Before choosing where to rent a boat for your future vacation, you should ask yourself various questions.
Time of year, weather and season
According to your departure dates, choose a destination where the sailing conditions will be in adequacy with what you came for: family sailing, sport sailing...
For sailboats, choose a windy period, but not too windy, especially if the crew is not very experienced. In the case of a motorboat, avoid crowded periods and complex sea conditions. In summer, choose the Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean or European waters. In winter, head for the West Indies, for example.
For tropical destinations, beware of cyclonic seasons, as in the Caribbean between July and the end of October. In Greece or Turkey, the Meltem can blow very hard in summer. It is always a good idea to ask local rental companies for advice on the specific weather conditions in the area.
Envy and composition of the crew
Adapt your destination to your crew's desires. You will not choose the same destination if you are sailing with your family or with friends. In the same way, the presence of young children on board can lead to coastal sailing rather than long ocean cruises. Also take into account the sensitivity of each person to seasickness, their taste for the liquid element and their experience, whether they are neophyte or experienced.
Travel program
Your destination should also take into account the planned sailing time and the timing of your cruise. Do you prefer to log miles and spend more time at sea than on land, or on the contrary, do you want to take advantage of numerous stops and anchorages to visit and stroll around? Greece, with its many islands and islets, allows you to discover several different places in a short time, if you plan your trip well. During a cruise in Corsica, you can go as far as Sardinia or the island of Elba. Estimating the distances between 2 stops and the time needed will avoid nervous breakdowns.
For the nights, do you prefer the anchorage or the port? Do you plan to live autonomously on board your boat, or on the contrary, do you prefer to stop every evening to enjoy local meals in the city's restaurants?
Finally, consider your abilities and those of your crew so as not to endanger yourself and others.
Accessibility of the destination
Before you set sail, you will need to find out how to get to your departure point: by plane, train, bus and the various associated rates. Transportation can also be included in the rental offer. Once again, for more comfort and especially with children, choose a destination that is well served and easily accessible. It also depends on the length of your trip, but you may not have time to waste in successive transports to reach your starting point.
To save sailing time, ask about the possibility of a one-way cruise, with an arrival port different from the departure base.
Administrative procedures
We may not think about it enough, but being able to make ourselves understood is essential when we go sailing abroad, especially in harbors or on the VHF. So check the languages spoken.
Some destinations are subject to vaccination, such as yellow fever, malaria, etc. Check that your vaccinations are up to date or if there are any special precautions to take.
You should also find out if you need to have a boat license. If sailing is free in France, it is not the case everywhere, and even in Europe, like in Italy.
Finally, think about increasing your bank limits if you are asked to provide a guarantee, or check with your bank to see what your capacities are.
