Latesail Blog

Unfortunately, the days of chartering without a sailing certificate are numbered and in short supply. While there are a number of worldwide destinations where a resume will suffice, almost all short hop Mediterranean destinations now require a certificate. People often ask how 30 years of experience and owning one’s own yacht can be ignored! While we at LateSail agree that experience is unrivalled and of vital importance for ensuring a safe and an enjoyable charter, we sadly don’t make the r

The alluring notion of a last minute charter often ends with the dissatisfaction of either; settling with a somewhat compromised charter or not going at all! I hope to unpack some of the variables at play and help you to identify what’s most important to you. Like most things in life this beast is relative … what is your last minute charter? What attracts you to a last minute charter? Are you all about the end price? Are you really looking for the cheapest yacht in the Med, or are you lookin

Many of you will know that the Euro is, and has been for a while now, trading considerably weaker than we are used to against the US $. So what does this mean for you? Well on the whole it is good news. Many charter fleets, especially those in the Med, price their yacht charters in Euros, so the converted cost in US $ is considerably less (approx. 10% lower than the same time last year). Not only does this mean savings on the charter cost, but your day to day expenses whilst on charter will also

At LateSail we love Croatia, no matter how many times you go, there is so much to see and do and no two vacations are exactly alike. This eclectic nature is exactly what you would expect from a country culturally infused with Slavic, Venetian, Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Italian, Hungarian, Ottoman and Soviet influences.  Not only is Croatia defined by her Historic thumb-print but also by her breathtaking beauty, from the National Parks to the archipelago of Islands dotted off her coast, Croatia,

So, where in the world do you sail in non-tidal waters whilst enjoying some of the freshest lobster around? It has to be the islands of Antigua & Barbuda in the heart of the Caribbean. Antigua is a well known Caribbean destination sitting like a jewel in the Caribbean chain between BVI and the Grenadines; but how well do people really know it? Sure, it’s famous for hosting Test Cricket, the Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week (a bit like Cowes Week in the sunshine; and just add

Traveling with children always requires a little extra thought and preparation. A sailing vacation is a no brainer when it comes to kids, it is the perfect way to make sure the adults and children enjoy their vacation while also enjoying their time with each other.  This is a unique experience for children filled with plenty of opportunities for learning and fun, and there are of course some tips we can offer to make sure the children, and the adults, get the most out of their family charter va

We receive countless enquiries from charterers who have been sailing all their life, own a yacht,   or have many years of experience, but they have never qualified, why would they need to? Over the years more and more countries are making it a requirement that the charter skipper has a sailing licence, or sailing certificate. It is neither the broker, nor the charter company that stipulate this, but the local authorities, and as time goes on it is becoming more strictly enforced and regulated

Now that you have your charter planned and you are counting the days until you set sail, it is time to start thinking about packing for your trip! Packing for a sailing vacation is not quite the same as packing for a resort stay, so we do have some tips and suggestions for you to keep in mind. First things first, let’s start with the luggage itself: soft-sided bags is a must, duffel bags, backpacks etc. You are working with limited storage space on a boat, so it is best to have luggage that is

Where to really escape the crowds You’ve left the marina, the engine is off, the sails are up and the only sound is the water gently lapping against the hull. This is the freedom and escape you’ve been eagerly anticipating.  Next stop, a calm secluded bay for lunch and then an afternoon sail into the next port, but what then? A busy marina with yachts jostling for spaces– families shouting as they try to negotiate tight moorings, port papers needed NOW, and people running, dancing, talkin

As the seasons change, so does sailing. Springtime in the Caribbean offers unique opportunities for those looking to traverse the blue waters and enjoy the region’s natural wonders. Antigua_CarlisleBay First, you have the weather. During the winter you may even need an extra layer at night; summer has moments when it is stiflingly hot, but spring weather tends to be friendlier for all visitors. It is mild, pleasant and relaxing for those looking to get away from the stress of city life. If you