Smartsail introduce new yacht hire scheme

by G New on 22 Jan 2006 Smartsail introduced their new yacht hire system at the 2006 London Boat Show. The SmartSail leisure-sailing system allows its 'members' the opportunity to go sailing at a minimum cost. Sailing is an expensive pastime and owning and maintaining a yacht, even a small one, can be hard to justify when leisure time is limited.

John Rennie, Chairman of Smartsail, is a recent convert to sailing and he quickly realised that many people were put off sailing by the cost of ownership and the maintenance involved. He then came up with the Smartsail concept which allows someone to have access to a boat when they want to go sailing, with all the responsibility for berthing and maintenance included in the cost - step on and go.

John explained: 'For many people, sailing isn’t a viable option owing to the great expenses that are incurred. With SmartSail we remove the financial headache, allowing those who love sailing to continue to do so, whilst bringing those not yet lucky enough to experience life at sea into the picture like never before.’

John stressed that, 'Members can pay from just £35 per month and with no additional signing on fee or insurance to pay, it really does make sailing a viable option for many.’

The scheme will be available on the south coast of England from 1 May and will then be opened nationally throughout 2006 and 2007, to provide sailing opportunities in all regions of the United Kingdom.

So how does it work? Prices depend on the size of boat and the number of days that is available to the member. By paying the monthly fee the member of the Smartsail scheme has the boat available for the agreed number of days each month of the year. Several additional features are available, including a qualified helm if required.

Two basic packages are available -

The first scheme is based on a Smart 21 - Four weekdays per month cost £35 per month - Four weekdays plus two weekend days per month costs £75 per month. You can add additional days at £15 per day.

The second scheme is based on a Smart 27 - Four weekdays per month cost £80 per month - Four weekdays plus two weeknd days per month costs £150 per month. You can add additional days at £25 per day.

Once the member has decided which of the above packages best suits them, then it’s time to decide their ‘home base’. This will be the one that the member sails from normally, it doesn’t have to be the one geographically closest to them but this will probably be the most convenient for the majority of people.

Smartsail has announced two bases to date, Ocean Village, Southampton and Chichester Marina in Chichester Harbour with a third, Swanwick Marina under negotiation - The member can then just choose when they want to sail. That is it.

Also the member, can invite up to five friends, who need not be members, to join you on board each time they sail. Members are able to cruise between SmartSail bases during daylight hours and then stay onboard overnight at the SmartSail bases

A standard yacht will come fully equipped with the highest safety features and satellite tracking systems, ensuring confidence on the water.

The Smart 27:

The Smart.27 is the perfect sized cruiser for both the experienced sailor and for those who wish to hone their skills. Big enough to allow some serious sailing but at the same time very easy to manage it provides the perfect balance, and has more than enough room to bring your friends or family for a day’s cruising.

With an open plan main saloon, galley and fore-cabin, which offers a private head/shower compartment, as well as private double aft cabin; there is plenty of space below deck to make your trip as comfortable as possible. The galley is designed to maximize the below deck space, allowing you to prepare food whilst your fellow sailors relax in the saloon. They can sleep four in comfort in two cabins with a head and on-board shower.

The 27 will be configured to the Cruising Version which includes hot water, shorepower, marine head and ice chest, allowing you to make the most of your enjoyment on the water. The boats are fully equipped and fully coded for UK Costal Waters CE marked Sleeps 4 in comfort in 2 cabins Spacious, light and roomy with a head and on-board shower.

Company website: http://www.smartsail.net/