FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you haven´t sailed with us before, you may have some questions before you book.
Here are some of the common things people ask us ... if you can not find the answer you are looking for, we are happy to help, so please contact us
Q : I have never been sailing before. What should I expect ?
A : You will experience a wonderful, relaxing time on a safe, luxury vessel with a very experienced skipper and 1st mate who look after you the whole time.
Q : Where are you situated ?
A : We are in Marina del Este, La Herradura, and our sales/reception office is just at the entrance on the left before Altamar restaurant. The marina is a 20 minutes drive east of Nerja and 10 minutes west of Almunecar or 30 minutes from Salobrena. View the Google map to get directions here
Q : What if the weather is not suitable on the day ?
A : This is very unlikely as we are blessed here on the Costa Tropical with over 320 days of sunshine per year. The days are warm & sunny and the evenings are balmy all year round, and consequently we sail every day. On the rare occasions that the weather is not suitable, you will be notified in advance and if necessary we will either re-schedule your cruise to another day, or you will be given a full refund of all deposit monies you have paid.
Q : I am worried about being seasick. Is there anything I can do to prevent this ?
A : This is very unlikely, as our boats are very stable, particularly the catamaran which does not heel (lean over) like a traditional keel boat. We always recommend taking a proprietory medicine for sea sickness, such as "biodramina" at least 1 hour prior to boarding the boat as a precautionary measure.
Q : Can my disabled relative join our party onboard ?
A : It is important for all our guests to be able to move freely without the need of mobility aids. We have previously taken guests in wheelchairs, but please bear in mind the toilet facilities are down some steps inside the saloon. If you are in any doubt, please contact us and we will advise you.
Q : Are young children suitable for your cruises ?
A : Yes, we have taken many young children and even infants sailing (... and at the other end of the age scale, our most senior guest was 100 years young !!) We carry lifejackets onboard to cater for all ages. We do ask however that all young children are kept under adult supervision at all times.
Q: Are there reduced prices for children ?
A : Yes, children aged 6-12 sail with us at half price, and children 0-5 pay just €10.
Q : What does the buffet consist of ? And what if I am allergic to something ?
A : The buffet is freshly prepared in our kitchen in the Marina and served onboard by the 1st mate and consists of both hot & cold food, with something for all tastes. Breakfast includes croissants, scrambled egg with salmon, fresh fruit, yoghurts, cereals & coffee. Lunch & dinner includes smoked salmon, assorted seafood, quiche, pizza, chicken, pasta, a selection of meats, hams & cheese, fresh salads, seasonal fruit & bread and is accompanied by white, rose & red wines, champagne, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee & tea. We do also serve crisps and nibbles throughout the cruises. If you have a strong allergy to anything (in particular nuts, seafood, or dairy products for example) please notify us in advance and we will ensure these products are excluded from your personal selection. Our buffet meals are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Our onboard picnic for our day boat guests consists of snacks and freshly prepared sandwiches, as well as a selection of drinks.
Q : I cannot swim. Am I suitable for one of your cruises ?
A : Yes, of course. You will be very comfortable either relaxing onboard, or trying one of the buoyancy jackets or flotation devices which we also keep onboard for those who are not so confident in the water.
Q : What´s included and what should I bring with me ?
A : Everything´s included onboard our luxury yachts for your safety & comfort and the only things you need to bring with you are soft shoes, swimming costumes, towels, hats, sunglasses, cameras, plenty of suncream ... and a smile !!
Q : Where will we go ?
A : Our regular itineraries are listed on the relevant cruise pages, but these are of course subject to change, dependent on the sea and wind conditions on the day. There are many different sheltered bays and anchorages to stop for breakfast/lunch/dinner and to swim, snorkel and take part in the watersports.
Q : Will we see dolphins ?
A : Yes, we regularly see dolphins, tuna, sunfish and even turtles on our cruises, although this can not of course be guaranteed.
Q : What is the best time to go on one of your cruises ?
A : All our cruises have their own special features ... the Breakfast Cruise starts the day with fresh croissants, cereals, tea & coffee ... the mid Afternoon Cruise is when the sun is at its highest, with plenty of shade in the cockpit for those who prefer to stay cool ... the late Afternoon & Sunset Cruises are perfect for topping up the tan combining beautiful sunsets and the chance to swim in the moonlight.
Q : How many people will be on board ?
A : We can sail with just 2 people for a romantic celebration, you can join another group onboard, or you can charter the catamaran exclusively for a private party. Either way, we take a maximum of 12 guests, and always with 2 crew (Skipper & 1st mate) to look after you. There is plenty of space on the large decks so you will not feel crowded. On our 38ft Rodman we take a maximum of 10 guests..
Q : We have a large party who want to sail together. Can we book with you ?
A : Yes, of course. We can organise extra yachts for large parties of more than 12 ... our largest party so far was 50 guests, and we sailed together in a flotilla of 4 yachts ... always great fun, as we drop anchor together and you have the opportunity of changing over on to different boats on the same day.
Q: We are only 2 people and we notice that you require a minimum of 8 guests before each cruise departs. What happens to our booking deposit if the minimum number is not met ?
A : It is very unlikely that we will not have sold the minimum number of 8 places on any cruise. However should this be the case, (which is more likely out-of-season), then you will be notified and either offered to join an alternative cruise where we have sold sufficient places, or if this is not convenient, then the full amount of your deposit monies will be refunded.
Q : Can you organise transport to and from the marina ?
A : Yes, fo an extra charge we can organise a minibus for up to 8 and another luxury 17 seater minibus and can collect you from your holiday home/hotel and deliver you in comfort straight to the marina. Please contact us direct here
Q : Can we take part in the sailing ?
A : Yes, everyone is encouraged to take part, if they wish. Our professional crews, who betweeen them have many thousands of sea miles, are very experienced and friendly. Please ask the skipper and he will let you take the helm, pull the ropes, or help tie up in the marina when we return.
Q : Can we bring our dog with us ?
A : Yes, as long as you have booked a Private Charter, otherwise we have to ask permission from the other guests first, as some may be allergic or frightened of dogs.
Q : Can we reserve a parking space in the marina?
A: Unfortunately car parking spaces cannot be reserved. In July and August there is a security guard at the marina entrance, and you will be charged to park there. From September - June you can usually drive into the marina and park near our berth. The distance from the marina car park to our berth is only 30 - 100 metres, depending which boat you are on.
Q : Do you have toilets on board your boats?
A : Yes, we do,they all have flushing toilets (except for some of our day boats). However, as we can't use them until we have left the marina, we suggest you arrive at your boat with an empty bladder. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the marina, all with toilets, and you can also use the toilet in our office/reception centre at the entrance to the marina, on the left.
Q : Do we need to book online, or can we just turn up?
A : Of course, you can just turn up and take a chance, but in the summer months we get extremely busy, and we have to turn many disappointed guests away, so we would strongly urge you to pre-book online. Our sales office/reception is situated just at the entrance to the marina, so why not pop in and check our availability on your arrival, if you haven't pre-booked?
Q : Is fuel included in the price we pay?
A : Fuel IS included on our catamaran and motor yacht. On the day boats you pay for the fuel you have used when we return to the marina at the end of your trip.