FAQ - All Informations at a glanze

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How do I get to SV "Florette"? 
If you have arranged your travel independently, please inform Captain Rony Haynes of your arrival time. The exact meeting point will be communicated via mobile phone or AIS (internet sea traffic) on the day of arrival. Boarding typically begins at 18 00 hrs What should I pack for the trip?

Ensure you have your identification documents, such as an ID card or passport, along with flight tickets and a driving license. Monetary essentials Include cash and a credit card. A small travel pharmacy is recommended including seasickness tablets, band-aids, and medications for personal needs. Florette has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases, so bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack. We recommend a travelling light principle with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers.

Below is a list of recommended items. These are not mandatory, and those who have sailed before may have their own preferences!

List of recommended items
  • Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
  • Wash towel – microfibre are lightweight and quick drying!
  • Swimsuit and swim towel
  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece, and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)
  • It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea, so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!
  • Warm, windproof and waterproof coat
  • Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
  • Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
  • Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
  • Camera/binoculars
  • Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
  • If you wish to sleep on deck under the stars or are booking a hammock berth, please bring your own lightweight sleeping bag
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Charging cables for personal devices
  • EU 2-pin plug adaptor
  • A good book to read!
  • Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring.

Your Questions - our answers

Your role as a Voyage Crew Member will involve you learning about and participating in ship-board life. Allowances will be made for age and abilities. No previous sailing experience is necessary. The term “VOYAGE CREW” defines any persons coming onboard for pleasure and or as an active member of the permanent crew, trainee/ Mitsegler, youths or as a student. Due to the nature of the ship and activities we require all Voyage Crew Members to be in good health and be fit.

We want you to have fun! Generally, we don't recommend this type of vacation to anyone who is 70 years or older. All seniors over 60 years during voyages in the Atlantic and Caribbean must have a letter of good health from a medical doctor stating they are fit to join the intended voyage. Before all delivery voyages and Ocean sailings, we require all voyage crew to have an interview with Captain Ron Haynes to discuss if this type of voyage is suitable for you. Especially on longer voyages having a nice constellation of people on board is very important to us,  as we will be living together in limited space for sometimes over a month. The length of the voyage, the voyage crew constellation, and your age, experience and fitness will be considered. Of course, if you have sailed before with us you will be warmly welcomed on board.

The SV Florette offers accommodation in eleven double cabins, each fitted with running water, a 220V outlet, a small table, and a wardrobe. Cabins feature bunk beds and come with sheets, blankets, and pillows. The ship is equipped with heating and air conditioning. For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, bringing a sleeping bag is advisable. What food and beverage services are available? Depending on your booked journey, you can choose between full or half-board options, which include breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Water, tea, filter coffee, and fruit juices are included. Specialty teas, espresso, alcohol, and canned drinks are available for purchase on board but are not included in the trip's price. Bringing your own food, except for snacks or fruits, is not permitted. Vegetarian requests can be accommodated with advance notice.

Your role as a Voyage Crew Member will involve you learning about and participating in ship-board life. Allowances will be made for age and abilities. No previous sailing experience is necessary. The term “VOYAGE CREW” defines any persons coming onboard for pleasure and or as an active member of the permanent crew, trainee/ Mitsegler, youths or as a student. Due to the nature of the ship and activities we require all Voyage Crew Members to be in good health and be fit.

We want you to have fun! Generally, we don't recommend this type of vacation to anyone who is 70 years or older. All seniors over 60 years during voyages in the Atlantic and Caribbean must have a letter of good health from a medical doctor stating they are fit to join the intended voyage. Before all delivery voyages and Ocean sailings, we require all voyage crew to have an interview with Captain Ron Haynes to discuss if this type of voyage is suitable for you. Especially on longer voyages having a nice constellation of people on board is very important to us,  as we will be living together in limited space for sometimes over a month. The length of the voyage, the voyage crew constellation, and your age, experience and fitness will be considered. Of course, if you have sailed before with us you will be warmly welcomed on board.

Although water surrounds us, the onboard freshwater supply is limited. Two desalination units help manage water needs, but conservation is encouraged. Electricity is generated and stored using batteries overnight, with careful usage advised. Each cabin has a 220V socket; however, turning off lights when leaving is requested. What is the nightly curfew aboard SV "Florette"? While the nightly quiet time depends on the group’s mood and events, a quieter atmosphere is expected after 2300 hrs due to the ship's acoustics. Who can participate in sailing activities? Although you will be embarking on an sailing voyage and the emphasis will be on your enjoyment of the experience, you will be on the vessel as a Voyage Crew Member.
Swimming proficiency is crucial for engaging in water sports. Guests are encouraged to bring their own SUP or surfboard if space allows, and snorkeling gear is recommended. While canoes, SUPs, and snorkeling equipment are available for guest use, availability is limited and depends on responsible usage.
Participation in the sailing trip and other activities is at your own risk. Compliance with the ship leader's instructions is mandatory, and any gross misconduct may result in dismissal from the trip without a refund. The detailed co-sailing agreement is available on our website and must be signed upon boarding.

Guests must be in good health and have medical insurance for the duration of the trip. In case of emergencies, we have a first aid kit on board, and our crew members are trained to handle basic medical situations. However, if you have any specific medical needs or conditions, please inform us before the trip so we can make necessary arrangements. Additionally, smoking is strictly prohibited indoors and on deck due to safety concerns. Designated smoking areas will be provided upon request.
No, internet access is not available on the ship as we aim to provide a truly unplugged experience for our guests. However, all major ports and marinas usually offer Wi-Fi access, so guests can connect to the internet during stops and excursions. We also encourage our guests to disconnect from technology and fully immerse themselves in the sailing experience. Are there any age restrictions for participating in the trip? 

Guests of all ages are welcome on our sailing trips. However, due to physical demands and safety measures, participants over 70 years of age may need to provide medical clearance before boarding. Parents or legal guardians must accompany children under 18 years old. Minors traveling without a parent or legal guardian must have a notarized letter of consent from their parents or guardians allowing them to travel with us. Do you cater to dietary restrictions? Yes, please ask at the time of booking.
Our trips offer a variety of activities, including snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and more. These activities may vary depending on the destination and weather conditions. Our experienced crew members are trained to guide guests in these activities safely.
No, we do not allow guests to bring their own alcohol onboard. Our trips include an open bar with a selection of local beers, wine, and spirits. We also offer non-alcoholic beverages such as water, juice, and sodas. It is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests on board.
 5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins and 6 Hamocks
Every cabin has a large deck hatch.
4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower.
All bedding is included but towels are not. If you would like to sleep under the stars on deck, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag!
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Not on week long voyages but on longer crossings it is possible.
Yes and a wood stove if we sail in colder climates.
Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.
English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.
 Yes, please bring 2pin European adaptors.
EURO's.
Yes.
Florette is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder. There will always be a crew member to steady.
No.
On her week-long voyages, no - just a love for adventure! On her Ocean crossings, some previous time on the water is recommended.
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.