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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Chartering a yacht
When would be the best time to reserve a yacht?
The earlier you reserve your yacht the better. If you book before December
31st of the preceding year, you are entitled to a 10% discount on the
normal price. Not only that, but you will be assured of a greater selection
of yachts and dates to choose from. If you are thinking of chartering
a yacht during low or mid seasons, the chances are that you can leave
it until much later, possibly even last minute, but for high season charters,
it is better to book well in advance, as July and August are usually fully
booked by May. If you are not sure when exactly you want to travel, and
are more flexible about dates and yachts, sign up for special offer updates
and you may receive a very good offer even for high season dates.
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What is the best season for chartering a yacht in Greece?
That depends on what kind of weather you like. The chartering
season in Greece can be all year long but mainly operates between
March and October. You can expect fairly cool weather during low season
dates, some rainfall and occasional strong winds. Mid season dates
are usually warm enough for sun-bathing, swimming and other activities,
without too much heat, but temperatures in June, July and August can
be very high, sometimes over 40 degrees celsius, dropping only slightly
at night. Winds remain fairly constant throughout the year, anywhere
between 2-8 Beaufort, although the Meltemi is usually only expected
in August. For further details about Greek weather patterns visit
our island pages.
Please check Greece
weather forecast before sailing or your local
weather forecast
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What size yacht will I need?
This depends on the number of crew, how many WCs you require, and
whether or not you need a skipper. Detailed yacht specifications can
be found on each of our yacht pages, which you can find by following
the links from our pricelist page. The following should guide you:
1-2 crew: 2 cabin yacht (29 - 32 feet),
yacht share, cabin charter
2-4 crew: 2 cabin yacht (29 - 32 feet), 3 cabin yacht
(32-40 feet)
4-6 crew: 3 cabin yacht (32 -40 feet), 4 cabin yacht
(41-45 feet)
6-8 crew: 3 cabin yacht (32-40 feet), 4 cabin yacht
(41-50 feet)
8-10 crew: 4 cabin yacht (41-50 feet), 5 cabin yacht
(51-60 feet)
10-12 crew: 5 cabin yacht (51-60 feet), 6 cabin yacht
(60+ feet)
over 10 crew: 2 yachts or motor sailor or over 70
feet yacht.
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Can I charter a cabin instead of a whole yacht?
Yes, we have a number of options for individuals or couples wishing
to charter a cabin aboard a skippered yacht for sailing holidays.
Please enquire using our request form
or email us for further
details.
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What certification do I need to charter a bareboat
yacht?
Greek port authorities and yacht owners usually ask that at least
one member of the crew hold a recognised skipper's license (RYA Day
Skipper, ASA 101 & 103, Greek Day Skipper, etc) or the equivalent
in sailing experience in the capacity as skipper, with registered
sea-miles. Ideally there should also be a co-skipper with similar
experience or at least one member of the crew with a Competent Crew
or ICC certificate or equivalent in seamiles. In some instances, it
is usually possible to provide signed official documents detailing
your sailing experience, although you may be asked to sign a declaration
of responsibility for yourself and your crew. If you do not have the
qualifications or experience, or lack confidence you might consider
doing a sailing course while on holiday. Otherwise, you can request
a skipper for you charter.
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What do I need to know about hiring a skipper?
All the information you need to know can be found on our skippered
yacht charters page.
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What happens if there is an accident or damage to the yacht?
Each yacht is fully insured and covered for serious damage and/or
total loss. However,in most cases, you will be asked to pay a refundable
security deposit at the beginning of your charter to cover loss or
minor damage to the yacht or its contents during your charter. If
a skipper is assigned to you this deposit is placed at the owner's
discretion or may be reduced as the skipper is responsible only for
the navigational welfare of the yacht, not its contents and accessories.
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What do I need to bring with me?
Each yacht comes fully equipped with navigational instruments,
safety equipment including life-vests, charts and marine information,
snorkelling gear, cooking utensils and of course bed linen and hand-towels
are provided. For a comprehensive list of a yacht's contents, please
see our inventory page. All you really
need to bring are your personal clothes and items, which should include
some water/wind proof anoraks, trousers and shoes, plus sun hats and
sunglasses, high factor sun cream and a camera!
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What happens if I am not satisfied with my yacht?
We make every effort to ensure that each yacht meets our criteria
for safety, comfort and reliability. Each yacht undergoes thorough
dock yard maintenance and is granted an annual certificate of seaworthiness
by the Greek Ministry of Tourism. We have engineers and technical
support on many island bases in case anything goes wrong during your
charter, and most problems can be rectified within twenty-four hours
of our being informed. Before you take over your yacht, you will be
given time for a thorough inspection and during the check-in you will
be able to note any problems you are aware of on the Yacht Acceptance
statement. If for any reason, your yacht is unsuitable for charter
when you arrive, we guarantee to find you a replacement yacht of similar
dimensions and quality as soon as possible or to refund your money
in full. We will also cover any accommodation costs you may incur
while waiting for a replacement yacht.
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What happens if I need to cancel the charter?
Cancellations: According to the official charter party contract:
11. In the event of cancellation by the Charterer, for any reason,
except as mentioned in Clause 3 (c) (iii), (see below) after signing
this Agreement, all advance payments made up to the date of cancellation
will be retained by the Owner, and the Owner reserves the right to
refund the said deposits only if he succeeds in letting the Yacht
to another Charterer for the same period and under the same conditions.
Clause 3 (c) (iii) If the delay of delivery exceeds one fourth
(1/4) of the total charter time, to cancel this Agreement and be refunded
by the Owner with the total amount paid for this charter. In any of
the events mentioned in this Clause, neither party shall be liable
to pay to the other any other compensation for any loss or damage
resulting from the curtailment or the cancellation of this.
In other words, once you have paid both the deposit and the balance
amounts, you are not entitled to any refunds should you cancel, unless
we or the yacht owner are able to otherwise charter the yacht under
the same conditions. For that reason, we strongly advise taking out
a comprehensive travel insurance that will cover you for cancellations
and much more before and during your trip. Please let us know if you
would like further information about insurance policies.
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How can I reserve a yacht?
The best way to reserve a yacht is to either fill in the yacht
charter request form, email us with your request or phone us directly.
We will get back to you as soon as possible with details of availability
and price. Once you have confirmed the details with us we will send
you a yacht confirmation document which we will ask you to sign and
fax back to us. We can then hold the yacht for a period of five days
until you are able to pay the deposit of 50% of the total charter
fee. You can pay by either direct bank transfer or banker's cheque.
We will then send you your copy of the charter party agreement. The
full balance is due one calendar month prior to the start of the charter.
Further details can be found here: booking
information.
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What is included in the price?
The price of a bareboat charter includes charter of the yacht and
her standard inventory equipment, VAT,
yacht insurance and check-in, check out fees, as well as clean linen
and towels for each customer. Not included in the price, unless otherwise
stated, marina fees, fuel & water costs, food or travel expenses,
the security deposit and a small charge for end cleaning. For skippered
charters the skipper's fee is usually an additional fixed rate paid
on top of the yacht fee, or, in the case of captain guided charters,
the price is all inclusive of captain and sometimes hostess and some
meals. Full details can be found for each individual crewed yacht
which you can link to from our price list page.
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What legal confirmation do I have concerning my yacht charter?
Odyssey Sailing is licensed and bonded by the Greek Ministry
of Tourism (EOT) and we are listed on their website:
http:www.gnto.gr This is the Greek equivalent to have ABTA or
similar bonding in other countries. We are also a registered and approved
member of the Hellenic Yacht Brokers Association (HYBA)
http://www.hyba.gr and the Volos Yacht Owners' Association.
In order to give you legal confirmation of your charter, we will
send you a copy of the official Charter
party contract which is a legal document, recognised by International
law, which outlines the details of the yacht charter and defines your
rights.
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Odyssey
Sailing is officially registered and bonded with the Greek National
Tourist Organisation (GNTO - EOT). Licence Number : 00015 and is a
member of the Hellenic Yacht Brokers Association (HYBA). |
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