FAQ – Regatta for friends

WHAT IS REGATTA?

Are you doing yacht racing?

A regatta is a sailing race, a sporting event. Regatta for friends is our brand. We have different formats of events: Sailing expeditions and tours – our basic format. On comfortable cruising sailing yachts we go on trips to the most beautiful corners of the planet. The format of the event includes excursions, gastro-tours, fitness and dive tours. From 2 to 7 boats go to the expedition. And we can have short friendly race if there is a good wind in the sea. Family Regatta or Young Sailors Academy by Regatta for friends is an adventure for children and parents, where adults and their children can go on an exciting journey to any corner of the globe. The event includes a special entertaining and educational program for children from 6 to 12 years old, developed by professional teachers, active games and creative competitions. It is aimed to development of communicative, cognitive, creative abilities and the ability to work as a team, as well as the development of useful marine skills. The classic format of the regatta is a true sailing race in compliance with all the formalities, starting procedure and finish line, mastering ship roles. The word “Regatta” we often use to name sailing tours, and not just a sport race.

WHAT TO TAKE ON YOUR BOAT?

What exactly is useful on a yacht?

Cabins have storage space – lockers and shelves, but still space is limited. Therefore, it is better to take with you only the necessary things that are indicated in our recommendations.

FROM CLOTHES:

Windbreakers and pants

Wind and significant humidity will accompany us even in good weather. Therefore, take a windbreaker and pants that will protect from the wind and will be useful in case of bad weather.

T-shirt with UV protection

To protect against sun and wind, we recommend taking a special long-sleeved T-shirt with UV protection from lycra (“technicals”). They are sold in sports stores. There are options for warm and cold weather. It keeps the heat when it is cold and cools down in the heat. If you do not have such T-shirts, you can take a long-sleeved cotton T-shirt for protection from the sun and wind.

Hat

Even on a summer trip you should take a hat with you. And in the summer the wind can rise, which is felt even stronger on the way of the yacht. If you want to spend the night on the deck under the stars, it will be cold in the morning without a hat.

Cap

Cap protects you on the yacht from the sun and overheating.

Gloves

You will be actively involved in the life of the boat and its management – including working with moorings, winches and other equipment. To do this you will need gloves. They will help you to hold on to maneuvering or rolling and protect your hands against burns when working with ropes. You can find more information about how to choose the right gloves here.

SHOES:

Yacht Shoes

On the deck you should always wear special shoes.

It should have:

white, non-slip sole, so as not to leave marks on the hull of the boat
a fixed heel
tight, closed toe boots

Moving on the deck without shoes, you can fall or injure your fingers and feet – there are many protruding parts on the boat that are easy to catch. Unfortunately, even experienced sailors are not protected from unpleasant injuries when they ignore this simple rule.

Topsiders – classic yacht shoes made of natural manerials – are the best for yacht sailing. Special yacht shoes are sold in sports stores in the yachting / sailing department.

It is better not to take sneakers with you as yacht shoes. In them, the feet quickly sweat, and dry well shoes will not be possible due to humidity.

Shoes for walking and tracking

To go ashore you need to take another shoes. Deck shoes, in which you are on a yacht, will not work – sand and small pebbles can be crammed into a soft, bright sole. They will scratch the deck. Most of our stops are in the marinas of picturesque cities. Therefore, you certainly want to go for a walk. Take comfortable shoes with you. If there are long wakls or climbings in our programm – take tracking boots with you. For a beach holiday it is worth capturing the flip flops. They also come in handy in the shower. Planning to swim with masks and snorkels around the islands? Do not forget special aquashoes. So you do not hurt your feet on sharp stones or sea urchins.

OTHER THINGS:

Sunglasses and sun cream with maximum SPF protection

When reflected from water, the harmful effects of sunlight on the skin and eyes increases. Even if you usually do not use sunscreen, never burn and do not intend to lie in the sun for a long time, on a yacht it is necessary to protect all exposed parts of the body – face, neck, hands, calves. Believe us, even those who never has sunburn – get sunburn on a boat, in any weather.

We recommend to buy special yacht sunglasses (skiing sunglasses are also work), tight to the face. The blue color of the lenses will give a brighter color to the sea even in cloudy weather 🙂 If you are going to cold countries where the sun is not expected, we anyway recommend taking the glasses. They will protect your eyse from wind and water. In this case, choose glasses with brighter lenses. In some stores you can buy glasses with a replaceable set of lenses for different weather conditions.

Car charger with a cigarette lighter socket

The yacht is equipped with 220 sockets and 12V car plugs. During the sailing day you can use the car connectors only. In most marinas we will have the opportunity to connect to 220. We recommend to take with you car chargers to charge gadgets during sailing day.

Towel for swimmimg in salt water

You will be given a bath towel on board. In wet conditions towels dry for a long time, so it’s good to have appitional towel with you. Especially if you sail in summer season, it is necessary to dry off after swimming in the sea. Thin microfiber towels that are sold for example in Decathlon will be a good choice.

Bag

Choose a bag with wheels and a comfortable telescopic handle. The main thing is that it must have soft sides – so the bag can be folded and put into a narrow locker. We also highly recommend you to buy a waterproof bag for storing gadgets and documents. They can be found in the same Decathlon for 10-20-50 liters.

First aid kit

Take with you the medicines that you need to take constantly or during critical situations depending on your health. Be sure to warn the captain about the features of your health and diet. All our participants write about this in medical questionnaires, which are carefully studied by the captains and organizers. The allergies should also be indicated in the questionnaire and take an antihistamine with you.

What medicines you can also tak with you:

Miramistin (antiseptic)
hydrogen peroxide
baneocin (antiseptic)
glue bf to glue a small wound
bandage
patches
iodine (it is better not to take brilliant green so as not to accidentally damage the deck and not pay a fine)
cough medicine
otipax drops (ear infections often occur in the sea, both in children and adults)
paracetamol / efferalgan (any antipyretic)
nurofen (any painkiller)
enetherofuril (against intestinal infection)
enterosgel (absorbent for any poisoning)
immodium (against diarrhea)
remedy for motion sickness (individually)

What is optional, but can be useful?

sleeping bag
flippers
salt / pepper
clothespins
rope for drying clothes

What to take on a yacht in the warm season?

From clothes:

4 changes of swimwears
long-sleeved T-shirt with UV protection

From shoes:

aquashoes
shoes for walking and tracking

More:

swimming mask / goggles

What to take on a yacht in the cold season?

Clothes:

waterproof windbreaker and pants
windbreaker and light pants
thermal underwear (2-3 sets)
warm socks (2-3 pairs)

Shoes: Yachting rubber boots with a bright sole. They can be purchased at the sailing store for example at Decathlon.

What to take on a boat for a child?

Clothes:

a UV shirt with long sleeves
a cap
a windbreaker
a sweatshirt / thermal underwear.

Shoe: yacht shoes, shoes for tracking, aquashoes.

More:

sunscreen and sun glasses
circles / flippers / goggles / masks
first aid kit with medicines necessary for the child
life vest.

Children’s life vests on the yacht are not provided. Each child must have his own life vest that fits him in size. You can buy a life vest in a sports store, for example, in Decathlon.

It is important that it meets the following characteristics:

supporting collar
sling between legs
made of foam or polyurethane
not automatic.

Automatic opens only when released into the water – for kids it is absolutely not suitable

What not to take on a yacht?

Regular suitcases

Suitcase with hard sides on the yacht will not be stored. Bring soft backpacks or bags with a flexible frames. They can be folded and put in a locker in the cabin.

Shoes with heels

It is impossible to walk on the deck in shoes with heels – the surface is very slippery and has many protruding parts. In addition, heels will leave a lot of scratches. You will walk a lot on the beach, so it’s better to replace your heels with comfortable sneakers, sandals and “ballerinas”.

Long dresses

It is inconvenient to move around in a long dress on the boat. On the yachts a lot of protruding parts that are easy to catch. You may fall and hear yourself and the dress will be ruined. It is better to use comfortable sportswear.

Lots of jewelry and cosmetics

While on the boat you must take off jewelry and wedding rings. The wind and a lot of spray will make your cosmetics quickly washed off. In addition, it is inconvenient to store it in wet conditions of the yacht. It is better to take a minimum of cosmetics.

Hairdryer and curling irons

The curling iron are not allowed on a boat as it is a fire hazard. Hairdryer is not recommended because it takes up a lot of space. You will be able to use it only during the stay in the marina, when the yacht is connected to 220V.

Bath towels

Bath towels are issued on the yacht. However, we recommend taking an additional beach towel to warm countries (for salt water) and an additional bath towel in cold countries (the towels dry for a long time if the humidity is high).

LIFE ON A YACHT & YACHT'S CONSTRUCTION

Which yachts do you sail?

Our sailing tours and expeditions take place only on modern cruise sailing yachts and catamarans no older than 5 years. Their advantages – comfortable cabins, equipped kitchen, several heads (bathrooms). Usually these are yachts from 10 to 18 meters with a capacity from 6 to 12 people. Most often we rent the following yachts: Beneteau Oceanis 45 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449 Bavaria 46 Bavaria 51 Hanse 505 We also travel by catamaran: Lagoon 400 S2 Lagoon 450 You can get more detailed information about these yachts here.

Is there enough space on the yacht? Cabins, amenities, storage

The yacht has a saloon with kitchen and seating area, cockpit and cabins. The cabins have a bed, a small locker and shelves for things, portholes. The bed size is a standard “lorry”, so you will sleep comfortably. As a rule, for 5 cabins – 3 bathrooms with shower and hot water. In the common kitchen, which is called the galley, we cook ourselves. We buy products in shops and local port markets. The kitchen has a gas stove, sink, refrigerator with freezer. Some boats have a 220 volt microwave. Cabin-company and cockpit – the place where the whole team. Cabin-company – a common space inside the yacht for recreation. Cockpit – place on the deck for the helmsman, as well as at the table under the awning for the crew. It is important not to keep personal items here, otherwise the place will be smaller and will not be so comfortable. Our captain says: “The main task of each is to take care of each other’s personal space. Then there’s plenty of room! ” You can get acquainted with our boats and their device in detail here.

About overnight stays

Most nights our boats spend in the marinas, special yacht ports. Sometimes the route involves spending the night in a secluded bay at anchor. We sleep on boats in comfortable cabins.

What is marina?

Marina is a specially equipped parking for yachts. In addition to the berths, most of them have comfortable showers, toilets, shops, cafes and restaurants, an electrical grid with a voltage of 220 and the Internet.

Is there internet on the yacht?

As the boat goes not far from the coast, there is a mobile connection on the boat and you can use the Internet of your mobile operator. Also, the crew of the boat can buy a mini-router or just use the phone with a local SIM card and “distribute” it – everyone will have access to the Internet.

How are things going with electricity?

The yacht is equipped with 220V sockets and 12V automotive connectors. During the day’s running, you can use car connectors. In most marinas, we will have the opportunity to connect to the mains with a voltage of 220 V. To charge the gadgets, we recommend taking with you car chargers.

MEAL CONCERNS

Meals on the yacht

We cook on the yacht ourselves – every day the role of the coc goes to one of the crew members. Of course, everyone helps each other. The kitchen has all the conditions: a gas stove, an oven and a spare gas bottle. Some yachts have a microwave – you can use it when the boat is in the marina and connected to an external power supply. In local shops and in the markets we buy fresh food for 2-3 days. Meals are cooked at one time, only perishable foods are stored in the refrigerator. There is a rule on the boat: I decided to have a snack – offer the others. On a yacht, we usually have breakfast, because at this time we are most often at sea. Depending on the program, we have lunch either by boat or in a cafe on the beach. In the evening we go to cafes and restaurants in the marina.

Can we take the cook with us?

In our travels, everyone is a crew member, not just a tourist. You will try yourself in different roles, including in the role of cook. Believe me, it’s fun and exciting. Separately, the person who helps with the housework (nurse), we take only in children’s regattas with kids 0+ – to support mothers. However, if you just want to relax and entrust all domestic issues to a professional – you can book an individual trip. We will select for you professional staff – the cook and hostesses.

SAFETY AND HEALTH

Is it safe in the open sea?

Safety and comfort are our main priorities. For each crew, instructions are given on safety rules – from safe behavior in the port to the order of actions for the “Man overboard” team.

Captains

We have only experienced skippers on boats. Twice a day, captains receive the most up-to-date weather report and, on its basis, decide on going to sea and the route. We enter the sea only in case of a safe forecast. By decision of the captain route can be changed. In most cases, by 5:00 pm we are already in the marina or at anchor and are ready for the night.

Rescue equipment

Boats have a full set of necessary rescue equipment. Each participant is given a personal life jacket. It is worth remembering where it is located – so if necessary, you can quickly use it.

Special equipment

For a comfortable and safe stay on the boat, you will need some special equipment that you can buy in most sports shops: comfortable shoes with non-slip bright soles with a closed nose, gloves, and a headdress.

Your health

Before the trip, we will ask you to fill out a medical questionnaire in order to notify the captain in advance about the features of your health and diet.

Medical insurance

Our tour package includes extended medical insurance for active recreation.

Is there an age limit for participation?

In adult regattas we invite participants from 14 years. For minors, the presence of one of the parents is mandatory. We have no upper age limit. The main thing is that you adequately assess your physical form, be active and positive. Children from 6 to 12 years old participate in family yachting The Young sailors Academy. In agreement with the organizers can join those who are younger. On one boat, we recruit participants with kids 0+, to help mothers on board will be a nurse.

Do you need special training or special skills?

No special skills required. Medium fitness is enough. The main thing – the desire and good mood. We will teach you everything you need!

I can not swim - is it critical?

On a sea voyage it is better to have at least basic swimming skills and to be able to float. But the inability to swim is not an obstacle to participation. All exits to the sea take place in the most calm weather conditions. Participants are briefed on water safety and work out the situation “Man overboard”. There are life jackets on board. You can also buy your own small vest, comfortable for you. You can buy a vest in a sports store.

Seasickness on a yacht and how to avoid it

According to statistics, only 3-5% of people can not adapt to rolling. Even if you have symptoms of seasickness, most likely, the body will soon adapt, and the discomfort will pass. Before going to sea, you need to sleep and have breakfast. Do not drink alcohol and highly carbonated drinks. Eat something light and non-greasy so that during the journey the stomach is not empty. Give your body time to get used to it and drink plenty of water. Do not use the pill at the first symptoms of motion sickness – they will pass by themselves when you get used to the new conditions. If seasickness does not let go, the main thing is to try not to concentrate on it. Do not be alone in the cabin, looking at the book or in the phone. Get out on deck, look at the horizon, talk to other crew members. Try to get behind the wheel – it often helps. If you feel sleepy, stay in the cabin and try to sleep. In extreme cases, if nothing helps, you can take a pill for motion sickness. Details on how to get rid of motion sickness forever, see the interview with Regatta for friends founder Sergey Sinitsyn.

If someone gets sick or hurt on a boat?

All of our skippers have completed first aid and know how to act in such situations. On the boat there is a first aid kit with the necessary medicines. In addition, our boats go off the coast – we can always go back and ask for qualified assistance in the marina. Before the trip, we will learn from all the participants about the presence of chronic diseases, dietary habits and special diets. Information is transmitted in advance to the captain, and he knows how to act and with whom to contact in case of an unforeseen situation. If you need any special medicines, take them with you to the boat and tell the captain about it. For each participant, we arrange medical insurance for active recreation.

PROGRAM ON THE YACHT

What to do on a trip? I will not be bored?

The format of our events involves direct participation in the life of the boat of each participant. Every day you will have a new ship role as a member of the crew (from the Navigator to the Sailor), and this means new duties on the boat – you will actively participate in the crew’s life, as well as gain basic boat management skills. In fact, it is very fun and exciting. As a rule, several excursion and entertainment events are included in the tour. Depending on the direction and subject of the tour it can be climbing, diving, skiing, city tours. The program may also include dance or fitness lessons, master classes and tastings. On each trip you will be logbook with a mini-guide. From it you can learn more about the places where we will be – a description of the main attractions, where to go, where to eat, what to see. In the morning you can do gymnastics together, in the evening watch a movie in the open air – we take a mini-projector with us. If you also grab board games and guitar, you definitely won’t be bored. Offer your options – we will support and help organize!

Ship roles and their rotation in our travels

In our travels, everyone is a member of the crew and takes an active part in the life of the boat. On the first day, the Captain assigns roles and assigns a sequence in which the crew enters them. For one trip, you will try yourself as a chief mate, navigator, radio operator, boatswain, cook and sailor. Journey will be an exciting game and a great adventure. It will also help you master the basic skills of managing a boat. Participant roles: Captain is the skipper, the permanent and most important person on the boat, who has the right to control the boat.

Chief mate is the captain’s right hand
Navigator – is responsible for laying the route, recording and recording navigation warnings, keeps the ship’s log

Radio operator – is responsible for checking the weather, radio communication, on / off, tuning the radio station and dashboard
Boatswain is responsible for the entire economy on the boat (order and compliance with the schedule), as well as flotation of the yacht with water and fuel, replenishment of drinking water and food, organizing cleaning and maintaining order on board, monitoring the performance of his team
Treasurer (combined position) – the permanent responsibility for the cash register. Collects money in the cash register, keeps records, on what they spent, monitors checks
Midshipman – deputy boatswain, responsible for the purchase of products. Maintains a list and, if necessary, purchases together with the treasurer
Cook – cook, appointed by the boatswain, included in the command of the chief sergeant, responsible for the galley and the daily duty
Foreman – responsible for the internal duty, tidying of internal surfaces, cleanliness and order of the mess room

Senior sailor – is responsible for the external economy, the organization of the ends, cleaning before leaving and at the end of the voyage, connection of shore power, collection, order on the deck
Sailor – performs orders boatswain
Junior sailor – helps everyone in everything
Jung – the most responsible sailor, ready for any job

Can I not participate in the life of the boat, and just be a tourist?

The format of our travels involves the active participation of everyone in the life of the boat. Believe, it is fascinating, fun and informative. No other participant has been disappointed by the participation in this “game” of ship roles. However, if you just want to relax and entrust all the concerns about the management of the boat and the life of the professionals – you can book an individual trip. We will provide the captain, cook, hostess and other staff.

Can I take children to an adult regatta?

The program and the intensity of our tours is designed for adults. In the adult regatta, accompanied by parents can participate children from 14 years. Those who are younger will simply be uninteresting, since there is no special program for them. Itineraries and program downloads are designed for adults, and can be tedious for children. We are waiting for children of all ages in special children’s regattas – the Academy of Young Sailors. The program in them is designed specifically for children and with the involvement of animators-counselors – it will be interesting and informative. More details can be found here.

WHO ARE OUR PARTICIPANTS?

Who will be with me on the yacht? Will we be comfortable with each other?

We are very responsible approach to the formation of crews. Therefore, even before the start of our tours, we meet with all the participants personally and form the crews so that everyone is comfortable. Our participants are active, positive, open-minded people who then don’t want to part with. There is not a lot of space on the boat, but it’s enough that the company will pack up after the day’s march, share impressions, play board games. But also for those who want to be in silence and think about something of their own, there will be a suitable place.

Can I choose which captain and which boat I will be on?

The formation of crews and the distribution of captains is at the discretion of the organizers. If you have a special wish, you can tell us about it. We will try to take it into account. Nevertheless, the formation of crews and the distribution of captains is left to the discretion of the organizers so that all participants are comfortable. In the crews, we select people with similar interests and attitudes. The program is developed by one for the whole group, so in any case, all team members will communicate with each other.

My friends are not from Russia and do not speak Russian. Can they get involved?

Of course. We are actively developing foreign direction. We have skippers who speak fluent English. And we will try to place you or your friend on the boat, where there will be more people who speak English so that everyone can communicate more comfortably.

COSTS AND PAYMENTS

What is included in the tour price?

place in the cabin (per person based on double occupancy, single occupancy is also possible, its cost must be clarified additionally);
participation in the cognitive and recreational activities included in the program of the tour – excursions, master classes, tastings, etc.;
docking in marinas;
fuel for the yacht;
boat with outboard engine;
final yacht cleaning;
bed linen and towel;
gas for the stove;
personal medical insurance;
fresh water refill;
personal logbook – a magazine where you record the number of nautical miles you traveled;
event sailing guide.

When combined tours with additional ground program:

transfer;
accommodation.

What is not included in the tour price?

transfer to marina (meeting point);
food – on average, everyone contributes 150 € to the ship’s box office. The ticket office is food for snacks, fruits, vegetables, water, breakfast items, and household items. This does not include alcohol, restaurants and individual taste preferences. As required, the cash register is replenished;
returnable security deposit;
visa;
souvenirs and personal expenses. Personal entertainment program.

I have seen advertising offers cheaper. Why do you have such a cost?

Tours on the market differ in what is included – entertainment, additional costs, and what fleet is used. Our travels take place on cruise boats no older than 5 years old, which are distinguished by sufficient comfort inside, have comfortable cabins, a fitted kitchen, and several sen.nodes (latans). Our skippers are highly qualified professionals. Many of them graduated from our school, they have a great experience of sailing. We can vouch for them.

The cost of our packages already includes:

skipper’s services
docking in marines (and their price may vary from € 40 to € 1,500 per night)
fuel
entertainment program – 1-2 excursions
insurance for an active type of recreation
small memorable gifts

How to pay for the trip?

You can make a transfer by our bank details, which we will send you. Payment is made in rubles at the rate of the Central Bank + 2.5%. We can also bill you in euros. If the tour has a special price, then you need to make the full amount before the date specified in the special offer.

I paid for the tour, but my plans have changed. Is it possible to reimburse my trip?

The advance payment made for early booking is used for booking yachts. If your plans have changed, we, of course, will be very upset. But we understand that everything in life happens. Therefore, you can reissue your tour to someone else.

What deposit do I make on the yacht?

On the yacht, the crew makes an insurance deposit in case of damage to the yacht. It usually ranges from 1500 to 9000 €.

There are three possible schemes:

Refundable deposit – about 250 € per person. A team in a club makes a deposit, which is fully refunded to participants if nothing breaks in the journey. If something was spoiled – the amount of the deposit or part of it is withheld.
Deposit insurance. The team is charged on the irrevocable cost of deposit insurance – up to 15% of the deposit amount. This amount is not refundable, but the deposit is fully refunded even in case of property damage. This option is not always available.
Partial deposit insurance is like a deductible. Up to 10% of the deposit amount will not be returned, the rest is refunded.

The amounts are approximate and depend on the conditions of a particular charter company.