Sailing on chartered boats is becoming an increasingly popular holiday choice. If you are just discovering the pleasures of this sport, we will help you avoid various inconveniences and point out what to pay attention to, so that next year you will choose a charter again.
Yacht charter – before, during and after the season
Most people charter a boat in summer. In winter, sailing on Masuria is not possible, and on the Polish coast it is not exactly pleasant for beginners due to the cold. So unless you are an experienced sailor seeking exciting sailing and solitude on an island in winter, avoid sailing in the cold months – summer is far easier. In summer there are many boats nearby that can help you if needed, the water is calmer and temperatures are higher.
Some choose to sail in spring or autumn. Above all, charter prices during these periods are much lower. On Masuria this is a very good choice if you have some sailing experience. The days are long enough, the weather is warm and the lake temperatures are reasonably pleasant. The most attractive part is the absence of the rush and crowds you may encounter at the peak of the season. If you have good sailing skills and are looking for an adventurous holiday, renting a sailboat in spring or autumn is the right choice.
Some may choose their charter dates based on price. In the pre-season or post-season, a weekly charter will cost significantly less than during the high season. However, all other costs remain the same (fuel, food, transfers, accessories…), so when you compare the savings in May and October to July and August, the difference is not as great as it might seem.
Assembling your charter crew
One of the most important things is putting together a comfortable and cohesive group. If you are sailing with family, you do not need to think about this too much. But if you are travelling with friends, acquaintances or colleagues, you should be very careful. Having a great relationship with someone on land does not necessarily mean you will get along equally well on the water. Limited space, bad weather, seasickness, fatigue, different wishes and many other unusual circumstances can cause misunderstandings or even arguments.
One thing to keep in mind is that democracy is never useful on the water – there is always one captain, and the rest of the crew must follow their orders, especially in situations requiring quick decisions.
If you are sailing with your family, remember that they may not be as enthusiastic about sailing as you are, and you need to adapt, especially if you have children on board.
Be prepared to consider others’ wishes and make compromises so that your family trip ends with good memories and an interest in repeating it next year.
When choosing a boat, we recommend a stable vessel that is easy to handle. A spacious and stable boat will help your family adjust to the new lifestyle more easily, and powerful engines will allow you to quickly change location in case of bad weather, boredom or fatigue on board, so these things will not ruin the family fun.
When travelling with friends, be very careful not to invite those who are pessimistic and always complaining. Make sure you only choose friends you know well who are reliable, responsible, realistic and optimistic, regardless of their age or profession.
When sailing with friends, remember to plan your route in advance, respecting everyone’s wishes to some extent so that each person feels they are getting their money’s worth. This is also important to avoid later complications or unexpected requests.
All of this also applies to sailing with work colleagues. You must also be very careful about two things in this combination. Office hierarchy does not have to match the hierarchy on board, and everyone must responsibly accept their new role. Another thing to watch out for on board is minimising business talk – this is a holiday, not a business conference, so it is worth relaxing and getting to know each other in a more intimate atmosphere.
Your third option is sailing with an adventure-seeking crew whose main goal is to cover as many miles as possible or win a regatta. In this case, your crew members should be fit, experienced and in agreement about the goals and expectations of the trip.
In any combination, the enjoyment of sailing for everyone on board should be the priority.
Once you have chosen your departure date and assembled a good crew, you need to find a great place to sail.
When chartering a boat in the spring or autumn months, keep in mind that the southern Adriatic is calmer, with fewer strong winds, making sailing much easier in that area.
All crew members should have a say in choosing the location. Depending on individual preferences (diving, fishing, swimming, sightseeing…), you should find a sailing area that offers the greatest variety.
Another important factor when choosing a sailing destination is your sailing experience – if you have little experience or have small children on board, make sure you sail in less windy areas, close to marinas and safe anchorages.
When planning your daily sailing routes, try to follow the golden rule.