UK chartering company recommendations?

[oldbloke]

I think that what you are planning is a very good idea. However, especially with Mrs and daughter in mind, I would think again about the med. A week sailing round the Ionian or Croatia in guaranteed sunshine either skippered or if you have some experience, even if no certs, on a flotilla is going to be more conducive than a wet weekend in a force 5 south westerly

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I love Croatia; charter there most summers. Great idea

 

[spindly_killer_fish]

I think that what you are planning is a very good idea. However, especially with Mrs and daughter in mind, I would think again about the med. A week sailing round the Ionian or Croatia in guaranteed sunshine either skippered or if you have some experience, even if no certs, on a flotilla is going to be more conducive than a wet weekend in a force 5 south westerly

now then, do tell me more about going on a floatilla without certs? is that even doable?

 

[oldbloke]

Sorry, it seems I am wrong. It used to be that the flotilla leader was deemed to be the experienced one and no qualifications needed. From a brief read that is no longer the case

 

[spindly_killer_fish]

Sorry, it seems I am wrong. It used to be that the flotilla leader was deemed to be the experienced one and no qualifications needed. From a brief read that is no longer the case

bugger.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

You can do a flotilla without certification but you need a skipper on your boat. All the major operators offer this. Costs a bit more of course and your boat has to have an extra cabin for the skipper. With some of them IIRC you can get your day skipper and comp crew at the same time.

 

[oldbloke]

However, the basic amount of experience needed for an ICC is pretty low, especially if done in the med. It is a lowest common denominator test and is in reality easier than the RYA Day Skipper that entitles you to apply for the ICC.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Quick Google for sunsail in Croatia found this:

Sunsail Flotilla Starter Practical course | Sunsail

 

[Sticky Fingers]

However, the basic amount of experience needed for an ICC is pretty low, especially if done in the med. It is a lowest common denominator test and is in reality easier than the RYA Day Skipper that entitles you to apply for the ICC.

That’s true but the OP doesn’t have that (yet).

 

[spindly_killer_fish]

That’s true but the Op doesn’t have that (yet).

oof £5500 for a week + flights and flash cash, thats a little more than i expected

 

[Egret]

You could have a Centaur for that amount, to see how much you like cruiser sailing in the UK, and get the money back when you sell it.

 

[oldbloke]

oof £5500 for a week + flights and flash cash, thats a little more than i expected

Worst case scenario, £5000 for weeks holiday, the family love it, you buy a 40' boat......£5000 will then just be petty cash
Actually, the very worst case is you go sailing in the UK, it rains and blows, the family hates it, you buy the daughter a horse.... then you will dream of the days when you thought £5000 was a lot of money

 

[Sticky Fingers]

oof £5500 for a week + flights and flash cash, thats a little more than i expected

Yes it’s not a budget idea. Neither is buying a boat by the way

 

[Sticky Fingers]

You could have a Centaur for that amount, to see how much you like cruiser sailing in the UK, and get the money back when you sell it.

Not really comparable in any way with the OP’s objectives I think. And because of that, it wouldn’t be remotely useful as a test case…

 

[spindly_killer_fish]

I think a possible solution could be this year just do a long weekend hoping the wether holds out, also do a day skipper and get an ICC then next year charter a yacht in the med. my financial issue isnt really an issue, its more putting every available penny into the pension and isa to semi retire and get a boat, that still being a few years off I have time for the softly softly approach

 

[Sticky Fingers]

I think a possible solution could be this year just do a long weekend hoping the wether holds out, also do a day skipper and get an ICC then next year charter a yacht in the med. my financial issue isnt really an issue, its more putting every available penny into the pension and isa to semi retire and get a boat, that still being a few years off I have time for the softly softly approach

Best of luck with whatever you do. It’s a great pastime…!

 

[Egret]

My thoughts would be to get an affordable boat now, no more than you would spend on a holiday, as too many of my friends and family haven't got as far as retirement age, but if you get to retirement age, it is a bonus. I did this 35 years ago and fortunately I am still sailing but others aren't. Edit - the Dufour 41 is in a different league to the type of 41ft boat that I was thinking about but not massively expensive.- less than a beach hut in Dorset - Good luck with whatever you decide - Mediterranean may be best idea.

 

[spindly_killer_fish]

My thoughts would be to get an affordable boat now, no more than you would spend on a holiday, as too many of my friends and family haven't got as far as retirement age, but if you get to retirement age, it is a bonus. I did this 35 years ago and fortunately I am still sailing but others aren't. Good luck with whatever you decide.

So far the boat the wife wants is the new Dufour 41, financing the bugger at this point though would be a little difficult. the plan would be to buy one a few years old after the new boat smell and price tag depart from it a little. Im also not far away from retirement being 49 now i aim the retire at 55, hence stockpiling finances like a magpie

 

[oldbloke]

I think a possible solution could be this year just do a long weekend hoping the wether holds out, also do a day skipper and get an ICC then next year charter a yacht in the med. my financial issue isnt really an issue, its more putting every available penny into the pension and isa to semi retire and get a boat, that still being a few years off I have time for the softly softly approach

Good plan. One of the problems of yachting for the working classes is allocating time. You block off your fortnight and then it blows and rains all week.
You have mentioned South Devon a couple of times. Moorings for people with a local address are pretty cheap but have long waiting lists. If you are local enough it might be worth getting your name down for one. Nothing to lose if you don't end up using it

 

[spindly_killer_fish]

Good plan. One of the problems of yachting for the working classes is allocating time. You block off your fortnight and then it blows and rains all week.
You have mentioned South Devon a couple of times. Moorings for people with a local address are pretty cheap but have long waiting lists. If you are local enough it might be worth getting your name down for one. Nothing to lose if you don't end up using it

Im just on the edge of Bath so not local enough for cheap rates. Time isnt an issue though, the wife doesn't work, daughter is in college and I work remotely which is very flexible so I can pretty much go whenever. I do like Devon and the westcountry, just not a fan of big ports and towns