Due to the health crisis linked to the Covid-19, boat hire companies have had to adapt to ensure the safety of boaters. Health protocols communicated by the Federation of Nautical Industries and the various governments have been put in place by the rental bases to guarantee the safety of boaters. However, some holidaymakers still doubt the relevance of going abroad.
"There's nothing to worry about." explains Olivier Albahary, founder of the yacht charter agency GlobeSailor . "As soon as the borders have been reopened and flights restarted, it is important to get the economy back on track, especially the boating industry. Performance has never been so high, we have had much more time to prepare the boats, hygiene and cleanliness standards have been raised, and there may be fewer people on the water and in the islands. It's going to be a great summer for the customers." he adds.
Thus, each boat is disinfected, cleaned from top to bottom, ventilated and aired. Pillowcases are lined, bedding is provided in protective plastic, gloves and masks are made available to agency staff, but also to boaters. "The Federation has published numerous practical information sheets to help charter companies clean their boats, minimize contact on site or sanitize the dishes with specific products for example." details Olivier.
The briefing takes place outdoors and in the presence only of the captain and an employee of the agency, equipped with a mask, visor and gloves. Some of the offices have been moved outside.
"Unlike renting with a private individual, renting from a professional lessor is highly regulated and secure. There are a lot of procedures in place. It is estimated that on average there is an extra charge of 150 euros per week for cleaning the boat and setting up the formalities. The professionals do an incredible job! We communicate on the protocols of each rental company on its own basis, we reassure and advise our clients as best we can" details Olivier.
Do not hesitate to contact your agency for information on the measures put in place.
What if I still want to cancel my réservation??
Fear is stronger than anything and you don't want to honor your location?? Today, if there are no more health restrictions, quarantine or border closures, the standard cancellation conditions apply.
"All the conditions are in place to honor the leases. There are no risks and we do everything to reassure our customers on the measures put in place." reassures Olivier.
Sanitary measures to be respected
Even if the borders reopen, it is important to find out about the conditions of access to the country. "If you are going abroad, check the administrative portals and local regulations to avoid unpleasant surprises. Also ask the airlines about the conditions of access to the airports." advises Olivier.
A key leadership role
The captain is responsible for the safety of his crew. Thus, before departure, he will have to contact all crew members to indicate the protocol to be followed.
- Temperature reading every morning 7 days before departure and until the day of departure
- Temperature reading every morning during the cruise
"We advise to create a group with all the crewmembers of the cruise, who will indicate their temperature every day, in order to inform everyone. It is possible that not all of them will be confined together and they will be in isolation for a week. During the cruise, the skipper may record the temperature readings in the logbook. With this 14-day protocol, we ensure the safety of the boaters." explains Olivier.
If one of the crew members develops symptoms the week before departure, the charter company advises a Covid-19 screening. "The idea is not to oust the sick crewman, but rather to test him quickly to see if he'll be able to board or not." adds Olivier.
Finalize the administrative procedures beforehand
To reduce contact time, the rental agency advises to finalize the administrative procedures beforehand, by email, such as the payment of balances, the choice of additional equipment, the signature of the contract .. "At the agency, all that's left to do is to pay the deposit." reassures Olivier.
Protect yourself until the moment of departure
To get to the rental base, you will have to protect yourself by wearing a mask (public transport, airport, cars, petrol station...) and by carrying a bottle of personal hydroalcoholic gel.
"Wearing a mask is recommended when traveling to the base. Once at sea, everyone will be able to do as they wish. In a boat, there's plenty of ventilation and very little risk at sea." explains Olivier.
Bring your own equipment
Remember to bring extra masks to wear during stopovers and refuelling. It is also advisable to remove cardboard and plastic packaging from food after refuelling to limit the risk of contamination.
To comply with hygiene measures, rental companies no longer provide flippers, masks and snorkels, so remember to bring your own. Also remember to bring your own towels. Finally, for those who are more careful - even if bedding is provided in a vacuum - you can bring your own bedding, including pillowcases.
Very low risks at sea
On the coastal areas, Covid-19 had little impact on the population, as these areas were quickly classified as green zones. On the other hand, Greece and Croatia, the favourite destinations for yachtsmen, were little affected by the disease in terms of casualties.
"It's very healthy, relevant and safe to go on a cruise this summer. At sea, the air and wind allow good ventilation and no trace of Covid-19 was found in the sea water. Moreover, some small islands have been totally spared from the disease. We are therefore asking yachtsmen to be vigilant and show solidarity and respect for the inhabitants, who do not necessarily have the means to treat themselves due to their isolation from the mainland. It will therefore be necessary to be careful during stopovers, during refuelling or during dinners in restaurants", concludes Olivier.
