Scotland

1/ To Sail or not to Sail The first question to ask is do I want the added adventure of sailing or the comfort of cruising? Here are some questions you should answer

Do I prefer adventure or comfort?

Do I look like the the way I get there or where I’m going?

Marty, marty where’s the party or I’ve had enough I’d like to go to sleep

sleeping under the stars or who took the chocolate of my pillow

If your all about the first alternative you would be OK on a sail boat. If the second alternative is more you, go got the motor cruiser. If your a bit of both it may swing on how long you intend to be on the charter but I would lean toward the motor cruiser.

2/Who do I want to come with me Who comes along is the next big question. If your not a party animal, immediate family and friends that can tolerate your idiosyncrasies and you theres are a good choice. especially if you have had prior adventures with them and still talk with each other. if the weather gets a bit rough things can become a little strained, particularly in a sail boat.

3/What Style Boat

The most spacious you can pay for

The newest you can afford

The finest that you can spend the money on

Built with facilities and services suited to the particular needs of bareboat charter

Hire a Skipper or Go it Alone If your not that confident in taking charge of the ship you can usually hire a skipper even if it is only for a day. It will add to the cost. My experience as been that the vast majority are fine on a motor cruiser but some experience is needed to sail. In fact most charter companies require some evidence of someone on board having at least completed a pre-sail course. Pick someone in your party who has the following traits

Be able to see well

Be alert to their position and those of the vessels around them

Keep under the alcohol limit while the boat is under way

Be not easily panicked by an unfamiliar situations and able to take their time

There are many places in the world you can charter a vessel, from the Greek Islands in Europe to the Whitsunday Islands in Australia, which is my favorite. My personal preference is a motor cruiser I love sailing but I find a day of it will usually “do” me and for that I would rather take a day trip with a professional on a maxi yacht or similar. See you on the water