Scotland

Vacations can becomes “times of your life” when you get aboard a boat. It can be a day to remember for ever if it goes well. You will need to follow some simple rules to avoid disaster. Here are a few basic tips to make your day trouble free.

“Bareboat” mean that there’s no crew so if you have chartered bareboat and you can’t sail you aint going anywhere. Not unless you qualify and get the necessary papers yourself. Always check the boat comes with a skipper and crew. The charter company can usually organise you one if it doesn’t. In some countries legally they may not be able to supply you with one.

If you’ve opted for a power boat then you will need to take into account that the fuel is normally on top of the charter fee so if you’ve hired a gas guzzleing speed boat be aware.

Take plenty of sun lotion the power of the sun is deceiving at sea and it’s effects are not always noticed until you are back on dry land. The other side to that coin is that you can tan three times the speed at sea.

Make sure you take snorkel and goggles there’s nothing like diving in off a boat when it’s moored but you want to see underwater even if it’s just to know where the jelly fish are going to be.

When the weather is bad you will be required to wear a life jacket, especially if you can’t swim. It’s advisable for children to wear them all the times. Some boats will not be suitable for really young children. Always take the skippers advice and listen to his safety speech at the start of the journey.

It’s a nice idea to tip the skipper and if you’re going ashore for a meal ask him along you might get some good sea tales out of him. It’s normal practice to tip the skipper at the end of the trip.

There’s the basics most of all have fun – if it goes well you will have one of the most amazing days of you life!