle captain, crew and maintenance staff on behalf of the owners. Thus eliminating the hassle often associated with sole ownership.

4. How Many Passengers

Confirm the number of passengers that will board the boat with you. Factor in guests that will meet you there and remember the regulations relating to the overall passenger count.

5. Check the Weather Predictions

Check the weather predictions for your chosen destination. The time of the year is crucial because some destinations have dangerous weather warnings at certain times of the year. Be sure to check this before you decide on dates and destinations.

What to Pack for a Yacht Vacation

Pack Appropriately

Make sure you pack appropriately for your trip, whether you are a sole owner or yacht share network, owner. You would still need to make sure you pack the appropriate items. Remember to pack in advance and make a comprehensive checklist of the things that you are going to need for your yacht vacation.

Here is a basic list of items that you might wish to take, add to the list accordingly if you wish.

Passport and Boating Documents---such as insurance documents and boating licence. If you are a fractional yacht ownership owner, ask the yacht share network company to provide you with a checklist of the documents you will need.

Soft Luggage

Use soft luggage instead of hard-shell luggage to maximise space on the boat.

Small Handbag

Take a smaller bag to carry your essentials such as your wallet, cards, keys and other essential items. Remember to pack a list of emergency contact names and numbers and keep it in this bag just in case. Keep your insurance policy and other important documents in here too.

Here are some more essential items you should also consider taking with you. If you are a yacht s share network owner, you might not need some of these items but consider taking them anyway.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

Prescription Drugs

First Aid Kit

Sun Hats
Spare Clothes

Head Lamp

Rain gear

Handheld GPS
Water
Food

Whether you are a fractional boat ownership yacht owner or you are you own your boat outright, you should always thoroughly prepare and plan before you set off for your yacht vacation. Use these simple tips as a guide to help you prepare and plan for the best yacht holiday ever.