yacht swaps

[Guest]

I have a 26' bilge keel yacht berthed in the Menai Strait, North Wales. It will sleep 4 in comfort. It is well instrumated and has an inboard 9 hp diesel. N. Wales is a rewarding and beautiful area to sail in, but I would like to try other areas without the expense of chartering and the time involved in sailing there. I wonder if it would be possible to swap yachts with an owner from a different location for short periods? There is a Yacht Swap web site, but few boats on it as yet. I understand the insurance is no problem if money doesn't change hands. I'd be grateful to know if there is any interest in this.

Regards

Phil Shuff

 

[rex_seadog]

We have a 25 ft bilge keeler in Dartmouth and my initial reaction is that a yacht swap arrangement with you (and/or others) would be worth considering. However, I would first need to check with my insurance company. Also, how do you propose to handle situations involving minor damage etc? When chartering all terms and conditions are clearly spelt out and agreed in writing - is there any similar (RYA?) document applicable to yacht swapping? Does anyone have experience of swapping or any comments re the pros and cons.

 

[rogerroger]

I was thinking the exact same thing on the long slog back from the West Country to Chichester - bouncing around Start Point & Portland Bill etc - thinking that it would be easy to trade weeks with someone with a boat in Plymouth while they sailed mine around the Solent. This is the way it works with the timeshare properties so why not indeed with yachts ?

Thing is, my yacht is an extension of my home, while I'd maintain that I'd take care of someone else's yacht I'm sure I'd be worried about who was in mine, no matter what their age, experience and qualifications etc.

I think I'd have to know the people taking my boat, but I think it's a good idea in principle.

Roger Holden