Spending your holiday on the seas
is the ultimate getaway. It’s just you, your crew, the boat and the waves. If
you are planning to charter your own yacht - here is what a day in the life of
your skipper might look like.
Up with the larks.
The skipper is the person that’s
has ultimate control of the vessel, so they will usually be the first up,
preparing for the day of sailing ahead.
Check the weather and the tides.
First on the list, after a coffee
perhaps in the glorious fresh air on deck, is to check the weather. The
weather, and in particular the wind, will determine the itinerary for the day.
Caption: Fine weather on #Iona
and #Mull, Inner Hebrides, Scotland.
Check the itinerary and choose the sailing route.
Most of the time, you’ll have already
set your itinerary, but the skipper will regularly check the forecast to make
sure that the plans still suit what the weather has in store. If you need to
make a change to the itinerary then the skipper will do that before you set
sail. One of the rules of sailing is to keep an open mind as things do change.
Caption: #LochFyne, #Inveraray –
one of the most popular sailing destinations on the Scottish west coast.
Check the boat, any supplies and fuel.
Before you set sail for the next
destination, the skipper will check fuel and any key supplies – along side the
crew and whoever has been nominated as first mate. They will also usually check
the engine and oil levels etc. But when you’re chartering a yacht, things are
always in very good condition, but skippers understand the need to check.
Caption: Sea coast on the Isle of
#Arran – perfect place to explore on your #yachtcharter.
Set sail for your preferred destination.
When the boat has been checked,
the weather studied, the supplies in place and the crew drilled – then it’s
time to set sail for the next destination on your holiday cruise. Whilst the
boat is sailing, the skipper is ultimately in charge of everyone’s safety on
board and navigating the boat successfully to the next generation. The skipper
will be juggling navigation, maritime traffic rules as you pass other boats,
safety, and most elements of marine engineering and meteorology. The skipper is
a busy person! It’s just as well a cruise also involves a lot of relaxation
too.
Caption: Over the sea to Skye –
is this your preferred destination?
Moor the yacht in time for the afternoon stop.
Usually the skipper will be
sailing the yacht to its next destination in time for lunch. The sailing
itinerary will likely be built around making it to the next holiday location
where you can swim, explore the coast, have lunch and dinner with a waterfront
view, spend the evening at the local bar – all the while you set the pace,
because the itinerary can be changed to suit you. Such an idyllic break – and
like we said, it’s the ultimate getaway.
Do you fancy booking your own ultimate getaway?
Perhaps we can help you with one
of our yacht charters – either bareboat charter or skippered charter. Flamingo Yacht Charters is based in Largs on
the west coast of Scotland. We offer a substantial range of yachts for
hire - one of the best ranges in
Scotland. If you are planning a sailing trip on the west coast of Scotland,
then please do get in touch to discuss your needs. You can find out more about us at flamingoyachts.com or on our Flamingo Yacht Charters Facebook page.