Charter Guide
your transportation costs to the boat’s is called a “shoulder season,” a time to research the charter companies, a
location, the price of an evening or two between the prime and off seasons. charter broker will do it for you. A
ashore, some Northwest gifts for the kids June and September are often the charter broker acts much like a travel
and you can determine pretty closely the “shoulder” months. Companies with agent, an independent, unbiased source
costs of a charter vacation. this feature charge separate rates who has contacts with several different
Once you divide the total cost by the during these times. charter companies. It is his or her job to
number of people on the boat, you’ll find If your vacation is not dependent match your needs and schedule with
that chartering a boat can be a relatively on children being on summer break, the right boat.
inexpensive, as well as fun, vacation. you may want to consider an off-
season charter. If your schedule allows, On the following pages of the
Booking there are several reasons to consider “Charter Guide to the Northwest”,
The advice from the charter a cruise between mid-September to the charter companies (along
companies was unanimous: Book as mid-June. The first is obvious: you save with alternatives such as sailing
early as you can. Many repeat charter money, up to 25 percent off the prime schools and sailing clubs) are
customers reserve their boats a year season rate with some companies. listed and the availability of the
in advance, but the busiest time for Several companies offer an off-season, f o l l o w i n g s e r v i c e s : L e s s o n s ;
making reservations is right now, late ten-day charter package for the prime- Provisioning and Skipper.
winter through early spring. The best season, seven-day price. In May and
boats tend to get booked first for the October, you can still get great weather, One other option you may want
prime cruising season, which usually the anchorages and marinas are less to consider is contacting a private
starts in mid-June and runs through crowded and the wind blows more owner who has put his or her boat into
the summer until about mid-September. frequently. charter. In the back of our magazine, the
Check with the charter company for its Finally, you may want to consider “Charter” section of the Classified Ads
exact dates; they vary from company making your reservation through a lists private boats available for charter.
to company. charter broker. If, like much of today’s — by Jeffrey D. Briggs
Also, some companies have what society, you’ve got limited free time — photos by Richard Hazelton
Wanna try the hottest new
Sportboat in a ONE DESIGN Race?
NOOD Charters Available!
• Crew weight maximum 595 lbs.
(3-4 person crew).
• Class no-hiking rule—race results rely
on skills and tactics and not on fitness
• 20’ Sportboat w/294SF main & jib,
495SF Asymmetrical Spinnaker.
Contact Ray Hines at (206) 323-2405 for details.
2442 Westlake Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 323-2405
www.marinesc.com
48° No r t h , Ap r i l 2009 pA g e 45
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