Second, it is necessary to decide on the type of yacht you want to rent. Since it’s so easy to get mixed up by the existing variety: sailing yachts, motor sailers, motor yachts, catamarans. A short introduction to the classification of yachts will help you to make the right choice. According to the engine power and availability of sails all yachts are divided into two main groups:

• Sailing (motor sailers)
• Motor

It is probably the most important choice, as in this case we deal not only with diverse technological classes and characteristics. The choice of one group or another reflects the fundamental differences in philosophy of rest and world view. The most important thing about a sailing yacht – is the very process of sailing, use of the vessel’s proper resources and natural conditions for subduing of the element, the so-called “sailing romance”. Sailing yachts give a possibility of having a tranquil, leisurely, aristocratic rest. On the other hand, when choosing this kind of yachts, you must always reckon with wind, and the average travel speed is rather slow (about 10 knots).

Motor yacht – is a quintessence of modern technologies, where the most essential point is the point of destination. Yachts of this group have a few powerful diesel engines, due to which they can gather speed of 40-45 knots, are rather maneuverable and independent of the direction and speed of wind. At the same time, utilization of all the abovementioned details increases the fuel consumption, and therefore – the rent price of yacht. Let’s not forget about the noise of engine and beating of waves against the hull at high speed, which can be tiresome in a way. That is why motor yachts are normally used for short and fast travels from one bay to another.

Sailing yachts in its turn are further subdivided into two subtypes:

• Single-hulled (monohulls)
• Multi-hulled (catamarans)

Multi-hulled yachts (catamarans) are ideal for those putting to sea for the first time or sea-sick people, since they are more steadfast in rolling. Moreover, being of the same length with monohulls, catamarans stand out by a greater inside space and convenience. However, it is much easier to find a place in the port (marina) for a single-hulled yacht, than for a multi-hulled one (because of its beam).

Another extremely important criterion of choosing the yacht is surely the size of it:

1) Up to 10 meters long yachts are designed mainly for a short daylong run by the sea. They do not have the necessary amenities for a lasting vacation (cooker, refrigerator etc.), their cabins are very small.

2) 10 – 18-meter long yachts are the most in-demand yachts. It is a democratic class of yachts, which provides the comfort required for long voyages: 2 – 4-berth cabin and toilet facilities with shower, up-to-date kitchen, passengers’ lounge, and area on the deck with a table (cockpit). Given the will and a special permit, you can easily steer the yacht of this size on your own.

3) 18 – 24-meter long yachts – this category of yachts does not haveany vital distinctions from the previous one. It is distinguished only by a higher comfort level and additional options, that can be used with the assistance of a qualified crew.

4) 24-meter long and longer yachts are considered megayachts (VIP yachts). As a rule, such yachts are custom-designed. The level of comfort and service on megayachts can probably compare to the best five-star hotels (bars, restaurants, saunas, jacuzzi, pools, helipads etc.). The number of service personnel on VIP yachts comes up to 20.

Having chosen the voyage itinerary and the type of yacht, you must understand: whether you’d like to steer this boat on your own (bareboat) or with the captain’s assistance (skippered), and perhaps you need a whole crew (crew).

For a bareboat yacht rental in Greece, no less than two members of the crew should have the international sailing license. A special document from yacht-club confirming the captain’s qualification could do as well. You can learn more about the requirements by sending an inquiry for the yacht you’ve liked.

In case if you don’t possess the necessary navigation skills and don’t have a special license, the skippered yacht rental is a natural to you. It is the skipper’s (captain’s) duty to ensure, that your voyage will be comfort, safe and customer-oriented. You can work out the voyage itinerary together, and also take an active part in yacht steering under the careful tuition of your captain.

Those, who prefer a 100% comfort, are recommended to set their choice on a crew yacht rental. Usually, it is demanded that there was a crew aboard the 18-meter long and longer yachts (at least 2 persons). The presence of captain and captain’s mate (doubling as cook) will allow you to relax completely and enjoy the premium vacation.

And now let’s proceed to a step-by-step charter booking:

STEP 1. When you’ve decided on the itinerary, yacht type and kind of rental, get down straight to the charter reservation. All you need to do is fill in the Yacht rental (charter) inquiry form, and our broker will assist you with all necessary information during the day. You may also contact us by e-mail or phone numbers, specified in the section Contact.

STEP 2. Having coordinated the type of yacht, kind and term of a rental, and rent price for the given period of time, our broker will send you a Charter Party Contract. The contract signed by you and our charter company «Gabriel Sailing AB» is the basis for your prepayment for charter (amount of this prepayment ranges from 20 to 50% of the rent price according to the selected yacht and season). Thus, the right of the selected yacht’s owner is conferred upon you for a charter period.

STEP 3. One or two months before the charter period begins, you will receive a Questionnaire, containing multiple questions concerning your preferences in food, beverages, entertainments on board the yacht and favourite water sports, along with it we’ll take into account your wishes as to the transfer from airport or hotel to the yacht etc. Please, be so kind as not to spare your time and answer all these questions. Your cooperation is a considerable contribution to improvement of your vacation.

STEP 4. As a rule, you will have to pay the rest of the rent price not later than 30 days before the charter period begins.In certain cases, by agreement of the parties you may be given an opportunity to effect the final payment on site a day before the charter period begins.

From then on all that is required from you is just to enjoy your vacation!

If you have any questions at any step of reservation, feel free to appeal to us for help. The brokers of the charter company «Gabriel Sailing AB» are always glad to communicate with you!