The minimum experience that we require is a Day Skippers qualification with a minimum of 150 miles relevant experience as skipper.
Also onboard there should be a designated First Mate with a minimum qualification of Competent Crew.
All Skippers must hold a VHF Operators licence
If you do not hold the necessary qualifications then please contact us to discuss your options as in certain circumstances we may be able to accept proof of experience.
What are the standard charter timings?
Weekend Charter:- Start 1800 Friday – End 1700 Sunday
Mid Week Charter:- Start Midday Monday – End Midday Friday
7 Day Charters:- Start 1800 Friday - End Midday the following Friday
or Start 1900 Sunday - End 1700 the following Sunday
Midweek Day Charters:- Start 1800 the day before - End 1700
At the end of your charter please allow sufficient time to clean and return the boat to our staff. The yacht is likely to be going back out on charter and to avoid delaying the next client we would like to remind our guests that the finish times detailed are the times that you should be totally clear of the yacht.
Please contact us if you would like to start or end your charter outside of these times or on a day charter if you would like to join the yacht the night before.
Do you include Fuel & Gas?
We supply the boat with a full tank of diesel and simply ask you to return it full
There is no charge for any gas used
What is not included in the charter price?
Mooring fees away from home port
Food & Drink
What safety equipment comes as standard?
All our yachts fully comply with the MCA regulations for the chartering of small boats this includes personal safety equipment including liferaft and lifejackets and harness lines. Please note that we are unable to provide childrens lifejackets or buoyancy aids.
We also provide complete navigation equipment including electronic chart software and paper charts for your sailing area.
Where are the boats moored?
Port Hamble Marina, Hamble Southampton. SO31 4QD
Who is the yacht handed over to?
Handovers are made to the designated skipper and must be fully completed before the yacht leaves the marina
Who is the yacht handed over to?
Handovers are made to the designated skipper and must be fully completed before the yacht leaves the marina
What happens if we are late on arriving to start our charter?
In the event of a late arrival please contact us and we can make arrangements to conduct a short safety briefing so that you can stay onboard. We then conduct the full handover in the morning.
Security deposits?
A security deposit of £1500 is payable on all charters, doubled when racing to cover any breakages or losses. In the event of an insurance claim it will also cover the policy excess.
We take your credit card details and ask you to sign a confirmation form agreeing for us to take up to the maximum amount of the deposit in the event of any damages or losses.
If I am on a skippered charter, am I liable for any damage onboard?
We do not ask for a security deposit on skippered charters. In the unlikely event of deliberate damage which is directly attributable to you, we reserve the right to charge for the cost of repair up to the maximum of the policy deductible, currently £1000.
Bad weather?
It is unusual for the weather in the Solent to be bad enough to prevent sailing however in the event that severe weather is forecasted at our discretion we will reschedule the charter for an alternative date.
What happens if I cancel a booking for any reason?
If you cancel within 4 weeks of the charter there will be no refund other than at our discretion. If you cancel at any other time a cancellation fee equivalent to 75% of the charter costs will apply. We will endeavour to find a replacement charter and if successful the cancellation fee will be reduced to reflect this.
Am I insured for personal injury whilst onboard?
You are not covered for personal injury whilst onboard unless we are deemed to have acted negligently. In your own interests you are advised to ensure you carry adequate personal accident cover.
What do you need to bring?
Any uncompleted booking information or crew lists
Sailing certificates and/or sailing CV of the Skipper and First Mate
Proof of identity - passport and/or driving licence for Skipper and First Mate
Credit card/debit card details for the security deposit.
What should I not forget?
Warm clothing (multiple layers are better)
Soft soled non marking shoes (ideally deck shoes)
Wet weather gear (available for hire)
Sea boots
Sleeping bag (available to purchase)
Pillow
Sunglasses
Lip balm
Cap or hat
Sun tan cream
Towels
Soft bag rather than suit case for storing your kit
Sea sickness remedy
Food and drink if you have booked a non catered charter
What is onboard?
Full safety equipment not including children’s lifejackets
Full galley inventory and cooking utensils
You will also be supplied with a welcome pack on arrival.
This consists of:
Washing up liquid
2 x Bin bags
Sponge/scourer
Dish cloth
2 x Tea towels
Matches
Tea bags, sugar, coffee & milk
Kitchen Roll
2 x Toilet rolls
Do the yachts have bed linen on board?
We supply pillows and pillow cases we can also provide sleeping bags for a charge.
Do you supply wet weather gear?
Yes. Waterproofs can be hired per set @ £10 per day or £15 per week.
Do the yachts have dinghies on board?
All the yachts have dinghies however we are unable to supply outboard engines
What are the parking arrangements?
Parking within Port Hamble Marina is on a pay & display arrangement and all cars must display a valid parking ticket. Whilst the first 3 hours are free you are still required to display a valid ticket. For Universal Yachting customers we will issue you with a parking pass that provides you with free parking during the period of your charter. Please display a valid ticket covering the first 3 hours of your stay, we will then issue parking passes for the remainer of your stay with us during your handover briefing. Please be aware that car parking is very limited so where possible please car share.
Are there supermarkets nearby?
Hamble is well served with supermarkets and there is a large Tesco’s on the way into Hamble just as you exit the motorway.
