Can you think of a better way to spend a vacation than floating on the open sea, drink in hand as the sun beats down? We didn’t think so, and even if you could, being on a yacht is an experience that you should have at least once in a lifetime. 

When you rent a yacht for a day, there are a few tips that will make your trip the journey of a lifetime. Below, we give our best advice on how to get the best from your rental. 

1. Prepare in Advance

While most yachts will have most of the equipment you need, you may want to pack some extras and personal items just to help get the best from your day. Basic essentials include things you would generally take with you to the beach, like sunscreen, shades, bathing suits, and towels. You may also want to pack any snacks or drinks that you specifically desire. 

The yacht should be equipped with any safety equipment as standard, so you do not need to take this. As they are bigger than jet boats, you do not need to wear a life vest at all times. They also have safety rafts, doubling the safety standards.

2. Be Flexible

Weather can play a huge part in ruining your yacht trip, but only if you are not flexible. If you take your captain’s advice regarding your itinerary and allow him to adapt it for any eventuality, you will experience a much better time on your trip. 

For example, you may have a specific area you want to visit on a windy day. However, the captain may know a different cove that is more sheltered, allowing you a much nicer day and experience. Take his advice, as he will know the water and the conditions that are at play. 

3. Plan Your Childcare

A good crew will love to spend time with your children, playing and entertaining them. However, it is not in their job description. Their primary focus should be the yacht, and if you want some child-free times you must work out how to do this yourself. In most yacht rentals, this will even specifically stated on the contract.

Consider hiring a nanny for the day, or invite a babysitter onboard. If this seems like too much expense, devise a rota so that one member of the family is looking after the children while the others have downtime. Of course, you could forgo that all together and use the yacht for quality time as a whole family, and make memories together on the open sea. 

4. Simplify the Plan

The joy of being on a yacht is the relaxation it affords. The last thing you want is to negate that aurora of calm by stressing about sandwiching in huge itineraries and catching fleeting glimpses of the sights. Even if you rent a yacht for a week, time can go very quickly. 

In fact, you should actively plan for doing nothing. While a few watersports and swimming trips are great fun, as is a call to a new port, make them sparse. Planning a few days on either side also gives you flexibility if you decide to stay longer in a port or want to add something to the trip. 

5. Choose the Right Yacht

Choosing the right yacht depends on budget, the number of people joining the trip, and what you want to do when you are all on board. Comfort levels and the area you wish to charter in will also play a factor. 

If you want to moor, enjoy the nightlife and rent a yacht for a night, a multihull could be a great choice. In contrast, if you want to set anchor and enjoy a beautiful ocean with lots of room on the deck for bathing, then a catamaran may be a good call. Discuss this with your yacht rental company before you book. 

6. Follow the Barefoot Rule

When on a yacht, it is common courtesy to go barefoot. The deck is an expensive and fragile part of the boat that requires a lot of maintenance. No one needs your heels or heavy boots chipping large chunks from it. 

Generally, the crew will provide a basket as you come on board to place shoes in. if you are unsure, just ask the crew or captain. They may have parts of the boat where shoes are allowed or advised and will give you advice on this. 

7. Respect the Captains Decision

The captain and crew want you to have the best time possible. It is their livelihood, and your recommendations can bring them more business. It stands to reason that they want to give you the best experience possible. 

However, they often have to weigh this up against safety concerns and regulations. If they advise against going somewhere or doing a particular activity, it will be backed up by sound reasoning and experience. Don’t put your captain in an awkward position by pushing him to take decisions against his better judgment. 

8. Rent a Yacht for a Day and Stay Safe

Always bear in mind that you are at sea. There are a lot of dangers about being on the water, and even the best of yachts can have problems. Stay safe and follow the rules set out by the crew and captain. 

9. Communicate With the Crew and Captain

The crew and captain have a wealth of experience and knowledge, which they will be more than willing to share. Ask them for advice or recommendations when renting a yacht, and they will probably be able to suggest some hidden gems that you may not find in the guidebooks. If you have any issues, bring them up with the captain and if he is a good one, he will do his best to resolve them for you. 

10. Sort Your Paperwork

If you are moving between territories or countries, then it is your responsibility to get the correct paperwork. Always have identification, including a passport, and check in advance for any VISA requirements. You could cause trouble not just for yourself, but also for the captain if this is not arranged in advance. 

Start a Charter

You need a break, and you need to rent a yacht for a day on your next vacation. Using our tips, you should have one of the best days imaginable. 

If you have enjoyed our article, then check out our other handy blogs. We have lots of hints and tips on how to make your holiday and leisure time get off to a flying start.