Frequently Asked Questions

Yachts

What does Premier Plus, Premier, and Classic mean? 

Premier Plus class yachts are up to 1 year old, and feature the latest innovations. Premier yachts have been in our fleet for approximately 1 to 3 years and feature many of the same amenities as our Premier Plus yachts. Classic class yachts have some of the Premier class amenities and are generally 3+ years of age (up to 10 years in the Exotics and Mediterranean).

Can I rent just a single cabin? 

Yes, as part of our sailing school.

What type of equipment and amenities will I find on board? 

Sunsail carries the most up-to-date equipment and all the extras a sailor could ask for, including GPS satellite navigation systems, autopilots, Sunsail SailMate mainsail stacking system, and cockpit speakers. Some even have generators and air conditioning. The below deck areas are modified from standard factory production models to give you more room, comfort, and luxury. Our newest models include flatscreen TV's and DVD players.

Is there Wi-Fi on board? 

Sunsail offers Wi-Fi for rent on all yachts in participating destinations. *Internet connectivity and speed may vary within cruising grounds.

Essential Information

How do we get to our destination?

Located in the essential information for your chosen destination you will find all of the information that you need to know when planning your trip including how to get there. More: https://www.sunsail.co.za/essential-information. Look under the section Arrival & Departure to find important information including arriving airport, servicing airlines, customs & immigration, airport transfers, taxis, ferries, etc. Sunsail can also assist in organising your flights and transfer so please call one of our Vacation Planners who can help with your travel arrangements!

What travel documents do I need? 

All destinations require a passport for entry. For detailed entry requirements, check with the consulate or embassy of the nation you wish to visit.

Where do we board our yacht? 

You will board the yacht at one of Sunsail marinas (or one of our partner marinas) in the yachting location you have chosen. Our Vacation Planning Specialists will be happy to assist with your transportation to and from the Marina.

What time can we board? 

Do you provide yacht and chart briefings? 

Yes, Sunsail is well known for the preparation we provide our guests. Prior to your charter departure, you will be given a complete chart briefing covering the local cruising grounds and we will answer any questions you may have about navigation, anchorages, prevailing conditions, clearing customs, or any part of your desired itinerary. Be sure to watch your chart briefing and health and safety videos in advance of travel. Upon arrival you will be given a complete boat orientation aboard the yacht you will be sailing, covering all the operating systems, including rigging, electrical system, water system, windlass, stove, head, dinghy, outboard, and emergency systems. Charter briefing and boat orientations are first come, first served.

Are there docking and mooring fees? 

Yes, depending on your destination you can expect to pay nightly mooring or docking fees.  Docking fees average between $3-4 a foot in the Caribbean but can be much higher in the Mediterranean. Moorings can also vary greatly. They usually average about $35 a night in the Caribbean but can get upwards of $60 depending on the location. We offer some information in our Travel Information tab section of each destination, and in our Eguides but it is best to reference your cruising guide prior to and during your charter to learn the costs in your cruising area.

Will I be able to make and receive telephone calls? 

This depends on your cell phone carrier and your destination. To avoid disappointment, we recommend making arrangements with your cellular provider prior to your trip to activate an international calling plan that will allow you to use your phone in international waters without roaming charges. However, if you venture too far from land, you subsequently venture out of cell tower range. All of our yachts have a VHF (ship-to-shore) radio aboard for constant ship to shore communication.

Can someone reach me in case of an emergency? 

All yachts are equipped with a VHF (ship-to-shore) radio so the base marina can reach you at any time during your charter. Make sure to leave all base contact information with someone at home so that they can easily reach you through our base marina in the event of an emergency.

Does Sunsail have an Inclement Weather Policy? 

Yes. We can assure you that delays or cancellations due to severe tropical disturbances are rare. However, we do have a policy in place. Please contact one of our Vacation Planning Specialists for details.

Although we do have this policy, we still advise all of our charterers to take advantage of the Campbell Irvine travel insurance (if applicable) when booking your vacation to ensure that any unforeseen circumstances that result in trip delays or cancellations, weather-related or not, are handled appropriately according to the conditions in the Campbell Irvine policy.

Activities, Options & Extras

Who decides the sailing itinerary?

Bareboat Yacht Vacations: On each Destination page, we provide sample itineraries that highlight the best locations for anchorages, coves, cays, harbors & marinas in that area. Sunsail provides an EGuide for more detailed information on the cruising grounds. For Skippered and sailing school charters, when you board your yacht, the captain will sit down with you and develop an itinerary based on your desires – or you can leave it all up to your experienced captain. Weather permitting; the itinerary can be changed at any time if you wish to spend more or less time in any area. This is truly a private yacht at your command. Flotilla charters will aim to sail the sailing route as advertised however this is subject to change and weather permitting.

What kind of activities can we do on the boat? What type of water sports gear is available? 

Depending on your yacht and destination, there are different activities and sports that are available to do. Fins for snorkelling are provided on every yacht however you will need to bring your own mask and snorkel. You can also reserve Stand-Up Paddle Boards, 1 & 2 person kayaks and various fishing gear. To find the most updated information on the Activities & Sports in your destination, visit the Water Sports Options page. You can book all of your activities and sports in advance when booking online or by calling one of our Vacation Planners. 

Are gift certificates available for purchase? 

Will I be able to order special diet menus or request favourite beverages

Night sailing

Night sailing is not permitted at any of our bases. Please ensure you are safely moored at least 1 hour ahead of sunset.

Diving

We are unable to organise diving for our customers. We recommend contacting a third party to organise all diving and required equipment