Some useful sailing tips

Sailing with a chartered boat is not the same as sailing your own vessel. First of all, you are not familiar with the boat (one or two week’s charter is not enough to acquaint you with the technical requirements nor with how the boat will react in varying circumstances).  In addition, there will be certain conditions and regulations particular to your country of destination, which will be different from those of your own country.
 
Therefore, it is essential during your charter that you follow certain procedures which will protect you from having to face difficult situations in the harbours or whistle sailing

Daily Check Routine

• Check engine water level (in the event your vessel has an engine with fresh water cooling system).
• Check engine oil level.
• Check that there is no water in the water separator fuel filter.
• Check immediately after starting the engine and periodically while it is running, that the water is coming out of the exhaust.

While sailing

• Hoist the main sail only with the bow turned against the wind and hold this position until the sail is fully up. Make sure you have loosened the boom-vang and reefing lines before. When the sail is fully up and tied loosen the toping lift slightly.
• The first and last sail to be taken up and down is the main sail.
• Never tow the dinghy from the stem while you are cruising. It is not only forbidden by the port police, but the insurance will not cover a loss or damage.  On top of that you lose speed!  If you stow the dinghy inflated on deck make sure it is not in the way of ropes which may cause damage. You should always tie it down securely.
• When you are cruising make sure all hatches and portholes are closed so that no water does I enter the boat.
• Always keep an eye on the hour counter of your motor (if there is one) and make sure that you have sufficient fuel in your tank. Fuel gauges are not reliable, so check the hours that you have used the motor.

Miscellaneous

• If there is no water remaining in any tank close the water pressure switch on the control panel Otherwise you will damage the fresh water pump. If there are two tanks, connect the full tank and close the empty one. Turn on a tap until water flows to allow for the air in the system to escape.
• Don’t drop anything into the toilets that has not been eaten! They are easily blocked, and that causes significant inconvenience.
• Do not make any modifications to the boat, engine or equipment without reason or purpose.
• Use only a pencil to draw courses or write notes on a chart.
• While refilling either water or fuel tanks, make sure not to mix fuel with water or water with fuel. In both cases the situation becomes unpleasant and difficult to repair.
• In case of an accident, theft or damage, the charterer must immediately inform the charter office, who will in turn inform the insurance company and / or owner. In case of theft you also must make a written report at the local port police where the theft occurred.
• In the unfortunate case where salvage or towage are unavoidable you must contact your agent/owner through the VHF. If you cannot reach them negotiate the price to be paid in writing with the captain of the other vessel before accepting towage.  If -due to weather or other conditions- such a paper exchange is impossible, negotiate the price to be paid through the VHF channel 16 (NOT your mobile telephone).  If you are asked to fill out any forms contact your agent/owner before signing.

 
Safety

• If you have children on board,  you may allow them sit outside, but always in the cockpit and only if wearing a life vest.
• Always wear suitable shoes on deck and gloves when you work with the anchor to protect yourself from being hurt.

In Greece only

• There are very few laid moorings in Greece, so most times you will almost always have to use the anchor.  Use your Greek Waters Pilot to guide you to the safest mooring dock within your chosen harbour. Be aware of the nature of the sea bed when anchoring.  In some ports traffic is high and can be intense and quite mixed. Take care not to anchor on top of other people’s moorings – and bear in mind that not everyone will l be as considerate as you.
• According to the Clause 4.i of your charter contract, two days prior to the end of the charter the yacht's Port of Call should lie at a distance not greater than forty (40) NM from the point at which the Yacht is to be returned to the Owner. Please note that (a) a delayed arrival will affect the next charterer's holidays and (b) you will be charged for the delay.

CAUTION : Modern charter yachts are equipped with DSC VHF units.  This unit will give the port authorities your current position through a satellite, if you press the distress button.  DO NOT PRESS THE DISTRESS SIGNAL BUTTON, UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY (FIRE -COLLISION - GROUNDING -SINKING).
The penalty for unnecessary use amounts to Euro 1500 and will be charged to your account.