FAQ Topics
Need further assistance?
How do yachts and crew ensure my safety on board?
On the first day, your crew will conduct a briefing, during which they will explain the safety requirements you need to be aware of as a guest.
All yachts represented by BlueFoot Travel are legally responsible for having all the necessary equipment to ensure your utmost safety on board.
Depending on where the yacht is registered and how far offshore the yacht sails, will determine the safety equipment on your yacht. Amongst other things, your yacht will have the following items on board to prevent incidences and protect you should anything occur.
- Buoyancy aids for use when kayaking and paddle-boarding
- Lifejackets, harnesses and safety lines for all guests
- Appropriate sized life rafts
- Horseshoe rings
- Danbuoy, which is used in the unlikely event someone falls overboard
- Safety flares
- Fire detectors, extinguishers and blankets
- VHF and maybe an SSB radio onboard and a handheld VHF radio for the dingy
- An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) that is used to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency.
How fit do I need to be to go on a sailing holiday?
Whilst no special level of fitness required, if you are normally active and do not have any balance problems you should have no problem on a yacht charter.
You do need to be able to easily walk around whilst your yacht is moving, be able to use stairs (while the boat is moving or heeled over in normal sailing conditions) and generally be able to maintain your balance. You must also have enough flexibility to climb in and out of the tender, climb from the tender onto a dock or onto the back of your yacht.
Do I need to bring mosquitos repellent?
Yes, we recommend the use of insect repellent. Please bring appropriate repellent with you. The UK government provides the following guidance: Only insect repellents which contain one of the three active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin (20%) and lemon eucalyptus extract or PMD are recommended. 50% DEET is most effective, has the longest duration of action and needs fewer applications per day.
What would happen if I got ill while on a trip?
Your crew will have basic first aid qualifications. All yachts also have a radio, which enables them to get in touch with the coastguard on each island in an emergency. The Caribbean has a lot of great teaching hospitals, and so you will never be that far away from good medical care.
You should also get travel insurance for your sailing trip to ensure that you are able to get home should you need to.
