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The best playlist for traveling aboard

The splashing of the waves, the sound of the wind that blows the sails, the calls of flying birds … Sailing often gives unique soundtracks. There are those who prefer to hear only these natural sounds, but we believe that a beat of good music, depending on the type of sailing, is able to amplify the sensations you feel on board.
Many artists have sung the sea in their own songs and we can still find many songs today as immense music masterpieces. The sea has inspired many present and past artists who, with their melodies, texts and arrangements have tried to best describe beauty, emotions, and everything that revolves around the sea, from the crowded beaches, to the waves that break on the rocks, and the loved ones left waiting on land.

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Here`s our playlist, made of some of the best sailing songs, but also tunes that reminded us of summer, sun, and relaxed times aboard.

Come Sail Away – Styx

It`s a song about following your dreams by embarking on a journey into the unknown. The song is a personal one for DeYoung, who wrote it about struggling to break through to the next level with Styx. Formed in the early ’70s, they grew a solid fan base but were always the support act, never the headliner.

Released as the first single from The Grand Illusion, “Come Sail Away” helped get them to this next level, as the Styx became one of the top arena rock acts of the next few years.

Yeah, also, try to forget Cartman`s version of this song!

Southern Cross – Crosby, Stills & Nash

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The “Southern Cross” is a constellation also known as the Crux Constellation that can be viewed from most of the Southern hemisphere. The 4 brightest stars within the constellation form a cross pattern. Sailors have relied on the “Southern Cross” to help in navigating their boats.
Stills explained the meaning of the song, said it`s a story about a long boat trip he took after his divorce. It’s about using the power of the universe to heal your wounds.

Sun is Shining – Bob Marley

It may sound like a cool, relaxing Jamaican tune, but this song is saying “the sun is shining but don’t forget that people are suffering too.”

Kokomo – The Beach Boys

Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take ya… Don’t try to discover a deeper meaning, just drink your cocktail and enjoy in this playful tune.

The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)– Harry Belfonte

This is a traditional Jamaican song that was sung by dock workers who worked throughout the night loading bananas onto ships. It’s daylight, and they look forward to the arrival of the Tallyman (who will take inventory) so they can go home.

(Sittin` on) the Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding

Redding died in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, a month before this song was released (January 8, 1968) and three days after he recorded it. It was by far his biggest hit and was also the first ever posthumous #1 single in the US. Redding was a rising star moving toward mainstream success at the time of his death. There is a good chance he would have recorded many more hits if he had lived.

Sail – Awolnation

The song’s protagonist is wanting to “sail” away from his problems, which are overwhelming him, and it seems he is unable to shake off the fear of not being able to meet up to people’s expectations.

Ship to Wreck – Florence and the Machine

Florence Welch explained this song is about “some time off I had in London where I had some drunken parties and trashed my house and said a drunken ‘I love you’ too soon. I was thinking about my own self destructive side, and how you can make something only to tear it down, enjoy/destroy, create/devastate etc. When you’re in that whirlwind, you often end up breaking the thing you love the most.”

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes – Jimmy Buffett

The perfect song for those moments of change or difficulty in life.  When changes come up in our lives it is often at unexpected times. And Jimmy has the best advice:

With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes

Nothing remains quite the same

With all of my running and all of my cunning

If I couldn`t laugh, I just would go insane

If we couldn`t laugh, we just would go insane

If we weren`t all crazy we would go insane

Sailing – Rod Stewart

“I am sailing stormy waters to be near you, to be free…”
No playlist would be complete without including Rod Stewart’s international hit from 1975. His raspy singing voice sounds angelic in this song about homesickness…

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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