Journal & FAQ

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Frequently asked
questions.

Booking & Pricing

How far in advance should I book?

For peak season (June–August) we recommend booking 3–6 months ahead. Low season is more flexible, often 4–8 weeks. Last-minute availability does exist, just ask us and we will check what is available.

What is included in the charter price?

The base price covers the vessel and standard safety equipment. Extras such as skipper, hostess, chef, fuel, provisioning, marina fees, and insurance are itemised transparently in your proposal so there are never any surprises.

How does payment and cancellation work?

A 50% deposit confirms your booking. The balance is due 90 days before departure. Our standard cancellation policy offers a full refund up to 90 days out; within that window we always try to find a fair solution.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, for bookings over €10,000 we can split the balance into two payments. Speak to our team when requesting your quote and we will build a payment schedule that works for you.

Is travel insurance required?

We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and sailing activities. It is not mandatory to book with us, but it is mandatory common sense. Several insurers offer dedicated sailing holiday policies — we can point you in the right direction.

How is the security deposit handled?

A refundable damage deposit is required, the value depending on the vessel. It is released in full within a few days after the boat is returned undamaged.

Can I modify or upgrade my booking after confirming?

Yes, in most cases. Vessel upgrades, crew additions, and itinerary changes can be made up to 30 days before departure subject to availability. We will always try to accommodate changes, just contact us as early as possible.

Do prices vary by nationality or departure port?

Base charter rates are the same regardless of nationality. Departure port can affect logistics costs like one-way delivery fees, return positioning but not the vessel rate itself. All pricing in your quote is itemised so you can see exactly what each element costs.

Experience & Crew

Do I need sailing experience?

Not at all. We arrange certified skippers for guests who prefer to simply relax and enjoy. If you are a competent sailor, bareboat charters are available.

What qualifications does my skipper need for a bareboat?

We require a recognised coastal skipper certificate (RYA, ASA, or equivalent). Our team reviews each case individually. If you are unsure, send us a message and we can confirm and we will advise.

Can we hire a professional chef on board?

Absolutely. We work with a network of experienced yacht chefs. They handle full provisioning, prepare all meals, and cater to any dietary needs.

Is a hostess available on smaller boats?

On vessels with 3+ cabins, yes. The hostess manages cleaning, provisioning runs, table service, and any day-to-day logistics.

What languages do your skippers speak?

All SailHorizon skippers speak English. Most also speak Spanish, French, Portuguese and several are native speakers of Greek, Croatian, or Italian depending on their home base. Let us know your preference when requesting a quote.

How does the skipper arrangement work day to day?

The skipper handles all navigation, anchoring, docking, and passage planning. Daily decisions about timing, anchorage choice, and routing are made collaboratively with you. The skipper lives aboard in a dedicated crew cabin and respects your privacy completely.

Can I take the helm even with a skipper on board?

Absolutely, most guests want to. Your skipper will teach you as much as you want to learn: helming, sail trim, navigation, and anchoring. Think of it as an informal sailing school with a private instructor, on one of the most beautiful stretches of water in the world.

On Board

Is WiFi available at sea?

Most of our vessels can be equipped with a satellite WiFi package. Signal quality varies by location, but it is almost always excellent. Even on offshore passages, we provide reliable, high-quality internet connectivity. You can add WiFi when requesting your quote.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes. When you share your preferences we note every requirement:vegan, gluten-free, allergies, halal, and so on. Our crew and provisioning partners ensure everything on board meets your needs.

What water toys and equipment are available?

We offer a range of water toys and equipment including SUP boards, kayaks, snorkel sets, fishing gear, diving equipment, and on larger vessels a dinghy tender. Some of these are included as standard depending on the vessel, if not some are available as optional add-ons or on request.

How many cabins and bathrooms does a typical charter boat have?

Our most popular vessels are 40–50ft catamarans with 4 double cabins, each with a bathroom. Capacity is typically 8 guests. Smaller catamarans (38–40ft) offer 3 cabins for 6 guests. All cabin configurations are listed on each vessel's page in our fleet.

Is air conditioning available on board?

Air conditioning is available on most of our vessels when connected to shore power at a marina. At anchor, it typically requires the generator to run. We note AC availability on each boat . In the Mediterranean, natural ventilation and shade sails are often sufficient.

Can we bring a pet on board?

Some of our vessels accept pets by prior arrangement. There may be an additional cleaning fee. Please mention this when requesting a quote so we can match you with a pet-friendly boat. Entry regulations for pets vary by destination, we will advise on vaccination and documentation requirements.

What should I pack for a sailing charter?

Light, soft-sided bags. Deck shoes with non-marking soles, a windproof layer for night passages, swimwear, sunscreen, and a personal first-aid kit. A full suggested packing list is sent with your booking confirmation.

Destinations & Routes

Which destinations do you cover?

Our primary sailing waters are the Mediterranean and Caribbean. You have all our destinations in our website.

Can you create a custom itinerary?

Yes, that is exactly what we do. Once you share your destination, duration, and interests, our team builds a tailored day-by-day itinerary with suggested anchorages, ports, and activities and we refine it together.

What is the best time to sail the Mediterranean?

May–October. September offer the best balance of warm weather, manageable winds, and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season, spectacular but busier and pricier. We can advise based on your chosen destination.

Do you offer multi-destination voyages?

Yes. For longer charters (2+ weeks) we can arrange one-way passages between countries for example, Greece to Croatia with a vessel delivery at the end point. These need to be planned further in advance.

What is the difference between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean for a sailing charter?

The Mediterranean offers more cultural diversity such as ancient ports, varied cuisine, UNESCO sites within short sailing distances. The Caribbean delivers consistent trade winds, warmer water, and a more relaxed pace with fewer marinas and more anchoring. The Med is best May–October; the Caribbean December–April. Both regions are available through SailHorizon.

How far in advance do I need to plan the itinerary?

We build the itinerary together once your booking is confirmed. For a one-week charter, a final day-by-day plan is typically agreed 4-6 weeks before departure. We provide a detailed draft and refine it based on your interests, fitness level, and how much sailing versus exploring you want.

Are there destinations suitable for non-sailors or guests with limited mobility?

Yes. A skippered or crewed charter requires no sailing ability from guests. For guests with limited mobility, we recommend catamarans (wider, flatter deck, easier boarding) and destinations with well-equipped marinas (Croatia, Mallorca, French Riviera). Please mention any specific requirements when requesting a quote.

Can I combine a sailing charter with a land-based stay?

Absolutely. Many guests extend their trip with a few nights ashore before or after the charter. We can recommend accommodation and transfers, though we do not book land stays directly. Your itinerary can also include overnight stops in marina towns.

News & stories

The sailing journal.

Offers
February 2026·2 min read

Summer 2026 Early-Bird: 15% Off Croatia

Book your Croatian charter before 30 April and lock in our best-of-season rates. Dalmatian islands, crystal bays, and medieval ports — all at 15% below peak pricing.

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Destinations
January 2026·7 min read

Five Hidden Anchorages in the Greek Ionian Islands

Beyond Corfu and Kefalonia lies a quieter Greece. GPS coordinates, depth data, and charter tips for five anchorages our skippers have relied on for years.

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Destinations
November 2025·9 min read

Sailing the British Virgin Islands: A Complete Charter Guide

The BVI offers 60+ anchorages within a 50nm radius. This guide covers the best routes, mooring regulations, entry requirements, and charter costs for a BVI sailing holiday.

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Destinations
March 2026·8 min read

Sailing Croatia: The Complete Charter Guide for 2026

Croatia has 1,244 islands and 22 ACI marinas along 1,777km of Adriatic coast. This guide covers the three main charter routes, regulations, marina costs, and the best time to visit.

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Guides
December 2025·6 min read

Catamaran vs. Monohull: Which Charter Vessel Is Right for You?

Space, stability, upwind performance, and cost — the real differences between chartering a catamaran and a monohull, with a practical decision framework.

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Guides
January 2026·7 min read

How Much Does a Sailing Charter Cost? A 2026 Pricing Guide

The base charter fee covers only 60–70% of your total cost. This guide breaks down every line item — marina fees, provisioning, fuel, skipper, and deposits — with real 2026 figures.

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News
December 2025·3 min read

Turkish Coast Season Opens — Three New Marinas Added for 2026

Our partner network along the Aegean coast of Turkey has grown. Three new boutique marinas in Göcek and Marmaris are now available for 2026, including one with a rooftop restaurant.

Read more
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