Typically, our charters operate over 5, 7 or 14 days but the bespoke nature of our trips mean that we can accommodate specific charter durations – this is why we don’t offer a facility to book online at this time. Naturally, the further you wish to travel, the longer the charter typically required. For example, we would usually suggest that a 5 day charter would be well suited to exploring the West Country and perhaps a short trip to the Isles of Scilly. 7 day charters open up opportunities for a more extensive trip to the Isles of Scilly, France (North and South Brittany), and the Channel Islands. Charters beyond 7 days duration present an opportunity to explore other regions of Atlantic France, with the potential to reach La Rochelle and the Morbihan regions for an ambitious charter!

As our charters are bespoke and can operate in the low, mid and high season, our pricing is also customised to suit the nature and duration of the trip, and depend on whether guests wish to stock the boat with provisions themselves, or have Alex tend to that.

Our charters are open to sailors with all levels of experience, from curious beginners to seasoned seafarers. Regardless, it will be expected that all guests assist in the running of the yacht – that would typically include contributing to the planning of the trip, helming and crewing under sail and motor, assisting with mooring, and sharing meal-time duties. Alex will never be far away and it is our aim to ensure that newer sailors never feel overwhelmed. It should be noted that for more ambitious charters, including crossings of the English Channel, guests will be expected to complete one or more watches as part of a shared schedule. Playing an important role of the ship’s management is one of the most rewarding aspects of our charters! 

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate younger children and pets, but teenaged children are most welcome to join our charters.

We provide high quality life jackets and harnesses for all guests. We can also provide a range of wet weather clothing (typically a jacket and salopettes). Please note that we do not provide footwear but are happy to advise on this prior to setting sail. If guests would feel more comfortable using their own sailing gear, that is absolutely fine. 

Mother nature is in charge at all times and we don’t take risks where adverse weather is concerned. This is the nature of sailing (particularly at these latitudes!), and it means that plans, timings and destinations are all based around wind and weather. Whilst it should be accepted that the skipper takes the ultimate decision on whether or where to sail the inclusivity of our charters mean that we discuss our options as a group. It would be unusual to experience a situation where the boat was unable to move at all, but charterers will need to be mindful that the itinerary may need to change both before and during a charter.

Since Brexit, leaving UK waters and arriving in EU zones has become a little more complicated, though certainly not impossible! Of course, all passengers will require an in date passport but the key differences now are that we will need to advise French customs of our arrival before we set off, and complete similar formalities with UK Border Force on our return. There will also be some restrictions on where we arrive and depart from France. The protocols are forever changing and Alex will be happy to discuss further at the point of booking. All in all, it’s fine – but not quite as straightforward as it once was!

Whilst Alex is a current RYA Cruising Instructor, he cannot sign off any formal training on Arcarius because the yacht does not operate under a recognised RYA training centre. That’s not to say that guests cannot learn along the way, but we will be unable to complete any formal RYA training certification. For formal RYA training courses operated from Mylor Yacht Harbour, we highly recommend Take a Turn Yachting who can be found at www.takeaturnyachting.co.uk

Please use the contact form, drop Alex an email or give him a call – he would be delighted to discuss a potential booking and will be happy to do so either in person, by telephone or video call. Alex will also be happy to share a PDF information pack with potential charterers, which outlines what we can expect to achieve during your time on the water, a little more about what to bring, and further details of your stay on Arcarius.