Crewed Yacht Charter FAQ?
If you have any other questions in regards to yacht charter please do not hesitate to request additional information.
- What is the difference between a crewed yacht and a cruise ship or shore resort?
- We are honeymooners why should we choose to charter your yacht?
- What time of year should we Charter?
- How much sailing will we do?
- How does it work?
- What is included?
- What do the Captain and First Mate do?
- Are children welcome on the yacht?
- Is smoking allowed on board the yacht?
- Are pets allowed on board the Yacht?
- How can we be reached during the cruise/charter?
- Is a passport required?
- What if we need/require special menu/food?
- What about seasickness during my charter?
- What do I bring for the charter?
Q. What is the difference between a crewed yacht and a cruise ship or shore resort?
A. The difference is in privacy and a relaxed atmosphere. The Yacht and crew are dedicated only to you and your guests from the moment of boarding our yacht. With a private yacht you can simply anchor where you want and find beaches that are accessible only by boat ( tender).
Q. We are honeymooners, why choose to charter your yacht?
A. This should be the BEST romantic getaway of your life, one tailored to your needs and wants, just the two of you doing what you want, when you want. A menu designed around your specific tastes and diet with activities to suit your level of comfort. This week, YOU are our only concern. The way Finnessa is laid out, your privacy and comfort is ensured above and below deck. Sure, we are around…somewhere, busy handling the boat or preparing dinner. We will be with you as much or as little as you choose .
Q. What time of year should we charter?
A. One of the great things about cruising the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Canadian Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands is the varied weather conditions throughout the year. It offers something different for everyone, depending upon the time of year you choose.
Spring and Early Summer – May offers some of the best sailing opportunities of the year. While the winds can be exhilarating in April, we often think of May as the early beginning of the season. Temperatures can get into the 70's, the winds are more reliable and any precipitation is usually short lived. May also offers less crowded anchorages . This begins the most active time of year for Orcas and other wildlife.
Summer - Late June, July and August are the most popular times, mainly since school is out. While the winds can be lighter during these months, little rain falls in the islands and temperatures are usually in the 80's or even 90's.
Late Summer and Fall – September and early to mid October are great for cruising, preferred by many local sailors due to the reappearance of more consistent winds, less crowds and the still warm temperatures, often in the 70's or even 80's. Precipitation is still infrequent or short lived.
Q. How much sailing will we do?
A. That is up to you and your order of priorities; but it also depends on the weather conditions, the time of day (some anchorages require an early arrival to secure the perfect spot), or the distance we have to cover.
A. Once you make the booking for our crewed yacht charter , we will send you a contract to sign. When you return the signed contract, you will also have to make a 50% deposit on the reservation. There will also be a detailed questionnaire for you to complete so that the crew will be able to provide you with the vacation you desire. You will have to pay the balance of the cost of the crewed yacht charter 60 days prior to your departure date.
A. The charter fee includes all food and non-alcoholic beverages, and all expenses related to running of the yacht including fuel, water. The charter fee is exclusive of special request charges such as dockage & mooring requested by the Charterer, all alcoholic beverages and mixes, off yacht excursions or meals & drinks, telephone, fishing & shellfish licenses and other similar expenses incurred by Charterer. Any special services requested by the Charterer during their stay must be paid for in full prior to receiving said services.
Q. What do the Captain and First Mate do?
A. The Captain's duties include sailing and maintaining the ship, with or without additional crew members, and acting as a tour guide if you're traveling through unfamiliar waters. The first mate prepares the meals on board and cleans up the galley afterwards. We both enjoy sharing our sailing and boating knowledge to help you learn as much or as little as you choose.
Q. Are children welcome on the yacht?
A. Absolutely!! But please note that you are held responsible for their safety and behavior. The crew is responsible for the yacht and its navigation and can not be held responsible for children while on board of the yacht.
Q. Is smoking allowed on board of the yacht?
A. Smoking is not permitted i.e. strictly forbidden in the staterooms or cabins and will be treated the same as illegal use of drugs. Smoking will only be allowed on the weather deck at the rear of the vessel when down wind from others or ashore.
Q. Are pets allowed on board of the yacht?
A. Unfortunately pets are not allowed on board the yacht . Crews have to maintain highest standards in regards to cleanliness. Pets are sensitive even more than humans and therefore longer cruising can be uncomfortable for pets.
Q. How can we be reached during the cruise/charter?
A. The San Juans are generally in cell phone signal. We have a USB modem on our laptop to access E-mail if you so require, however you are on vacation and we encourage you to RELAX!!
A. Yes, if your trip will include Canada. It is the responsibility of the charterer and must be secured in advance of the charter.
Q. What if we need/require special menu/food?
A. It is critical to learn in advance if you are suffering from any allergies or serious aversions. If so, please specify in the food preference list. We offer a wide range of foods including vegetarian.
Q. What about seasickness during my charter?
A. There is no ocean swell because the San Juans are protected by Vancouver Island, eliminating the likelihood of seasickness. However, if you are worried about seasickness, check with your local pharmacist for special medication before your departure.
Q. What do I bring for the charter?
A. Foldable bags – storage is reasonably limited and there is no space for hard-shell suitcases aboard. We provide bedding and towels so just bring your personal items. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes with a white rubber sole for use on board. Day clothing depends on the time of year with a range from long pants and shirts/sweatshirt in May to shorts and T-shirt in July and August. Evenings on the water can be chilly at times even in July so a warm sweater or jacket is recommended. Ample sun protection – the sun on the water is much more intense than ashore, please make sure you bring protective creams suited to your skin type. Your life vests are provided, although you may want to bring your own for a perfect fit, especially for young children.
Some Items to Remember for your Cruise:
- Sun hat / sunglasses / sun visor (sun reflection off the water can be intense)
- Sun tan lotion
- Swim suits
- CDs /MP3 Player
- Rain gear (any PVC will do – - it need not be expensive)
- Binoculars (we have a boat pair to share)
- Special medication you will need during your vacation
- Wind-breaker
- Layered clothing for spring and fall (polypropylene or capelin long underwear)
- Personal toiletries
- Camera
