“Firstly, travellers should consider their own needs. Do they have special requirements like preferring absolute privacy, or perhaps follow a special diet or have physical limitations such as needing wheelchair access? Travellers should also consider things that they’re accustomed to, which might not be available where they’re going. Naturally, reliable travel providers can assist you in these matters.”

“Secondly, travellers should assess their abilities and interests e.g. if someone has a fear of falling, opting for a bungee jump off Africa’s largest bridge may not be a good idea (or maybe it would!) or if their fitness level isn’t great, signing up for extreme adventures might just be too risky. Also, if a traveller is an active, on-the-go-all-the-time kind of person, he/she may not enjoy a leisurely stroll through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. We therefore recommend that travellers keep these things in mind when looking at various choices.”

Whether you are considering your first yacht charter vacation or simply looking to live experience again there is a lot of vital information you need before planning and embarking on your voyage. Firstly, you need to consider type of yacht charter that is suitable for you. There are crewed or unscrewed yacht charters, bareboat or even a motorised yacht. Each have their advantages and personal preference will dictate chosen charter for you.

One thing for certain, though, whatever type of vessel you go on, there are many destinations to choose from each of them offering beautiful islands and shimmering seas by day and exciting or romantic night life. As with any vacation you need to plan carefully, but when chartering a yacht it is absolutely imperative that you take essentials and spares. Once you’re out to sea there will be few opportunities to stock up and an emergency is much of an emergency when you’re hundreds of miles from nearest chemist or shop.

Many who are chartering for first time do so for a little quality time with family, friends and loved one because chartering a yacht is one of most tranquil and peaceful vacations you can decide on.

What experience is required for charters.

The experience you need is dependant on type of charter you are looking for. A bareboat charter means you and a group of family or friends charter boat with no crew to assist. For a bareboat charter, you are always required to have some former sailing experience and usually need to submit a sailing resume to charter company. Many will require that you have experience on a similar sized boat and with similar displacement and rig. A number of chartering companies may request that you go on a short sail around harbour to make sure that your actual skills match your resume.

If you or a member of your group does not have this experience then you should consider chartering a crewed yacht. Chartering a boat and crew requires little or no experience. You may decide that your sailing skills are a little rusty, in which case you can take a captain or small crew for first few hours of your trip to help you get your ‘sea legs’ back. Alternatively, if you have no experience whatsoever with yachting then you can take an entire crew and spend your vacation safe in knowledge that your boat and your vacation are in safe hands.

What insurance do I require, and what is available?