In the world of yacht charters, Greece is one of the most exotic destinations you can choose. Enjoy bareboat sailing on the Ionian Sea along the west coast of Greece where the islands are bound together by a unique culture. Another yacht charter that Greece offers is a chance to see the varied landscape of the islands in the Saronic Gulf. Take trip back to the place where civilization began when you choose one of these yacht charters. Greece has so much to offer that you will hardly know where to begin.
The Saronic Gulf offers exciting ports of call for yacht charters. You have the opportunity for you to charter a yacht on your own and enjoy bareboat sailing. Greece also offers luxury yachts with a full crew to pamper you as you sail along. Whatever your penchant for yacht charters, Greece will meet or beat your expectations giving you a vacation like none other. In addition to the Ionian Sea and the Saronic Gulf, with yacht charters along the coast of Greece, you can sail to the Cyclades Group of islands, the Dodecanese, the Sporades and the Samos area.
For those interested in bareboat sailing, Greece has many types of yachts available, such as sailing yachts and motor yachts. In order to book one of these yacht charters, Greece requires that there be two qualified skippers on board. This is because if one should have an accident, the other can handle the yacht. Greece also requires that skippers be licensed for sailing and you have to mail a copy of your sailing license to the yacht charter company when you make your booking. Don’t forget to bring your original contract for the yacht charter. Greece regulations require this for departure clearance.
Yacht charters in Greece begin on Saturday afternoon and end on Friday evening. The yacht charter company that you choose will also arrange for transfer for you from the airport to the yacht and provide the same service when the charter is complete. With a yacht charter in Greece, you will have to choose an itinerary from a list provided. It is unlikely that you will be able to change the schedule of ports of call.
When you book yacht charters, Greece regulations require that the yacht be full of fuel and water you will need for the trip. There are refuelling stations in the various ports and you must return the yacht in the same way you receive it. The charter company can advise you on what type of clothing to bring with you for yacht charters. Greece can get cold when you are on the water and at night. This is why it is recommended that you bring heavy clothes.
Where Can You Travel With Yacht Charters? – Greece Is Waiting For You To Explore
Bareboat charters are yachts that you can rent and operate by yourself. If you are not experienced in handling a yacht, you can hire a captain to take over this job for you. The idea behind a bareboat charter is that you do not get any extras - just the bare boat. You have to supply your own food and entertainment and if you want toys for watersports you either have to bring your own or rent them. Most of the bareboat yachts are between 30 and 50 feet in length and you can choose bareboat charters using power, sailing or catamaran boats.
In order to book bareboat charters without hiring a captain, the yacht charter company will need to see proof that you can handle the yacht on your own. You will either have to show the bareboat yacht charter company proof of your experience in handling smaller or similar sized yachts or present a certificate from a boating course. For most yacht charters in the Caribbean, companies do not require certification, but it is a requirement in some parts of the world, such as Greece. If you do need to hire a captain, this is not included in the price of the charter and you have to pay the captain yourself.
There are bareboat charters that will allow you to book a one-way charter. This allows you to sail to a destination and leave the yacht there. This will cost you more because unless someone books a one-way bareboat yacht charter back from that destination the company has to find a way of getting the yacht back to home base. It is quite likely that it will be cheaper on you to charter the yacht for a few extra days and return it yourself.
You can make your booking for a bareboat yacht charter online. However, you will need to make at least a 25% deposit on the total cost of the charter and there are bareboat charters that require 50% of the total as a deposit. You will also receive a contract to sign and a sailing resume to complete from the yacht charter company. Most of the charter companies do accept credit cards, but there are some smaller companies that only accept check, cash or money order payments.
When you book bareboat charters you usually get just the yacht itself. Although some of the charter companies do include a dinghy in the cost, most of the Florida companies require that you rent the dinghy. Since this is a necessity, you have to allow for the extra cost. You won’t have any of the amenities that you are used to at home, such as a television or microwave. You will also have to supply your own linens, dishes, food and water. If you want to book one of the bareboat charters that will take you to another country, you do need to make sure you have your passport with you or you won’t be allowed to dock in the ports.
When you choose Caribbean yacht charters for your next vacation, it will be almost like having your own exclusive luxury hotel on the water. If you choose the crewed option for your sailing vacation, you won’t have to lift a finger. If you already have experience in sailing, you can charter a yacht on your own to sail the Caribbean, but you won’t have the luxury of having someone attend to your every need. Caribbean yacht charters are not just for the rich and famous. If you can afford to spend a vacation at a tropical resort, you can afford to take a sailing vacation. 
The advantage of booking a Caribbean sailing charter is that you can choose the islands you want to visit. Although the company for Caribbean yacht charters may suggest a sample itinerary for you, you decide where and when you want to stop and for how long. You can also decide what kind of food you want to eat. Of course, if you choose one of the bareboat Caribbean sailing vacations, you will have to cook for yourself. On a crewed sailing vacation, you will have your own chef to prepare exotic delights for every meal.
Take a look at the many options available to you in Caribbean yacht charters. You can leave all the decisions up to the captain, who knows all the best locations among the islands. You can also do your own research to find out what kinds of activities are open to you on the various Caribbean sailing vacations so you can select all your favorites. You can spend your time at sea sunbathing on deck while reading a book. You can also enjoy diving, swimming or snorkelling among the tropical fish. One of the highlights of a Caribbean sailing charter is that you can go ashore on the islands and partake of the culture and shopping that only the Caribbean can provide.
You will have to demonstrate experience in sailing in order to book one of the bareboat Caribbean yacht charters. The yacht charter companies have a responsibility to make sure that all the passengers on the yacht with you will be safe. You don’t necessarily need to have a sailing certificate – experience is valued more than a license. If you choose the crewed option for a Caribbean sailing vacation, you will have an experienced captain at the helm. The crew are knowledgeable about all kinds of watersports and will be able to provide you with instruction if you need it to make the most of the Caribbean sailing charter.
Chartering a yacht for Caribbean sailing vacations is the perfect opportunity for families and groups of friends to get together for a short period of time. It is possible to book Caribbean yacht charters for day trips as short as an hour or two or for week long excursions to the islands of the Caribbean. Choosing to spend a week cruising the Caribbean waters is one of the best ways to experience the best of what this part of the world has to offer. Check out the many options of Caribbean yacht charters and get started on making memories to last a lifetime.
Alaska is truly a special place, it has been said that the people that chose to live in Alaska are trying to run away from something and avoid it, or that these people are trying to get as far away from society as they possibly can. Alaska is still, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful states in the USA. The impressive mountains, the snow and ocean power make many people come visit Alaska to see and experience it first hand, you will be surprise to learn how many people choose Alaska as their vacation destination.
This place is chosen because of its difference form anything else, it is unlike any other state in the U.S., and in fact it is unique to anywhere else in the world.
Many people who experienced the close contact with the Alaska glacier will tell you that it is an experience unlike any other and that the visit to the glacier is a close look at something amazing, most of the people who just looked at a glacier form far away are not aware of this since they have not seen the glacier from that close, it is truly a once in a lifetime experience. The numbers talk for themselves, as many tourists to Alaska as flocking to the Alaska glacier cruise.
Unfortunately the weather conditions and some new threats are making the glaciers something that needs to be seen now, and not something that we can assume will always be there for us to visit, the global warming effect is just starting to claim it very high toll on the glaciers and because of its effect we know that many glaciers are losing great parts and melting into the ocean. Other problems that raise a serious concerned for the glaciers are new decisions by the U.S. congress makes difficult decisions about the right to drill in glaciers. This situation causes some people to go and see the wonder before it will be gone, or even out of a great concern to the environment.
The way to travel to the glacier by cursing next to it and slowly observing every activity that is happening around it or on it is just perfect, not only perfect it is the natural way to observe these giants since they also have a rhythm of their own, and not rushing to watch the whole glacier as fast as possible will provide you with a much more fulfillment than any other way. This travel method does cost a little more and demands more time, but it is certainly worth it.
There is a very good chance that in your cruise you will witness very special events that take place on the ground, Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and seeing the wild animals in their natural habitat, behaving as they would weather or not you would have been cruising in a considerable distance from them is something as unique as the glacier visits.
In conclusion, the Alaska glacier cruise has something unique to offer, it can be a special vacation for you and you family, the cruise itself is an experience and the glaciers are phenomenal, enjoy this remarkable way to travel and you will not forget it for the rest of your life.
Module 1 is the Introduction to Yachting Certificate
The International Recreational Crew Certificate is divided into 6 modules, module 2 gets us under way and you will be learn about safety on board a boat and the use of the life raft and first aid kit, fire extinguishers, flares, life jackets and safety harnesses. What clothing and footwear is suitable for the varying conditions met while sailing. Seasickness and it's symptoms, cause and prevention. How various equipment works including: battery selector switch, bilge pumps, cabin lights, cooker & butane/propane gas, heads and water pumps together with general housekeeping rules. You will learn a very basic theory of how a diesel engine works and maintenance procedures such as checking the level of the oil, changing the oil, changing filters, ensuring the flow of cooling water to the engine and how to change impellors. You will be taught how to keep a good and effective lookout, which should be maintained at all times, while under way. You will take a look at basic navigation, course plotting, nautical charts, safe passage conditions, tides and currents and weather forecasts.
On the practical side, module 3, you will learn how to coil a line and secure it to a cleat, tie a number of knots and use the winches. You will learn how to secure the boat for sea and then how to leave a berth, once under way you will undertake the duties of a lookout, learn how to hoist and set the sails and while helming the boat go through tack and gybe routines. You will anchor the boat and go through man overboard recovery drill.
Module 4 is theoretical and you will look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance or the "rules of the road". Specifically looking at lights, shapes, and sound signals. You will look at some more sail handling techniques, there is more work with charts and compass and to conclude you will take a look at marine customs, etiquette and manners.
The next practical module includes safety checks and look at the through hull fittings, engine warning lights and alarms and the emergency fuel cut off. You will learn deck seamanship with more docking and mooring routines. More sail work, bending on, hoisting, lowering, reefing mainsails, handling sheets, lines, halyards, outhauls and sail trim. You will learn more skills at the helm, tacking, gybing, sailing a triangular course, sailing a compass course and heaving to.
Module 6 looks at both theory and practise of Dinghy/Tender handling. You will learn the different types of tenders, engines, spares and maintenance and safety equipment. On the practical side you will learn to row, how to move under power, launch and recover and transfer to and from the dinghy to the boat or dock.
This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained. At the of this course you will be a useful crew member on any small yacht.
The Radio Operator/Communications Certificate is a stand alone module. You will learn how to operate a radio including emergency calls, calling ship to ship, ship to shore, the types of marine radios available and the regulations governing it's use. An examination concludes the course.
The next 5 modules are the International Watchkeeper/Flotilla Skipper Certificate
Number 8 is theoretical and looks at the responsibilities of a watchkeeper, charts and chartwork, the compass, magnetism and concludes with a look at buoys and marks.
The next practical module concentrates on safety including a briefing that should be given to crew members when they join the vessel and looks at the galley area which if not used correctly can be a danger to all those on board. The rest of the section is devoted to boat handling and develops on the skills learnt in the International Recreational Crew Certificate course.
Back to theory in the next module with a look at basic first aid. More work is done with the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance. Finally you will take a further look at marine customs, manners and today's ever increasing legal requirements.
In module 11, the next practical stage you will prepare a passage plan, and while undertaking a short passage work still further on boat handling skills.
This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained.
You have now reached a level that entitles you to the International Certificate of Competence or ICC. It is suggested that the skippers of vessels are required to hold this by some European countries. I have never been asked for mine by the authorities and I know of no one who has. It is also suggested that some companies require it prior to allowing charter of a boat. Again I have not come across this in practise.
The next three modules make up the International Bareboat Skipper Certificate and the first looks at taking over a vessel and the necessary checks on hull and rig, machinery and systems, instruments, safety equipment, spares, tools, fuel, water and provisions. It looks at tides and currents and what causes them. You will learn how to use tide tables and gain an understanding primary and secondary ports. There is some more chartwork that includes position fixing and plotting a course to steer to counteract a current. The section concludes with a look at the responsibilities of the Skipper, their communication with and delegation to the crew.
On the practical side you will develop sailing skills with more general deck work, ropes, knots, splices, the care and use of lines. There is more vessel handling work including anchoring, berthing, mooring, handling in confined areas and handling with currents.
This section concludes with module 16 and includes a look at the weather and sources of weather information, personal observations, weather patterns, land and sea breezes, the different cloud formations, rain and fog. You will learn pilotage. There is an in depth look at passage planning including pilot books, almanacs, considerations for passage planning, coastal passages, passage strategy, port regulations, pilotage plans. Finally you will take a further look at the International Regulations for Collision Avoidance.
This section concludes with an assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained
Caribbean Sailing Charters – Not Just For The Experienced Sailor
Caribbean sailing charters are not all designed for those with sailing experience. If you want to charter the sailboat or yacht on your own, you will need to provide proof that you can handle the boat. You don’t necessarily need to have a license, because many companies regard years of experience in sailing as better than having a certificate. You can book a sailing charter just for the relaxation of sailing. There are also Caribbean sailing charters that will teach you everything you need to know about sailing.
When you decide to take sailing lessons through one of the Caribbean sailboat charters, you will have an experience captain as your instructor. These lessons are designed for the whole family so that the next time you want to enjoy Caribbean sailing charters you can take the sailboat on your own. When you use this opportunity to learn about sailing, it will take you only one week to complete the basic course. If you wish to charter a sailboat in the Caribbean for sailing lessons you have to do on a single hulled sailboat. These lessons are not available here for catamarans.
When you book one of the Caribbean sailing charters you will want to know what is and what is not included with your booking. All of the bed linens, towels and kitchen equipment is standard fare on the bareboat sailboats. You will also have a VHF, boat phone, a cruising guide of the Caribbean and all the charts you need for sailing these waters. The basic navigation equipment, such as binoculars, safety equipment and first aid kit, is also included in Caribbean sailboat charters. You will get a full tank of fuel and water and you are expected to return the sailboat with the tanks refilled.
Some of the Caribbean sailing charters include snorkelling and diving gear with the charter. Others require you to rent this equipment if you need it. You should check out the different sailboat charter companies that offer charters to the Caribbean to see which one has all the equipment that you need for your vacation. If you choose a bareboat charter, you will have to supply your own food and if you want a captain, you also have to supply the captain’s meals. On the luxury Caribbean sailboat charters, all the food and drink is included in the price as well as the cost of hiring the crew.
Caribbean sailing charters offer you the opportunity to see the Caribbean at your own pace. You set the itinerary and spend as long as you like in one place. Go ashore to shop at the markets and take in the unique culture of each of the Caribbean islands. Once you book one Caribbean sailing charter, you will be so enchanted that you will dream of the day when you can take another.
