FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO CHARTER?

Experience is more important than paper qualifications. Although no formal qualifications are required to charter your own bareboat yacht, Sunsail Whitsundays does insist that at least one of your crew members has previous sailing or yachting experience.

2 people on board with sailing experience are required . The skipper must have sailed this size yacht before for at least 5 days or more, and have good navigation skills and must know how to anchor the yacht. The 2nd adult must have sailing knowledge and they need to know what to do in an emergency man over board

Upon booking you will be asked to fill out a sailing resume outlining your sailing history. If you do not have enough experience or are a complete novice, Sunsail’s experienced instructors can get you to a level where you are confident enough to handle your own yacht.

HOW CAN I LEARN TO SAIL?

If you don't have any sailing experience but wish to experience a bareboat charter holiday, why not enrol in one of Sunsail's Sailing School courses, which can have you sailing your own yacht in no time!

DO I NEED A PROFESSIONAL SKIPPER?

Of course you don't need to hire a skipper for your holiday, but choosing a crew to accompany you on your Sunsail yacht charter holiday means you can sit back and totally relax.

Our crew are chosen for their friendliness and professionalism, and are dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.

Book a skipper and hostess for a crewed yacht charter of complete indulgence, or create your own culinary delights and just have a skipper taking the helm of your Sunsail yacht so you can sit back and enjoy.

HOW SAFE IS BAREBOAT YACHTING?

To ensure your safety at all times during your sailing holiday, Sunsail is contactable 24 hours a day, seven days per week via VHF marine radio. Sunsail’s radio announcements ("scheds") are also run twice daily to inform you of the latest weather forecast and record each yacht’s daily movements and overnight anchorages. Sunsail Whitsundays has a reliable back-up service ensuring you will not be alone in the unlikely event of an emergency, or if you simply need more supplies or provisions.

WHAT TIME DO I START MY YACHT CHARTER?

Contract start time is 12 noon on the first day of your sailing holiday, providing us with enough time to fully prepare your yacht. If you are already at our Sunsail Whitsundays base or wish to start your charter earlier, we will endeavour to meet your requests. We can advise you of a briefing time at 8.30am on the day your charter commences.

Contract finish time on your last day is 10.00am. Late check-outs are available depending upon your vessel’s movements the following day. Late check-outs cannot be confirmed until the day before you finish your yacht charter. Again, we will always endeavour to accommodate all special requests.

WHAT DOES IT COST? ARE THERE ANY OTHER FEES?

You’ll be amazed at just how affordable it is to charter your own luxury yacht for the sailing holiday of a lifetime. As a general guide, a yacht charter usually equates to approximately $0 per person per night, depending on the size of vessel, number of people and length of stay.

SHOULD I TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Sunsail strongly recommends you cover your prepaid yacht charter fees against cancellation due to circumstances beyond your control. Our Reservations Team can supply you with information on insurance policies available or visit your local travel agent.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD AND BEVERAGES?

Careful provisioning is an important part of the preparation for your sailing holiday. By pre-arranging your provisioning with us, your vessel will be fully stocked with the type of catering you require prior to your arrival. Should you prefer to order specific provisions but wish us to do your leg work, our Self Select list has been prepared for your convenience. Sailing can be very thirsty work. We can stock your yacht with a range of beer, wine, spirits and cold drinks so you will never run dry!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Not very much! Each Sunsail yacht is fully equipped for charter from every imaginable viewpoint. Apart from your personal possessions, you should bring your own...