Sailboat Rental

Sailing conditions vary considerably from one destination to another. The beauty of a destination should therefore not be the only factor considered.

Before choosing a destination, consider:

  Sailing experience and skills;
  Length of the trip;
  Type and size of the sailboat;
  Distances between ports and anchorages;
  Prevailing winds;
  Currents and tides;
  Typical weather conditions;
  Time of year;
  Accessibility of emergency services;
  Available infrastructure.

Some destinations are better suited to a first sailing charter, while others require advanced sailing skills.

The itinerary should always be adapted to the least experienced person who may be involved in manoeuvres or take the helm.

For popular destinations and peak periods, booking several months in advance may be necessary.

Before booking, check the company’s reputation and obtain detailed information about:

  The model and year of the sailboat;
  Its capacity;
  Its condition and maintenance;
  Equipment provided;
  Safety equipment on board;
  Skills required to rent the boat;
  Insurance included or required;
  Security deposit;
  Cancellation policies;
  Assistance available in case of a problem;
  Emergency procedures.

A responsible rental company should also provide an orientation covering the boat, its operation and its main safety equipment before departure.

The rental agreement should be read carefully before booking and taking possession of the sailboat.

The responsibilities of each party should be clearly established, particularly regarding:

  Fuel;
  Cleaning;
  Damage;
  Repairs;
  Insurance and deductibles;
  Marina fees;
  Departure and return times;
  Authorized navigation areas;
  Weather restrictions;
  Additional equipment;
  Procedures to follow in case of a breakdown or emergency.

Important commitments should be included in writing in the contract rather than relying solely on a verbal agreement.

A sailboat can be chartered independently or with a qualified skipper, depending on the destination, rental company and type of agreement.

The decision should be based on a realistic assessment of sailing skills.

The person responsible for navigating the sailboat should be able to:

  Manoeuvre the sailboat under sail and power;
  Enter and leave a marina;
  Anchor the boat;
  Understand charts and aids to navigation;
  Interpret weather forecasts;
  Understand right-of-way rules;
  Use communication and safety equipment;
  Respond appropriately in an emergency.

Proof of training does not necessarily replace practical experience. Rental companies may also impose competency requirements that exceed regulatory requirements.

When experience is insufficient for the expected conditions, having a qualified skipper on board is a safer option.

Requirements for operating a watercraft vary by country and destination.

In Canada, anyone operating a pleasure craft equipped with a motor must have recognized proof of competency, including when the sailboat’s motor is not being used.

In certain rental situations in Canada, a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist may serve as proof of competency for the duration of the rental.

Outside Canada, the laws and regulations of the destination apply. Canadian documents should therefore not automatically be assumed to be sufficient.

Before departure, check with the appropriate authorities and the rental company regarding:

  Required licences and certifications;
  Documents that must be kept on board;
  Local navigation rules;
  Restrictions in certain areas;
  Safety equipment requirements;
  Rules regarding alcohol and operating a watercraft;
  Customs and immigration requirements when crossing borders.

Before taking possession of the sailboat, conduct an inspection with a representative of the rental company.

Check the condition of the boat and its equipment, including:

  Hull and deck;
  Sails and rigging;
  Engine;
  Rudder and controls;
  Batteries and electrical system;
  Navigation equipment;
  Communication systems;
  Anchors and anchoring equipment;
  Safety equipment;
  PFDs or lifejackets;
  Firefighting equipment.

Any existing damage should be documented before departure.

Everyone on board should also know where the safety equipment is located and how to use the main equipment.

A realistic itinerary provides enough time to sail without rushing and allows plans to be adjusted when conditions change.

Before each leg of the trip:

  Consult nautical charts;
  Check the weather;
  Consider winds, currents and tides;
  Identify ports, anchorages and places to seek shelter;
  Plan alternative options;
  Check opportunities to restock supplies;
  Avoid planning distances that exceed the capabilities of the crew or the boat.

A float plan should also be shared with a trusted person. It should include the itinerary, a description of the boat, the people on board and the expected return time or date.

Weather conditions can change quickly on the water.

Forecasts should be checked before departure and regularly throughout the trip. Pay particular attention to:

  Wind;
  Waves;
  Thunderstorms;
  Precipitation;
  Visibility;
  Temperatures;
  Marine warnings.

An itinerary should always be flexible enough to be changed, delayed or cancelled when conditions do not allow for safe sailing.

Following a schedule or keeping a reservation should never take priority over safety.

Before departure, everyone on board should be familiar with the main emergency procedures.

It is important to know:

  How to call for help;
  How to communicate the boat’s position;
  Where PFDs and other safety equipment are located;
  How to use communication devices;
  How to shut off the engine and power sources;
  What to do if someone falls overboard;
  How to use firefighting equipment;
  How to contact the rental company in case of a problem.

A means of communication appropriate for the sailing area should be available. Cellphone coverage should not be assumed, particularly in remote areas.

The Lifesaving Society recommends wearing a PFD or lifejacket at all times while on the water.

Each person should have a flotation device that is:

  The appropriate size;
  Properly fitted;
  In good condition;
  Compliant with the requirements of the destination.

The specific needs of children should be checked before departure to ensure that properly sized PFDs are available.

Alcohol, cannabis and other substances that can impair a person’s abilities may affect judgment, reaction time, balance and coordination.

The person responsible for navigating the sailboat must remain sober and fully capable of operating the boat. Sobriety is also important for everyone else on board, since they may need to respond quickly in an emergency.

Rules regarding alcohol on board and operating a watercraft vary by country and jurisdiction and should be checked before departure.

Life aboard a sailboat is very different from staying on land. Space is limited, the boat is constantly moving and weather conditions directly affect daily life.

Before departure, everyone taking part should discuss:

  Expectations for the trip;
  Sharing of tasks;
  Responsibilities during manoeuvres;
  Rest periods;
  Meal preparation;
  Safety rules on board;
  Individual needs.

Seasickness should also be considered, particularly for a first extended sailing experience.

The rental price represents only part of the total cost of the trip.

Depending on the destination and rental agreement, the budget may also include:

  Transportation to the departure location;
  Fuel;
  Marina and mooring fees;
  Food and drinking water;
  Insurance;
  Security deposit;
  Local taxes;
  Cleaning;
  Rental of additional equipment;
  The services of a skipper or crew;
  Customs fees or costs associated with travelling between jurisdictions.

A financial cushion should also be planned for unexpected expenses.