I will be doing my first charter next week on a 2001 H290 in Tampa Bay, FL. I have sailed a C-27 about one year (it has an outboard and tiller). I haven't sailed all winter long. What should I expect on the checkout -- systems and diesel operation? Or will they have me take it out for an spin and demonstarte sailing and docking ability. I am OK at docking MY boat have never tried anyone elses. It might take a little while to get into the sailing mode again. I was very honest with the charter company about my sailing ability. Any hints or words of advise would be great. Thanks. Dan
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Common Fears
Dan, it sounds like you have common fears about not knowing what to expect. A bareboat checkout is a lot to do with showing YOU the boat. And how to operate it properly. They don't want someone "gumming up the works", as they say. Also, they will watch you operate. You have already been cleared by your sailing resume. Just be cool. Don't be nervous. Ask advice. And show them this is also a learning experiece for you on a bit larger boat. Show them your confidence, as well as you eagerness to learn and you will be OK. If they ask you to dock it (which they may ask you to do when you bring back the checkout guy), just be slow and cautious. They have seen all this before. Good Luck, have fun!
Dan, it sounds like you have common fears about not knowing what to expect. A bareboat checkout is a lot to do with showing YOU the boat. And how to operate it properly. They don't want someone "gumming up the works", as they say. Also, they will watch you operate. You have already been cleared by your sailing resume. Just be cool. Don't be nervous. Ask advice. And show them this is also a learning experiece for you on a bit larger boat. Show them your confidence, as well as you eagerness to learn and you will be OK. If they ask you to dock it (which they may ask you to do when you bring back the checkout guy), just be slow and cautious. They have seen all this before. Good Luck, have fun!
Expect a briefing
Hi Dan: I've only done business with Sun Sail so I can't say as to what your charter company policies are. You should expect a "Captains Briefing" where someone from the company goes over a check list of the boat's systems and operations, charts, keel depth, etc. and a Q&A period to clarify any thing that you may not be clear on. They will also probably question you as to your experience and your comfort zone with the boat. If you are uncomfortable with your docking abilitles, you could ask or they might offer a pilot to get you out of the harbor when you leave and come get you when you get ready to come back. If you are very uncomfortable, they might even offer a Captain to go with you. Some areas of Florida have shallow and tricky waters, so it would be in your best interest to study your charts and keep alert to your keel depth. It's a possibility they might want to go out with you on a test drive, but that will probably depend on how busy they are and what kind of feeling that the briefer gets about your abilities. Have Fun!!
Hi Dan: I've only done business with Sun Sail so I can't say as to what your charter company policies are. You should expect a "Captains Briefing" where someone from the company goes over a check list of the boat's systems and operations, charts, keel depth, etc. and a Q&A period to clarify any thing that you may not be clear on. They will also probably question you as to your experience and your comfort zone with the boat. If you are uncomfortable with your docking abilitles, you could ask or they might offer a pilot to get you out of the harbor when you leave and come get you when you get ready to come back. If you are very uncomfortable, they might even offer a Captain to go with you. Some areas of Florida have shallow and tricky waters, so it would be in your best interest to study your charts and keep alert to your keel depth. It's a possibility they might want to go out with you on a test drive, but that will probably depend on how busy they are and what kind of feeling that the briefer gets about your abilities. Have Fun!!
My Experience
Hi Dan, Rented a 42' sloop in Virgin Is and most of my experience was with a 23'with OB aux and 27' with inboard diesel. Charter company had a scheduled checkout morning after our arrival. We stayed on board 1st night at charter company dock. After moving aboard and putting away supplies - they wanted to move boats at the dock. We moved the boats and then enjoyed dinner and a peaceful night dockside. Sea trial check out next AM never happened. They said the boat handling the night before satisfied them. They went over equipment, rigging and operation. Like you, I provided an accurate summary of experience. They had the option of putting a captian on board. Most companies have captians available and a fast service boat so you can call if needed or start with a captian and they will come and pick him up. Best of vacations - we had great weather, good winds. Enjoy!!! Bob
Hi Dan, Rented a 42' sloop in Virgin Is and most of my experience was with a 23'with OB aux and 27' with inboard diesel. Charter company had a scheduled checkout morning after our arrival. We stayed on board 1st night at charter company dock. After moving aboard and putting away supplies - they wanted to move boats at the dock. We moved the boats and then enjoyed dinner and a peaceful night dockside. Sea trial check out next AM never happened. They said the boat handling the night before satisfied them. They went over equipment, rigging and operation. Like you, I provided an accurate summary of experience. They had the option of putting a captian on board. Most companies have captians available and a fast service boat so you can call if needed or start with a captian and they will come and pick him up. Best of vacations - we had great weather, good winds. Enjoy!!! Bob
Thanks!
Thanks! My fears have been muted but I still have some anxiety. I will be at Sunsail in Florida. I also forgot to mention that I have had ASA certification (Basic Keelboat and Basic Coastal Cruising). Another question: What should I bring? Should I try to pack down all the food that I will need or will the boat have some basics (ketchup, slat, pepper, etc...). What about clothing and/or rain gear? What about safety equipment? We (a friend who has never sailed) and I are going for 3 days (short and sweet trip). Again thanks to everybody! Dan
Thanks! My fears have been muted but I still have some anxiety. I will be at Sunsail in Florida. I also forgot to mention that I have had ASA certification (Basic Keelboat and Basic Coastal Cruising). Another question: What should I bring? Should I try to pack down all the food that I will need or will the boat have some basics (ketchup, slat, pepper, etc...). What about clothing and/or rain gear? What about safety equipment? We (a friend who has never sailed) and I are going for 3 days (short and sweet trip). Again thanks to everybody! Dan
Provisioning a Bareboat
Dan The advice you got was great. We had a C22 and bareboated an Endeavor 32 in 986. Talk about huge. But it worked and was great. We've since had 35s and a Bene 510 - boy was THAT ever fun! Put aside the anxiety. The more you worry, the worse it gets. It's a sailboat and only a few feet bigger than yours. Not a problem. As for provisioning, gee, why ask us? How do we know what the charter company does for your boat? Each company is different. Call them, they'll tell you. Have a great trip. Stu
Dan The advice you got was great. We had a C22 and bareboated an Endeavor 32 in 986. Talk about huge. But it worked and was great. We've since had 35s and a Bene 510 - boy was THAT ever fun! Put aside the anxiety. The more you worry, the worse it gets. It's a sailboat and only a few feet bigger than yours. Not a problem. As for provisioning, gee, why ask us? How do we know what the charter company does for your boat? Each company is different. Call them, they'll tell you. Have a great trip. Stu
Provisioning
Your charter will come with all needed safety equipment, and possibly a few toys as well. Sunsail in BVI has mask/snorkles and fins available for a small additional fee, your charter base may be similar. Sunsail's brochure does (as I recall) a pretty good job of detailing what each boat will have as its basic equipment. As far as provisioning goes, don't expect there to be anything beyond a roll of paper towels and some TP. Most Charter outfits can make arrangements for the boat to be provisioned - for a pretty steep fee. You will get plenty of food - most people say more than they need, and won't have much say in the menu's. A more practical approach for many people is to just plan on going shopping locally (or have the first mate take care of it while you are going through the boat checkout). Even if you have to hire a taxi to get to and from a store, the $$ you save over having the charter CO put it aboard for you should make up for it. Third option that is often offered is partial provisioning. Turns out to be a mix of the two methods above. As far as being qualified, don't worry about it. You indicate you have more experience than many that are allowed to charter. As (someone) mentioned, slow and easy wins the race. Over the years, I periodically chartered C38, C36, C34 in Puget Sound, without a real strong background, then owned a C27 outboard and chartered a Bene 44 and a Bene 32 in BVI. Don't overpack - even though it may seem like you are getting a bigger boat, you'll probably not touch half your clothes. Have Fun! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Your charter will come with all needed safety equipment, and possibly a few toys as well. Sunsail in BVI has mask/snorkles and fins available for a small additional fee, your charter base may be similar. Sunsail's brochure does (as I recall) a pretty good job of detailing what each boat will have as its basic equipment. As far as provisioning goes, don't expect there to be anything beyond a roll of paper towels and some TP. Most Charter outfits can make arrangements for the boat to be provisioned - for a pretty steep fee. You will get plenty of food - most people say more than they need, and won't have much say in the menu's. A more practical approach for many people is to just plan on going shopping locally (or have the first mate take care of it while you are going through the boat checkout). Even if you have to hire a taxi to get to and from a store, the $$ you save over having the charter CO put it aboard for you should make up for it. Third option that is often offered is partial provisioning. Turns out to be a mix of the two methods above. As far as being qualified, don't worry about it. You indicate you have more experience than many that are allowed to charter. As (someone) mentioned, slow and easy wins the race. Over the years, I periodically chartered C38, C36, C34 in Puget Sound, without a real strong background, then owned a C27 outboard and chartered a Bene 44 and a Bene 32 in BVI. Don't overpack - even though it may seem like you are getting a bigger boat, you'll probably not touch half your clothes. Have Fun! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Be sure you have towing coverage...
as in BoatUS or SeaTow. I'm not sure if this coverage comes through the company or you have to have your own. It's important because in that type of water you may well run aground (soft) and need a tow off. Or, something worse could happen. We've all done it, but if you don't have prepare to pay $$$$$. The price of towing coverage is well worth it.
as in BoatUS or SeaTow. I'm not sure if this coverage comes through the company or you have to have your own. It's important because in that type of water you may well run aground (soft) and need a tow off. Or, something worse could happen. We've all done it, but if you don't have prepare to pay $$$$$. The price of towing coverage is well worth it.
Good luck!
My wife and I chartered a B411 from Sunsail last Nov out of St. Martin. It was our fourth charter, but first from Sunsail. They are pretty laid back. They've got your resume. Believe me, they know enough about boats that in just talking to you they will learn what they need to know about you. If you dress in good clothes (not fancy, just not torn white T-shirts) appear conservative, and ask relevant questions you will do just fine. They don't give you a "test" but believe me, you are being tested when they go over the boat and during your chart briefing. If you are clueless, they will find out. It sounds to me like you've got plenty of experience, and will be just fine. Have fun!
My wife and I chartered a B411 from Sunsail last Nov out of St. Martin. It was our fourth charter, but first from Sunsail. They are pretty laid back. They've got your resume. Believe me, they know enough about boats that in just talking to you they will learn what they need to know about you. If you dress in good clothes (not fancy, just not torn white T-shirts) appear conservative, and ask relevant questions you will do just fine. They don't give you a "test" but believe me, you are being tested when they go over the boat and during your chart briefing. If you are clueless, they will find out. It sounds to me like you've got plenty of experience, and will be just fine. Have fun!
My experience & some tips
My first bareboat was with Sunsail in Antigua and I too had inexperienced crew. The boat I reserved was being repaired so they gave us an Oceanis 400 instead. They knew the largest boat I had sailed was 10 ft shorter so they offered a short sea-trial with a skipper (no charge) after the boat checkout at the dock. The skipper gave basic sailing instructions to the crew, which freed me to focus on getting familiar with handling the boat and the local conditions. He answered questions that came up while under way (e.g. I had never used a roller-reefing mainsail before), gave plenty of Local information and showed me the best way back into the harbor. When I dropped the skipper off at the dock two hours later, we were relaxed, confident and ready to go. It made a big difference and the trip was a huge success despite some unexpected bad weather. A few other suggestions. Since your trip is short, try and get to the charter base the afternoon before. Pay the extra to spend the first night aboard. Ask them to show you how to run the fridge and do your provisioning right away. Don't forget the insect repellent. Bring sunblock, toiletries, seasonings, sugar, coffee and tea in packets or single-serving bags from home. Otherwise you'll end up buying more than you need and throwing most of it away. The goal is to leave as soon as possible after checking in. A three-day charter is not 72 hours; the first day starts when you check in and the third day ends at 5 pm. With non-sailing crew I found sailing about four to five hours a day to be about right. Hit the anchorage or dock by mid-afternoon. That's early enough to get a good spot and there's still time left for a swim, or go exploring in the dinghy or ashore. I hope this helps. Have a great trip. Peter H23 "Raven"
My first bareboat was with Sunsail in Antigua and I too had inexperienced crew. The boat I reserved was being repaired so they gave us an Oceanis 400 instead. They knew the largest boat I had sailed was 10 ft shorter so they offered a short sea-trial with a skipper (no charge) after the boat checkout at the dock. The skipper gave basic sailing instructions to the crew, which freed me to focus on getting familiar with handling the boat and the local conditions. He answered questions that came up while under way (e.g. I had never used a roller-reefing mainsail before), gave plenty of Local information and showed me the best way back into the harbor. When I dropped the skipper off at the dock two hours later, we were relaxed, confident and ready to go. It made a big difference and the trip was a huge success despite some unexpected bad weather. A few other suggestions. Since your trip is short, try and get to the charter base the afternoon before. Pay the extra to spend the first night aboard. Ask them to show you how to run the fridge and do your provisioning right away. Don't forget the insect repellent. Bring sunblock, toiletries, seasonings, sugar, coffee and tea in packets or single-serving bags from home. Otherwise you'll end up buying more than you need and throwing most of it away. The goal is to leave as soon as possible after checking in. A three-day charter is not 72 hours; the first day starts when you check in and the third day ends at 5 pm. With non-sailing crew I found sailing about four to five hours a day to be about right. Hit the anchorage or dock by mid-afternoon. That's early enough to get a good spot and there's still time left for a swim, or go exploring in the dinghy or ashore. I hope this helps. Have a great trip. Peter H23 "Raven"
Charter experience
I have a 2000 H290 in Arkansas and would like to charter in FL on a similar boat. I would like to hear about your experiences with the boat and charter company after your trip. My email is drouse@donlrouse.com.
I have a 2000 H290 in Arkansas and would like to charter in FL on a similar boat. I would like to hear about your experiences with the boat and charter company after your trip. My email is drouse@donlrouse.com.
shopping
I live in ft lauderdale, Publix supermarkets are the best in fla. they had home delivery, but think it was stopped. However, you may be able to call ahead with your order, and pick it up. they are very very accomidating. they also offer flash frozen services for yachts. (and sell dry ice). doubt you will need this for 3 days, but calling or arrainging for delivery may work. store locator: http://store.publix.com/publix20020115/ Tampa and all of west coast has very gradual slope bottom. takes several miles to get into 50' of water. claiborne youngs crusing guide for west coast would be on my list. (bluewaterbooks / amazon) hopefully charter will provide charts. this is good time of year, bugs not too bad yet. cool (60-70) at night, 80's day. bring sunscreen and ask about bimini. all the best!
I live in ft lauderdale, Publix supermarkets are the best in fla. they had home delivery, but think it was stopped. However, you may be able to call ahead with your order, and pick it up. they are very very accomidating. they also offer flash frozen services for yachts. (and sell dry ice). doubt you will need this for 3 days, but calling or arrainging for delivery may work. store locator: http://store.publix.com/publix20020115/ Tampa and all of west coast has very gradual slope bottom. takes several miles to get into 50' of water. claiborne youngs crusing guide for west coast would be on my list. (bluewaterbooks / amazon) hopefully charter will provide charts. this is good time of year, bugs not too bad yet. cool (60-70) at night, 80's day. bring sunscreen and ask about bimini. all the best!
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