"People who get their boating license don't have any apprehension about renting. They want to be on the water right away." begins Séverine Chéron-Bonhomme, from the rental company in Morbihan, as a preamble to our discussion. And indeed, if one can think that being a very young licence holder can be a brake to rent, it is not really the case. "Some come to me when they just have their paper validation! If some are anxious, the desire overcomes the fear." adds Sévérine.
However, to get a good start on your rental, she recommends a few tips:
Opt for a small RIB with little engine power
"Favour a semi-rigid of 5 to 6 m and 50 to 115 horsepower, easier to handle than a rigid hull in the collective mind ". People are often confident and want to start with something bigger, but the ideal is to start small. "Maneuvers are also easier and you don't have to go fast."
Reassure companions
"Attendants are often more stressed than the driver. It can be good to have your spouse or future attendant attend the last class to defuse the fear or encourage them to get their license too."
Prepare your navigation well
Prepare your navigation well or get help, depending on your level of practice " We advise them to start in the Gulf of Morbihan because they are closer to a coast. It's more reassuring for them." The rental agency can also help boaters prepare their itinerary by finding easily accessible beaches, indicating points of interest, etc.
"We give them a color copy of the Marine Block with the harbor entrances to the flagship destinations, like Monk Island, which is easy to access with pontoons already in the water. The best thing is to clear the itinerary, to take the stress out of their departure."
A ½ day or a day to start
Start small and don't challenge yourself to cover an entire area on your first charter. Opt for a half-day in the spring and a day in the summer, which will allow you to become familiar with the boat and the elements.
Listen to the handholding
euros for each rental, the rental company makes a handling of the boat of approximately 30 minutes for a novice . "The customer inspects the boat before departure. We make him aware of the propellers and bases and we can also accompany him in his maneuvers if necessary.
Carry out the inventory on board
To make the yachtsman more responsible, Crouesty Rental asks him to make his own inventory, under supervision of course! "It's fundamental to check certain things on board and especially the safety equipment. We let him do that on his own so he can realize where things are stowed on board."
Finally, it may sound silly, but don't forget to check the fuel before you leave and the quantity needed for your program.
Respect the number of people on board
Again, this may sound logical, but it is important not to exceed the number of passengers allowed on board. " Children count as one person and not half, as we often hear."
