Booking and yacht selection

1. How does booking a yacht work?

Once you have chosen a yacht and dates, we prepare an offer detailing the yacht, price, additional costs and payment terms. The booking is confirmed when the charter company confirms it and the required payment has been made in accordance with the offer.

2. How do I choose the right yacht?

The main considerations are the number of guests, sailing area, crew experience, number of cabins, desired equipment and budget. If you are unsure which yacht suits you best, we will gladly advise you.

3. What is the difference between a sailing yacht and a catamaran?

A sailing yacht is generally more affordable and offers a more traditional sailing experience. A catamaran provides more space, privacy and stability, and usually greater comfort for families and larger groups.

4. How many people can stay on board?

The maximum permitted number of people is specified for each yacht. Both the available berths and the yacht's certified passenger capacity must be respected.

5. Can we charter a yacht for less than one week?

Yes. Shorter charters are available on some yachts, particularly outside the peak season. Availability depends on the charter company and dates.

6. Are charters always from Saturday to Saturday?

Saturday-to-Saturday charters are most common during the peak season. Some yachts can also be chartered from Wednesday to Wednesday, while other start and end days may be possible outside the peak season.

7. Is a one-way charter possible?

Some yachts can be collected at one base and returned to another. An additional one-way fee usually applies.

Payment and pricing

8. What is included in the charter price?

The basic price generally covers use of the yacht during the agreed period and its standard equipment. Mandatory and optional extras are listed separately in each offer.

9. What additional costs may apply?

Common extras include the base fee or final cleaning, tourist tax, fuel, mooring fees, a skipper, optional equipment and transfers. A security deposit is also usually required at check-in; it is not a charter expense if returned in full.

10. How does payment work?

Our website displays the available prices and payment terms for individual offers. Some offers require full payment upon booking. If you prefer to pay in instalments, please let us know and we will gladly check the available options. Last-minute bookings generally require full payment in advance. The exact payment terms are always set out in the offer and booking documentation.

11. Can I pay by credit card?

You can pay by bank transfer or with Visa, Mastercard and Maestro payment cards.

12. Are the prices on the website final?

Our website displays current yacht charter prices. Mandatory additional charges not included in the basic price are listed separately in each offer.

13. Is tourist tax included in the price?

Tourist tax is generally not included in the basic charter price unless expressly stated otherwise.

14. Is fuel included in the price?

Generally not. You usually collect the yacht with a full fuel tank and must return it full. Different terms may apply to certain crewed yachts or special charter arrangements.

Cancellations and changes

15. What happens if I have to cancel my booking?

Cancellation terms depend on the charter company and the selected offer. We recommend reviewing the cancellation policy in the general charter terms before booking.

16. Can I change my booking dates?

A date change is possible only with the charter company's consent and is subject to availability and the booking terms.

17. Can I change the yacht after confirming the booking?

This may be possible in certain cases, but only with the charter company's consent. Additional charges may apply.

18. What happens if the charter company cannot provide the yacht?

If the agreed yacht cannot be provided, the charter company will generally try to offer a comparable or better replacement. If no replacement is available, the next steps, including any refund, are handled according to the contract and applicable charter terms.

Documents and licences

19. Do I need a licence to operate the yacht?

Yes. For a bareboat charter, at least one person on board must hold a valid and appropriate boating licence.

20. Do I also need a VHF radio licence?

In many countries, operating a marine radio also requires a valid VHF radio operator's certificate.

21. How do I know whether my licence is valid?

We recommend sending us a copy of your licence before booking. We will check whether the charter company accepts it.

22. Which documents do I need at check-in?

You will generally need an identity document, an appropriate boating licence, a VHF certificate where required, crew details and booking documents.

Skipper, hostess and crew

23. Can I hire a yacht with a skipper?

Yes. If you do not have the required licence or simply want a more relaxed holiday, you can hire a professional skipper.

24. What does a skipper do?

The skipper is responsible for safely operating and navigating the yacht. Guests usually agree on an outline itinerary with the skipper.

25. Where does the skipper sleep?

The skipper needs a separate berth or cabin. Larger catamarans often have dedicated crew cabins.

26. Do we need to provide meals for the skipper?

Yes. Guests generally provide the skipper's meals or an appropriate daily food allowance.

27. Can we also hire a hostess or chef?

Yes, a hostess or chef can be hired on certain yachts. A hostess generally prepares simple meals, helps keep the yacht tidy and assists guests on board.

28. Does the skipper's fee include meals?

Generally not. Meals for professional crew must usually be provided or paid for separately.

Yacht check-in and return

29. What time is yacht check-in usually?

Standard check-in is usually on Saturday afternoon, often between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. The exact time depends on the charter company and is stated in the booking documents.

30. Is early check-in possible?

Early check-in can be booked for some yachts. The service is generally subject to a fee and must be confirmed in advance. As availability is limited, we recommend requesting it as early as possible.

31. Does early check-in guarantee an exact handover time?

Not necessarily. Terms vary by charter company. Some guarantee handover by a specified time; others offer priority preparation without guaranteeing an exact time. The precise scope of the service depends on the selected offer.

32. When must the yacht be returned?

The yacht must generally return to its home marina on Friday afternoon or evening. Overnight accommodation on board is often possible until Saturday morning. Please follow the exact times in the booking documents.

33. Why do we have to return on Friday?

The charter company needs enough time to inspect, service, clean and prepare the yacht for the next guests.

34. What happens if we return the yacht late?

A late return may result in additional charges. If you expect a delay due to unforeseen circumstances, inform the charter company as soon as possible.

Security deposit and insurance

35. What is a security deposit?

A security deposit is an amount required by the charter company as security for possible damage to the yacht or other contractual obligations.

36. How is the security deposit paid?

Most often, the amount is pre-authorised or blocked on a payment card at check-in. Some charter companies also accept cash or other deposit arrangements.

37. When will I get my security deposit back?

If the yacht is returned in accordance with the contract and the final inspection reveals no new damage or other outstanding obligations, the charter company will generally release or refund the deposit. A card hold may take several days to disappear, depending on the bank.

38. What happens if we damage the yacht?

Any damage must be reported to the charter company as soon as possible. Costs are then handled under the contract, insurance policy and security deposit arrangements.

39. Can we take out security deposit insurance?

For some bookings, deposit insurance or an optional reduction of damage liability is available. Coverage, excess and exclusions depend on the chosen product.

40. Does insurance mean we are never liable for damage?

No. Deposit insurance and liability reduction products may have limits and exclusions, including damage caused by breaches of contract, certain types of negligence, lost equipment or damage outside the coverage. Always check the relevant terms.

Equipment on board

41. Are bed linen and towels included?

This depends on the charter company. Bed linen is included in many offers, while towels may be included or available for an extra charge.

42. Does the yacht have air conditioning?

Only if air conditioning is listed among the equipment of the individual yacht.

43. Does air conditioning work all the time?

Not necessarily. On some yachts it works only when connected to shore power; on others it can also run using a generator or another suitable electrical system. Check the power supply before booking.

44. What is a generator?

A generator produces electricity on board when the yacht is not connected to shore power in the marina.

45. What is a watermaker?

A watermaker converts seawater into fresh water, allowing greater independence from marinas.

46. Does the yacht have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is included on some yachts and available as an optional extra on others.

47. Can we rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP)?

Many charter companies offer SUP boards as optional equipment.

48. Is a dinghy included?

A dinghy is included with most sailing yachts and catamarans. The outboard engine may be included or charged separately.

Children and pets

49. Is a yacht charter suitable for children?

Yes. Sailing holidays are popular with families, but we recommend choosing the yacht and route to suit the children's ages.

50. Can we order a safety net?

A safety net along the yacht's guardrails can be ordered on many yachts.

51. Are children's life jackets available?

Before arrival, inform the charter company of the number, ages and approximate weights of the children so that suitable life jackets can be arranged or their availability confirmed.

52. Are pets allowed?

This depends on the charter company and yacht. An additional pet fee is often charged.

Food and life on board

53. Can we order food and drinks before arrival?

Many charter bases can arrange provisioning, including delivery of food and drinks to the yacht before arrival.

54. Does the yacht have a kitchen?

Charter yachts generally have a fitted galley with basic appliances and cookware.

55. Can we drink water from the tank?

Tank water is generally intended mainly for washing and household use. We recommend bottled drinking water unless the charter company expressly confirms that the tank water is potable.

Marinas, berths and itinerary

56. Are marina berths included in the price?

No. Berths in marinas and ports are generally paid separately on site.

57. How much does a berth cost?

Prices depend on yacht length and type, marina, location and season. Catamarans are usually more expensive because of their width.

58. Can we spend the night at anchor?

Yes, where weather conditions, local regulations and safety permit.

59. Do we have to plan the entire route in advance?

No. An outline itinerary is recommended, but the actual route should always be adapted to the weather and conditions at sea.

60. How many nautical miles can we sail in one week?

This depends on the sailing area, yacht type, weather and crew preferences. For a relaxed holiday, we recommend shorter daily legs with plenty of time for swimming and sightseeing.

61. Can we cross an international border with the yacht?

Only with prior permission from the charter company and if all documentation, insurance, border and other formalities are satisfied.

62. Is night sailing allowed?

Many charter contracts restrict or prohibit night sailing. Always check the applicable charter terms.

Weather and safety

63. What happens in bad weather?

Bad weather alone is generally not grounds for cancelling a charter. The route and departure time must be adapted to the actual conditions.

64. Who decides whether it is safe to depart?

On a bareboat charter, the skipper designated by the crew is responsible for the decision. On a skippered charter, the hired skipper decides whether conditions are safe for sailing.

65. What should we do if something breaks down?

Contact the charter company's technical support or base immediately. Do not undertake major repairs without their consent.

66. What should we do in an emergency?

If people or the yacht are in immediate danger, contact the appropriate rescue services or make a distress call on VHF channel 16. Give your position, the nature of the emergency and the number of people on board. Notify the charter company as soon as possible. Check local emergency numbers before departure.

Problems and complaints

67. What should we do if we notice damage at check-in?

Show any existing damage to the base staff, ensure that it is noted in the check-in report and, if possible, take photos.

68. What if the yacht has not been cleaned properly?

Report inadequate cleaning to the base staff immediately, before departure, and allow the charter company to remedy it.

69. What if something stops working during the charter?

Report the problem immediately to the charter company's technical support and describe it clearly. This allows them to investigate, repair it or offer an appropriate solution. Keep records of communications and any supporting evidence.

70. Can we arrange repairs ourselves and request reimbursement?

Repairs arranged independently and any reimbursement should normally be agreed with the charter company in advance. Reimbursement is not guaranteed without its consent. In emergencies, prioritise people's safety.

71. How do we submit a complaint?

Report the issue to the charter company immediately during the charter and give it an opportunity to inspect and, where possible, rectify the problem. Keep photos, videos, reports and correspondence. Submit a written complaint within the deadline and in the manner specified by the contract or general charter terms. SailCity can also assist with communication.

72. What is SailCity's role if problems arise?

As an intermediary, SailCity helps guests and charter companies communicate, gather information and seek an acceptable solution. The charter company is responsible for performing the charter and handling claims in accordance with the contract and applicable rules.

Before arrival

73. When should we send the crew list?

We recommend sending crew details as soon as possible or within the deadline stated in the booking documents.

74. Do we need to tell the charter company our arrival time?

We recommend sharing your estimated arrival time, especially if you will arrive late or outside the base's normal opening hours.

75. Can you arrange a transfer?

Airport-to-marina transfers can be arranged at many destinations. We need flight details and the number of passengers to prepare an offer.

76. Is parking available at the marina?

Most marinas have parking on site or nearby. Parking is generally charged separately.

77. What should we bring?

We recommend soft travel bags instead of large hard-shell suitcases, sportswear, non-slip shoes, sun protection, medicines and identity documents.

Still have a question?

Every booking is slightly different. Terms, equipment and extra charges depend on the selected yacht and charter company.

If you need help choosing a yacht or checking specific charter terms, contact us. The SailCity team will gladly help you plan your sailing holiday.