Why is It Important to Check the Weather before a Bareboat Charter?

So you’re planning the ultimate bareboat adventure. You are looking forward to the ultimate freedom of being able to go where you want, when you want, without the hindrance of a crew. What is it that you need to plan for to make sure that your bareboat charter goes off without a hitch? There are a range of things you will need, but the weather is always one of the biggest factors that come into play when sailing, no matter where you are in the world. 

Chartering a yacht is a relatively simple process. Not only is a bareboat charter the most affordable but it is also the way many experienced sailors prefer to do things. Ensuring that you are as prepared as you can be is the best way to plan for the idyllic trip that you have been imagining.

How Inclement Weather Can Affect Your Journey

Whether you’re chartering a yacht for a day or you’re planning on being on the water for a month or more, the weather is always something that you will need to factor into your planning. Of course, no one can predict the weather with 100% accuracy, but we are fortunate enough to live in a day and age where weather predictions are quite accurate and can help us to ensure that our epic journeys are free from any unwanted weather problems along the way. 

Something as simple as strong winds or large waves can redirect the entire trajectory of your planned excursion. There are seasons when unfortunate weather is more likely to affect your plans and in these times you need to be especially careful with your charter route planning as well as your emergency alternative plans. The consequences of ignoring weather forecasts on a bareboat charter trip can include halting your departure, forcing you to return to shore early or even damaging your boat, putting you and your passengers in danger. 

Bad weather can interrupt your journey in many ways from sea sickness to unintended danger so it is prudent to make sure that you have done all that you can to plan for the worst, to allow you to enjoy the best of your journey.

Bareboat Charter Weather Planning: What You Need to Know

There are no shortage of apps in the market, both free and paid, that can help you with checking the weather for your planned journey. Of course, the weather is one of the things that will remain subject to change throughout your entire trip so checking in advance is not always the only step when it comes to ensuring that your vessel and passengers remain safe at all times. 

Aside from understanding the local seasons for a guideline as to when would be best to book your bareboat charter, the earliest you can really check the weather in advance of your trip is 3-4 weeks even though these forecasts are still likely to change leading up to the date you will be setting sail. 

In the lead-up to your departure, it is wise to understand what the weather is doing in your surrounding region and if there are storms, cyclones, or hurricanes that might be likely to push bad weather your way. If you are chartering a vessel in a location that you are not familiar with weather-wise, it is always best to seek the advice of the local people who live through the different seasons and can help you to understand the more regular weather patterns in the area. 

During your trip, weather reports and warnings are freely available through local meteorology stations. Checking these on a regular basis is the best way to keep yourself, your boat and your passengers safe.

The Role of Weather in Bareboat Charter Route Planning

Weather will play one of the most significant roles in the design and execution of your bareboat charter. It might dictate where you can go and it can certainly determine how much you will enjoy the overall journey. Planning your route is an important safety aspect of any bareboat charter, especially so if you are not familiar with the local waters. 

Weather conditions should be first and foremost when you are planning your journey. Simply having a destination is not enough when it comes to the open ocean, you need to consider all that it will take for you to reach the location safely and without any unnecessary stress or worries.

The weather, specific to the time of year that you will be sailing, might dictate what kind of safety equipment you will be carrying on board as well as how much experience you have had skippering a yacht in similar conditions. When it comes to a bareboat charter, you want to make sure you are as prepared as you can possibly be to avoid any unwanted issues during your journey.

How to Stay Safe and Prepared for Changing Weather on a Bareboat Charter

Weather is one of the most unpredictable factors when it comes to any boat trip. Be it a half-day or a long journey, the weather could always turn unexpectedly causing problems that you may not have planned for in your route planning. It is important to ensure that you are prepared for every eventuality when planning your bareboat charter so that you don’t find yourself in real trouble. 

Most charter companies will offer a standard list of safety equipment that will be carried onboard the boat you choose for your bareboat charter. Depending on the type of weather conditions you are planning on sailing into, there may be some additional equipment that you should bring along with you to ensure that all souls on board remain as safe as they can be, even if the weather does decide to turn. 

Preparation is key to ensuring your ultimate safety, but regular checks are also vital to keeping apprised of weather conditions which will give you the time you need to prepare if something does change. A daily weather check should become a regular part of your routine if you are bareboat chartering as it will help you to stay on top of any unexpected weather patterns that are coming your way.

Experience a Bareboat Charter in Thailand

The south of Thailand is unparalleled in the region for the beauty of its seas. Nothing quite compares to being out on the water with the wind in your hair, experiencing the ocean on your own time. A bareboat charter allows you to go where you want and take your time without the need for strict schedules imposed by the captain or crew. 

If you are looking to experience the best of the Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea then there is no better way than a bareback boat charter in Thailand. Whether you are relatively new to the wonders of sailing or you are a seasoned expert, Simpson Yacht Charters have the right vessel for you. 

With the help of an expert team, you can plan a bareboat yacht charter journey that will be truly unforgettable. Choose a new way to experience an old favourite and contact the Simpson Yacht Charters  today to book yourself the journey of a lifetime in Thailand at [email protected]