BLEYACHTING can help charterers to find a crew for their sailing holidays (skipper and hostess) but the charterer has the responsibility for the final choice.
Skippers and hostesses are 3rd party partners of Bleyachting.
Please feel free to ask for CV and contact details for the skipper or the hostess you want to book.
SKIPPER
What exactly is a yacht charter skipper?
A yacht charter skipper is a professional who is hired to operate and manage a yacht during a charter. He is the trusted leader on board, with extensive knowledge of navigation, seamanship, and maritime regulations.
The skipper will handle the check in of the boat and all necessary documents on behalf of the crew. He is the one responsible for safely navigating the yacht according to the planned itinerary. This involves understanding weather patterns, tides, currents, and any navigational hazards.
Ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board is a primary responsibility. This includes conducting safety briefings, maintaining safety equipment, and being prepared to handle emergencies.
In essence, the yacht charter skipper is the captain of the vessel during the charter period, responsible for both the operational aspects of the yacht and the overall experience of the guests.
With a calm demeanor and adept problem-solving abilities, the skipper manages the yacht’s crew and systems, embodying reliability and competence throughout the journey.
What Will Your Skipper NOT do on a yacht charter?
Personal Services: the skipper is not a personal assistant, host or cook. They will not handle tasks like cooking, cleaning, or laundry unless explicitly agreed upon.
Childcare: the skipper is not responsible for babysitting or providing childcare services.
Engage in Illegal Activities: they will not participate in or facilitate any illegal activities, such as drug use or unauthorized fishing.
Exceeding Their Role: the skipper will not perform roles that are beyond their professional duties, such as advanced medical procedures or providing specialized tour guide services.
Risk Unnecessary Danger: the skipper will not navigate in unsafe conditions or to hazardous areas just to fulfill guests’ whims.
Exceeding the Yacht’s Capacity: they will not allow more passengers on board than the yacht’s legal capacity
What Will Your Skipper DO on a yacht charter?
Navigate the Yacht: safely pilot the yacht according to the agreed itinerary, handle mooring, anchoring and docking.
Ensure Safety: conduct safety briefings for all passengers, maintain and check safety equipment and be prepared to handle emergencies.
Perform Maintenance: Oversee the yacht’s systems and perform routine checks, conduct minor repairs and maintenance, as needed.
Manage the Crew: coordinate and manage any additional crew members; assign tasks and ensure smooth operation of the yacht.
Plan Logistics: arrange routes, moorings, and anchorages and also manage the refilling of water and fuel of the yacht and of the outboard engine
Customer Service: assist guests with planning activities and excursions, facilitate a pleasant and enjoyable experience for guests. Some skippers may provide local knowledge and recommendations.
Regulatory Compliance: ensure the yacht complies with maritime laws and regulations; handle customs and immigration procedures.
Meals for your skipper!
The skipper fee does not include his meals; the skipper can either join you for meals or you may allow 30 EUR per day for separate meals.
HOSTESS
What exactly is a yacht charter hostess?
- A yacht charter hostess is the right choice for any customer who wants a truly relaxing holiday.
- A hostess is a professionally trained individual who caters to the needs of the crew, prioritizes their safety and acts as deckhand, i.e. assists the skipper with their duties when necessary.
- A hostess has knowledge of basic sailing skills, on-board safety regulations, hospitality requirements and etiquette.
- A hostess has the wonderful ability to work with patience, enthusiasm and a smile.
- A hostess is responsible for preparing and serving half-board on the yacht which includes breakfast, light lunch, snacks, and tea/coffee. As for lunch, simple meals such as pasta, risotto, and salads can be expected.
- A hostess is also responsible with general housekeeping on the yacht, cleaning and washing up after service.
- A hostess can assist with the use of various services specific to marinas. Just ask.
What Will Your Hostess NOT do on a yacht charter?
- A hostess is not a chef or a babysitter.
- Cabins on charter yachts are often personal spaces and storage areas, therefore they can be tended to during the week only upon agreement.
- Provision: a hostess will not provision for you, meaning they do not decide what to buy for you and what you might want or need during the week. However, they can assist with a general list and you should collaborate on this subject.
- Pre-charter support – before the start of your charter, the hostess will most likely be busy with other customers. Please take this into consideration and adjust your communication expectations accordingly.
- Work outside service hours – a hostess works no more than eight hours a day. They might offer assistance outside their working hours, should they choose to, but they have no obligation to do so and you should discuss any particular situation with them in advance. This also applies to land-based activities that requires them to transport guests via dingy.
What Will Your Hostess DO on a yacht charter?
- Do the provisioning for the charter week and as needed along the way, based on customer requests and pre-agreed lists.
- Breakfast Service: laying out a buffet-style breakfast.
- Lunch Service: Again, a buffet-style lunch or dishes that require minimal preparation.
- DIY Meal Service: if you decide to cook your own meal onboard, you can expect the full support of the hostess with that.
- Drinks and Beverage Service: coffee, tea, refreshments and other drinks will be served.
- Housekeeping: keeping work areas neat and orderly, free of slip and trip hazards, waste removal.
- Cleaning: within reason, the hostess will always clean up after service and help the skipper keep the boat generally clean.
- Keep track of expenses: unless otherwise agreed, at the beginning of the charter week, the customers will provide a sum of money to cover expenses such as mooring, fuel, marina fees, and general shopping. Your hostess and sometimes the skipper, will track the expenses and provide a full breakdown at the end of the week.
- Your hostess knows best! She is a professional in this industry so please address any specific requests you might have and your hostess will let you know if or how these can be accommodated.
Meals for your hostess!
The hostess fee, just like the skipper fee, does not include the meals of your crew; they can either join you for meals or you may allow 30 EUR per crew member, per day.