Charter Guide
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Discover the key insights into the world of yachting with Valentino Yachts.
Over the years, we’ve compiled responses to the most frequently asked questions by our valued clients. Should you require additional details about our company or general information on yachting holidays, feel free to reach out to us at info@valentinoyachts.com.
Charter Pricing:
Included:
- Access to the boat and its equipment
- All taxes, including VAT at 12%
- Comprehensive insurance covering the yacht, third-party liability, passengers, and sea pollution
- Port fees for embarkation and disembarkation (port of call)
Not Included:
- Fuels
- Mooring fees (except for the first and last night in port)
- Food provisioning
Charter Period: Tailored to Your Schedule
In the mid and high seasons, the minimum charter period is set at 7 nights, operating on a weekly basis with the start and end of charters typically on Saturdays.
However, for added flexibility, we entertain charters of less than 7 nights during the low season upon request.
At Valentino Yachts, we aim to accommodate your preferences, providing a personalized experience for every journey.
Types of Charter:
- Bareboat Charters: Sail On Your Terms
You’re the captain, deciding how long to sail and where to explore, as long as the weather agrees. We’re here to assist with planning your route and sharing our expertise.
Keep in mind, Greek regulations require at least one crew member to have a valid sailor’s license and one experienced crew member as co-skipper . We’ll guide you through the compliance process and even seek pre-approval opinions to ensure a smooth journey. - Skippered Charters: Relax and Enjoy the Ride
If you’re not a seasoned sailor, our skippered charters offer a stress-free experience. An experienced skipper takes the helm, handling everything from navigation to planning your route. Our skippers are local experts, guiding you to the best sailing spots, charming restaurants, and vibrant bars.
Sailing Certifications: Navigating the Seas of Requirements
For a smooth bareboat charter in Greece, it’s crucial to meet specific sailing criteria. Here’s what you need to know:
Mandatory Certification:
An international sailing certificate in English is a must, and at least one crew member must possess it.
License Restrictions:
Skippers should not hold licenses with restrictions like ‘Daylight hours,’ ‘Day skipper,’ ‘Inland waters,’ or ‘Fair weather conditions.’ The license must be valid specifically for sailing yachts; motor yacht licenses won’t be accepted.
License Clarification:
If your license isn’t explicitly for sailing (e.g., ‘valid for pleasure crafts’), the skipper may need to sign a declaration confirming its validity for the specific yacht chartered and their qualifications.
Inspection and Approval:
Sailing licenses undergo inspection and approval by Port Authorities, adhering to Greek regulations. Charterers are solely responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate certifications before arrival. Any rejection by the Authorities, affecting the approval to leave the port, falls under the charterers’ responsibility.
Accepted sailing licenses include:
- License for Sailing Yacht
- Valid for Offshore
A copy of all sailing certificates must be sent and received by Valentino Yachts at least 2 weeks before the start of the charter. It is also required that skippers take their original copies of certificates with them, as they will be asked to present them with the yacht’s paper to the port authorities on arrival.
Booking Your Sailing Adventure: A Seamless Process
Step 1: Request an Offer
If the allure of sailing has captivated you, and you’re eager for more details, we’re here to help. To charter a yacht, share your preferred charter period and boat size. We’ll promptly provide information on availabilities, craft the best proposal, and secure an option on your preferred boat for four days—no pressure or commitments. The final booking is confirmed when you send us the agreed-upon initial payment.
Our experts guide you through:
- Understanding your needs and expectations
- Recommending the ideal yacht for your group
- Suggesting suitable charter areas
- Offering top-notch service and support during your holiday
- Arranging any special requirements you may have
Our goal is to curate a flawless sailing experience for each guest. To start, reach out and inform us about:
- Your yacht experience (sailing qualifications, preference for bareboat or skippered charter)
- The number of people in your party
- Island preferences
- Your planned dates in Greece
- Any additional information or questions about your charter
The Offer Process
If we need more details, we’ll reach out to discuss your plans and clarify any points. Following this, we’ll send a comprehensive proposal and offer.
Charter Booking Procedure
When ready to book a charter proposed by Valentino Yachts:
- Formally request an option for the specific boat, ports, and dates of interest.
- Secure the booking within the designated timeframe by settling the advance payment (30% of the total charter value) after finalizing all details.
- The Charter Contract becomes valid and final upon payment of the remaining 70% of its total value, at least 30 days before the charter period begins.
Yacht Delivery and Return:
Check-in:
Our check-in process signifies the moment we formally hand over the yacht to you. Should you opt for a skippered trip, our experienced skipper will guide you through a comprehensive equipment checklist. The official embarkation time is at 17:00, we could offer the option of Early Check-In access to the yacht by 14:00 IF feasible (paid extra at base). You can contact us if you wish to add this and we will note it in your charter file.
Check-out:
Disembarkation is scheduled for 09:00 on Saturday, and we kindly request the yacht’s return to the base a day before the charter contract concludes, by 18:00. During this check-out procedure, we attend to essential tasks such as refueling, diver inspection, and final checks. It’s crucial to note that any delayed redelivery of the yacht due to weather conditions will not be acknowledged. To ensure a seamless conclusion to your charter, we advise keeping the yacht at an adequate distance from the charter base during the last 24 hours of the charter period.
Security Deposit:
Before setting sail, our clients are required to provide a refundable security deposit, insurance, or opt for a damage waiver, with the amount varying based on the yacht’s size. This precautionary measure ensures that the client is liable for a specified amount in the event of loss or damage, with every yacht having insurance coverage beyond this amount.
- Refundable Security Deposit:
Upon boarding, clients must present the specified deposit amount outlined in the contract, dependent on the booked yacht. This can be settled in either cash or through a valid credit card (VISA and Mastercard). After disembarkation and a thorough yacht inspection, the deposit amount is returned to the client or unblocked from the credit card if used. - Damage Waiver:
Clients can choose to pay a reduced security deposit combined with a non-refundable deposit, covering a single substantial incident. In case of multiple damages or losses, the charterer pays a new non-refundable deposit for each subsequent incident. The Damage Waiver applies per accident, requiring a new security deposit equal to the initial amount for coverage against a second incident. The charter agreement terminates if this condition is not met.
Valentino Yachts reserves the right not to accept the damage waiver. - Insurance:
Offering an alternative, insurance involves a non-refundable deposit that remains unchanged even if no damages occur. This option is available only for skippered charters.
Valentino Yachts reserves the right not to accept the non-refundable deposit.
Cancellation Terms
In case a booked yacht charter needs to be cancelled on the client’s initiative, the following terms will apply, as described in the Memorandum of Charter:
- Bookings cancelled up to 91 days prior to embarkation, full refund of the total charter fee.
- 31+ days prior to embarkation: 30% of the total charter fee is withheld by Valentino Yachts.
- 30 – 1 days prior to embarkation: 100 % of the total charter fee is withheld by Valentino Yachts.
In case the yacht is booked by another client, and under the same conditions only an administrative fee of 300€ will be held.
