FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


How is a charter yacht different from a cruise ship or seaside resort?
The flexibility and privacy of a yacht is the ultimate indulgence. Professional crew wait on you from the moment you board (or leave you alone if you desire). Your captain will suggest an itinerary, but you're not locked into a program and are free to waiver from this route. If you find the perfect spot to linger longer! Cruising allows you the luxury of only unpacking your bags once while touring many different areas.

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What is the difference between a skippered and crewed charter ?
Skippered charter is rather like renting a car with a chauffeur. On a skippered charter your only crew is skipper "Korhan Sokmen M.D." who takes complete responsibility for the safety of the yacht and those aboard her. Cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning of your cabins during your charter will be performed by yourselves. Of course your skipper will help you as much as he can. On crewed charter besides your skipper "chef Oktay" will be on board to cook, serve and wash dishes.Crewed Charters require no need to wash a glass or even pull a cork. On a crewed charter you simply lie back and relax, although, if you wish, you will be allowed to take part in the running. In both crewed and skippered charters charterer is going to pay all of the operating expenses while on board such as; fuel, dockage, food and beverages. A good rule of thumb is to allow 15-20% of the charter fee toward expenses. (Crewed Charters are cancelled, we only offer Skippered Charters)

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On what days and times do charters start and finish?
Usually, our weekly charters start on saturday around 1400, and ends on friday 1300, the time for you to leave the boat . We usually sail into the arrival harbor noon time. If we don't have a charter after yours, you may stay overnight and leave on saturday morning. But of course you are not locked into our program, your charter may be scheduled on any available days and times of your choice, to fit in with flight schedules or hotel check-out, if VEGA is available during that time..

Do I need any sailing experience?
No experience is needed as our skipper, Korhan, is very capable of handling the boat himself. If you wish, he is more than happy to teach you to sail, or if you are a capable sailor you can sail the boat and he'll make the coffee!

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May I sail the yacht by myself if I wish ?
It is not possible for you to charter the yacht without the skipper, but your skippers guidance enables you to sail the yacht yourself if you wish, whether or not you are inexperienced, in the knowledge that a trained eye is in constant attendance. It's a great way to learn. Your skipper Korhan is a professional instructor, who enjoys showing people into his secrets about sailing. Experimenting with a 42 ft. catamaran , perhaps a lot different and bigger than you're used to will be great.

I do alot of sailing, my partner doesn't, will we both enjoy the boat?
Vega sails fast and flat. The motion between sailing and motoring is hardly discernable. Catamarans do not heel over as do monohull yachts. Gimbles are not needed and you can continue to use your stem wine glasses. The keen sailors can involve themselves in the sailing, while the non-sailors can just relax, enjoy the scenery or read a book.

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How far do we sail from the coast or between each anchorage?
Usually from 2 to 15 miles, depending on the route, which is determined by the number of days for the charter. We always sail in protected waters, within sight of the mainland.

Is Vega suitable for young children?
All ages have enjoyed Vega. The youngest so far has been 3 months and the oldest 87 years! Vega's large cockpit area makes a safe play-pen like area and large, flat decks allow safe movement around the boat. In fact children adapt very easily to the boat and parents find they sleep very well.

How many people can go on the boat?
Vega has 4 double and 1 single berths in five cabins. Two cabins with double berths in the starboard hull share a big bathroom area including shower, handbasin and toilet. It is the same with the port hull (two double cabins and a bathroom area). The other cabin with single berth is in the front with entrance from the deck, this cabin is usually used by the cook on crewed charters. The port side aft cabin belongs to captain. The other three double cabins are for guests. Vega is ideal for 3 couples or 2 small families as guests. Vega's official papers limits its capacity to 10 person for offshore cruising.

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How much baggage can we bring?
First, only bring soft sided luggage since space is limited and storage is easier. Big, hard suit cases should not be used. For clothing bring casual wear, mostly shorts and T-shirts, and swimsuits, and soft soled shoes for shore walks, which can usually fit into one "zip-up" carry bag per person.

What special items do we need on the yacht?
Sun hat and glasses, suntan oil, at least two swimsuits, camera, soft soled shoes, a favorite beach-towel, personal toiletries.

Will there be other groups aboard the yacht?
No, except for the Captain (and Chef on crewed charters), your yacht is totally private and only for you and your guests.

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Are there any restaurants or shops on the route?
Yes, several coves have small and interesting local style restaurants, and in some of the bays small towns with shops restaurants and bars, which we usually sail to in between sailing to uninhabited coves and islands for a nice balance of things to do and see.

Are there any historical places we can visit during our voyage?
Depending on the route you choosed, you will see frequent reminders of long-vanished cultures; elaborate and amazingly intact Lycian cliff tombs dating back to 500BC or so. There are ruins of pirate villages to explore; amphitheatres scattered all along the coast; most of them completely open and free for you to wander around - no gates, guards. Just see the "Places of Interest" page of our site.

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Do we see many tourists or other charter yachts?
No, not frequently. Our charter sailing area of 16,000 square miles has so many islands, bays, coves and deserted beaches that you will see very few tourists or other charter yachts. In some popular bays we will see some private and charter yachts, but not so many of them.

What water activities are available?
Sailing, swimming/snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Small or big game fishing. Exploring underwater historical ruins, fishing or exploring nearby deserted small coves or caves with our inflatable outboard dighy. Beach water sports are also available as an optional extra, including water- skiing, para-sailing, and jet skis in some of the places.

What navigation and safety gear is on board?
Everything as required by a charter yacht, including GPS navigation system, autopilot, VHF and SSB radio, cellular phone, depth sounder, dinghy, plus life jackets for all persons (two for kids) on board Vega.

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Which places will we visit?
"Where you go" is entirely up to you. A vacation with Vega is customized to meet your desires! After you have had a chance to settle in, your Captain will sit down with you and develop an itinerary based on your interests and preferences. Of course, you have the luxury of leaving it all up to your Captain and crew - their local knowledge and experience insure you a relaxed and safe charter.

What's the Weather like?
The extremely consistent weather conditions in south east Egean are one of the reasons this area is considered to be one of the best cruising grounds in the world! Good weather is virtually guaranteed from mid April to late October. The area enjoys winter rainfall so the summers are long and hot. The prevailing wind is the MELTEMI which blows East to South East, late afternoon most days between late June to end August. Wind strength during this period is 10 -25 knots in the afternoon.

Temperatures C/F
_______Apr___May___Jun___Jul___Aug___Sep___Oct___Nov_
Air : 18/65 19/66 24/75 27/81 28/83 24/75 19/66 18/65
Sea : 18/66 19/66 21/70 23/74 24/75 22/72 21/70 20/68

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Where does the yacht stop each night for sleeping?
Before sunset the yacht will anchor in one of the many protected bays, to ensure a good nights rest. We will have lots of choices for anchorages like deserted bays, small towns with shops, restaurants, even discos. It is entirely up to you, the initiary will be made to meet your desires.

Will we get seasick?
Our cruising grounds feature many protected coves and anchorages. Also, most of the destinations are a short sail from each other, so there is little or no exposure to rough seas during a charter. It would be possible to get sea sick with a mono-hull yacht, but with a catamaran like Vega it is very unlikely. However, if you are highly sensitive to motion and worried about seasickness check with your local pharmacist for special medication before you leave home.

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What's our itinerary going to be like?
The itinerary is based on your preferences of activities. The crew know the territory very well and will tailor the cruise to fit your requests. The Turkish coasts offer a tremendous variety of bays, anchorages, towns and historical places to visit. It isn't possible to see everything in one visit however, and you may need to adjust your itinerary to accommodate your schedule and activities you have chosen or return again in the future for another charter

Can we smoke on board?
Smoking is not permitted inside the yacht, strictly forbidden in the cabins, however, you are allowed to smoke on the outside deck areas and in the cockpit. Substances that are illegal on land are also illegal on the yacht.

How do my friends, family and business colleagues reach me during the cruise?
Vega is equipped with cellular service. You can give our cellular phone number [(+90)532 232 8498] to them to reach you. Or you can bring your handy with you if you like. For short periods you can also use captains pc to reach internet.

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Do you offer Special Cruises?
Yes, we arrange cruises to meet almost every need. You ask and we do it. Some of these include:
Learn To Sail : We are happy to share our knowledge of sailing with you and there will be opportunities to steer the boat and adjust the sails if your want. Our skipper Korhan is a qualified sailing instructor for those charter guests that are interested in learning more.
Honeymoon trips : Our private yacht Vega provide one of the most romantic ways to begin your new life together - without any worries after all you've gone through with the preparation.
Clothing Optional : Our crew do not mind our guests 'expressing themselves', and the seclusion possible on your own yacht ensures you to privacy.
History tour : A bluevoyage with only selected historical places to visit. (see the "Places of Interest" section of our site.)

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Can I bring my pet on board?
Animals are typically not accustomed to the strict confinement of a ship and an active cruising itinerary can be quite uncomfortable for pets unless they are trained for it. Just like humans, animals can also be sensitive to the effects of motion and may become disoriented and lethargic or agitated. If you think that it won't be a problem for you, for your pet and for the crew you may bring your pet but all the responsibility will be yours.

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Who plans the menus?
On skippered charters, you are the one who is going to plan the menu. Captain Korhan will assist you if you let him to do. On crewed charters, our chef will usually provide a sample menu of the yacht's cuisine and is delighted to adjust his fare to your palate. (Crewed Charters are cancelled, we only offer Skippered Charters)

Do we have to go for a whole week ?
No. We offer 3-night minimum to multiple-week itineraries. And "Weekend Getaways" (before july and after september)

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Can we get a refund if we cancel our vacation?
In most cases, charter deposits are not refundable unless we rebook the dates. With sufficient advanced notice, we may allow you to reschedule your vacation, though! [please see "terms of payment" paragraph at the "Price" section of our site]

How far in advance should we plan our vacation?
During peak holiday travel periods, availability is extremely limited. Many high season charters are reserved 9 to 12 months in advance. Off-season vacations can usually be arranged 3 to 5 months in advance. Like any fine resort, there are always last-minute cancellations - so we encourage you to call!

Don't miss the boat!

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How can I contact you?
You can contact us by e-mail, (just click on the word e-mail) or by phone (+90)532 232 8498
Our e-mail address : info@catamaranvega.com

My questions are not listed. How can I have more information?
By droping an e-mail to us or by phone : (+90)532 232 8498

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