| Chartering a private yacht is a new experience for | | | | On occasion, depending on the wind, it is easier to |
| many. It seems like something that is going to be | | | | drive the boat down the fairway backwards. It looks |
| very expensive, and reserved for the rich. It is | | | | a bit funny at first, but is a common practice. |
| actually a simple, fun and much less expensive an | | | | The Yacht Charter |
| undertaking than many think. Less expensive often | | | | For the purposes of this article on what to expect in |
| than going out for a nice meal and is an event that | | | | general, let's assume that you will be doing a "San |
| will be remembered for years. | | | | Diego Bay Day Charter," although there are many |
| The Arrival | | | | other possible scenarios. |
| Since most yachts are in secure marinas, upon your | | | | On the "San Diego Bay Day Charter," upon leaving |
| arrival at our location you will be greeted by a | | | | the harbor you will turn right (starboard) - to head |
| company representative, and escorted to the yacht. | | | | toward ocean. There is a lot to see in the bay and |
| At this point any additional paper work will be taken | | | | your captain and host will describe points of interest |
| care of, such as a charter agreement, liability waivers | | | | as you go. Let's hope you brought your camera! The |
| and any remaining payment. You will also be | | | | tour may be customized, but generally the boat will |
| introduced to the captain and host who will be | | | | loop up toward the ocean and the end of Point |
| aboard to assist you. | | | | Loma, and then downtown toward the aircraft |
| Please feel free to have a look around the yacht and | | | | carriers and the Coronado Bridge, and then loop up |
| ask questions. Yachting people are very proud of | | | | again on the downtown side of the bay past the |
| their yachts and like to talk about her - much like | | | | Midway aircraft carrier museum, cruise boats and the |
| parents talking about their children. Like a child, the | | | | Star of India. Charter durations vary, but a basic |
| yacht is an ongoing project; owners work hard to | | | | sightseeing charter on San Diego bay is two hours. |
| maintain her, and provide the best possible quality | | | | Eventually you will head back to your starting point in |
| experience for their clients. | | | | the "America's Cup" harbor, and back into the slip. |
| The Safety Briefing | | | | Charter Termination |
| Before you depart to open water, the captain will go | | | | Your captain and host will secure the yacht back in |
| over some safety features much like an airline pilot | | | | the slip. During this process please be careful and |
| or flight attendant would at the beginning of a flight. | | | | maintain a secure footing. Do not try to depart the |
| The captain will talk about where the life jackets are | | | | yacht until instructed to do so by the crew. This |
| and how to use them, what you can and can't do on | | | | would probably be a great time to sign our guest |
| the yacht, how to use the washrooms (heads), and | | | | book and to fill out any suggestion cards so the crew |
| a few other topics that will make your charter safe | | | | can improve their service. |
| and enjoyable. | | | | When you depart you may wish to take some |
| Departure | | | | pictures of your group with your yacht and crew to |
| During departure, the captain will be piloting the | | | | help you remember your adventure! |
| vessel from the fly bridge (top deck). The view is | | | | Summary |
| great up there, and you are welcome to join him. | | | | Hopefully you now have a more clear idea of what is |
| Your host will be assisting with the dock lines and | | | | involved in chartering a private yacht. It is a fun |
| helping the captain take the boat out of the slip. The | | | | experience - and one that you and your group will |
| boat will then be taken down the fairway and you | | | | remember for years. |
| will proceed from the harbor out into San Diego Bay. | | | | Go ahead - Make the Call - Charter a Yacht today! |