Bareboat Certification!!

Our mention of a Certificate of Proficiency to show your boating experience, especially if you’ve been sailing for years, raised the ire of some sailing schools and so we are amending our comments.

Over the past year, many CharterSavvy readers who want to bareboat in Europe (or elsewhere) have encountered major headaches because the authorities in several nations are cracking down on how you prove your boating qualifications. 

This is a governmental issue, not an issue with the charter companies.  You may meet all your charter company’s experience requirements but, unless you have a piece of paper called the International Certificate of Proficiency (Certificat International De Conducteur, or ICC), you’ll have to hire a captain for your charter.  This is especially true in Croatia.

To get your ICC, you can take a series of sailing classes that lead to a certification, or you can pay for an extensive “evaluation” by a sailing school.  All of this involves travel and lodgings, adding to your out-of-pocket costs.

But what if you’ve been sailing for years?  What if you’ve chartered many times in the British Virgins or the San Juans or elsewhere that required experience but not a certificate?  Do you really have to have to go back to sailing school? 

Here’s a zinger. The United States is not a part of the European Union and didn’t sign Resolution #40.  And the United States doesn’t issue boating licenses.  And we’ve heard reports of sailing certificates (and even a USCG license, being declined. 

It seems, particularly in Greece and Turkey, that officials are vague on what is required.  Croatia, no, they’re playing hardball.  But for Greece and Turkey (and elsewhere), one charter broker noted, “It’s safe to say that pretty much anything that looks official will work.”

And so we come to the American Yachting Association, a team of licensed captains, who think you should get credit for your knowledge and they offer the AYA International Certificate of Proficiency based on the boating experience you already possess. Fill out their free evaluation form, let their team take a look, and you're on your way.

Here’s the deal they’ve offered to CharterSavvy subscribers.  For just $49.95, you get the AYA International Certificate of Proficiency: a passport-sized folder with your photo and data, written in nine languages to make it easy for local port authorities to understand and approve.  CharterSavvy subscribers also get a hard-laminated ID card for your wallet and you even get free shipping.  And not only is the evaluation free, but they offer a 100% moneyback guarantee!  

Even if you don't plan to charter in Europe, this is a great way to impress your sailing buddies and, besides, it's good for five years. Who knows when you'll need it?

This deal for CharterSavvy readers won’t last forever, so click here for the American Yachting Association website, or email them by clicking here to request your free evaluation form. 

Seems like a pretty cool thing to have, but check with your charter broker to see what is required in each area.

LeBoat Special Savings For CharterSavvy Readers!!

LeBoat, the specialist in European canal boating holidays that is the sister company to The Moorings and Sunsail, is offering CharterSavvy readers a 5% discount on their future charters.  

LeBoat features custom-built self-drive cruisers on the waterways of Europe in eight countries: France, Italy, Germany, England, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium and Holland.  They also offer Afloat In France, a luxury crewed barging experience.

To receive the discount, use the code SAVVY when booking your next charter.

For information, visit www.leboat.com/savvy or 800-734-5359.

The Spring CharterSavvy Is Here!!!

The Spring Issue of CharterSavvy is now online, bigger and better than ever!  Just click on the cover image on the left to read this issue.

This issue includes a huge section on Bareboating Close To Home, with details on the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay, the Northeast, San Francisco, and Florida.  Where to go, what to see, and lists of charter companies in the areas.

There’s also a big feature on bareboat barge cruising on the French Canal du Midi in the warm south that will delight your senses with great photos.

Our Cargo feature is hats, and there are sizes and styles for every bareboat charter.  The Charter Trial is the Hunter 45DS.

And don’t forget our MoneySavvy, HealthSavvy and Bareboat Contessa (yum!) departments, too.

MarineMax Goes Barging!

MarineMax Vacations has expanded their bareboat offerings from the existing fleet of sailing yachts in the BVIs and soon-to-come power charters at the same destination to include the inland waterways of Europe.

Partnering with Locaboat Holidays, a well-known provider of barge bareboat charters on European canals, MarineMax Vacations adds more than 200 itineraries on the canals of France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Ireland and even Poland.  Their fleet includes the Penichette-style boats based on the original commercial barges that once populated these waterways as well as boats with more modern styling.

We’ve chartered with Locaboat several times, and you’ll find a great feature on a Locaboat cruise through the heart of Burgundy in the premiere issue of CharterSavvy, out shortly.

For information, contact MarineMax Vacations, (888) 461-5497.

Le Boat Has A Vision

Le Boat, the inland waterway bareboat charter company with fleets on the canals of France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy, England, Ireland and Scotland, made a major commitment with their Vision series.  The company, a sister charter operation to The Moorings and Sunsail, invested in an all-new 49-footer, which debuted in 2011 and is rolling out into most of their bases in 2012.  

Available with either hybrid electric/diesel power combined with solar panels or traditional diesel power, the Vision is a huge improvement over previous canal boat offerings.  The spacious interior has four large ensuite cabins, plus an open saloon/galley/pilothouse.  Up top, the large bridge/sundeck includes a BBQ and fridge, settee with table, and helm.  Adding to the ease of handling is a new joystick control that links a bow thruster with the main engine to simplify docking and passage through locks.

Le Boat, 800-734-5491, www.leboat.com