Encountering undesirable weather during your luxury yacht charter
Unpredictable weather patterns, strong winds, and extreme storms are becoming frequent news headlines, and you may be wondering whether a luxury yacht charter is a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a first-time or frequent luxury yacht charter guest, nothing is more important than your comfort and safety onboard.
We often think of undesirable weather as downpours and storms, which have the potential to dampen the ambience of many charter holidays. However, disfavoured weather for luxury yacht charter guests also extends to extreme heat, which creates an uncomfortable environment to explore and adventure during your charter; there is no delight in floundering in the freshness of the air conditioning from the salon sofa.
The captain, crew and a seaworthy yacht are the primary factors for ensuring a safe and successful yacht charter. They work seamlessly with your yacht charter broker to meet your specific needs. Preparation is essential to the yachting experience; however, when considering your charter itinerary, it is best to remember that plans are subject to change. Unpredictable weather systems affect even some of the most popular cruising destinations, be it the mistral winds on the West Coast of Corsica down to the straights of Bonifacio, including the northern part of the Balearic islands, or simply unexpected local storms. Additionally, avoiding long passages where you are more likely to encounter rough seas is advisable, which is essential to note with children and pets onboard.
Flexibility and adaptability are equally necessary to a successful yacht charter. A charter broker with years of experience is well-versed in itinerary planning and, coupled with strong relationships with your captain and crew, will execute a smooth transition to an alternative itinerary that is no less abundant in magical discovery and awe-inspiring vistas that you might never have otherwise had the opportunity to witness.
Your charter broker should be reactive, efficient and resourceful, from planning hops between remote sheltered anchorages lined with pristine sandy white beaches on a backdrop of lush greenery, escaping the extreme heat of Pompei in August, to preparing berths in alternative ports to avoid getting stuck amid an unexpected local storm.
Having discussed your vision with your yacht charter broker and decided upon your itinerary, discuss suitable yachts which will allow you to comfortably tolerate possible surprises in the weather without sacrificing your enjoyment. When considering an itinerary that includes cruising the Mediterranean in the height of summer with teenagers onboard and encountering a heat wave, you may contemplate a yacht with internet and onboard entertainment to avoid boredom and disgruntled adolescents. From onboard cinemas to gyms, many luxury charter yachts can entertain guests of all ages on even the moodiest days.
Furthermore, an adaptable crew are professional entertainers, engaging younger sailors in the galley with baking cookies, artisanal pizza making and other child-friendly activities, allowing the adults to indulge in onboard massages and beauty treatments or unwind in the salon with a glass of champagne. If a bit of rain will not spoil your exploratory soul, jump ashore and disappear for a refreshing hike through lush forests and exotic landscapes to thrill the senses. After all, people who say that sunshine brings happiness have never danced in the rain.
If the weather inhibits your charter, you should know the cancellation terms in your charter agreement. Your charter broker is invaluable for negotiating and explaining the terms and conditions of your charter before signing. Certain events requiring cancellation can occur, so relying on a reputed charter broker to guide you through your options is advisable. Generally, the charter fees are non-reimbursable, depending on the date of cancellation. However, in some cases, only the deposit is kept to cover the costs. Equally, in the event of itinerary alterations or complications caused by the weather, you should verify the cancellation policies of any land excursions you have booked.
Morley Yachts combines onboard and shore-based experience, culminating in two decades of luxury yacht charter management. Tim prides himself on a portfolio of successful charters, offering his formidable land-based support for charter guests. While this may sometimes incur adaptations to a charter itinerary, including changes to port reservations, charter guests can rest assured that Morley Yachts will execute smooth changes without disrupting your holiday and remain available for support throughout the booking and charter journey.
