both “standard equipment” and special equipment on individual vessels) posted on the internet. When looking this list over be wary of listing like ‘galley equipment’, such generalities are not helpful – if you need to, call or write and ask about specifics.
Owner’s Notes Many charter companies now post
online “notes” from the vessel’s owner to help you understand, up front, how to operate the various systems on their boat. It’s a practical operations manual from the owner, so you don’t have to go through all the manufacturers manuals (usually onboard also, should you need further detail). Reviewing these notes will tell you lot about the boat and the people who care for it. How detailed and helpful are the notes? Are they for the right boat? Last year, when I was looking for a boat in the BVI, one company had two similar boats, one a two cabin boat and the other a three cabin boat. I was looking at the three cabin boat but the notes listed online were for the two cabin boat. Unfortunately, the two cabin boat had the same notes so I could not see the notes for the boat I was interested in, and boats systems sometime vary widely from boat to boat.
Services What services does the charter
company provide? Do they provide towels and bedding for the boat, and is there a charge? Will they provision? (This is especially important in exotic destinations where in the market English may not get you very far.) Can you pre-board the night before your charter and, if so, at what cost? Are there shower facilities at their docks? In warmer waters, snorkel and/or dive gear might be desired – is it available to rent from the charter company?
Ask Local Companies If you are interested in a charter
on the other side of the continent and/or in foreign waters, try calling your local charter firm and ask if they know someone with knowledge of the area. Most boaters are very willing to be share their charter experiences. I’ve personally had this type of query passed on to me several times and it is fun to talk with other sailors.
Web Resources Besides the charter company’s web
sites there are blogs and postings where you can gain information from other people who have been to the area and who have experience with different charter companies.
CharterFest Many companies have open
houses, where, if you’re in the area, you can check out their boats. Once such open house in the Pacific Northwest is CharterFest, which is held by all the charter companies in Bellingham. It’s
an in-the-water boat show usually held the first or second weekend of April and is a great opportunity to go aboard many different boats, interact with staff members of the various charter companies and sometimes even meet the owners.
Mike Huston teaches sailing for
San Juan Sailing in Bellingham, WA. He owns “Illumine,” at Jeanneau 43DS.
TIME TO GET YOUR SAILS IN FOR WINTER REPAIRS
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Quick Turn-Around • Competitive Rates Contact us to arrange pick-up/drop-off/shipping
OR … Is it time for New? Online Quote Requests:
www.ukhalsey.com/getaquote.asp We Will Apply a Portion of the
Repair Costs to Your New Sail Order (for up to 3 months after repair)
Serving Sailors throughout the Pacific NW, Western Canada & Alaska 1-800-563-7245
www.ukhalsey.com -
northwest@ukhalsey.ca UK HALSEY SAILMAKERS NORTHWEST
48° NORTH, DECEMBER 2010 PAGE 35
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