| BEFORE YOU BOOK A CHARTER |
| KNOW BEFORE YOU GO -
F.A.Q.s |
| READ CAREFULLY |
| Why a catamaran? |
| In the mid 1980’s, the catamaran began attracting
charterers because of its comfortable cruising accommodations. What
they found was not only more space, luxury and sailing without heeling,
but a shallower draft which allowed them entry into a world of anchorages
that deeper draft monohulls were not able to enter... and a lot more
speed. |
| Where can I charter? |
| We operate our own fleet of catamarans out of Tortola, British Virgin Islands & Union Island, Chatham Bay. Along with this base, we are the exclusive North American representatives Antilles Yacht Sailes who operate their own bases throughout the Guadeloupe & Martinique, St Martin. Moving further adrift we have access to catamarans in the most popular sailing destinations such as Belize, the Seychelles, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific & more! |
| Am I qualified to "skipper" a cat? |
| This is the most frequently asked question
we hear each day. There is a very simple answer. If you can handle
a monohull sailboat, chances are you should have no trouble handling
a cat. We make it even easier for you to familiarize yourself
with the catamaran providing “Cat Check”, a 1-4 hour
program designed for first time catamaran sailors covering jibing,
tacking, anchoring and general catamaran sailing. “Cat
Check” is provided at no cost for the qualified sailor.
Before beginning your bareboat charter, a yacht familiarization
and chart briefing will be conducted at the base. All of your
questions will be answered at this time. If you are unsure about
sailing a catamaran on your own, your charter consultant will
discuss your qualifications during the booking process. |
| How do I choose the best cat for my needs? |
This part is the most fun! You can choose
from a large variety of models & sizes to suit your taste.
Usually, it will depend on the number of people in your party.
Other factors that may influence your decision are whether you
want your cat to have a head and shower for each cabin, whether
you prefer the galley to be “up” in the salon, or “down” in
one of the hulls along with many options. We also offer an array
of ‘owners’ and charter version catamarans.
On owner’s version expect starboard hull dedicated to the
captain with enlarged cabins, separate en-suite bathrooms, generous
closet space and office space. Charter versions offer identical
cabins with usually one extra cabin allowing more guests onboard.
Our knowledgeable charter consultants will help you every step
of the way to sort through all of these choices and help you
obtain the best cat for your vacation. |
| Who are you going to call? |
THE CATAMARAN COMPANY: (800) 262-0308 OR (954)449 460, e-mail:info@catamarans.com
No matter what your requirements are; if you’re sailing with young children or require a special menu, our knowledgeable catamaran experts will answer all of your questions, tend to your transportation needs, assist with hotels, provisioning questions and see that absolutely nothing slips through the cracks |
| Is The Catamaran Company on the web? |
We sure are! Check out our interactive website at www.catamarans.com. It’s full of catamarans with layouts, pictures and information about all of the cats we offer.
You can also E-Mail us at info@catamarans.com. |
| How much sailing time do I have? |
Your charter will start Saturday at 5.00pm and ends the following Saturday at 9.00am |
| What charter details should I be aware of? |
You invest a lot of time and money in your charter vacation. That’s why we are pleased to offer our Trip Protection Program. This special coverage protects your investment both prior to and during your charter vacation. This protection program covers cancellations, postponements and charter interruptions. The premium for this “safety net” is only 7% of the total charter cost.
Without this coverage, the following CANCELLATION TERMS apply: Cancel 90 days or more prior to departure and a fee of $300 will apply: 45-90 days before departure and 25% deposit is lost; and if a charter is cancelled 45 days or less there is no refund given. |
| Payment plan & details: |
| A deposit of 25% of the charter’s fee is required to confirm your charter. Upon receipt of the deposit, your contract will be mailed to you. Advance payments will automatically be charged to your credit card on file. Please contact us at least 5 days prior to your next payment if additional credit card information needs to be submitted or if payment will be made with a personal check. A late fee of $50.00 will be applied for payments not received by due date. |
| What to bring: |
| You’ll need a bathing suit, some T-shirts, a couple of pairs of shorts and a good hat to fend off the sun. You’ll also need some sunscreen of the highest SPF rating you can get and some canvas deck shoes or sneakers. Insects are seldom a problem, but it’s a good idea to bring repellent just in case. Of course you’ll want your toothbrush, some shampoo etc. The Catamaran Company provides snorkeling fins of high quality, so there’s no need to worry about that. Anything beyond these essentials is up to you, but don’t over pack if you can help it. Be sure to use duffle bags since there is little storage space for suitcases on a boat. Life vests are standard Coast Guard sizes, so if you want life jackets for the kids please bring them with you. DON’T FORGET A VALID PASSPORT! |
| What does my charter include? |
Most catamarans will come fully equipped with the following items. For the specialties on the boat you will be chartering, please ask your charter consultant:
• Cooler
• Electronic Windlass & All Chain Rode
• Stereo/ CD Player and Cockpit Speakers
• Snorkeling fins
• Linens/ Towels, (except beach towels)
• VHF, Wind Depth Speed & Autopilot
• First Aid Kit, Navigation & Tool Kit
• Local Charts
• Transom Shower & Ladder
• Head & Galley Cleaning Kit
• Binoculars & Life Jackets
• Fully Equipped Galley
• Refrigerator & Freezer
• Dinghy & Out board
• Water & Outboard Gas/ Oil
• Full Cockpit Bimini Top
• Fans in Cabins, Galley and Salon (Tortola Fleet Only)
Electric motors installed on some models
Some catamarans have flat screen plasma TV’s and additional equipment such as electric winches, microwave ovens, additional fridges in cockpit and ice makers.
Please inquire or see our website to view full range of equipment for each model. |
| Starter kit: |
The following is supplied complementary to all bareboat charters:
2 Rolls of toilet paper and two complimentary soaps per head
1 roll of papertowel
1 bottle (sm) of Dishwashing liquid
1 bottle (sm) of disinfectant
6 boxes of matches
1 green scouring pad
1 pkt of handiwipes
1 box of garbage bags large
1 bottle of rum
GALLEY:
. Kitchen Knives
. Serving/Cooking Tools
. Grater & Peeler
. Whisk
. Serving Tray
. Dish Drainer
. Measuring Cup
. Can Opener & Corkscrew
. Cutting Board
. Saucepan Set
. Oven Baking Dishes
. Kettle
. Corelle Dinnerware
. Cutlery and Serving Platter Set
. Coffee Mugs & Tumblers
. Dustpan & Brush
. Place mats
. Heat Pads
. Wine Glasses
. Left-Over Containers
. Mixing Bowls & Colander
. Juice Pitcher & Thermos
. Clothes Pins
. Kitchen Towel Holder & Tea Towels
. Oven Gloves & BBQ Utensils
TOOLS & SPARES:
. Tool Box
. Necessary Tools & Spares
. Emergency Belt
STATEROOM AND CABIN:
. Pillows and Blankets
. Fitted Sheets
. Flat Sheets
. Bath Towels
. Hand Towels
. Face Clothes
. Pillow Cases
. Coat Hangers
. Toilet Brush
. Small Trash Cans
FUN STUFF AND MISC.:
. American Flag, Courtesy & Q Flag
. Fins
. Use of Hard Bottom Dinghy and Outboard
. Full Dinghy Equipment
DECK AND COCKPIT GEAR
. Boathook
. Bucket
. Deck Brush and Mop
. BBQ with Rail Mount
SAFETY AND SECURITY GEAR
. Life jackets
. Harnesses
. Horseshoe Buoy with Rail Mount
. Flare Kit
. Horn
. Bell
. First Aid Kit
. Flashlights
. Fire Extinguishers and Mounts
NAVIGATION TOOLS
. Binoculars
. Navigation Kit
. Waterproof Chart |
| BEFORE YOU BOOK A CHARTER |
| KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - OPTIONS, EXTRAS & COSTS |
| READ CAREFULLY |
| At The Catamaran Company we know that everyone has different ideas of “the perfect charter”. That’s why we offer plenty of options and extras to allow your charter to be as unique and exciting as YOU want to make it! All of the charter companies have different payment and cancellation terms, as well as various options - your charter consultant will help you discern the difference. The following information represents The Catamaran Company’s options and extras. |
| CDW - The Collision Damage Waiver: |
| • CDW - The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is mandatory for all charters and provides coverage for the yacht and its equipment, except in the case of gross negligence or intoxication. The cost is $39 per day with no deductible for a “worry-free” charter for boats 49ft and under. For yachts over 50ft the cost is $49 per day. Yachts 55ft & above, CDW is $55 per day |
| DDW - The Dinghy Damage Waiver: |
| • DDW - The Dinghy Damage Waiver (DDW) is recommended for all charters and will insure against damages, destruction or loss of the tender, outboard and its equipment. The cost is $10 per day for yachts 55f t and below. DDW is payable 45 days before the charter commences. |
| LOST DINGHY REPLACEMENT: |
| • In event of a lost dinghy (stolen or otherwise), Catamaran Charters will make attempts to replace the dinghy at a rental fee of $60 per day of charter for yachts 55ft and below. For yachts 55ft & above the cost to replace is $80 per day. |
| HOLIDAYS: |
| • HOLIDAYS - Any charter encompassing Christmas Day, New Year’s Day or Thanksgiving will incur a surcharge of $250 per week. If both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falls within your charter dates a $500 premium will be charged. |
| MANDATORY AND OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
|
| BEFORE YOU BOOK A CHARTER |
| KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - HELPFUL INFORMATION |
| READ CAREFULLY |
| Location |
Chatham Bay Resort
This very new resort is located in Chatham Bay on Union Island in the heart of the Grenadines.
The resort overlooks the sea with a vast and charming white beach and is surrounded by a luxuriant and virgin tropical forest. It can only be reached by sea.
Every corner is tended with great attention to details in order to make the ambience unique. The setting is the wonderful Chatham Bay, a paradise in the heart of the Grenadines. The catamarans are located on a private dock on Chatham Bay resort. Up to eight catamarans are permitted on this dock. Moorings are also provided surrounding the dock. |
| Business Hours |
The base is open every day from 8:30 am to 5:30 p.m. - CHARTER BASE TELEPHONE NUMBER –
24hr are 1 784 532 9471 or 1 784 532 8413.
24 hour emergency number is provided below. |
| In case of emergency |
After normal business hours: 24hr are 1 784 532 9471 or 1 784 532 8413.
Maintenance Manager: Garrett Mc Dowell
Base Manager: Davide Miotto
Maintenance Manager is Garrett Mc Dowell |
Getting There…. |
American Eagle currently flies into Canouan 3 times daily from Puerto Rico, San Juan Airport.
It is recommended that fly from your US home port to Canoaun Island. (Airport Code CIW).
Flights into Barbados are also frequent but it is our recommendation that you fly into Canoaun Island.
Another suggestion is to fly to Martinique or St Vincent. We can arrange a private jet from these two locations to Canouan Island. A ferry is arranged upon your arrival to ferry you to Chatham Bay Resort where your catamaran is located.
Please ensure you notify us at least 45 days prior to your departure to ensure the private charter jet is reserved for you.
Martinique with Air France
Barbados with British Airways
St. Vincent, Bequia, Canouan , Mustique, Union with private flights operated by Mustique Airways or American Eagle.
From Barbados to St. Vincent regular flights with Liat and Caribbean Star
Approx. cost
- MARTINIQUE - UNION ISLAND AIRCRAFT 8 SEATERS USD 1.700 (one way) + USD 50 for each passengers (only from martinique to Union)
- BARBADOS - UNION ISLAND AIRCRAFT 8 SEATERS USD 1.500 one way
- ST. VINCENT - UNION ISLAND AIRCRAFT 8 SEATERS USD 500 one way
- CANOUAN - UNION ISLAND by boat
- ST. LUCIA - UNION ISLAND AIRCRAFT 8 SEATERS USD 1.500 one way
|
| Transportation |
Transportation is arranged for you upon arrival in Canaoun Island. A 72 ft Ferry Catamaran will ferry you and your charter party to Chatham Bay Resort. The cost is $30 per person each way. The ferry ride is approx 25 minutes from Canouan Island to Union Island, Chatham Bay Resort
Please provide arrival times to your charter agent approximately 14 days prior to arrival. We will ensure your ferry service is arranged prior and will send confirmation of such. |
| BOARDING, BRIEFING INFORMATION, RETURN TIME TO DOCK ON LAST DAY OF CHARTER |
Start on Saturday from 5.00pm and end the following Saturday at 9.00am
|
| PROVISIONING |
Provisioning is available upon request according to the proposed list. Please note it is our recommendation that you take advantage of shopping list provided due to remoteness of Island on Chatham Bay. Due to being an exclusive, privately owned island, we feel to avoid wasted charter time to order provisioning prior to departure. The other provisioning stores around are only accessible with a small boat and might not have a huge availability of consumer goods.
The order must be received at least 2 weeks prior to departure. All food items ordered will be delivered to your yacht by 5pm on the first day of your charter with a $50 service fee. It is the charter guests’ responsibility to store items away upon delivery. Pre-arranging provisioning is essential to ensure no sailing time is lost and a hassle free vacation. (The Catamaran Company collects no additional fees or percentages for provisioning). By choosing our provisioning choices you will receive six bags of ice upon your arrival at our Tortola charter base. |
| BEDDING |
| Sheets, pillowcases, towels, dishcloths are provided for each charter. Beach towels are not included. |
| CURRENCY |
| Local currently is EC$. The current rate is 2.67 ( Sept 1, 2007 – please recheck to verify and this number is only an approx rate). Guests can exchange money at Chatham Bay resort at 2.65 local currently. There is a 6 % charge on Credit cards. |
| FORMALITIES |
A passport is needed for air and sea travel to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central & South America. |
| SAILING LICENSES |
| No Sailing license is required for the Grenadines.
|
| HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS |
The resort consists of 15 elegant bungalows, each one equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning with individual control, telephone and fridge-bar, an equipped portico in every bedroom, internet connection.
These bungalows are the ideal choice for people who like peacefulness and nature.
A charming restaurant, overlooking directly the beach and with the typical roof in palm leaves, provides a good choice of local and Italian dishes and an excellent selection of wines.
The beach, equipped with sunshade parasols and deckchairs, is at disposal of the clients for their privacy and relax.
At the bar, located directly on the beach, you will have the chance to taste excellent rum, fruit cocktails, coconut milk….
The resort has a wonderful swimming pool and a fitness centre |
| BOAT PHONES |
Boat phones are available. BMobile system very similar to boat phones you would find on charter boats in Tortola is available. Rentals of phones are $25 with a credit of $20 already built in. Guest can top off by calling the office and using a major credit card. Each top off cost $5 in addition to the credit. For example> $20 credit costs $25. |
| TIPPING |
If you have a Catamaran Company crew on board your yacht, tipping is at your discretion, but standard is 15-20% of the crew fee. |
| WATER |
Your yacht comes with water but we advise to buy drinking water. |
| NIGHT SAILING |
Night sailing is not permitted. You must be anchored or docked one hour before sunset. |
| FISHING PERMITS |
Fishing license is required. No fishing is allowed in National Parks. Fishing equipment is available to rent. |
| STATISTICS |
Because the islands lie close to the equator, they enjoy a steady tropical temperature almost year-round. Temperatures range from 18° to 32°C. The dry season is from December to June, and the rainy season from July to November. St. Vincent's northern peaks are often surrounded by clouds, but most of the rain falls on the mountains, leaving the southern two-thirds of the island much drier than the north. The Grenadines are also drier than northern St. Vincent. |
| RETURN OF YOUR YACHT |
Please be ready to disembark your yacht no later than 9.00am on the final day of your charter. Please call the base by VHF on your way in so that someone can meet you at the dock. We ask that you tidy up your yacht and leave the linens and trash neatly bundled. |
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