book2sail-Beaulieu Sur Mer French Riviera France

Summer is finally here! Obviously, Summer is our favorite season here at Book2Sail and we’re 99.9% sure that it’s your favorite too. So why not start thinking about where you can savor Summer to the full throughout July?

July is a great month to go on holiday because you get to enjoy the sunny season without the sweltering temperatures and crowds of August…talk about a win-win situation. Truth be told, we’d sail anywhere in the Mediterranean at this time of the year but we’ve picked five spectacular destinations that would surely provide the perfect backdrop for your sailing holiday this month.

Porto Ercole (Tuscany, Italy)

book2sail-porto ercole italy transfer group 1

Source: italy-transfer-group.com
A sailing holiday in Italy always seems to conjure idyllic images of balmy nights along the Amalfi Coast but it would be a pity to forget the countless options that Italy has to offer. For instance, one of our favorite sailing spots happens to be further up along the Italian coastline and is situated in Tuscany. Porto Ercole (literally translated to Port Hercules) is as picturesque as they come: a small seaside town that’s steeped in history and an expansive marina to boot. Dolce Vita, here we come!

Ikaria (Greece)

book2sail-ikaria greece YourGreekIsland

Source: YourGreekIsland
Here’s another destination with a rich historical background: the tiny island of Ikaria in Greece. We like this island because it’s decidedly less glamorous than some of its more known sister islands, like Mykonos or Santorini, but completely fascinating with its inimitable residents and its rugged coastal beauty. Ikaria also happens to be one of the five Blue Zones in the world, that is, communities where people live longer, healthier lives. We’re fully convinced that a sailing sojourn in this Blue Zone will also impact positively our long-term well-being…or at the very least help us cope with our post-holiday blues.

Split (Dalmatian Coast, Croatia)

book2sail-Split croatia 1 1

Source: LateSail
Split is one of the largest cities in Croatia, known for its bustling nightlife and crystalline waters. It’s essentially a mandatory part of any sailing trip along the Dalmatian Coast and with good reason, may we add: Apart from the aforementioned nightlife and excellent mooring facilities there are also some impressive attractions for the history buff in your crew. If you’re short on time, however, we highly suggest visiting the impressive Diocletian’s Palace.

Beaulieu Sur Mer (French Riviera, France)

book2sail-Beaulieu Sur Mer min

Source: otbeaulieusurmer.com
With a name that means ‘beautiful place’ and its strategic location on the French Riviera, Beaulieu Sur Mer was bound to be a great base for a sailing holiday in the south of France. Indeed, this small seaside village is not only very pretty and but is also renowned for its high-quality marina. C’est parfait, no?

Palma de Majorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)

book2sail-Palma de Majorca Spain

Source: Kayak
Who wouldn’t want to spend a few days in Palma de Majorca? No one that we know.
The beautiful Mallorcan capital epitomizes everything that we love about Spain apart from the obvious sun and sea: the narrow streets, the effortless blending of different cultures into one perfect architectural melting pot, and delicious food. It also helps that Palma de Majorca has one of the largest harbors in the Mediterranean with various marinas where you can moor your boat. Oh, and if you do visit this Balearic beauty, we highly suggest visiting our favorite espadrilles shop.

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

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Charter a yacht with Book2Sail

Book2Sail makes you feel that when it comes to chartering a boat, there is no limitation. You can choose any form of boat at any time and anywhere (catamaran, sailboat, motorboat, jet ski). Whether you’re sailing in August with a catamaran to explore the Dalmatian coastline or spending Easter holidays in the French Riviera, you will find your dream boat.

Our team of chartering specialists are ready to assist you to make your chartering experience as easy as possible. We have different itineraries to cater for any type of activity you choose to do, once you are ashore.

Get in touch now and Book2Sail today.