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Coronadobx · 13-02-2011, 14:06

Hello everyone, I will be moving to Ft Lauderdale and I have some questions to the forum.

-Any advise about a good charter company?
-I am moving from Spain I have my Spanish certification as Capitán de Yate (similar to Ocean Yachtmaster) Do you think I should go through the ASA exams? Any opportunities of convalidation?
-Any advise about the Intracoastal Navigation?

Thank you

Coronadobx

**GordMay** · 13-02-2011, 14:07

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Coronadobx .

CSY Man · 13-02-2011, 16:43

Hello from Fort Lauderdale.

Don't know about a good charter company around here.

I assume you want to rent, or "Bare Boat" a sailboat without a Captain..?

Down in Key Largo you can rent sailboats and cruise the Keys, or take a Morgan 41 to the Bahamas, but then you need a "Captain's License".
(Which you have from Spain..Make sure you get an English Translation)

Plenty of charter companines in the Bahamas however.
Most folks fly there and rent a boat instead of renting here and sailing over there.

There is some Boat Clubs here in South Florida where you can get "fractional ownership". That means you buy 1/16 or 1/20 or whatever % of a boat, then split with other owners and you use it only a few days a month.
Probably a good idea.
I am only using my boat once per year these days, but pay 100% of the cost..

Coronadobx · 17-02-2011, 04:48

Thank all for the info. Yes I was thinking in chartering bareboat

Regards

Coronadobx

jzk · 17-02-2011, 04:51

When you get to Fort Lauderdale, check out the Gulfstream Sailing Club.

**skipmac** · 17-02-2011, 05:20

Plenty of bareboat charters available in south Florida. Check the yachting magazines, local papers, etc. Have charterd from Miami before and found a wide range of boats available up to 48' monohulls and cats.

No captains license is required, even to take a charter from FL to the Bahamas unless you are taking other passengers for hire. Any license or certifications you have will help but at the end of the day what really matters is your knowledge and experience. Regardless of what classes you have taken or documents you supply, the charter company will want to speak to you and decide for themselves if they think you are qualified to take charge of a boat.

On your first charter with the company they might ask you to complete a several page questionaire about sailing, navigation, boat handling, weather, etc., more or less an exam. If they have any doubts they might require you to take the boat out on a short trip around the bay with a captain on board to observe and if they are not satisfied could require you to hire a captain to be onboard to monitor or take charge if necessary.

Hope this is helpful.