Questions and Answers

Since my sailing trips take place during the warmer months or in the tropics, you’ll mainly need light clothing. However, rain is possible, especially in the tropics. In that case, a rain jacket or lightweight oilskins are recommended. You may also need a light sweater for the evening.

There are a number of different types of boat licenses. It is important to distinguish between those required by law and non-official licenses. First and foremost, a sailboat is considered a motorboat (motorized vessel) the moment the engine is started. For a motorboat, the Recreational Boat License for Lake Navigation (SBF See) is required by law. Furthermore, every skipper needs a radio operator’s license, which is also an official license.
Sailing licenses are generally not official licenses.
No boat licenses are required for any of my sailing trips.

As described above, sailing licenses are not required by law. However, to charter and operate a boat, you need the official licenses (SBF See and SRC radio license).
In addition, most charter companies require proof that the skipper is capable of operating a sailboat. As a rule, this requires presenting the Sportküstenschifferschein (SKS) sailing license.

You’ll be responsible for arranging your own travel to and from the destination. However, if you’d like, I can help you with that for example, by helping you choose a suitable airline or organizing a carpool from the airport to the marina.
Feel free to ask me for more information.

In principle, no insurance is required to participate in my sailing trips. All the necessary insurance coverage to ensure a relaxing sailing trip is already in place. As the organizer, I have bond insurance, skipper liability insurance, and tour operator liability insurance. This also includes accident insurance for all guests.
In addition, I recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance and international health insurance.
Feel free to ask me for more information.

Entry requirements vary depending on the destination.
No visa is required for any of the destinations I offer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
A valid passport is required for a sailing trip in the Caribbean. Although Martinique and Guadeloupe are part of the EU and an ID card is sufficient for entry there, a passport is required to enter all of the surrounding islands.
For a sailing trip to the Seychelles, a digital entry permit is required in addition to a valid passport. This should be obtained here no later than 1 week before the trip.

The trip fund is usually managed digitally using the Splid app. You can see which items are included in the trip fund on the Prices and Dates page.

All payments are made by bank transfer or PayPal. Payments can also be made by credit card. However, this incurs a 2.5% fee.

My sailing trips are covered by a security deposit insurance policy. Therefore, no security deposit is required. Only the deductible under the security deposit insurance which, depending on the amount, is a few hundred euros, is covered in the event of damage, either through the ship’s cash fund or individually through the personal liability insurance of the crew member in question.

If I have to cancel the trip for example, due to illness or similar circumstances, the deposit will be refunded in full. This is also confirmed in the charter agreement.
In case of a cancellation by the guest, I recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance that covers not only the charter fee but also the flight.

On the day of arrival, we go shopping as a team and stock up on the essentials for the trip. Depending on the region, we’ll supplement our provisions with fresh food along the way.
We usually cook together on board. But dining out at restaurants or having BBQs on the beach are also part of the itinerary.

All the boats we use have a bathroom and toilet. On monohulls, which are typically used in the Mediterranean, there are 1–3 bathrooms, depending on the boat’s size.
In the Caribbean or the Seychelles, we generally use catamarans, which in most cases offer significantly more comfort. Here, in most cases, all cabins have their own bathroom and toilet.
All boats also have a deck shower.

There is generally no Wi-Fi on board. Cell phone reception works in most cases.
In the Mediterranean, EU citizens can use their regular data allowance just as if they were at home.
In the Caribbean, I have a data SIM card that works very well in all regions and can be shared via a hotspot upon request.
In the Seychelles, you’ll need to purchase a data SIM card to access data.
I can advise you on all of these options.

Storage space is a scarce commodity on a sailboat. That’s why you should think carefully about what you’ll need for your sailing trip. As a general rule, you can leave your bedding and towels at home, as well as your snorkeling gear, since these items are usually included in the charter price.
In any case, you should try to pack your belongings into a travel bag or duffel bag. A suitcase is often problematic

The groups on our sailing trips range from 3 guests on smaller monohulls to a maximum of 8 guests on a catamaran. With me as the skipper, the groups are always very comfortable.

There are various ways to plan a route and navigate accordingly. The traditional method is the good old nautical chart.
Nowadays, electronic navigation has become the norm. There are numerous apps and chartplotters that allow you to conveniently plan a route and then follow it on the boat. Modern autopilot systems can even be connected to the chartplotters via a network and then autonomously follow a pre-planned route.

Sailing trips are usually taken on a monohull or a catamaran. There are numerous other types of boats, but they play hardly any role in the charter market.

When sailing—and at sea in general—you have to expect a variety of conditions. Things can get a bit stormy at times. The rule is always: Safety first. If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to sail on a particular day, don’t set sail.
As a general rule, the skipper always decides how to proceed. If the weather gets stormier, the skipper will instruct everyone to put on life jackets or even go below deck.
An experienced skipper will make sure you feel safe even in stormy conditions.

There are numerous apps and tools for various purposes. For navigation, for example, the most widely used one from Navionics is a good choice. Navily is very helpful for selecting and describing harbors or anchorages.
Feel free to ask me for more suggestions.

The VHF radio is the standard means of communication between two boats, as well as with ports or marinas, and is the first choice; it is on board all the boats we use. To operate it, the skipper must hold a radio operator’s license (SRC).
We usually sail close to the coast, so a cell phone can also be used for communication in most cases.

A typical day trip lasts six to eight hours, although the exact duration depends on various factors. Half-day trips usually last three to four hours, while full-day trips last six to eight hours. Extended day trips can also last eight to ten hours.

A typical day usually begins between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. The actual sailing time is four to six hours, interrupted by breaks for swimming or anchoring. A lunch break in a beautiful cove usually lasts one to two hours. The return trip then takes place between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

The duration depends on several factors. In poor wind conditions or when there is no wind, you may return earlier. The distance to the destination also plays a role, as does the number and length of the planned stops. Longer cruises are possible in the summer than in other seasons, and the crew’s experience often determines the pace and scope of the trip.

The destinations we'll be visiting depend on the area we'll be traveling through. You can view the planned itinerary on the Routes page.

Mediterranean: The best time to visit is from May through October, with June through September being the peak season. May and October offer pleasant temperatures (20–25°C) with fewer tourists and lower prices. July and August are the hottest (often over 30°C) and most crowded, but perfect for a beach vacation.

The Caribbean: December through April is considered the best time to visit—this is the dry season, with temperatures around 26–28°C and little rain. June through October is the rainy season, with higher humidity and a risk of hurricanes (especially from August through October). Many travelers still choose to visit during the off-season because of significantly lower prices.

Seychelles: As a year-round tropical destination, temperatures range only between 26-30°C. April/May and October/November are ideal—less wind, calm seas, and minimal rain. December through March is hotter and more humid, with occasional rain showers. June through September brings stronger southeasterly winds, which are good for sailing but can sometimes make swimming difficult.

The opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and fishing during a sailing trip depend heavily on various factors. Snorkeling is usually easy to do, as it doesn’t require any special equipment from the charter company. Snorkeling is especially rewarding in clear waters such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or the waters of the Seychelles.

A valid diving certification, such as PADI or SSI, is required for diving. Diving equipment is usually not available on board and must be arranged separately. Dives should be planned with local dive centers. It is important to note that you should wait 12 to 24 hours after diving before flying.

Fishing is often possible, and especially in the Caribbean and the Seychelles, there’s a good chance of catching fresh bonito or mahi-mahi, which adds variety to our meals.

During a sailing trip in bad weather, various measures must be taken, depending largely on the severity of the conditions. In moderately bad weather, the sail area is first reduced by reefing in order to control speed and keep the boat manageable. Sailors often switch to more storm-resistant sails, such as storm sails or a trysail, which are specifically designed for adverse conditions. The course is adjusted to take the wind and waves more favorably, while enhanced safety measures are implemented, including rigging jacklines and ensuring that all crew members wear life jackets.

Safety considerations are of critical importance. Careful monitoring of weather forecasts and appropriate route planning help avoid dangerous situations. Whenever possible, the crew should remain below deck to protect themselves from wind and waves.

Experienced skippers are distinguished by their commitment to avoiding hazardous weather situations through careful planning. They are always prepared to head for port or even abandon the voyage altogether if conditions become too risky. The guiding principle is that the safety of the crew always takes absolute priority over the original itinerary.

Seasickness can be managed through both preventive measures and various treatment methods.

Prevention

The best place on a vessel is near the center of the boat on a lower deck, where motion is least pronounced. Look toward the horizon or focus on a stable point in the distance—this helps your sense of balance orient itself. Avoid looking down or reading, as this can intensify the conflict between visual and vestibular signals.

Eat a light meal before departure and avoid greasy, spicy, or strongly scented foods, as well as alcohol. A lightly filled stomach is preferable to one that is completely empty or overly full. Ensure adequate fresh air and remain on deck whenever possible rather than staying in enclosed spaces.

Medication for Prevention

Antihistamines such as Dimenhydrinate (marketed in Germany as Vomex) or Cinnarizine are well-established remedies and should generally be taken about one hour before departure. Scopolamine patches, which are applied behind the ear, can remain effective for up to three days, but they should be applied several hours before travel begins.

Treatment of Acute Seasickness

If symptoms have already developed, the same medications used for prevention are often helpful, sometimes at a slightly higher dosage. Ginger, in the form of capsules, tea, or candied pieces, may help relieve nausea. Acupressure wristbands, which apply pressure to specific points on the wrist, are considered helpful by some people.

It is also important to stay hydrated—drink small amounts of water or unsweetened tea. In cases of severe vomiting, electrolyte solutions may become necessary.

Long-Term Adaptation

Regular time at sea often leads to natural adaptation—most people develop a certain degree of tolerance to the vessel's motion after spending several days at sea.

In an emergency at sea, quick and calm action is critical. The following are the most important steps:

Immediate Actions

Stay calm—panic leads to poor decisions. Assess the situation and prioritize the immediate dangers.

Send a distress call immediately. Transmit a Mayday call on VHF Channel 16 or use a satellite phone or an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon). Provide the following information:

• Your position
• The nature of the emergency
• The number of people on board
• The type of assistance required

Actions Depending on the Type of Emergency

Flooding / Taking on Water:
Locate the source of the leak and, if possible, stop or reduce the water ingress. Activate the bilge pumps. Put on life jackets and prepare the life raft for possible deployment.

Fire on Board:
Shut down the engine compartment and electrical systems if possible. Attempt to extinguish the fire, but only if it can be done safely. If the fire spreads, abandon the vessel immediately.

Engine Failure:
Deploy the anchor if necessary, set sail if conditions permit, and request towing assistance.

Man Overboard:
Immediately shout, "Man overboard!" Throw a flotation device to the person, maintain constant visual contact, and initiate an appropriate recovery maneuver.

Essential Safety Equipment

Always ensure that you have the following equipment on board:

• Life jackets
• VHF radio
• Signaling devices (such as flares and an air horn)
• A first-aid kit
• A waterproof flashlight
• An EPIRB, if available

Preparation Is Key

Before every voyage, familiarize yourself with all safety equipment on board and inform someone ashore of your planned route and expected return time.

All charter yachts are equipped with a first-aid kit, which must be serviced regularly. It is generally recommended that you bring your own medications.

The physical demands of sailing depend largely on the type of trip you are planning:

Relaxed Coastal Cruises or Crewed Charters

For relaxed coastal cruising or a charter with a skipper, a normal level of general fitness is entirely sufficient. You should be able to move confidently on a moving boat and not have significant balance issues.

Crew Member on Longer Passages

A somewhat higher level of fitness is helpful on longer voyages, as you will be expected to assist with hoisting and lowering sails. Basic strength in the arms and back, as well as the stamina to stand extended watches, is important. Seasickness can also be physically draining.

Demanding Voyages or Racing

For challenging sailing expeditions or racing, you should be in good physical condition. You will need solid endurance, the strength to trim sails in a variety of weather conditions, and the ability to remain focused even under stress and fatigue.

General Recommendations

• Being able to swim is essential.
• Good balance and coordination are beneficial.
• Strong back and core muscles help prevent injuries.
• If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, you should consult a physician before participating.

More important than peak physical fitness are teamwork, a willingness to learn, and the ability to follow instructions.

Bringing children along is generally not a problem, but should be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, special dietary requirements can definitely be accommodated on sailing trips.

When making a booking, you should communicate any dietary needs in advance.

Common Dietary Requirements

• Vegetarian or vegan diets
• Gluten-free meals for people with celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Allergies to nuts, shellfish, or other foods
• Diabetic dietary requirements
• Halal or kosher meals

Providing this information ahead of time allows the crew or catering provider to plan appropriately and ensure that suitable meal options are available throughout the voyage.

Pets are generally not allowed on my sailing trips. However, we can discuss this on a case-by-case basis and possibly find a solution.

Yes, there are accessible sailing opportunities—that is, specially adapted programs for people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. This form of inclusive sailing is supported by numerous clubs, foundations, and organizations both in Germany and abroad.

Feel free to contact me for more information!