EastSail FAQ's

FAQ's

EastSail Location / Parking & Public Transport

Where is EastSail located, how do we get there and where can we park?
Click here for details on EastSail Location, public transport options and parking

Yacht Equipment

Do the yachts have a stereo system?
Yes, all yachts are equipped with a CD player and AM / FM Radio. These are currently being upgraded to accept USB portable music players as well as SD cards and Analogue Ipod interface using 3.5 mm male to male input jack. This upgrade will be completed by October 1st 2008

Are the yachts equipped with a BBQ?
No, for safety reasons we do not equip the yachts with BBQ's. Each vessel is equipped with a 2 burner gas stove and a small oven.

Is there a fridge on board?
All vessels are equipped with an ice box. Ice can be purchased from the EastSail office on arrival or can be pre-ordered when you make your booking.

Is there a toilet on board?
All vessels are equipped with a marine toilet. Full instructions on it's use will be given during your briefing and are also posted on the toilet. Please note that only what you have eaten and small amounts of toilet paper must be placed in these toilets as they can easily get blocked.

Is there hot and cold water aboard?
Yes there is a limited supply of cold water and a small amount of hot water available after the engine has been running. This is sufficient for very quick showering, washing up etc

Is tea and coffee supplied on board?
EastSail do not supply any food or beverage items but you are more than welcome to BYO.

Does EastSail Supply Linen on bareboat charters?
We have a limited supply of sheets / blankets and pillows that you can hire from us for $15pp for the duration of your charter. Please note that this needs to be ordered in advance. Please note that we are unable to supply towels. (Please note that linen is included on our overnight indulgence and oppulence packages)

Does EastSail supply Dinghies?
We have a limited supply of dinghies and oars available. Please note that these needs to be ordered in advance.(There is a charge for these over the Christmas / New Years Break)

Does EastSail supply Awnings?
We have a limited supply of awnings available. Please note that these needs to be ordered in advance. (There is a charge for these over the Christmas / New Years Break)

General

What should I wear?
We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable, casual clothing and soft soled, non marking shoes. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended. Even in the summer months we suggest that you bring a jumper as it can be cooler on the water. We can supply spray jackets in the case of inclement weather.

Can I take an Esky on board the yachts?
We do not allow rigid eskies on board as they can damage the varnish work and yacht interiors ("Soft" or polystyrene eskis are fine). There is an ice box on board that you can stow your cold items in.

Does EastSail supply sunscreen?
We have a limited supply of sunscreen available in the office.

Will we go sailing if it is raining?
Yes, EastSail can supply spray jackets if required. Please request these at reception on arrival. In the case of thunderstorms we may delay departure until they have passed over.

Can we sail outside Sydney Heads?
You are not allowed offshore on bareboat charters under any circumstances. Some vessels can go offshore with an EastSail skipper aboard if pre-arranged (please note than the number of guests allowed on board is reduced in this instance). Extended sailing school courses regularly sail offshore, weather permitting.

Can you suggest where we can anchor?
We will cover suitable anchorages and moorings in your comprehensive charter briefing prior to departure - suggestions can also be found in the charter manual on board all vessels.

What happens to my security bond after the charter?
Assuming that you have not damaged the vessel or other vessels your bond will be posted back to you within 14 days of your charter. The funds will become available on your credit card 5 working days after the charter. If you have damaged the vessel we will contact you as soon as possible after your charter to advise charges.

Why do I have to pay a bond on skippered charters?
A bond is charged on skippered charters to cover interior damage that may arise whilst you are out eg red wine stains on upholstery, damage to our marine toilets etc

What Qualifications do I need to charter a yacht?
We recommend that you have achieved RYA Day Skipper Level or equivalent or have skippered a yacht of a similar size in the past. We do not need to see any certificates but we do ask you to fill out a resume on arrival.

I can't sail can I still take a yacht out?
Yes, you can still take a yacht out with one of our knowledgeable skippers who will show you the ropes and guide you around the harbour. Your skipper will let you take the ropes and steer the yacht if you want to have a go or you can sit back and relax and take in the scenery.

Why can't I sail after dark on a bareboat charter?
Local maritime regulations require all bareboat charter vessels to be anchored between sunset and sunrise. If you wish to sail after dark you can take one of our knowledgeable skippers with you.

Where can I dock?
You are only allowed to dock at our marina on bareboat charters as other jetties are not suitable for fibreglass yachts. If you have our skipper onboard there are a few alternative locations where we can drop you ashore. eg King Street Wharf at Darling Harbour.

What are the minimum and maximum charter times?
There are none but you will be charged for a minimum 4 hour period on our sailing vessels.

Can I cancel my booking or get a refund if I change my mind?
The simple answer is no as we do not issue refunds under any circumstances but you may be able to transfer your booking to another date or the money to another service - please see our corporate event terms and conditions, sailing school terms and conditions and charter terms and conditions

Catering & Drinks

Can I BYO my own food and drinks?
Yes - this is fine on board all of the EastSail vessels (please note that on MV Yarranabbe there is a BYO charge per person applicable P.O.A) If you prefer to use our on board catering service you can check out our yacht Menus and Soft Drinks Order Form and CBD Cellars Order Form or for MV Yarranabbe Menus by Foodz by ML and our MV Yarranabbe Wine List.

Are we allowed to take alcohol on board?
Yes, you are able to take a reasonable amount of alcohol on board but if we think you have brought or ordered too much through our cellars we may request that you leave some ashore for your return or reduce your cellars order. We also strongly recommend that you take planty of water and soft drinks as it is easy to become dehydrated in the sun and wind.

Sailing School

How do I know which course is best for me?
You should contact Alex on alex@eastsail.com.au to discuss your previous experience and goals to determine the best course of action for you.