Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Do I Need to Charter?
Experience is more important than paper qualifications. Although no formal qualifications are required to charter your own bareboat yacht, Sunsail Tahiti does insist that at least one of your crew members has previous sailing or yachting experience. A minimum of five days experience on a similar sized vessel is required for the skipper and three days for the first mate. Upon booking you will be asked to fill out a sailing resume outlining your sailing history. If you do not have enough experience or are a complete novice, Sunsail may require you to book a skipper.
How Safe is Bareboat Yachting?
To ensure your safety at all times during your sailing holiday, Sunsail is contactable 24 hours a day, seven days per week via VHF marine radio. Sunsail’s radio announcements ("scheds") are also run twice daily to inform you of the latest weather forecast and record each yacht’s daily movements and overnight anchorages. Sunsail Tahiti also has a reliable back-up service ensuring you will not be alone in the unlikely event of an emergency, or if you simply need more supplies or provisions.
What Time Do I Start my Yacht Charter?
Contract start time is 12 noon on the first day of your sailing holiday, providing us with enough time to fully prepare your yacht. If you are already at our Sunsail Tahiti base or wish to start your charter earlier, we will endeavour to meet your requests. We can advise you of a briefing time at 8.30am on the day your charter commences.
Contract finish time on your last day is 10.00am. Late check-outs are available depending upon your vessel’s movements the following day. Late check-outs cannot be confirmed until the day before you finish your yacht charter. Again, we will always endeavour to accommodate all special requests.
What Does It Cost? Are There Any Other Fees?
You’ll be amazed at just how affordable it is to charter your own luxury yacht for the sailing holiday of a lifetime. As a general guide, a yacht charter usually equates to approximately $100 per person per night, depending on the size of vessel, number of people and length of stay. Check out our Rates page for more information.
Should I Take Out Travel Insurance?
Sunsail strongly recommends you cover your prepaid yacht charter fees against cancellation due to circumstances beyond your control. Our Reservations Team can supply you with information on insurance policies available or visit your local travel agent.
What Should I Bring?
Not very much! Each Sunsail yacht is fully equipped for charter from every imaginable viewpoint. Apart from your personal possessions, you should bring your own...
- beach towels
- sunscreen
- swimwear
- polarised sunglasses (essential for seeing fringing reefs)
- footwear – good solid footwear is advisable (an old pair of sneakers are ideal)
- broad brimmed hat
- light clothing that will provide protection from the sun
- a tracksuit or warm clothing for the evenings
- Soft luggage where possible!
- smart casual clothing for visiting resorts
What About Food & Beverages?
Sunsail can assist you with provisioning so you have everything you need for your holiday. Talk to your Sunsail Reservations consultant about our Provisioning service in Tahiti when you book your holiday.
How Do I Book?
Start planning the best holiday experience of your life by contacting our Sunsail Reservations Team.