Planning a yacht charter abroad? Whether in Greece, Croatia, or Turkey, there’s one crucial step you don’t want to skip before you set sail: the pre-departure briefing.
Whether you're hiring a skipper or sailing the boat yourself, a thorough briefing is key to a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience at sea.
Sailing abroad is not the same as coastal cruising in Israel. Local laws, marina structures, sea conditions, and yacht types vary from country to country.
A proper briefing ensures that you and your crew — whether it's just the two of you or a full group — know the boat, understand emergency protocols, and are familiar with the sailing conditions.
It’s also the perfect time to ask questions, check that everything works, and settle in before casting off.
For example, if you're planning a charter in Greece or Croatia, you’ll want to be clear on local mooring rules, speed limits in bays, and recommended sailing routes. You can find more tips on sailing in Greece or Croatia on our website.
The charter company or local skipper usually conducts a thorough briefing on the day you receive the yacht. It typically covers:
Getting to know the yacht: navigation systems, engine, water and electrical systems, toilets, safety equipment
Recommended sailing route: weather forecast, mooring points, marina stops along the way
Local sailing laws: rules of navigation, mooring regulations, speed limits
Setting expectations with the crew: assigning roles, managing the daily schedule, planning ahead
Equipment check: anchor, ropes, sails, emergency gear — everything should be checked manually
Even if you’ve sailed dozens of times before, each yacht is different, and every sailing destination brings new challenges.
If you're sailing with friends or family who aren’t experienced sailors, it’s a good idea to give them a short personal briefing before departure.
Make sure they know:
Where the life-saving equipment is
What to do in a "man overboard" situation
How to use marine toilets
How to react in rough seas
When to take seasickness medication
A well-prepared crew means a calmer, more confident atmosphere onboard.
Absolutely. Even if you book a charter with a professional skipper through Sea Time, a short pre-sail briefing is always recommended.
The skipper will introduce you to the yacht, explain the daily routine, present the planned route, and make sure everyone feels comfortable and informed.
On multi-day trips — like our Skipper Training courses in Greece — the briefing may also cover overnight stays, anchoring procedures, and even watch shifts if relevant.
How long does the briefing take?
Usually between 30 to 60 minutes. If you’re taking over the yacht as a skipper, add an extra hour for the technical check.
What should I double-check?
Anchor system, power switches, safety gear, sails, toilets, outboard engine for the dinghy — don’t skip manual checks.
What if I don’t understand something?
Ask again! That’s exactly what the briefing is for — to prevent problems at sea. Any misunderstanding on a boat can easily become a serious issue.
A pre-departure briefing is more than a technical checklist — it’s your foundation for a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable sailing trip.
Whether you're skippering, sailing with friends, or joining a skippered charter, take the time to listen, check, and ask questions.
The sea will reward your preparation.