FAQs

Charter FAQs

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHARTERING

What happens if severe weather is forecast?

In the event of severe weather being forecast for the duration of the proposed charter period, we reserve the right to reschedule the charter. We will reschedule the charter for within three months of the original booking. No refunds will be given should severe weather develop during the charter period. No refund will be given should the rescheduled charter take place in a less expensive charter period. We reserve the right to limit the cruising area should severe weather be forecast.

What are the standard charter timings?

  • Weekend Charter – 16:00 on Friday through to 16:00 on Sunday following
  • Week Charter – 12:00 Monday through to 16:00 on Sunday following or 16:00 Friday through to 10:00 Friday following
  • Mid-Week Charter – 12:00 Monday through to 11:00 Friday following

One, two or three days can be added to weekend charters for long or extra long weekends.  Early boarding by up to 3 hours is often possible subject to availability.

Where are the boats?

All our charters start and finish from Queen Anne’s Battery Marina in Plymouth.

What happens when we return from our charter?

At the end of your charter the vessel must be refuelled, clean and tidy. Once the boat is ready and you have removed your personal gear either come up to the office or give us a call and we will come down to the boat to inspect her and officially take her back from you.

What about car parking?

There is secure, paid parking within the Marina – the first two hours are free if you want to go down to the boat then go food shopping or similar. After that, Liberty Yachts’ customers get ½ price parking from the marina – £5 per day or part thereof (as of June 2022).

Park your car as directed by the staff in the marina reception then leave your keys with them in case of emergency. We will give you a ½ price voucher and you can prepay when you drop your keys off or when you collect them at the end of your charter.

What about diesel and gas?

Your boat will be fully fuelled when you pick her up and must be refuelled before you hand her back to us. Diesel is conveniently available in Queen Anne’s Battery Marina or alternatively at Yacht Haven or Mayflower Marinas. Liberty Yachts will charge £30+VAT, plus fuel cost for yachts handed back not fully refuelled.

Your boat will have an ‘in use’ bottle of gas and a full sealed spare when you collect her. Added to your charter fee and shown on your charter statement, there is a separate, prepaid charge for gas so you do not need to replace empty gas bottles. If you are on a long charter and have to buy a refill, save the receipt and we will refund you.

What gear do I need to bring?

You will need to bring:

  • Sensible deck shoes or shoes with non-marking soles
  • Waterproofs and sailing boots (available for hire from Liberty Yachts)
  • Hat and gloves
  • Sleeping bags and pillows (available for hire from Liberty Yachts)
  • Bed linen and towels (we supply galley tea towels and heads hand towels)
  • Clothes, toiletries and sun-protection
  • All packed in a soft holdall or collapsible bag

What documentation do I need to bring?

You will need to bring:

  • Personal photo ID in the form of a driving license or passport
  • Completed booking form and crew list (unless previously submitted)
  • Sailing certificates for the skipper and mate (if appropriate)

Can I hire waterproof sailing gear?

We have a large wardrobe of high quality waterproofs and sailing boots for hire.  Hiring can be organised and paid for when you collect your yacht or earlier by arrangement. Let us know your particular requirements beforehand and we will reserve sets in your sizes.

Where can I find a booking form?

Please contact us and we will email a booking form to you.

What is included in the charter fee and what extras are available?

The charter fee covers the complete yacht for the period of the charter – we do not charge extra for engine hours, mileage, water or electricity. There is a separate gas usage charge which is fixed according to the length of your charter.

Optional extras are outboard engine and fuel, waterproof rental, sleeping bag and pillow hire, and professional skipper hire.

Do I have to pay mooring fees?

You may use your boat’s home berth without charge but all other mooring costs away from your home berth are payable by you the charterer.

Who must Liberty Yachts hand the yacht over to?

The law (and good sense) require us to officially hand the yacht over to the nominated charter skipper who in turn must hold appropriate qualifications or show relevant yachting experience.

What security deposit is payable and when does it get returned?

We require a £1000 security deposit which must be cleared funds before commencement of the charter.  Under normal circumstances deposit refunds are processed within 14 days of charter completion. 

Where can I buy food for my charter?

There are three supermarkets a short car drive from the marina. We can supply maps on your arrival. Alternatively, order your food online from any of the major supermarkets and have it delivered to our office before you arrive.

Can I hire an outboard engine?

Yes, there is an outboard engine available for each yacht as an optional extra.  Let us know when you are booking your charter and we will put it aboard before you arrive.

How do I get to Liberty Yachts?

Click here for a map.

From the A38 Marsh Mills junction, which is the first junction going west signed for Plymouth , follow the Embankment Road towards town along the River Plym. After the river the road wiggles through an underpass and cutting, keep to the left then, as the road bends to the right, take the left hand turn (which is actually straight on) signed for Coxside. Past the cinema complex on the left then left at the traffic lights. Continue ¼ mile then, as the road turns hard left, take the right hand turn then left into the Marina. The gate raises automatically as you approach and a camera reads your number plate. Follow the marked roadway in the marina to the front of the buildings. Our office overlooks the boats, is next to the marina reception and is above Chandler’s Bar.