Forming Solent based Yacht Charter Syndicate

[slipknot]

Many people want to sail once a month or more possibly, but do not want the fixed cost of outright ownership or even the fixed cost of a syndicated ownership

Alternatively, it is not always easy to get together a group of pals who are keen enough to charter regularly.

The above describes me, and I have had an idea about forming a small, fixed group of likeminded people, say 4 or 5, who ‘commit’ to charter say 4 or 5 times during the summer for weekend sailing. Perhaps longer periods occasionally, if there is a demand.

Being able to sail on demand, and pay as you go, has some attractions if you can make it work. After all, I hear of many syndicated owner groups which work successfully, so why couldn’t a small group who charter, work also.

Benefits….
Other than a ‘commitment’ to participate once a month, there would be no fixed cost.
Variable costs, only the pay as you go element
Different boats from different charter companies

Are you………
Reasonably experienced, could skipper their own charter if required
Relaxed and flexible
Want to sail circa once a month
Would like to pay as you go and have no fixed cost

I do not claim to have thought this through fully and do not claim to be presenting a clearly defined scheme. I certainly do not want to create anything which generates tons of hassle and officialdom. My only intention is to assemble a small, easy going group who could all participate in enjoying the occasional weekend sailing. The relaxed and flexible bit is very important!

For clarity, I would only participate as a paying member of the group and this is not in any way a commercial activity.

I’m not sure if it will ever get off the ground, but if you think you would be interested please PM me.

 

[ytd]

I can't participate but interested as to why this would be any cheaper than each individual chartering when they felt like it?

 

[slipknot]

It wouldn’t be any cheaper, and that is not the objective.

The issue is, how often does each of these individuals, actually charter. The difficulty in chartering is assembling a crew, prepared (and can afford) to pay their way, as often as they would like.

I think this approach could overcome this

 

[fireball]

I think you've got an idea there - and I think you could make it cheaper too - if you prebook charter spots early in the season you should be able to negotiate a reasonable discount ...

 

[snooks]

You could always try to find someone who owns a boat, and invite yourself sailing with them...as most of our friends seem to have /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Sailtime have a few 32 footers that could easily be sailed with just one other, get three of you and split the cost of their shared ownership scheme, and that might work for you /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[slipknot]

Fireball.
Agreed, and would hope to do just that by having some commitment to negotiate with.

Snooks
I am very lucky to have several pals wth boats, who are kind enough to invite me along with them. I regularly race with them doing RORC and JOG races.

Somtimes I would like to do somthing different, maybe something at my own pace from time to time on something a little more comfortable.

I belong to a very sociable sailing club who run a series of events and trips throughout the season, and again, I join in with these when the opportunity arrises.

I also owned my own sailing cruiser for many years, which I kept in a Solent marina, so know the costs involved in ownership all too well.

I charter a couple of times a year now, but do find it difficult to find regular crew who are prepared to find a couple of hundred quid for a weekend sailing. When you own a boat there is no shortage of crew.... cos its free for them and you are paying for it!

 

[Perry]

I started a Sailing Club to charter yachts and have built it up to 25 members, I will PM you some details.

 

[exfinnsailor]

Similar to Trent Offshore Group .. They have a mag and organise events during the year .. You will have to look at insurance as you are in effect taking people out sailing who are not family members who are helping towards the cost .. Someone is also going to have some qualifications to do it ..

 

[fireball]

[ QUOTE ]
You will have to look at insurance as you are in effect taking people out sailing who are not family members who are helping towards the cost

[/ QUOTE ]
Surely not if it is a group charter ... ? Or are you thinking as Slipknot being the "Skipper" ....

 

[seadog100]

There are so many ways to skin this one. Borrowing someone elses boat has to be near the top of the list but we can't all borrow anything we want whenever we want.
Take a look at pure latitude for another variation on the share/syndicate/charter theme. An interesting fleet of boats all of which are available to members in bareboat form - and pretty reasonable pricing...