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.

Cosmos Opens New Greek Base

Cosmos Yachting has announced the opening of a new charter base in Volos, the Greek port in Thessaly about halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki, making it the perfect starting point for charterers who wish to explore the Sporades Islands.

The fleet will include a number of new sailing yachts such as a pair of Bavaria 36 Cruisers, a Bavaria 40 Cruiser, a Bavaria 50 cruiser, and two Oceanis (37 and 40). 

For information, contact Cosmos Yachting, www.cosmosyachting.com or email info@cosmosyachting.com.

CharterSavvy Lives! It Lives!!

We are proud and delighted to announce the premiere issue of CharterSavvy is now available online free, and you can read it by simply clicking on the magazine cover to the left or back on the home page of this website. 

CharterSavvy is, as we promised, all about bareboat charters, with great features on the British Virgin Islands, Greek islands, San Juan islands, and canal barging in France.  There is amazingly beautiful photography, a video to add some fun, and great reading, too.

The Cargo section is devoted to the latest and coolest duffel bags, while the charter boat review in Sea Trial is the Lagoon 44. 

Of course, we have all our columns and departments that cover health, finances, insider tips and more.  And it’s all FREE!!

Greece For A Song

Cosmos Yachting, the London-based bareboat booking agency, just sent a note about some serious discounts they are offering for Greek charters.  Until early May, you can book a Bavaria 50 Cruiser for 2200 Euros (under US$3000 in late March), or a Bavaria 46 Cruiser for 1650 Euros (about US$2200).

These are based in the Athens/Lavrion area, making them perfect for exploring the Saronic Gulf or the Cyclades Islands.  Cosmos is offering deals into June at slightly higher rates, too. 

Cosmos Yachting, www.cosmosyachting.com

Spring Sailing In Greece

Sail Greece Yachts has just added a Bavaria 46 to their fleet of yachts that has been operating out of Alimos Marina in Athens since 1987.  Owned by two passionate sailors, Giannis Makridakis and Vassilis Patiniotis, the company has a fleet of ten sailing yachts comprised of Beneteaus and Bavarias, all owned and maintained by the company and not private owners.

The Bavaria 46 is a popular charter yacht in Europe, not just because it sails well but because it is quite spacious for its size.  With six and a half feet of headroom and a large galley, it has three double staterooms, two heads, and a fourth cabin with two bunks.  This particular Bavaria, named Vasia, also has a bow thruster to simplify Med mooring.

The company website has a very thorough discussion of suggested sailing routes in Greece through the Saronic Gulf, Eastern Peloponnese, and the Cyclades.

Info at www.sailgreeceyachts.com