23.10.2025
Getting your boat ready for the cold season!
Sunny sailing – how to charter in a relaxed manner!
If you want to save money but don't want to miss out on the sun, it's best to charter now in the off-season. But what steps do you need to take before you can board, what should you pay attention to when taking over the boat, and what during the trip? In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know.
Questions to clarify in advance
Where are you going and with whom?
First of all, you should know how many people will be on board. Just the two of you, with the family or in a larger group? Are there children? The answers to these questions will determine which boat is right for you.
To receive specific offers, it is best to select one or two areas that interest you. Even in the off-season, it is still warm in the Mediterranean – for example, in Croatia, Greece or Turkey. Feeling wanderlust? Then Thailand, French Polynesia or the Seychelles could be exciting destinations. In the Caribbean, hurricane season officially lasts until the end of October – this means lower prices, but also a certain amount of risk.
Once you have answered these questions, it's time to choose the right yacht.
Which yacht is right for me?
The requirements for a yacht depend heavily on the crew: how many cabins and bathrooms are needed? Personal requirements for comfort and luxury also play a role in the decision.
Would you like to enjoy the amenities of a 57-foot yacht, or are you more interested in sporty sailing manoeuvres with a smaller model? Pitter provides a helpful overview in his article: Charter a yacht - our tips.
Many charter companies offer a wide selection, for example our partners Pitter in Croatia or Kiriacoulis in Greece.
Safety & Legal Information
Depending on the size of the yacht and the area, you will need different licences or driving licences. It is also important to have appropriate liability insurance to cover any damage to the boat.
When taking over the yacht, you should carefully check the rental agreement and document any existing damage.
As a general rule, have everything on board shown to you in detail and ask about any points that are relevant to you. Important points to check in advance are:
- Check the battery status and fuel level.
- Have all instruments shown to you and check them.
- Inspect the rigging and sails.
- Check the safety equipment, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, etc.
Budget planning
Another important point to consider is the issue of costs. Most crews have found it useful to set up a board cash box, into which each person pays a certain amount at the beginning.
This is then used to pay for moorings, harbour fees, fuel and food. The amount depends, of course, on the sailing area and the size of the crew. As a rule of thumb, you should expect to pay €350-450 per person per week.
Keep an eye on any additional costs, such as final cleaning or towel fees.
Route planning
Plan your route carefully. Make sure you always sail feasible stages, even when there is little wind. Have a plan B in case the original route cannot be sailed exactly as planned due to weather, lack of moorings, spontaneous changes or other unforeseen events.
Check the weather regularly. Especially at sea, the weather can change quickly, and in a storm, it is better to be in the harbour than out on the waves.
Special tip: Especially on the last day, you should not sail too far. Avoid unnecessary stress within the crew and make a short stop for a swim before the final handover. Keep in mind that there can always be delays, for example when refuelling.
Packing list
Make a packing list for yourself and the crew. Crews often have a lot of luggage on board that takes up unnecessary space and is not needed. Our partner SVB has helpful guidelines on clothing: Go directly to the guide
With these tips, you should be well prepared to enjoy an unforgettable trip. You can also read our linked partner sites or get some non-binding advice before your trip.
Further pages with tips:
Pitter Yachting – Tips for your first sailing holiday
SVB – Things to consider when chartering a boat
Do you have any other essential points? Feel free to write to us at marketing@bavariayachts.com