How is a charter yacht different from a cruise ship or land travel?

The flexibility to spend your day exactly how you want is the ultimate indulgence of a private yacht.  Professional crew are standing by to take you where you want to go, teach you a brand new water sport, and be your private guide to a new destination.

Cruising allows you the luxury of unpacking your bags once even though you visit many different ports and harbors.

Only on a charter yacht can you visit an exotic destination, spend quality time with family or friends and travel at your own relaxed pace!

How do I select a yacht that is right for me?

The more you can tell us about the make up of your charter party, your budget, interests and dreams, the better we will be able to guide you to the perfect selection.  We personally inspect over 500 yachts each year, know the crew well, and work hard to maintain the highest standards in the industry!

Do I need a broker?

Charter agents provide guidance, experience, convenience and security - all at no charge to their clients.

Is my charter deposit secure?

All charter funds are held in a Corporate Trust Account and are well protected until the time of your charter.  The only exception is a Greek charter:  these funds are disbursed according to Greek law.

Do I need to carry a passport?

Yes, a valid passport will need to be presented at your various ports of call unless your charter takes place entirely within the jurisdiction of the port where you embark.  If visas are required they are your responsibility.  Our office will be happy to assist and advise you in these matters.

Do I need to purchase "Trip Cancellation Insurance?

We strongly recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance to all of our clients.  Most charter contracts do not provide a refund for cancellations unless the yacht is rebooked for your charter dates.  CKIM offers Travel Insured whose premiums are competitive.

Who plans my itinerary?

Once your captain has received your "Preference Sheets", he will be very happy to suggest an itinerary that suits your interests.  However, you are free to change this route at any time.  You can choose to stay in the same tranquil bay for as many days as you wish.

What do I need to pack?

Caribbean charters are generally relaxed and informal... you'll need bathing suits and cool, comfortable clothing.  I always recommend "layers", including sleeveless tops, t-shirts, sweatshirts or sweaters and a light jacket.  The Mediterranean is more formal so you will want to add some dresses and long pants for going ashore.  Most of us tend to pack to much for yacht vacations.  Your crew will appreciate soft luggage since storage on board is usually very limited.

Are children welcome aboard the yachts?

Chartering can be a wonderful family vacation, especially in the Caribbean.  Over the years we have selected yachts that we know are perfect for family charters.  Age limit is left to the discretion of the parents but children should be water safe.  Keep in mind that the crew is kept busy with their assigned duties and are not free to offer child care.  It is best to select an itinerary where there are no long passages, giving the children maximum time for swimming, snorkeling and exploring.

Do I have to know how to sail?

One of the benefits of your charter is that the crew does all the work!   They are professional sailors, knowledgeable guides and interesting hosts.  If you wish to take the helm, the captain and crew will be there to guide you or instruct you in the basics of sailing...you are welcome to participate or simply relax and enjoy your day!

Will I experience seasickness?

If you are concerned with seasickness, it is a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacists.   Of course, your crew will endeavor to make your trip as comfortable as possible by recommending routes in protected waters and keeping track of changing weather conditions.

Who plans the menus?

Your on-board chef or cook will usually provide a sample menu for you to look over.  However, it is important that you fill out the "Charterer's Information Sheet" as completely as possible -- keeping all of the charter guests in mind -- so that your meals will be served according to your tastes and wishes.

 Can I use my hair dryer on board?

All motor yachts and most sailing vessels have auxiliary generators.  Power boats normally run their generators 24 hours / day allowing unlimited use of hair dryers and other electrical items.  Many sailing yachts operate their generators a few hours each day, usually in the late afternoon and early evening.  In general, American built boats have 110 volt systems while European vessels run on 220 volts.   Please check with our office if this is not clear on your charter brochure.   You may not have to pack hairdryers at all as many of our yachts provide these items for their guests.

Is smoking permitted on board?

Smoking is rarely permitted inside the yachts.  For safety reasons and for the comfort of future charter guests.  If you have heavy smokers in your party and feel this could be an issue please let us know in advance.

Will my family and office be able to reach me on charter?

Most charter yachts are equipped with some of the latest communications equipment including cellular service, global satellite communications, radio telephones, personal computers and fax machines.

How much do I tip the crew?

A crew gratuity is both customary and discretionary.  10%-15% of the base charter fee is customary in North America and the Caribbean; 5%-10% is more the norm in Europe.  It is usually given to the captain at the end of the charter and divided equally among the crew members.

At CKIM we welcome all of your questions... we want every aspect of your vacation to be planned with your special interests in mind.

Bareboat Questions

What is a Bareboat charter?

Is the charter of a yacht generally less than 55feet where you or one of your fellow guests will be sailing the boat. It is also possible to hire a captain for the trip.

What are the qualifications necessary to bareboat charter? 

Keel boat experience is necessary to charter a bareboat. All bareboat charter will ask you to complete their sailing resume. This forms asks for information about your sailing and boating experience and also your travel plans. The company will review the information you supply on this document, and will determine whether you have the experience to charter. Their goal is to be sure you and all aboard have a FUN and SAFE time.

Some of the elements in your experience that are important to the companies in determining your competency to handle the boat you would like to charter are:

• Your recent boating experience (last 5 years).
• The size and types of boats you have sailed on in the past. Were they of similar size, give or take a few feet, to the size of the boat you wish to charter.
• Do you own or have you owned a boat in the recent past. This is important because most people who have owned boats have an understanding about systems and the inner workings of a boat, which is essential to happy cruising. 
• Have you done some cruising. Have you planned a trip from A to B requiring navigation skills, decision making, anchoring, mooring or docking under sail and power?
• Have you sailed on the ocean or other large bodies of water such as Long Island Sound, Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, Great Lakes and so forth.
• Are you experienced in the operation of twin screw vessels. This is an important requirement to charter a trawler or a trawler catamaran and a slightly lesser important requirement for a sail catamaran. A boat with stern drives (inboard outboards) is not considered a twin screw vessel.. If you do not have any twin screw experience plan on spending at least a  half day getting up to speed in this area before we let you leave the harbor.
• Who are the crew that will be aboard with you. Are they knowledgeable people that will be actively participating in sailing the vessel. Can you count on them to help you or will they be inactive guests? If you are on a large cat or a power yacht you will need at least one (maybe two) good crew members to assist you.
• Have you had any professional or formal training?  Have you cruised in the area before?

The answers to these questions will help the companies to assess your skills and ability to take command of the charter boat. If your skills are a bit weak, they may suggest a SKIPPER be aboard for a few days, or if you are not approved to charter, skippers are available for your entire cruise. A Bareboat Certificate is not necessary to charter a bareboat. A Bareboat Certification course is valuable training, however, this document alone may not qualify you to charter. Your overall practical experience is what counts!

How do I make a reservation?

Call our office, toll free 800-649-5701 or 321-777-1707, or contact us by email, and check to see if the boat you are interested in is available for the dates you wish to sail. We can check to see if flights are available to suit your charter dates. We will put a hold on the boat of your choice for 48 hours.

A 50% deposit and a completed Yacht Charter Agreement are necessary to confirm your reservation. Deposits may be made with a credit card, wire transfer, or by check via overnight mail. Your final payment is due 45 days before your charter starts by personal check or money order.

What is a Collision Damage Waiver?

A Collision Damage Waiver is a one off payment that we ask for which indemnifies you for accidental damage to, or loss of equipment from, the yacht. The Collision Damage Waiver charge varies depending on length of charter and size of yacht and is payable with the balance of your holiday.

Do all  yachts have linen on board?

When you charter a yacht linen is supplied. All your bed linen and duvets, bath towels and tea towels. The only thing you will need to bring with you will be beach towels. Companies will supply a change of linen for 2 week charters. All linen including beach towels is provided on Luxury Crewed Charters.

Do the yachts have refrigerators?

All of the bareboat yachts have refrigeration.

Will I have mobile phone coverage whilst away?

Mobile phone reception is available in most of our sailing areas. The British Virgin Islands has poor coverage, but Boat Phones can be hired at the base.

Can I use a hair dryer on board?

Hairdryers cannot be used on yachts as it will flatten the battery. Most ports have good facilities on shore.

Can mobile phone chargers be used on board?

Mobile phone chargers can be used on yachts. The car phone charger type can be used and plugged into the 12 volt cigarette lighter on board.