22.02.2016.

If you’ve ever used a travel guide to help you select a hotel, you can use the same basic guidelines to help choose the charter company that’s right for you.

Sailing vacation – which company to choose? Based on worldwide-fleet size, there are large, medium, and small sailboat charter companies; good companies exist in all three categories. If you’ve ever used a travel guide to help you select a hotel, you can use the same basic guidelines to help choose the charter company that’s right for you.

When considering a company, decide what kind of vacation you want. Then be realistic about what you can afford.

Visiting company websites is a great way to educate yourself about fleets, boat availability, destinations, rates, and special deals before you make your decision about which company to use. Browsing online saves time and when you decide to pick up the phone and book your charter, it allows you to ask more concrete questions.

Don't hesitate to ask all what you have on your mind. Remember, there are no stupid questions. ☺ Your expectations should be satisfied.

One way to know what you can expect is to look at the age of a company’s fleet at the base where you intend to charter. Chartering rule: older boats are less expensive. Chartering analogy: many companies offer great maintained boats that are 5 years old or more. Older boats that are well taken care of can provide an excellent charter experience. Charter a boat knowing what you are getting ( value for money) so you won’t be disappointed on your arrival.

Companies often advertise last-minute deals on their websites and in e-mail blasts. These advantages can include a straight discount off the cost of the charter, free days, or the waiving of a flotilla fee.

Once a charter is booked, the website continues to be an useful planning resource, supplying online preference sheets for everything from provisions to water sports equipment. Some companies also offer the possibility of online chat with the booking personel.