How long does each RYA course
take?
The duration of each course is 5 days although this can
be spread across a two week holiday if you would prefer.
Do I have to get involved in the
sailing?
The skipper and mate are easily able to sail the yacht unaided
if necessary, however, we are always happy for guests to
join in as much or as little as they want to. If you are
on a course and hoping to gain a certificate then you will
be expected to be involved with sailing the yacht.
Will I be on board with strangers?
Centurion II can be booked either on a stateroom-charter
basis (in the Mediterranean only) or for exclusive use.
If you have booked exclusive use of the yacht then your
party will not have to share with anyone else. If you have
booked a cabin charter you may be sharing the yacht with
other guests.
Do you allow children?
Yes, children are allowed. Safety netting can be arranged
on request and child life-jackets are provided. If you are
bringing infants we suggest you bring your own infant life-jacket.
I'm an experienced sailor - will
I be allowed to sail the yacht myself?
Yes. If you've sailed before and would like to skipper Centurion
II yourself, the crew are happy to take a back seat while
you sail her - or you can press them into action on the
winches! Please note that, for insurance reasons, guests
are not allowed to sail Centurion II without the crew on
board.
Will we ever be out of sight
of land?
Unless you've signed up for one of our mile building cruises
or are joining us for the ARC 2007 then you will always
be in sight of land. In Turkish and Greek waters we're never
more than 12 miles offshore. In the Caribbean the distances
between islands can occasionally be greater but you'll always
be in sight of land.
What will the weather be like?
The weather in Turkey and the Greek islands is generally
pleasant and warm. A typical summer day has light winds
in the morning, building from around 12pm onwards, up to
a Force 3-5, ideal for some afternoon sailing. The wind
usually dies off in the evening making for a settled night.
Typical daily temperatures:
25°C May
28°C Jun
32°C July
35°C August
28°C Sep
24°C Oct
What clothes should I bring?
During high season in the Mediterranean (July - mid September)
the weather is warm both day and night, and you shouldn't
need anything other than a light jumper or jacket. For those
traveling at either end of the season, it is still warm
during the day, but cooler at night and long trousers and
a fleece or jacket for the evenings is recommended. Turkey
& Greece are generally pleasantly warm and specialist
sailing clothing should not be needed - although if you
have a lightweight waterproof we would suggest you bring
it with you, as an insurance policy against the occasional
shower. The same applies to charters in the Caribbean. In
common with most yachts operating in warmer climates we
generally go barefoot around the yacht; if you do wish to
wear shoes on board a pair of deck shoes or trainers with
light coloured non marking soles will give you good grip
on deck and stop you stubbing your toes!
Will I be able to use my hairdryer
on board?
Yes. Each cabin has a 220v socket which can be used to power
a hair dryer. These provide power when we are plugged into
shore power.
Do I have to share a bathroom?
No, each double cabin is en-suite with a shower, toilet,
washbasin and vanity unit.
Will I get sea sick?
It is rare for people to become seasick on board. If you
are concerned it may be worth bringing some over the counter
sea sickness remedies, such as Stugeron (cinnarizine), or
travel wrist bands (available from most large chemists)
for your own peace of mind.
How do I pay for my holiday?
Payments can be made by cheque, bank transfer or credit
card (3% surcharge). We ask for 40% of the total price upon
booking, and the balance of the cost 8 weeks before commencing
your holiday.
Can I pay in Euros or Dollars?
Yes, ask at the time of booking what the daily rate is.
Which airport do I need to fly
to?
For Bodrum and Yalikavak the nearest airport is Bodrum airport.
For Fethiye the nearest airport is Dalaman Pick ups from
other airports in the vicinity of our cruising area may
be possible. Please ask at the time of booking.For more
information on where to find flights, please see our Flights
page.
How much will mooring fees cost?
Mooring fees in Turkey and the Greek island tend to be very
low - if we moor up to a restaurant jetty it will generally
be free of charge, very occasionally there may be a fee
of around £10 per night. In the larger modern marinas
there is a charge of around £30 per night, but this
does entitle you to water, power and the use of all the
marina facilities.
Can I smoke on board?
Smoking below decks is strictly prohibited however you can
smoke on deck if you wish.
Can I get mobile phone reception
where we are going?
Mobile phone reception is usually very good in coastal waters
up to about 10 miles offshore. In some ports the reception
can be a little patchy on occasion due to surrounding hills,
but this can usually be solved by going for a short stroll
up the hill.
Is there internet access on board?
Yes there is through the yacht's computer. Pricing is dependent
on network charges in each locality.
Will I be able to charge my
phone and camera on board?
Phones, cameras and most other electronic equipment can
be charged on board, either using a mains charger or a 12v
car charger.
Do I need to bring snorkels/fins/buoyancy
aids with me?
We have a selection of snorkel gear on board - although
you can, of course, bring your favourite set from home.
We provide inflatable and fixed-foam lifejackets for use
on board the yacht, but a buoyancy aid will allow more movement
when using the water sports gear. These are not essential
(and are not provided by us), but if you have one at home
you are welcome to bring it.
Can I plug my iPod in to play
music?
We have a 3.5mm jack plug (as found on the top of iPods)
connected to our on-board audio system, so guests can enjoy
their music in the saloon, and through the external speakers
in the cockpit.
How much will dining out cost
me?
As a rough guide, dining out in Turkey and Greece will cost
around £12-£15 per person for two courses and
local wine in a village restaurant. Ordering seafood and
imported wines will increase the cost of a meal.
What time can I board the yacht?
Our booking information states that boarding time is 1700
on the day of arrival. This is to enable us to clean and
provision after the previous charter. In practice the yacht
is usually ready by mid afternoon.
What time must I leave the yacht
on the last day?
Unless arranged otherwise, guests disembark at 0900 on the
day of departure. This allows the crew to clean, prepare
and maintain the yacht ready for the new guests.
Will I be able to pay for meals
by credit card/are cash machines available?
Most of the restaurants still believe that cash is king,
and credit cards are still not widely accepted. We would
suggest bringing a reasonable amount of local currency with
you. Cash machines are not widely available in the islands,
but your crew can make sure they get you to somewhere with
an ATM if you are in need of a top up.
Is tipping customary?
On crewed charters a tip of 10-15% is usual, but at your
own discretion.