Your pre-departure briefing is designed to help you feel prepared, confident and safe before you leave the marina. It is an important part of your bareboat charter and gives you practical guidance on the vessel, the charter area and what to expect once you’re underway.
For many guests, especially first-timers, the briefing is where everything starts to click into place.
Here’s what to expect before your bareboat charter begins.
On the morning of departure, commencing from 8:30am.
In person, on board your vessel, before leaving the marina.
The briefing can take up to 4 hours, depending on the vessel and crew needs.
The primary charter guest and at least one other crew member must participate, and both must be over 18.
A pre-departure briefing is a comprehensive session that familiarises you and your crew with the vessel, the charter area and the key information you’ll need before heading out on the water.
It covers vessel operations, safety procedures, navigation basics, local rules, emergency processes and practical knowledge that helps you have a smoother and safer charter.
The briefing is practical, interactive and designed to help you understand both the boat and the cruising area before you leave.
You’ll begin the morning onboard your charter boat with a knowledgeable and qualified representative.
You’ll be shown how the boat works, where key equipment is located, and what to do in the event of an emergency.
The briefing also covers the charter area, navigation considerations, local regulations and practical advice relevant to your holiday.
Hands-on demonstrations and Q&A are encouraged, so you can clarify anything you’re unsure about before you leave.
A short quiz is completed at the end to help confirm the briefing has been understood.
If you need extra clarification during your charter, our team remains available by VHF radio.
A good briefing does more than explain the boat — it helps everyone onboard feel more ready for the holiday ahead.
Understanding the vessel, its systems and the charter area helps reduce uncertainty before departure.
The briefing helps you understand your responsibilities, safety expectations and local boating requirements.
A better-informed crew usually feels more comfortable, which helps the whole holiday run more smoothly.
The briefing is designed to prepare you properly, but if you’d like extra help beyond that, there are other ways to build confidence before or during your charter.
Explore these resources if you’d like to prepare further before your charter.
Use our experience calculator to get a feel for the level of support that may suit your charter.
Check your experience »
Need extra support on board? Learn how a Sail Guide can help build confidence during your charter.
Learn about Sail Guides »
Prefer to build your knowledge before you arrive? Explore practical and online learning options.
Learn to sail »
Navigating the Elements: Reading the Wind While Sailing »
Mastering Mooring: A Comprehensive Guide to Picking Up a Mooring »
Brush up on mooring knowledge before your trip with this helpful YouTube video.
Watch the mooring video »
That’s completely normal. The briefing is there to help you feel prepared, supported and ready to enjoy your charter. If you’d like to talk through your experience level or support options beforehand, we’re here to help.
