Leaving
Always leave when
you say you are
leaving, as tempting
as staying on may be.
Unless the stewardess
offers to pack for you
and you are happy
with that, pack up in
plenty of time, so you
will be able to sit with
the host for a few
minutes before
departure. Some
yachts have guest
books, and the crew
love it if you write in
it and express how
wonderful they were.ecreware eretoserveyouandtoensureyouhaveanamazingtime.Generally,they
will cater to your every need, but don’t ask them to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself.
Be pleasant and polite, but not overly familiar. They are not your friends, and have very
demanding jobs to do. If there is anything you are unsure of, speak to the chief stewardess.
Shewillguideyouandadviseyou,andwillbeverywillingandhelpful.STAY CONNECTED:join the host’s
WhatsAppgroupsoyoucanalwaysfind
each other and know where to be at the right
time.Asyoutakepictures,uploadthem
tothechattosharethememories.Gifting
Remember, you are joining the equivalent of a house party, and the same rules apply. Always bring
a thoughtful gift, but not an item you will expect to be displayed on board, unless you are very close
to the owner and familiar with their taste. An incredible amount of time and thought goes into the
interior design, with the world’s best designers supplying everything down to the last detail.
A case of fine wine to drink on board will always be appreciated, or a luxury designer gift such as
a cashmere sweater or handbag is also a lovely item to bring. Remember to choose neutral luxury,
which is much more likely to be used by the host. Hosts love it when their guests take wonderful
photos of the trip, and share them with everyone. One very thoughtful guest had an album made
for the host and this is a very special thing to do.
DRINKING:neverdrinkmorethanyou
canhandleandbecomeaburdentothe
host. Accidents can happen on board, and
theseaisnotastreetbutamassofwater
with its own personality.Laundry and cabin etiquette
Laundry is usually discreetly taken out of your cabin and returned the same day. If you
have specific requirements then speak with the chief stewardess by all means, and she
will convey this to the laundress. It is frowned upon to ask for your dainties to be hand
washed; wash them yourself or take them home. Never leave things on the floor to be
picked up, and try to leave make-up and creams inside the bathroom. Dry cleaning is also
something that cannot be accommodated, as the yacht will most likely be on the move.Eating on shore
The host usually decides which restaurant
you’ll be dining at, and has usually booked
well in advance. Very often this will
be brought up in conversation, and
this will be the only time to make
recommendations, if asked. If you have
your heart set on a different restaurant, go
another time and stay in a hotel. You are
part of a group, and you need to stay in the
group. Most guests take turns paying for
meals on shore, and try not to let the host
pay for anything. Do be punctual and be at
the tender at the requested time. There is
nothing more irritating than having to
wait for guests while sitting in a tender. ost yachts have an amazing
selection of water toys, and there are
usually certain times set aside for
enjoying them. The crew will instruct
you on how best to use them, but
remember these items are very
costly and need to be treated with
care. Always follow the guidelines
explained by the crew, as most
accidents occur during water sports.
Don’t monopolise a certain toy, like
a jet ski, if there are other guests
waiting to use it. Do feel free if you
are on your own. It is also important
not to enter the yacht with a wet
swimsuit. Always dry off carefully
and leave the swimming towel
outside, where it will be collected
by a member of the crew.http://www.boatinternational.com | January 2018151