Bareboat Charters : Luxury Catamarans Sailing

Check list Before Caribbean Sailing: Holiday Cruise Charter Vacation

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Reference Check Lists Please refer to the relevant pages on this web site for detailed descriptions of each area of the boat. These Reference Checklists should be used as a quick reminder for the main points of operation

Pre SailingCheck

weather report
Close all hatches and ports, check salon/galley floor hatch is closed and locked
Store all lose and fragile items below
Carry out radio check
Check chart and pilot information for intended destination and route
Ensure children have life jackets if on deckStow tender on dive platform
Turn on navigation instruments
Stow lines and lose items on deck, remove clothing/towels from lifelines
Prepare sails for hoisting/unfurlingCheck fuel, oil and water in engines
Start engines, check cooling water flow and allow to warm up for 5 minutes
Brief crew on sequence for departing dock/mooring or raising anchor
Switch on windlass breaker if necessary

Engines
Regularly check cooling water flow from exhaust while underwayCheck for trailing lines near propellers before engaging gearCruising rpm between 2800-3200Battery charging rpm in neutral 1500-2000Check fluid levels daily

Battery charging
Monitor Link 2000 panel for battery state of chargeBatteries will require at least 2.5 hrs of charging per dayDo not allow battery voltage to fall below 11.9 voltsTurn off lights, fans and other appliances when not needed to save battery power

Group Charters - Crewed Charters Sailing Charter Boat for Vacation

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VOYAGE charters offer identical yachts for Group charters. The VOYAGE 500 is already established as the ideal charter yacht; offering identical accommodations for up to eight guests and is fully air-conditioned. Whether you are a group of friends or a family taking a sailing vacation together, rest assured that when booking a group charter with our company you are booking professional crews that work together to co-ordinate your vacation for the entire group.
Experience one design racing in style with a comfortable, stable catamaran, which offers high performance sailing. VOYAGE charters has been conducting charters on VOYAGE yachts since 1995 and consistently delivered quality charters.
VOYAGE charters can offer you a different incentive travel program.
An exclusive fleet of sailing catamarans with captain and chef, personalized cuisine, frozen tropical cocktails and all your drinks in an inclusive package.

Safety Measures for Cruising Catamarans for Group Charters

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Safety
The design and construction of our vessels contribute greatly to safety whilst underway or at anchor. Exceptional stability, secure cockpits, control lines lead aft and unsinkable construction are just some of the features that make VOYAGE yachts inherently safe. In addition to this is an inventory of standard safety equipment which is listed here.
Life JacketsThere are enough life jackets for everyone on board and they are located in the stb side cockpit, seat locker. Make sure you practice putting them on and securing them properly. Young children and non swimmers should always wear them whilst underway and make sure you transfer them into the tender when in use. There are 2 throwable life rings stowed on the aft guard rails.

Fire Extinguishers
There are 3 dry powder fire extinguishers on board and an automatic system in each engine compartment. The extinguishers are in the following locations, one in the locker below the helmsman’s position and one in each of the wet lockers port and starboard, read the operating instructions. To evacuate the cabins in the event of a fire in the galley, climb on to the bed and out through the hatch.

Life Raft
At some of our charter venues it is mandatory to have a life raft on board. The raft is housed in a plastic canister located on deck and the deployment instructions are displayed on the outside of this canister. Please familiarize yourself with these instructions.

VHF Radio
The VHF radio is mounted above the navigation area, the breaker for power supply is located and marked on the 12 volt switch panel. There is a card explaining how to transmit a call in the event of an emergency, make sure everyone on board reads and understands how to make such a call.Although the weather conditions at all of our charter locations is predominately fine with moderate winds and seas, there are occasional periods of unsettled weather. Your local base staff will advise you of the appropriate VHF station where you can obtain a daily forecast.

Flares
The flare kit is stowed in the port side cockpit locker.

Manual Bilge Pumps
There are 2 manual pumps mounted in the cockpit area. The handles are stowed under the adjacent locker lids.

M.O.B.
The designated captain should be familiar with standard Man Overboard recovery practices and brief his crew accordingly.

Emergency Tiller
In the unlikely event that there should be a failure of the wheel steering system there is an emergency tiller option. The tiller is stowed in the port engine compartment and can be attached to the top of the steering quadrant on either the port or starboard side. To open the blanking cap that positioned on the aft decks use the key provided, the key is stored in the chart table. Screw the threaded portion of the key into the top of the inner cap, draw out and expose the top of the rudder quadrant, the emergency tiller can then be engaged into the top of the rudder post.

Handholds
Handholds are positioned both on and below deck, make use of them and advise others to do the same.

Escape Hatch
It is a CE requirement that catamarans are fitted with an escape hatch below decks. On VOYAGE yachts the hatch is located in the galley sole under a teak grating. As well as providing an emergency escape route it can also be used as a ventilation hatch.

Always check that the escape hatch is closed and properly secured before getting underway, although it is above water level flooding of the interior will occur from waves under the bridge deck. Make sure that the grating is located especially when the hatch is open.

First Aid Kit
There is a first aid kit is stored in the salon fwd locker.
Need for CareThe skipper for the charter should impress upon his guests and crew the need for caution, particularly in relation to;Operating the inflatable. Always wear the kill switch, keep a constant lookout for other water users, abide by speed limits and no wake zones.Moving around the vessel whilst underway. Take care not to slip on the stepped areas of the boat when you have wet feet. Make use of the hand holds that are located all around the boat.Keep clear of sails, control lines and anchoring tackle.Keep young children away from the galley area whilst cooking is taking place.Do not allow people to swim from the boat until the vessel has been secured and the engines have been turned off. Protect yourselves against sunburn and sunstroke.Take great care with fishing gear, do not leave hooks or other other sharp implements laying on deck.

Pack Your Bags for Sailing Charter boat vacation on Luxury Catamarans

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WELCOME ABOARD !
Choosing to charter is a tedious Task, With VOYAGE charters you will feel at home - If you have not charter a yacht before, the following suggestions may help you plan for your trip:
1. View our Luxury Catamaran / BareBoat Briefing on line at www.voyagecharters.org

2. Remember to pack your passport; everyone must have their own passport.

3. Travel light - you will not need much ! Like the lifestyle, clothing in the tropics is casual. Bring as many changes of swimwear as you can muster and a few pairs of shorts and T-shirts. It is a good idea to pack one lightweight sweater and a pair of long pants as it can be cool on the water at night.

4. This will be an essentially barefoot vacation, but for trips ashore and for the rare occasion when you might want to wear shoes on deck, a good pair of deck shoes or similar attire is handy. Beach shoes, such as ‘Teva’s’, are a must for this vacation as you will need footwear that can handle getting wet and filled with sand.

5. Use duffel bags and similar soft-luggage as these can be far more easily stored onboard than hard-sided suitcases. There is no storage on board for large suitcases.

6. Carry your toothbrush, swimming costume and any vital medications in your hand luggage; if by some unlucky chance your luggage goes missing you will be able to get on with your vacation whilst the airline traces it ! If your journey involves a complicated flight plan, label your luggage on board with VOYAGE charters base address and contact phone number.