There’s something otherworldly about being out in open water. The effortless endeavour that is sailing upwind is perhaps the closest a human being can get to flying without actually being in the air.
Sailing (and specifically chartering) is coming back in a big way, for this reason as well as many more. If you’re looking to pick up this adventurous sport, follow this quick list for breezy, first-time chartering.
Finding your vessel
Sourcing charter boats for sale can actually be quite an easy feat if you know what sort of vessel you’re looking for. This process becomes even simpler if you have an understanding of what kind of sailor you are. Are you a budding skipper who enjoys the solitude of bareboating, and the little things like watching sunlight bounce off the water, having a lazy afternoon fish, or nodding along to the lulling company of gentle waves? Or are you a vacationer, a curator of good times, who’s looking for a vessel that’ll accommodate your loved ones for the most epic family getaway? Multihull catamarans have been named the most popular option for chartering, as the stability of multiple hulls alongside their larger interior space and dual engines, makes catamarans an incredibly smooth and spacious ride. In contrast to this, the major appeal of monohull chartering is the independence that comes with bareboating. There’s a level of serenity and self-accomplishment that accompanies being your own skipper. You might make your vessel decisions based off functionality, or in preparation for a specific trip. So long as you’ve done your research and thought critically about your relationship with chartering, you’ll be on the right path.
Learning the ropes
Despite the fact that multihull chartering doesn’t require a maritime licence, it’s still recommended that you gain plenty of practice through participating in sailing courses. Sailing is quite a specialty hobby and it might seem idyllic on paper, but like all things that are worth doing, it comes with a certain level of required knowledge and discipline. Regardless of whether you’re setting sail with an assigned skipper, or you’re going to serve as a single-man crew, you should have some idea of both how to operate your vessel as well as staying safe on the water. There are a growing variety of sailing courses to suit all kinds of sailors, from hobby sailors to racers to racing instructors looking to gain qualifications. It pays to look around and see what skills you might be interested in picking up. The added knowledge can only just enrich your experiences with chartering.
A sailor’s inventory
Sailing can feel a lot like camping, in the sense that you need to make sure you’re well-prepared for essentially being out in the wilderness. Packing for a sailing trip can be pretty similar to packing for a camping trip, with only a few notable differences. The open ocean can be a terrifying albeit beautiful place, and it doesn’t take very long for you to see all your supplies as the most precious bounty. Depending on the length of your trip, you’ll need to pack yourself a good assortment of long-sleeved clothing. You’ll want thin, long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants to keep you well-protected from harsh sunlight.
Similarly, packing sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat, can take a huge load off your shoulders when it comes to sun safety. Waterproof jackets and trousers will help if you’re hit with any biting draughts or other nasty weather. As for reserves, it’s always good to have plenty of water and a mixture of snacks, especially if you’re bareboating. If you are chartering a monohull, however, you should also keep your limited onboard storage space in mind when you’re packing, and try and minimise packing superfluous items. Prioritise the bare essentials first, and if you’ve found you have space to spare, pack mindfully.
If you’ve followed this guide all the way through, give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve been promoted to captain. Get yourself some stripes. You’re on your way to mastering this old world hobby, and soon enough you’ll be embarking on the most unique, modern adventures.
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