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Nautilus Yachting recognises that these are difficult and challenging times for us all having to deal with Covid and it's ongoing impact on our lives and businesses. We are always happy to discuss your concerns but have put answers to some frequently asked questions below.

The FCDO is constantly reviewing travel to and from other Countries in respect of Covid 19, updating the advice on their website regularly. This is subject to change at short notice as travel and other restrictions are either imposed or lifted on account of the virus.

Payment terms remain in place with the balance due date being 10 weeks prior to departure in line with our booking conditions.

If I can't travel due to a Covid Travel ban can I change my booking to a different date or destination?

If a full travel ban is in place on the start date of your charter, you will be able to reschedule to a different date, same destination, with the same yacht supplier (Subject to availability and prices). The fleets will not allow deferrals if Covid testing (PCR or Antigen/Lateral flow) and short term self isolation (Up to 72hrs) is required before, during or after you travel.

Can I have a refund if I cannot travel due to a full travel ban?

In line with our terms and conditions, a refund is not available as neither Nautilus Yachting, or the fleet you are sailing with, are cancelling your booking. The monies paid have been sent to the supplier in order to secure your booking. These monies will be transferred to your new booking. Alternatively, you can receive a credit note valid for 12 months from the start date of your holiday.

Why do I have to pay my balance 10 weeks in advance if there are restrictions in place at that time?

Nautilus Yachting does not retain your money as this has to be passed on to the yacht supplier in order to secure your booking. Please see our booking conditions on our website for full terms and conditions.

What if I have to test or self isolate (while waiting for the results) before I travel or on my return to the UK?

The fleets will not allow you to defer if PCR and/or Lateral flow tests are required before, during or after your holiday. Covid (PCR and Antigen/Lateral Flow) tests are easily found online and some airlines are providing discount codes and packages.

Covid testing requirements

You are currently required to get a PCR test for COVID-19 when you are arriving back into England.

This test must be arranged and carried out at your own expense and there are many private companies who are now able to distribute these test packs. An internet search will provide you with several to choose from. You may also find that your airline is able to provide discount codes for these testing kits.

Nautilus Yachting is unable to advise on this third party testing requirement and we cannot provide these as part of our service. We are not responsible for the quality, timing or results of any testing and any impact this may have on your ability to travel.

Please check the FCDO website (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) for up to date advice on the testing requirements for entry back into the UK, along with the testing requirements for your country of travel.

It is not possible to use the PCR or lateral flow tests provided by the NHS.

Updated: Sat 27 Nov 2021

"We had a very enjoyable and rewarding week in Kefalonia. The tuition was very thorough and professional. The First 40.7 Is a superb boat to sail and kept to a very high standard. Add to that the fantastic weather and you could not get better. We would recommend this to anyone wishing to learn to sail or upgrade their skills and knowledge."

Learn to Sail Kefalonia 2015 - T.B..
Trustpilot

Sailing Qualifications

To skipper a bareboat charter or flotilla yacht, you need to hold a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC). For charters in Greece, you must now have the ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by at least one competent crew member over the age of 18.

The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates: RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster, ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) or the IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport. If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA). If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 12 years old and does not have a photo ID, then we would also strongly advise applying for an ICC or IPC. If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use this link - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.

For charters in Croatia, Malta and the Canaries, at least one member of the crew or the skipper will also need a VHF licence.

RYA qualifications can be obtained by RYA sailing schools in the UK or alternatively choose from one of our overseas centres in Gibraltar, Greece or Turkey.

For Seychelles, the local authorities require an ICC for the skipper of a bareboat or flotilla yacht charter.

For Caribbean and Tropical charters, formal qualifications are not compulsory, however, you should be Day Skipper standard and be assisted by at least one competent crew. A brief sailing resume should be provided to outline your experience.

If you don't hold the relevant qualifications then why not add a skipper?

Sailing Levels

Level 1

Winds force 2-3 (4-11 Knots)combined with generally shorter distances. Good for beginner or intermediate sailors. Line-of-sight navigation but basic knowledge of charts and ability to plot your position required.

Level 2

Winds force 3-5 (7-21 Knots) with approximately 15-20nm per day. Intermediate experience required. Predominately line of sight navigation but an understanding of how to sail in open water.

Level 3

Winds force 4-6 (11-27 Knots) with mileage of approximately 20nm+ per day. Ideal for experienced skippers looking to venture out to new destinations. Day skipper standard but with experienced crew would be recommended.