Charter party

By JOY SCANDLYN

Want to go it alone, island-hopping, skiing and having fun in a boat for the day?

If you prefer the independence of skippering your own boat there are a few options, providing you are experienced.

The Trailer Boat Hire Centre has a number of small trailer-sailers ranging from 16ft to 20ft and MSA licensed to carry four to six passengers respectively. The smaller Dominator is priced at $210 a day and the larger $360 a day. Fuel is extra. You can pick up the boats from Westhaven Marina.

Rentaboat hires 18ft aluminium boats with 90hp motors to those over 25. To tow the trailer and boat from the pickup point at Torbay you will need a 2.0L vehicle with a towbar. The boats cost $290 a day, plus fuel and oil. They have a hard top and cabin so there is some respite from the sun. These boats are MSA-licensed to carry six people.

These two companies have a standard rate and, unlike some other companies, they do not charge a premium for hire during the Louis Vuitton and America's Cup events. Both ask for a refundable $500 bond. To hire you will need to have boating experience as a skipper.

As well as the necessities mentioned in Case notes you will need to take a chilly-bin packed with your day's supplies.

Depending on the weather, the smaller craft are probably better for a day on the gulf or island-hopping rather than becoming caught up in the melee of the spectator fleet. However, the owners of each company say they have used their boats to view the races and said they were comfortable in good conditions.

Contacts

Trailer Boat Hire Centre: Ph 0800 Boats 4 Hire (262 874)

On the web: www.trailerboathire.co.nz

Rentaboat: Ph (09) 473 1681

On the web: www.rentaboat.co.nz

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A S SOON as the sun comes out, the Hauraki Gulf begins to pulsate with boats of all descriptions. And while this summer is no different, the spectacle of the Louis Vuitton draws even more boats on to the water.

During the last America's Cup the gulf teemed with craft full of people wanting to be a part of the event. Luxurious vessels swelled the ranks of the local fleet, all jostling for the best position for the best view.

But you don't have to be rich or famous to enjoy the races from aboard a luxury cruiser. You, too, can join the party, even if you don't own a boat.

The no-fuss way to be a racing spectator, share the excitement of speed and feel the seaspray on your face is to charter a vessel for the day, complete with skipper and crew. You could even play at being a megastar by hiring a luxury boat.

There are plenty of options available and lots to consider before grabbing your deck shoes and sea-sickness pills.

Finding a company to charter a boat is as easy as flicking through a telephone directory.

Some operators have one boat, others, such as Luxury Charters of New Zealand and the Global Group, act as agents for several vessels. The New Zealand Visitors Centre also has information on charter boat options.

Boats available to hire include yachts, catamarans or launches. But before you put your sea legs to the test, there are a few questions you should ask.

You should find out about the skills and experience of the skipper and crew, the length of time they have been certified and their time in the industry.

Also check out whether the vessel is licensed to sell drink. The rules for bars and restaurants also apply to commercial vessels - that means no licence, no liquor. On an unlicensed vessel you may get the champagne lifestyle, but not the champagne, unless you are allowed to take your own.

Ask about the size of the boat and number of people it is registered to carry.

Although not always an accurate gauge to the level of comfort on a boat, it is often worth finding out about its age and, if it is an older one, ask about its last refit.

If you're really keen to see the vessel before you hire it, ask for photos of the hull and interior of the craft to be sent. Many have good websites with pictures.

Ask about the number of seats available with protection from the sun, inside and outside. If the day is very hot with no or little wind, sufficient outdoor seating under cover will make your trip more pleasant.

Be clear about pick-up and drop-off points. Most boats will leave around 10am and return to the city around 5pm.

If racing is delayed or cancelled, access to jetskis, fishing gear and kayaks may help to pass the time and overcome the disappointment of not seeing the day's racing. Or you may be just fine lounging around enjoying the peace, fresh air, fine wines and good food with a book.

When you're at sea you will want a good position to catch the action. Once the anchor has been dropped you will probably stay at one point on the course - the racing yachts will pass by and continue on their path, with around 45 minutes between close-up viewing opportunities. Therefore, a TV (preferably digital) for watching progress when the yachts are out of view is useful.

Ask for a tour around the Viaduct Basin before you head back. It's an interesting experience not to be missed.

Most operators will not allow you to bring your own food and drink on board as catering is part of the service they expect to offer.

Various menus are offered when you book - just choose the one that suits your group and price level.

Richard Perkins, director of the Global Group, says despite the captive audience, prices for alcohol on board charters are quite reasonable. He says his costs are in line with bar prices, but always ask to avoid surprises. Alcohol supply can be run as a tab which is settled at the end of the day's cruising or as a pay-as-you-go bar.

What if there is no racing?

Most operators will book a date to go on the water rather than a specific race day. During the last racing series many racing days were lost, and if you have arranged to go on the water there are two main scenarios.

If your group boards the charter boat and it sets sail, and racing is cancelled, all agreed costs will apply. You will have a wonderful day on the harbour without seeing any racing, that's all.

If racing is cancelled before departure, the operator will charge a fee relating to the costs incurred. Included in these will be catering and crew costs.

The operator will try to secure another day, but as racing reaches a climax in each series, this may not be possible.

Once you have selected a boat and agreed on the price, the operator will provide a charter agreement and you will be asked for a deposit - usually around 30 per cent. Payment for catering is by arrangement.

What you can expect of your skipper

The skipper and crew are there to meet your needs and you will be treated as a guest. A responsible skipper will give a thorough safety briefing before departure.

During the day you can expect racing updates and you may have a commentary.

The skipper has complete responsibility for the safety of the vessel and passengers, something that's not always appreciated by those inexperienced in boating. The skipper's word is law.

Charting a boat for the day can be expensive, but it becomes more attainable if divided among a group of friends.

Liz Smith, director of Luxury Charters of New Zealand, promotes vessels at the top of the scale and says it may appear expensive, but the day is worth it.

During the last America's Cup she chartered many boats to individuals, their family and friends, as well as companies for staff outings and hospitality.

Those who have already made the effort to go out on Auckland's Hauraki Gulf to see the racing enthuse about the memorable day. If you enjoy the atmosphere of live sporting events, then get a group together and enjoy the racing up close. We may not have the auld mug forever.

CASE NOTES

* What to take

Motion-sickness remedies - even if you have been out before - as staying in one place can change your susceptibility.

Sunscreen.

Hat and sunglasses.

Wear appropriate comfortable clothing and take a jacket or jersey, as it can get chilly.

Swimwear and towel just in case you fancy a dip.

Light-soled shoes.

Binoculars.

* What it costs

This depends on the stage in the regatta, the size and quality of the vessel and crew requirements. Although you will need to take the boat for the day with a minimum total cost, the range is from $120 to more than $1000 a person a day.

These prices are for the early rounds of the Louis Vuitton races, but as racing progresses prices will increase. There will be substantial increases on these prices when racing begins for the America's Cup.

Food and liquor is charged extra.

* Contacts

New Zealand Visitors Centre, Ph (09) 979 7015

Discover Auckland

Charter Guide