Water Sports

The major bonus of chartering a yacht is that they come equipped with a good range of leisure equipment (generally known as toys). The general rule is the bigger the yacht, the bigger the toy selection. Sailing yachts will all be equipped with fishing gear, snorkelling equipment and depending on the size of their dinghy and outboard motor, they may also have water skis, kneeboards, skurfs and donuts. Windsurfers and sea kayaks may also be available if the yacht has sufficient deck space to carry them. Motor yachts will provide it all in propulsion watersports - jetskis, waverunners, water skiing, skurfing - you name it, they've usually got it. However, in Mediterranean waters the rules concerning the use of waverunners and jetskis have been considerably tightened in recent years, and you will need suitable qualifications to use these powered toys on a charter. If you are not already qualified - don't worry, it is possible to organise a qualified instructor to visit your yacht and give you the necessary training.


Scuba

Some yachts (both motor and sail) offer scuba-diving and have their own compressors and scuba diving equipment on the yacht. You will be required to bring proof of your diving qualifications, show proof of insurance cover and sign a waiver of responsibility for the yacht. However, because of insurance implications, increasing numbers of yachts cannot take responsibility for scuba activities, and so prefer to organise rendezvous diving for you. This means a local dive company will come to the yacht with all the equipment and take you to the local dive sites with qualified instructors. This is often a better option, because the local dive companies know all the best dive spots in the area.



Sailing

If you're chartering a sailing yacht for the first time, this could be the start of a great passion, so beware! The crew will be happy to show you as much as you want to know about sailing. Don't be afraid to ask - the more you understand the more fun you'll have. For experienced sailors, the crew will be happy to let you be involved. Take the helm of the yacht of your dreams (after all that's why you've chartered it!). Race charters can be organised either with or without professional crews - see our Regatta Charters for more information.


Relaxing

Your yacht will have a library of films, DVDs, videos, CD plus some good holiday reading. Sometimes you will have full cinemas, large projection screens or some massive flat screens throughout the yachts, with the best surround sound systems available. On the larger yachts, each cabin will have an individual system that sometimes is linked up to a central library. One must not forget the lazing around in the sun either .... those lovely, large sun mattresses are just beckoning (don't forget the sun-block!), not to mention the pina coladas at the bar beside the jacuzzi or with your feet in the sand on that deserted beach.

Land Tours

Of course, the sights and sensations of the places you visit are a high priority and your crew (who know the area) will be happy to arrange excursions and sightseeing trips for you. Other land based interests, such as golf, tennis, horse riding, or even helicopter flights could also be available. Finding that little, local, out of the way restaurant that serves the best seafood (or whatever dish tickles your culinary fancy) is a must. The most important thing to remember is that you are there to enjoy yourself. The crew are there to make your charter a most pleasurably memorable experience, so sit back, relax, and HAVE FUN!!