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+44 1732 867 445
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Sat: 1000 - 1500

Indemnity for refundable yacht security deposit

A refundable yacht security deposit is required for all charters against the possibility of damage to the yacht, loss of equipment or late return. The amount represents the yacht insurance excess and will depend on the value of the yacht. It is paid on embarkation by credit card and returned at the end of your charter, less any necessary deductions for damage to your yacht or to other yachts.

There are 2 ways to reduce your risk:

  1. For some yachts you can pay a non-refundable security insurance which will either reduce or eliminate the security deposit; or
2. Nautilus Yachting can indemnify you against any deductions from the security deposit. You pay the refundable yacht security deposit on arrival but we will immediately refund any amounts deducted from your credit card for damage or loss up to the limit of the security deposit.

The following are NOT covered and for these items, you remain liable:

  • Damage or loss to the yacht on purpose,
  • Damage of loss caused by vandalism or theft by the Charterer
  • Charges for failing to deliver the yacht at the place and/or date agreed
  • Charges for blocked holding tanks
  • Charges for cleaning
  • Rental charges for outboard, windsurfer, SUP or cruising chute
  • Damage or loss to any extras such as SUP, Windsurfers, Kayaks, Fishing Rods
  • Accidentally adding water to the diesel tanks or diesel into water tanks
  • Fuel at return
  • Night sailing

This Indemnity must be purchased from Nautilus Yachting before you travel.

All charter yachts are fully insured under marine insurance policies against loss, damage and third party indemnity. You are expected to take all reasonable care but in the event of loss or damage to the yacht and its equipment, your liability is limited to the amount of your security deposit unless such damage or loss was caused by your negligence or wilful damage. It is important that previous sailing experience is correctly shown on the Booking Form for full indemnity of any risks.

If your yacht is damaged by another vessel it is up to you to get information from those involved in the incident, including a declaration from a third party. You should report any damage done in port to the harbourmaster.

The indemnity will ONLY cover deductions from the security deposit taken by the fleet. It will NOT cover payments that you make directly to a 3rd party (such as but not limited to repairs, parts, salvage, rescue boat or diver).

"Brilliant holiday thanks. John and Elsa were amazing flotilla leaders, both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area which provided fabulous sailing. Yildiz Yachting also provided a really good boat, well maintained and reliable."

Fethiye flotilla 2015 - T.L.

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.