Planning a yacht charter involves not only charting sea passages, but also finding suitable parking options along the route. This includes planned stops and backup options in case of unforeseen circumstances. Yacht parking options include marinas, anchorages, buoys, and piers.
Marinas: Types and Features
Marinas are located in protected areas and offer amenities such as electricity, water, showers, toilets, shops, and restaurants. When planning a route, it is important to research marinas along the way, and book in advance depending on the season and workload. The cost of parking in marinas varies based on the size of the yacht, season, and location.
Yacht Anchorage: Factors to Consider
Protected anchorages located near ports, marinas, or in sheltered bays are common in popular yachting areas. When choosing anchorages, it is important to consider factors such as wind and wave protection, soil quality, prevailing winds and gusts, and the turning radius of the yacht on the chain. Recommended anchorages are listed in sailing directions and other reference literature.
Yacht Moorings on Buoys
Mooring buoys are private property and are typically used in areas where anchorage is not feasible. Buoys are noted in sailing directions and navigation applications and have specific size and weight restrictions. In some regions, buoys are equipped with bollards for attaching mooring lines from the stern of the yacht to the shore.
Yacht Parking on the Pier
Piers are available in some bays in the Mediterranean, typically operated by restaurant owners who aim to provide comfortable and safe parking options for yachts. Parking on the pier includes amenities such as moorings, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi, as well as showers and toilets on the shore.
