Insurance and contract
Read your contract carefully before departure and check what it includes: fuel, cleaning... Put it in your suitcase, it is mandatory to have it on board during your cruise. Generally, boat rental includes insurance, but it does not cover everything. You can take out additional cancellation insurance in case of illness or accident that prevents you from going on vacation.
You can also take out a damage waiver, which is compulsory in the case of a charter with a skipper. This additional insurance will cover you in case of an event at sea.
Contact the base leader to arrange your arrival.
The roles on board
Before departure, it is important to define the roles of everyone on board. Who will be the skipper? Who will be the skipper? You can also appoint a cook who will be in charge of preparing the meals on board. Beforehand, don't hesitate to plan menus to avoid waste and especially the famous questions like "What are we eating tonight?" Appoint one or two people to do the shopping, there's no point in going as a team for supplies. It will simplify things. Remember to anticipate the possible food allergies of the crew.
The ship's box
When several people go on vacation, on land or at sea, budgets are divided. To make things easier, you can appoint a person in charge of the ship's box . This will keep the accounts up to date so that the budgets are fair for everyone. Today, there are easy-to-use applications, such as Tricount, that automatically calculate the amounts spent and owed for each person.
Also check if the transportation and transfer fees are included in your rental contract or if they are extra. Finally, if you are sailing with a skipper, his meals are at your expense.
Administrative documents
Check the validity dates of your passports and - or identity card. Don't forget your boating license, mandatory in some countries, even for sailing, and prepare your nautical CV. Renters often ask for this document to judge the ability of a yachtsman to handle his boat.
Also prepare the list of the crew: names, first names, date of birth, ID number, telephone. This document is mandatory in case of control.
Don't forget to ask about the presence of navigation guides on board your boat, such as Bloc Marine. Normally, they are present, but sometimes they disappear. In this case, pack one in your luggage.
Finally, before your departure, do not forget to inform your bank and to check the limits of your bank card. The deposit is usually paid by credit card and is often a large sum.
The route and the weather
Before departure, define an itinerary according to your desires and those of the crew. Make backup plans if things don't go as planned. Check the weather regularly, which will help you define your route. Many applications exist, like Windy, easy to use and free.
Luggage and equipment
Opt for a soft luggage, which will be easier to carry on board and to store. Pack appropriate clothing to your destination . Even if you go sailing in the sun, don't forget a warm jacket just in case. You can create a discussion group with the crew to guide those who are not used to it. Don't forget the Swiss Army knife or leatherman, the flashlight, the headlamp, useful for night watches, the diving mask and any other leisure equipment you wish to bring with you. However, avoid overloading yourself.
