Frequently Asked Questions

Ask the Skipper
  1. Ask the Skipper
 

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How would training with SNC work for myself and my family?

When you join SailTime Hamble & Lymington you gain regular exclusive access to your yacht or power boat. Access is a minimum of 7 ’sail times’ each month throughout the year, including guaranteed weekend access. We can arrange for our instructor to be onboard with you and your family (or friends) to teach you and to take you through Competent Crew, Day Skipper and beyond, or private individual training. You will be receiving quality personal instruction onboard your luxury SailTime boat, giving you time to learn, practise and become a competent seaman. We hold your hand the whole way.

What is the relationship between SNC and SailTime Hamble & Lymington?

Both companies are owned and run by Sue Grey and myself (Richard Pierpoint). Graeme Johnston, RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Instructor, heads up SNC as well as being in charge of our SailTime fleet maintenance.

We recognised that there was real demand from our existing SailTime members to provide bespoke tuition to improve their skills, as well as from new members joining who needed to reach their Day Skipper level, or just to brush up on rusty skills. In response to this we have formed Solent Nautical College and gained RYA training status recognition and are able to provide dedicated training for SailTime.

I gained my Day Skipper qualification years ago, but am worried that I am rusty and not up-to-date with all the electronics onboard modern boats. How can you help?

On joining SailTime Hamble & Lymington we take you through a 2 day induction on your boat. This is to ensure you are familiar with all the equipment and how the boat sails and handles. Following this we provide personal tuition tailored to your needs. We also regularly run member workshops, covering everything from navigation to anchoring. For example, if you want practise at ‘man overboard’ drills for the whole family, then this is what we will do!

Do you do RYA courses?

Yes, we can certify Competent Crew, Day Skipper Tidal, Coastal and can tutor you through to Yachtmaster and beyond. We also can provide ICC and some MCA courses.

I have my own boat and need to get an ICC. Can you help?

Yes, we provide own boat tuition for non-members. We can offer a bespoke preparation course and/or ICC examination for Sail and Power.

I am really interested in your training, but don’t wish to commit to SailTime. Does that rule me out?

No, not at all. We are running a limited number of Day Skipper Tidal and Competent Crew courses over the winter for non-members. You will take the course on one of our SailTime boats and experience the quality of our fleet. We believe you will change your mind when you see how well our integrated training and membership programme works. To do it any other way is like learning to drive without  access to a car except when with your instructor!

What is the maximum number of fractional sailors on a given yacht?

Eight. The full calendar is made available to the eight Members via our online scheduling software. Learn more about how the Scheduler allows everyone to get the sailing times they want by visiting www.sailtime.co.uk.

What is the monthly cost?

This depends on the size of the yacht but the range is from £499 to £789 pcm inc vat.  This is a fully inclusive cost including gas and fuel. You only have to supply three things; your wet weather gear, food and drink and your bedding. Everything else even down to a cork screw is included!

Will my costs go up if there are fewer Members on the boat?

No. The SailTime programme has been specifically crafted to alleviate this type of pitfall and ensures that Members pay a flat monthly fee only.

How much will I be required to pay when I join SailTime?

There is a one off, valid for how ever long you remain in SailTime, £1700 inc vat joining/induction fee which includes a long term contribution to wear and tear.  This includes two days ‘charter’ of the yacht and instruction. There is no security deposit.

What is the length of the commitment?

It is a 12 month commitment, with 12 month renewable option at the end of each year. 

Am I a part owner of the yacht when I join SailTime?

No. Shared ownership of the yacht creates many complexities. The yacht is owned by a SailTime Owner-Member. If you are interested in taking advantage of our Owner-Member programme give us a call. Not only do we pay the everyday running costs of your boat including insurance and berthing but we will also pay you a significant monthly income as well as providing you with a free membership.

Are there any other maintenance/upkeep fees that will be charged?

No. But if you damage the vessel you will pay the insurance excess out of your deposit, after which you must replenish the deposit. The insurance excess is £1000 for yachts and £1500 for Power boats.

Can two non-related people share one membership?

Yes. You share the same allocation of time, ie, 1/8th of the use of the boat. this is a great way to cut the real cost of boat access.

How do you schedule the sail times?

Via our exclusive and proprietary online SailTime scheduling software. The software allows you to reserve and swap schedules 24/7 in real-time by selecting a minimum of seven sail times per month and an unlimited amount on an ‘as available’ basis. This system has been developed over 7 years and is key to our sucessful business.

Can I see the yacht ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just call us to make an appointment.

What are the specifications of the yacht?

Each SailTime boat is commercially coded and comprehensively equipped including all the safety equipment, auto pilot, chart plotter, heating, electric windlass, galley items and other features that make yachting easy and enjoyable.

Can I stay overnight on the yacht?

Yes. Every evening sail time starts at 6.00 pm and ends at 10.30 am the next morning.

Who is responsible for washing down the boat?

Members wash down the yacht after their use and remove their rubbish, etc. Each yacht has an E-ttendant (a wireless Internet connected PDA) that Members use to check on and check off the boat. If the previous Member left something amiss they will be sent an email from the E-ttendant informing them of their oversight. This ensures you get the boat in pristine condition each time you go sailing. If you reserve a block of 3 or more days then an email will automatically be generated to the Base Owner to request a general clean, for which the Member will be invoiced.

How do you handle irresponsible / uncooperative / non-paying Members?

The Membership Agreement makes provision for those Members who abuse SailTime’s policies to be fined or ultimately removed from the programme.

As a SailTime Member will I be qualified enough to bareboat charter abroad?

Yes. Experience gained with SailTime and your RYA Day Skipper Tidal qualification and ICC (International Certificate of Competence) will enable you to charter anywhere in the world.

Can I continuously get back to back sail times so long as no other Member is using the time?

Absolutely! Each Member is entitled to unlimited ‘as-available’ use on a 24 hour notice basis at no extra cost.

I see that you have bases worldwide. Can I use SailTime boats in other locations either temporarily or semi-permanently?

Yes. A SailTime membership gives you access to yachts across SailTime’s globally-located bases. Certain qualifications and restrictions must be met. Enquire with your local SailTime Base.

Can I become a Member first and then upgrade to become an Owner-Member?

Yes. Owner-Members can be upgraded from the existing membership pool. We think membership is an excellent way to ‘buy in’ to the concept before making a  major financial investment in a yacht. Requests are taken in chronological order and upgrades are issued once a new yacht is required in the fleet. The Owner-Member programme is very popular — please place requests early.

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