Frequently Asked Questions?SOUNDBITES
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WHAT IS SAILING REALLY LIKE?The cruising lifestyle is like no other. Sailing is an amazing experience-when sailing is good, it’s really good. Nothing is better than reaching along at double-digit speeds on the open waters. Sailing has its own rhythm and can be quite rewarding. In port you can enjoy the sights, sounds, nightlife, and intrigue of other cultures in a way that only cruising can provide. At the more remote anchorages, you can take advantage of diving and snorkeling, and at night gaze at the million stars above. Back to TopWHAT CAN WE EXPECT ON THIS CHARTER?Fantasia IV is a world-class yacht. With a Captain you are free to relax, enjoy, take a break, or even a nap whenever you want. You can sail the yacht, help at the helm, hoist the main, trim the sails, tack offshore. From day cruises to overnight charters, we can customize the trip to the experience you would like. Back to TopHOW MANY PEOPLE CREW THE BOAT?Normally there will be only the Captain on the boat. Guests share in crew duties and are encouraged to help sailing. Back to TopWHY IS A CAPTAIN NEEDED?The waters of South Florida are full of reefs and sandbars, so captain with knowledge of the waters on board will help avoid unfortunate accidents. It's not a pleasant experience to charter a sailboat for some fun days and be hit with thousands of dollars in damages because you hit the reef! (there are very stiff governmental fines in that case on top of any possible boat damages since all the keys are protected marine park). Back to TopWHAT DO YOU MEAN, LUXURY CHARTER?Fantasia IV was designed for the luxury cruise market. You can expect a first class, well-equipped, and well-maintained yacht. Back to TopHOW SAFE IS THE BOAT AND WHAT ABOUT THE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT?We are very safety conscious, and prioritize safety on our trips. Fantasia IV is equipped to meet or exceed all safety equipment required by law. You will find Fantasia IV carries advanced equipment for navigation and communications. Back to TopHOW MANY DAYS DO I HAVE TO RESERVE?We offer half and full day cruises as well as sleep aboard cruises. There is also the possibility of experiencing sunset cruises a couple of hours long. Basically, any extent of time is feasible, subject only to availability. Back to TopCAN WE CUSTOMIZE OUR TRIP?Tell us about your group, your interests, and what you would like to see and do; sailing, snorkeling, diving, or just relaxing at anchor, we will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Back to TopWHERE CAN WE GO?We normally sail the Florida and Bahamas waters. Your Captain can suggest itineraries and destination to fit your mood and the duration of your cruise. Back to TopHOW MUCH TIME WILL BE SPENT ASHORE AND HOW MUCH SAILING?We will try to balance our time to allow you time to explore ashore as well as sailing. We typically will alternate nights between anchoring in beautiful secluded bays and docking in charming towns. Again, we will give you the option, and try to accommodate your requests. Back to TopDO YOU OFFER FAMILY TRIPS?Yes. Many families have found that our trips provide a terrific family vacation experience. Family trips can include learning to sail. Again, let us know your requests and we’ll do our best to meet them. Back to TopHOW MANY PASSENGERS CAN BE ON THE YACHT?During day cruises the huge bridge and salon of Fantasia IV can easily accommodate up to 12 passengers in absolute comfort and with total freedom of movement. When chartering for overnight terms there is enough room to accommodate 6 passengers comfortably in three of the four available double cabins, each with its own toilet/shower (the fourth cabin is occupied by the crew). The salon and cockpit are open and spacious allowing for comfortable accommodations. Back to TopCAN I STAY LONGER?Yes, sometimes the cruises can be extended. We can also arrange for you to spend the night immediately before or after the cruise on board. In all cases boat and Captain availability must be verified, and additional fees apply. Let us know what your preferences are and we’ll try to accommodate you. Back to TopWHAT ARE MY DUTIES?Guests share all of the duties of a bareboat charter, with the Captain ensuring a safe navigation. You take your turn at cooking, washing dishes, cleaning, and all aspects of living on a yacht. Captain is responsible for watch keeping, helming, sail handling, but guests are encouraged to assist, and so improve their own sailing skills. Back to TopHOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?You do not need any prior sailing experience. We will help you build your skills while sailing the Florida waters. We imagine you are open to having a fun, relaxing vacation experience. Your Captain can handle the yacht, so you are free to consider your participation optional. That said, most guests enjoy sailing and getting involved in the action. Keep in mind what it really takes is positive attitude, sense of adventure, and people who are genuinely thrilled to get a chance to sail. Back to TopCAN WE LEARN SAILING SKILLS?Yes. You can learn as much or as little about sailing as you’d like on our charters. Back to TopHOW MUCH SAILING SHOULD WE EXPECT TO DO?We are always ready for as much sailing as the wind and group preferences allow. In times of little or no wind we will motor. Sailing yacht engines are relatively quiet, and you are welcome to lounge on deck and enjoy the scenery. Back to TopWHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL FITNESS DO I NEED TO BE IN?Fitness requirements are minimal for the charter trips. If you intend to participate in the sailing of the yacht, especially sail handling, there may be a little more physical effort involved, but that’s entirely up to you. Back to TopWHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER AND STORMS?We try to plan the trips to avoid bad weather. We also wait for favorable conditions before setting out. Of course no matter what the plan, we may encounter some bad weather along the way. The yacht is well equipped and has an experienced captain. Weather is a part of the sailing adventure, not anything to be frightened about. Back to TopWHAT IF I GET SEASICK?We choose charter locations that generally offer tranquil sailing in a variety of weather conditions and select anchorages to avoid exposure to ocean swells when possible. Keep in mind Fantasia IV is a very wide and very stable cruising catamaran. If you are concerned about becoming seasick, we recommend you take medication while your body adjusts. If you know you are prone to seasickness, you might try wristbands, Dramamine or even patches, which give you a steady dose over several days. After we are underway, your body will normally adjust and seasickness will no longer be a problem. Back to TopWHAT ABOUT COOKING AND FOOD?What you eat depends on the food you bring on board (remember, it is a bareboat charter!). Also whatever is locally available in the port we’re visiting. Cooking meals is the responsibility of the guests. Should you so require, we can help arrange for a cook to be on board during your cruise and to purchase the provisions for you (additional fees apply). Back to TopWHAT IF WE HAVE SPECIAL FOOD REQUESTS?If you arranged for the cook on board we will try our best to accommodate any special requests you may have. We’ll work with you ahead of time to design meals, snacks, and beverages according to your preferences. Vegetarian requests can be honored. Back to TopWHAT SHOULD WE PACK AND HOW MUCH?Be sure to bring only soft, collapsible luggage. You can pack fairly lightly for all of our trips. During the day on the boat, shorts, tank tops, swimwear are best. It may get cooler at night, so consider a sweater or fleece top and pants. Just think about what will be comfortable and dry quickly. Fleece and nylon work well on the boat - it’s usually lightweight and dries quickly. We will occasionally have the opportunity to go out to a nice restaurant or upscale bar so a set of nice, casual clothes is also necessary - for men, that normally means, a shirt with a collar and pants -for women, a dress, casual pants and tops will do. As for shoes, sandals or something like that are good for getting on and off the boat and knocking around in. And you may also want to consider bringing tennis shoes or other comfortable walking shoes for when we’re docked. We go barefoot on the yacht. Light rain gear may be indicate. All of the basics, like sheets and towels are on the boat, but you should bring personal items such as shampoo, toothpaste, medication, etc. Something very helpful to have with you is ZIPLOC bags. Just keep in mind, storage is limited so whatever you bring, you will live with in your cabin. Back to TopHOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO BRING?Your expenses ashore are really within your control, so you be the judge and keep in mind ATMs are common. Back to TopWHAT ABOUT COMMUNICATIONS?As a rule, most ports have reasonable access to phones and internet cafes. In most cases cell phones will work, except when too far from land. In an emergency, the ship has a long range SSB radio and a satellite phone. Satellite phones are expensive. It will be your responsibility to pay for private usage. Back to TopWHAT ABOUT MEDICAL ACCESS?We do not have a doctor on board, but we do have a good medical kit and access via Single Side Band and Satellite phone to a doctor’s advice. Also, we are normally close to land and most ports of call have access to medical facilities. We do recommend you bring any medication you might require. Back to TopHOW DO I SCHEDULE A TRIP?Contact us at info@skysailcharters.com or 305-428-2777 so we can verify yacht availability. Back to TopHOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?As soon as availability is verified we will notify you via email or phone and a deposit will be due. Back to TopHOW DO I PAY?You can pay by credit card or check as you prefer. Your charter is not reserved until payment is received and cleared. Back to TopWHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?A deposit is due at the time of booking. The remainder is due 45 days prior to your charter date. Back to TopWHY DO YOU WANT A DEPOSIT?Once you have been scheduled for the cruise we no longer take reservations for these dates. A non-refundable deposit helps assure us you are indeed serious and intend to sail with us. Back to TopWHAT IF I CANCEL?Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to your charter date are subject to forfeiture of all paid fees, unless the Charter Protection Plan has been purchased (see below). Back to TopWHAT IS THE CHARTER PROTECTION PLAN?At time of booking you will be automatically enrolled in the Charter Protection Plan (i.e. trip cancellation insurance) for an amount equal to 6% of the total charter fee. You have the option to decline coverage within 18 days of booking. This coverage will allow you to interrupt or postpone your charter with a $100.00 change fee in case of unexpected events such as illness; death in the family; jury duty. The resulting credit will be applied to a future charter to be completed within 24 months from the original charter dates. No cash refunds will be issued. This also allows for a prorata refund in the event that a named tropical storm/hurricane warning is issued for the Charter dates, less any costs of redelivery of the yacht. Inclement (rainy) weather during the term of the charter does not constitute grounds for any refunds. Without it, all paid fees will be forfeited. Does not cover airfare or other travel expenses. Back to TopIS THERE ANY SECURITY DEPOSIT DUE?A fully refundable security deposit is required ($4,000.00) payable (15) days prior to the charter dates, unless the Yacht Damage Waiver has been purchased (see below). Security deposit requirements can also be satisfied by placing a HOLD on a credit card for the necessary amount. The security deposit will be refunded in full, less the cost of cleaning, repair or replacement of any lost or damaged items, or other charges made under the charter agreement, not less than 2 days, and not more than 14 days after redelivery. Day charters do not have to post a security deposit and pay the Yacht Damage Waiver, but may still be charged for any cleaning or repair cost. Back to TopWHAT IS THE YACHT DAMAGE WAIVER?A Yacht Damage Waiver may be purchased in advance for a $50.00 per day fee; which significantly lowers the amount of security deposit to $2,000.00. This covers damages to the charter yacht's hull and equipment, excluding loss or theft of the yacht's dinghy and outboard. This coverage also excludes cases of gross negligence and willful misuse; intoxication; towing fees due to running aground; loss of equipment; pollution and environmental damage; and third party liability claims. Day charters do not have to post a security deposit and pay the Yacht Damage Waiver. Back to TopWHO PAYS THE RUNNING EXPENSES?You will be responsible to pay all running expenses during the charter term (e.g. fuel, water, oils, filters, consumable stores, pilotage, port charges and all provisions and supplies for the charter party). The Yacht's fuel and water tanks will be filled before delivery and you will refill the fuel and water tanks before redelivery or pay to refill the tanks. Back to TopIS THE YACHT INSURED?The yacht is fully insured against damage and liability. The insurance may not cover your personal property and may exclude certain liabilities. You may elect to obtain additional liability or umbrella insurance on your own. Back to TopWHAT ABOUT ILLEGAL DRUGS?We have a zero tolerance for drugs on board or near the ship. We expect you to abide by the laws of every country we stop at. Most have serious penalties for those involved with drug use. Back to TopWILL I NEED A PASSPORT?Cruises to Bahamas normally require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your expected entry date for everyone. Please keep in mind that you will be responsible for the Bahamas Cruising Tax. Back to Top |
