If you want to make your coastal or island vacation really special then hire a boat. You can make it a real day to remember. If you’ve never considered this before then make sure you consider the following points so that your dream day doesn’t turn to a disaster.

If you have chartered a “bareboat” it means you do not have anyone to sail it for you. If you don’t have the minimum qualification yourself you will need to hire a skipper if necessary crew. Check with you charter company who may be able to organise some salty sea dogs for you.

If you’ve opted for a power boat then you will need to take into account that the fuel is normally charged as an extra on top of the charter fee.

You can tan three times the speed at sea. But you have to be careful not to burn. Take lotion and a hat. You often don’t feel the effects of the sun until you have reached land at the end of the day and then it’s too late!

Make sure you take snorkel and goggles there’s nothing like diving in off a boat into turquoise waters. Always check for jelly fish before jumping in.

Always listen to the safety warnings at the start of the journey. Children must always be supervised and in life jackets. You may consider weather you should take younger children at all.

It’s a nice idea to tip the skipper and if you’re going ashore for a meal ask him along you’ll often get some good sea tales out of him. It’s normal practice to tip the skipper at the end of the trip.

That’s all you need to know for now have fun and have a smashing day!