FAQ

Choose Your Route

EXPLORER

Explorer: Payment and Additional Costs

Are there any additional costs on top of my trip costs?

The only additional cost aside from your dinner, excursions and activities for the week is a per person local payment fee.

The Local Payment covers your fuel and marina fees for your week of sailing. For our Explorer Routes, the local payments are

Greece and Montenegro: €95 per person
Croatia: 750 kuna per person(approximately €100)
Italy: €100 per person

This payment will be payable in the local currency directly to your Skipper & Host on the day of your departure and is on top of your trip costs.

Do I need to pay for my whole trip when I book?

No, to secure your booking we do require a deposit of €350 per person. The remaining balance will not be due until 12 weeks before your departure date and can be made in instalments through our booking management system.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept credit or debit card payments or via bank transfer. You can find our bank details on your mytourinfo.com booking management page, or you can follow the link there to make payments online with a credit or debit card.

Please note all payments have to be made in EUR, and members of your group can make payments separately using your booking reference number.

Can I make an international transfer and how much will it cost?

Yes. Do this either in your bank branch, or using your bank’s telephone banking facility. You must use our IBAN and SWIFT codes when making the transfer and it will cost around €15 depending on your location and the transfer amount. Please make sure this cost is covered in your payment.

Can I get an invoice for my trip?

Yes. Please e-mail us at sales@yachtgetaways.com.

What currency do I need?

Italy – Euro
Croatia – Croatian Kuna
Greece – Euro

Do I need to tip my Skipper and Host?

Our crew is there to look after you and ensure you have the best trip possible. If you feel they’ve succeeded in this regard then please feel free to tip them.

Explorer: Travel Arrangements

What if my trip is affected by weather?

Yacht Getaways considers your safety of the utmost importance. Certain weather conditions can result in a change in our itineraries in the interest of our guests’ safety. We will monitor the weather forecast closely for adverse weather that may result in last-minute changes to your holiday.

If this occurs, Yacht Getaways will endeavour to inform guests of any possible disruption before departure and your Skipper & Host team will ensure you are well looked after and making the most of your trip!

Is there parking near the marinas?

Parking options will vary across routes, for further information on a specific trip, please email our customer service team at sales@yactgetaways.com.

What if I need to apply for a Visa to enter Croatia, Greece, Italy or Montenegro?

If you need a Visa for your sailing trip, this will need to be done in person at the Embassies in your closest city. You will need to show proof of booking, which you can request from our office at sales@yachtgetaways.com. Don’t know if you would need a Visa?  Check with your local consulate for further details or visit www.visahq.co.uk.

Do I need to have travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is a must and is a condition of your contract with us. It is highly recommended in case of lost or damaged items or injury. All our sailing routes stay within 11km of land, so should be covered by most travel insurance policies, but do check with your provider.

How easily will I have access to medical/emergency services?

Your Skipper will be able to notify the emergency services case of accident or injury, and you will have help available to you within a short while. All our Skippers are medically trained in primary care as well, so you will be in safe hands throughout your trip.

Will I get seasick?

Our yachts are all catamarans, the two hulls make them significantly more stable than monohulls. The waters in the areas that we sail are normally quite calm and our guests won’t often suffer from seasickness. If you’re worried that you may be seasick, please bring some form of prevention.

What if I am not a very strong swimmer?

Life jackets are available on all our yachts and there will be plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Or, if you prefer, you can stick to lounging around, soaking up the rays on deck!

Explorer: About Your Trip

Is this trip suitable for children?

As our Explorer trips are cabin charter, children under the age of 18 are not permitted on the trip unless you book a full yacht for your group. Our Tailored Yacht Charter trips are great for families, so check them out as well!

Explorer versus Tailored?

Yacht Getaways offer two kinds of sailing holiday options – Our Explorer trips and we also offer Tailored yacht experiences.

Our Explorer trips are cabin charter itineraries, which include a qualified Skipper and Host team and we sail on set itineraries. These trips are perfect for those looking for an active, social and balanced sailing holiday. Our shared yachts are adult only and ideal for couples, groups of friends looking to relax and explore the beautiful Mediterranean.

For those looking for more of a Tailored experience, we can offer one-off 7-day yacht charters that include your Skipper and itinerary guides for each country, giving you a bit more freedom in the week ahead. These trips are perfect for families with children, couples who want a more private charter and sailing enthusiasts looking to get more involved in the week.

What’s included in the Explorer package?

Your Explorer trip will include six or seven nights on board, helmed by your RYA Yachtmaster Skipper, 6 breakfasts and 6 lunches with wine prepared by your professional host as well as canapes on arrival, towels and bed linen for the week, 2 paddleboards and snorkelling gear!

What is not included?

Visas, travel insurance, flights, extra activities and excursions are not included. Please contact us if you require further information on travelling to any of our destinations or if you need any assistance with your travel plans.

On which days does the yacht charter start and end?

All of our trips are 6 or 7-nights beginning on Saturday and check-in and out time can vary across the Explorer itineraries. If you would like to find out specific timings please email us at sales@yachtgetaways.com and let us know what destination you are hoping to sail!

What to expect for breakfast and lunch?

Breakfast on board is served Continental, with freshly local produce and fresh coffee. There will be a hot accompaniment each morning which may include pancakes, eggs, fresh fruit and a variety of cereals.

Lunch will be a typical Mediterranean meal, with lovely fresh bread, salads and vegetables and homemade pasta dishes; as well as an assortment of antipasti, local cheese and cured meats. Enjoy the best of fresh, local produce and regional wine to accompany.

What should I pack for my sailing holiday?

We suggest packing casual summer attire, swimwear, beach towel and appropriate footwear. We advise against hard-cased, wheelie suitcases. The less you pack, the more room on board and in your cabin, making for a more comfortable sailing holiday!

We also recommend packing a portable charger, any medication needed and your own reusable water bottle.

Do I need to bring boat shoes or trainers?

Not for sailing. The temperatures are warm enough that you can stay barefoot onboard your yacht or even just a pair of flip-flops. We do recommend a decent pair of shoes for any shore-side walking excursions or of you choose to go cycling or hire a moped for the afternoon.

Can you cater for dietary requirements on board?

Yes. Our Host are well equipped to cater for any specialist dietary requirements. We do also recommend supplementing your meals with suitable specialist foods, as the variety in smaller towns can be quite limited.

Can I bring my own food and drink on board?

Yes, we are BYO. There are supermarkets or local stores at the majority of our destinations so you can replenish your supplies throughout the week.

Guests are allowed to stock the yacht with whatever drinks and snacks they choose.

Can you recommend places for dining out at night?

For dinner you can choose from the range of restaurants and bars on offer at each of our destinations – we are happy to help with recommendations, or ask your Skipper or Host to recommend his/her favourite.

Explorer: Yacht Information

Can I bring my sleep apnoea machine?

If you require a CPAP machine to run at night it shouldn’t be a problem, please just let the Customer Service team at hello@yachtgetaways.com know. We may just need some details on what the machine requires to run, such as the voltage.

Is smoking allowed on board the yacht?

Smoking is not permitted inside the yacht. Smoking is only allowed on the back of the boat, where the smoke will be carried downwind and will not disturb the other guests.

Can I fish off of the yacht?

In order to help safeguard the local fish population in the areas that we sail, we do not allow fishing off of our boats.

Can I bring my hairdryer?

Regular appliances won’t work on the boats, due to the boat’s low voltage. You could bring a travel hairdryer and hair straightener, these tend to work a little bit better, just check with your Skipper when you need to use it.

Can I charge my phone or laptop while on the boat?

Power is available onboard your yacht whenever you are connected to shore power. All other times, you should be able to charge your devices when the yacht’s engine is switched on. All yachts are equipped with European sockets (two-pin plugs), so you may need to bring an adapter for your devices.

What does a Yacht Host add?

Much like any service host, your Host is a trained cook and is there to prepare your breakfast and lunches as well as look after the cleaning of the yacht for all communal areas.

Your host will also be able to assist and advise with restaurant booking/arranging local tours and visits to the attractions.

Does my Catamaran have air-conditioning?

Air Conditioning is included on board the Superior & Prestige catamaran. As we sail in some of the most beautiful corners of the Mediterranean, we aim to reduce environmental impact and noise pollution during your trip, so please find details on our air conditioning policy below.

– Yacht Getaways encourages the use of open hatches to catch breezes when parked.

– On our Superior class, when not on the dock air conditioning can be turned on after dinner until 10 pm to cool the saloon area down.

– On our Prestige class, when not on the dock air conditioning can be turned on after dinner until 10 pm to cool the cabins down.

What’s the difference between the Superior and Prestige catamaran class?

Our range of Catamarans offers the ultimate in space and comfort, with large sunbathing decks and generous living areas.

The 45ft Superior class range built between 2015 – 2017 with ensuite offers an excellent choice for those looking for a more indulgent yachting trip and our Prestige 52ft class is our flagship product boasting large multi-level living areas for relaxing and sunbathing during the day.

If you would like any more information on our classes of boats please email us at sales@yachtgetaways.com

Will there be Wi-Fi on board?

There is no Wi-Fi on board the boats but there is an abundance of Wi-Fi on the shore across all of our destinations at the many restaurants and bars during your week of sailing.

What luggage restrictions are on board?

There is no actual restriction on luggage permitted onboard, though we do recommend guests keep luggage to 20kg per person for their own comfort.

Are the yachts secure?

Yes, all below deck areas are safe for storage of valuable items.

Who’s in charge of our catamaran?

Your RYA Yachtmaster Skipper! Most of our Skippers are aged early 20’s to early 40’s and typically, our crew are made up of Brits, Kiwi’s, Australians, Europeans and South Americans. Our skippers are experienced in local area geography and able to guide you along the route to the best spots. They will also spend time teaching you the ropes and how to sail if you so wish. Ultimately your Skipper will remain responsible for your yacht, so you can sit back and relax throughout the trip.

Do I have to know how to sail?

No, your Skipper will be a fully qualified Yacht Master, with full capability of helming the yacht independently. You can take part in the sailing of the yacht as much or as little as you like.

Can I learn how to sail?

Yes – you can learn how to sail free of charge on board our yachts during your sailing holiday. All our Skippers are professional sailors who will be happy to teach you everything they know about sailing.

What does a professional Host add to the trip?

Much like any service host, your Host is a trained cook and is there to prepare your breakfast and lunches as well as look after the cleaning of the yacht for all communal areas.

Your host will also be able to assist and advise with restaurant booking/arranging local tours and visits to the attractions.

TAILORED

Tailored: Payment and Additional Costs

What additional extras are available?

Additional extras available to add to your booking include paddleboards,  essential starter kit and you can also add a professional host and a gourmet food package.

Much like any service host, your yacht host is a trained cook and able to prepare our Gourmet Service Package for breakfast and lunch as well as look after the cleaning of the yacht for all communal areas – the perfect addition to your holiday!

Do I need to pay for my whole trip when I book?

No, to secure your booking we do require a deposit of 30% of the trip cost. The remaining balance will not be due until 12 weeks before your departure date and can be made in instalments through our booking management system.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept credit or debit card payments or via bank transfer. You can find our bank details on your mytourinfo.com booking management page, or you can follow the link there to make payments online with a credit or debit card.

Please note all payments have to be made in EUR, and members of your group can make payments separately using your booking reference number.

Can I make an international transfer and what are the charges?

Yes. Do this either in your bank branch, or using your bank’s telephone banking facility. You must use our IBAN and SWIFT codes when making the transfer and the cost can be around €15 but please do ask your provider.

Can I get an invoice for my trip?

Yes. Please e-mail us at sales@yachtgetaways.com.

What currency do I need whilst travelling?

Italy – Euro
Croatia – Croatian Kuna
Greece – Euro
Turkey – Euro or the Turkish Lira

Do I need to tip my Skipper and Host?

Our crew is there to look after you and ensure you have the best trip possible. If you feel they’ve succeeded in this regard then please feel free to tip them.

Tailored: Travel Arrangements

What if my trip is affected by weather?

Yacht Getaways considers your safety of the utmost importance. Certain weather conditions can result in a change in our itineraries in the interest of our guests’ safety. We will monitor the weather forecast closely for adverse weather that may result in last-minute changes to your holiday.

If this occurs, Yacht Getaways will endeavour to inform guests of any possible disruption before departure and your Skipper & Host team will ensure you are well looked after and making the most of your trip!

I get seasick – is this trip suitable?

During peak season the water is calm and, on most days, you won’t even feel the swell. For days when it is slightly windier, we recommend packing anti-motion sickness medication.

Which airlines fly from London to Croatia or Greece?

There are various airlines flying from all London airports on a daily basis, with the following proving most reliable and efficient:

Croatia (Split Airport): Croatia Airlines, Easy Jet, Monarch

Greece (Athens Airport): Aegean Airlines, British Airways, Easy Jet, Ryan Air

Italy (Catania or Palermo Airport): British Airways (Catania), Easy Jet (Palermo) Ryan Air (Palermo)

Do I need to apply for a Visa to enter Croatia or Greeece?

This will need to be done in person at the Croatian or Greek Embassies. You will need to show proof of booking, which you can request from our office at sales@yachtgetaways.com. To find out if you need a visa check with your local consulate for further details or visit www.visahq.co.uk.

Is there parking available by the marinas?

Parking options will vary across routes, for further information on a specific trip, please email our customer service team at sales@yactgetaways.com.

How easily will I have access to medical/emergency services?

Your Skipper will be able to notify the emergency services case of accident or injury, and you will have help available to you within a short while. All our Skippers are medically trained in primary care as well, so you will be in safe hands throughout your trip.

Do I need to have travel insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is a must and is a condition of your contract with us. It is highly recommended in case of lost or damaged items or injury. All our sailing routes stay within 11km of land, so should be covered by most travel insurance policies, but do check with your provider.

Tailored: About Your Trip

Where will our Skipper sleep?

You will need to allow a cabin for your Skipper within the yacht or catamaran that you choose. If you choose to add a Host, you will need to have allow a space for them too. If your Catamaran has crew cabins, your crew will sleep in those.

Is this trip suitable for children?

Absolutely! Children are welcome aboard any of our Tailored yachts.

What makes Tailored different to an Explorer trip?

Yacht Getaways offer two kinds of sailing holiday options – Our Explorer trips and we also offer Tailored yacht experiences.

Our Explorer trips are cabin charter itineraries, which include a qualified Skipper and Host team and we sail on set itineraries. These trips are perfect for those looking for an active, social and balanced sailing holiday. Our shared yachts are adult only and ideal for couples, groups of friends looking to relax and explore the beautiful Mediterranean.

For those looking for more of a Tailored experience, we can offer one-off 7-day yacht charters that include your Skipper and itinerary guides for each country, giving you a bit more freedom in the week ahead. These trips are perfect for families with children, couples who want a more private charter and sailing enthusiasts looking to get more involved in the week.

What’s included in a Tailored sailing holiday package?

Your holiday package will include accommodation onboard your selected yacht for 7 days and 7 nights. We will provide you with fresh linen and towels during your week, plus the cleaning fees, the dinghy & outboard engine, and snorkeling equipment are all included. Your boat will be fully equipped with indoor and outdoor stereos, cockpit cushions, sunshades with a spray hood, galley equipment, safety kits and an ocean-friendly cleaning pack.

What’s not included?

Your Visa, travel insurance, flights, transfers and extra activities and excursions during your week, as well as your fuel and marina fees – we recommend including €9/foot of your yacht or catamaran in your holiday budget to covers these costs. There is also a range of additional extras that can be added on to your trip, you can also find details of these in the Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I start and finish my sailing holiday in a different location?

No. All Tailored bookings will sail on a 7 night itinerary starting and finsihing in the same base. Please contact us at sales@yachtgetaways.com for recommended itineraries achivable from your base within 7 days.

On which days does the yacht charter start and end?

For our one week sailing holidays our trips depart Saturday afternoon and return Friday evenings, for final check out at 9 am Saturday morning.

Will food be included on my yacht charter holiday?

Food is not included in the trip costs, however, you can choose to add a Starter Food Pack or a Host and Gourmet Food package as an additional extra.

The Starter Food Pack is a fantastic essential package with everything you will need to get you started during your week away including essential pantry items, cleaning products and some important refreshments to get you started.

The Gourmet Service Package includes your very own yacht host who will be on hand to prepare your gourmet breakfast, lunch, evening canapes and refreshments. Your Yacht Host will also manage the cleaning of your yacht during your week, excluding your private cabin allowing you to sit back and relax!

Can you cater for dietary requirements on board?

Yes. Our Hosts are well equipped to cater for any specialist dietary requirements. We do also recommend supplementing your meals with suitable specialist foods, as the variety in smaller towns can be quite limited.

Can I bring my own food and drink on board?

Yes. There are supermarkets or local stores at the majority of our destinations so you can replenish your supplies throughout the week.

Guests are allowed to stock the yacht with whatever drinks and food they choose.

Can you recommend places for dining out at night?

For dinner you can choose from the range of restaurants and bars on offer at each of our destinations – we are happy to help with recommendations, or ask your Skipper or Host to recommend his/her favourite.

Is it possible to have a Yacht Host on a 3 Cabin yacht?

Due to space available on the 3 cabin yachts, this is not a common option. Your skipper and host will need to be allocated their own separate berths for the week. Please contact us at sales@yachtgetaways.com for what options can be arranged for your trip.

Do I have to know how to sail?

No, your Skipper will be a fully qualified Yacht Master, with full capability of helming the yacht independently. You can take part in the sailing of the yacht as much or as little as you like.

What qualifications and training do your Skippers have?

They are all RYA certified Yacht Masters. This means as well as being fully qualified sailors, they are happy to teach you how to sail, which is free of charge during your sailing holiday. In addition to their Yacht Master qualification, our skippers attend our pre-season Yacht Getaways training in preparation for the season.

Tailored: Yacht Information

Can I bring my sleep apnoea machine?

If you require a CPAP machine to run at night it shouldn’t be a problem, please just let the Customer Service team at hello@yachtgetaways.com know. We may just need some details on what the machine requires to run, such as the voltage.

Can I charge my phone or laptop while on the boat?

Power is available onboard your yacht whenever you are connected to shore power. All other times, you should be able to charge your devices when the yacht’s engine is switched on. All yachts are equipped with European sockets (two-pin plugs), so you may need to bring an adapter for your devices.

What’s the difference between a yacht and a catamaran?

Designed with comfort in mind, our catamarans offer the most spacious option. With double the deck space adjoined indoor and outdoor living areas, our catamarans are the perfect option for a laid back sailing holiday.

Our performance cruising yachts boast a modern sleek design with ample deck space for lazying away the days. With a little bit of wind, a sailing yacht offers more technical control and will sail faster than the catamaran. The ideal choice to learn the ropes and experience life on a sailing yacht.

What kind of yacht or catamaran can I book?

We are able to source a wide range of yachts and catamarans for the perfect Tailored sailing experience. Whether you are looking for a 3 cabin monohull yacht for a special occasion with your partner, a 5 cabin yacht for your bustling family or a luxurious Lagoon 52 for a large group of family and friends, our sales team are happy to see what is available to book on your desired date of travel.

Will there be Wi-Fi or Air Conditioning available?

There is no Wi-Fi on board the boats but there is an abundance of Wi-Fi on the shore across all of our destinations at the many restaurants and bars during your week of sailing. And Air conditioning will vary across yachts and catamarans, so if this is a feature you would like to have,  please make sure to let the Yacht Getaways sales team know.

What luggage restrictions are on board?

There is no actual restriction on luggage permitted onboard, though we do recommend guests keep luggage to 20kg per person for their own comfort.

Are the yachts and catamarans safe and secure?

Yes, all below deck areas are safe for storage of valuable items.

Who is in charge of looking after us?

Your RYA Yachtmaster Qualified Skipper. Most of our Skippers are aged early 20’s to early 40s and all our crew speak English. Typically, our crew is made up of Brits, Kiwi’s, Australians, Europeans and South Americans.

Can I learn how to sail?

Yes – you can learn how to sail free of charge on board our yachts during your sailing holiday. All our Skippers are professional sailors who will be happy to teach you everything they know about sailing.

What if I am not a very strong swimmer?

Life jackets are available on all our yachts and there will be plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Or, if you prefer, you can stick to lounging around, soaking up the rays on deck!

Do I need to bring boat shoes or trainers?

Not for sailing. The temperatures are warm enough that you can stay barefoot onboard your yacht or even just a pair of flip flops. We do recommend a decent pair of shoes for any shore-side walking excursions or of you choose to go cycling or hire a moped for the afternoon.