If you’ve decided to make the commendable decision to charter a yacht – be it the first time or the twentieth – deciding when to set sail might not be as simple as you might think. There are quite a few variables to consider when planning your voyage – fluctuating seasonal costs, ideal periods to visit certain locations, and what you want to get out of your itinerary can all affect when you decide to embark. To help guide you in deciding what might be the best course of action for you, read on to learn in more detail the factors that can influence your voyage. Remember: good preparation is paramount if you want to have the best trip possible without all of the headaches that often accompany poor planning.

Choosing a time of year that best suits you

Although embarking on a cruise in a yacht in the peak of summer might seem like a good idea on paper – crystal clear skies, tranquil oceans and gorgeous beaches may immediately come to mind – summer may not necessarily be the best option. Instead, consider where in the world you’re wanting to travel to, and how seasons in these locations will affect what you plan to do. For example, if you’re wanting to travel around the Mediterranean and want to primarily swim and sunbathe, it would absolutely make sense to travel in the peak of summer when the weather is scorching. If instead you want to relax aboard your yacht, spring and autumn are still very viable months, and are less vulnerable to intense heatwaves. This is also true if you want to moor your vessel and go on active adventures – sweltering heat makes many physical activities prohibitive, so make sure the weather is cooler before you plan a multi-day hike.

Considering seasonal costs

Another thing people should consider when planning your yachting are costs associated with seasons, particularly if you decide to hire your vessel through a service such as Ahoy Club. The peak of summer, a time during which many will flock to the seas, will attract the highest fees and can throw your budget out of whack. With this being the case, a pre-defined budget could net you two very different yachts depending on the season – would you prefer a more well-fitted out, comfortable yacht to relax on during the cooler months, or a smaller, agile yacht to visit crystal clear beaches during the warmer months? Because the warmer months also tend to attract more keen charterers, you should also expect that mooring may be more of a problem than it would be in cooler months. If you aren’t able to find a convenient spot to anchor your vessel, you might find that getting around won’t be as simple as you anticipated.

Ready to embark on a life-changing voyage?

If you’ve always dreamed about setting sail on a luxury yacht, it should now be apparent how important planning is for your voyage. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that chartering during summer also has its drawbacks. To help give you an idea of what services your needs in the best way possible, it’s recommended to write a detailed list of what you hope to see and achieve while chartering. This way, you’re much less likely to get caught out.