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FAQ
How does a SailTime Membership work?
SailTime is just like a gym membership, but on the water. You pay a monthly fee, use the equipment, wipe it down when you are finished and leave - without all the ownership responsibilities. SailTime also provides an online scheduling system and an electronic check-on and check-off system that makes it easy to schedule your sailing time and ensures the boat is always clean and ready to go. SailTime is perfect for anyone who desires a more affordable way to sail on a new yacht.
What is the maximum number of fractional sailors on a given yacht?
Eight. The full calendar is made available to the eight Members via our online scheduling software. Learn more about how the scheduler allows everyone to get the sailing times they want.
What is the monthly cost?
This depends on the size of the yacht. Certain bases may charge more due to local insurance rates and marina fees. For more information on SailTime Medway's prices visit the Our Fleet page.
Will my costs go up if there are fewer Members on the boat?
No. The SailTime model has been specifically crafted to alleviate this type of pitfall and ensures that Members pay a flat monthly fee only.
How much will I be required to pay when I join SailTime?
This depends on the size of the boat and the location. Typically, for a new Beneteau 343, there will be a £1000 security deposit plus a £1750 joining/induction fee. This includes 2 days boat orientation/training.
What is the length of the commitment?
Initially there is a 12-month commitment with 90 days notice anytime after 9 months.
Do I need to sign a contract? Can I see it?
Yes. Call or email SailTime Medway.
Am I a part owner of the yacht when I join SailTime?
No. Shared ownership of the yacht creates many complexities. The yacht is owned solely by either SailTime Medway or a SailTime Owner Member. If you are interested in taking advantage of our Owner Member programme, Call or email SailTime Medway.
Are there any other maintenance/upkeep fees that will be charged?
No. But if you damage the vessel you will pay the insurance excess out of your deposit, after which you must replenish the deposit.
Can two people share one membership?
No. For insurance reasons, the number of Members is capped at 8.
How do you schedule the sail times?
Via our exclusive and proprietary online SailTime scheduling software. The software allows you to reserve and swap schedules 24/7 in real-time by selecting a minimum of seven sail times per month and an unlimited amount on an ‘as available’ basis. You can schedule up to 12 months in advance and have the ability to bank and borrow unused sailtimes from previous and future months.
Is Friday a weekday or weekend sail time?
Friday is a weekday. Friday evening is a weekend evening sail time.
Can I see the yacht ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just call or email SailTime Medway to make an appointment.
What are the specifications of the yacht?
Each SailTime boat is MCA coded and comprehensively equipped including auto-pilot, heating, electric windlass, galley items and other features that make yachting easy and enjoyable.
Can I stay overnight on the yacht?
Yes. Every evening sail time starts at 6.00 pm and ends at 10:30 am the next morning.
Who is responsible for washing down the boat?
Members wash down the yacht after their use and remove their rubbish etc. Each yacht has an E-ttendant (a wireless Internet connected PDA) that Members use to check on and check off the boat. If the previous Member left something amiss, they will be sent an email from the E-ttendant informing them of their oversight. This ensures you get the boat in pristine condition each time you go sailing. If you reserve a block of 3 or more days then an email will automatically be generated to the Base Owner to request a general clean, for which the Member will be invoiced.
Who is responsible for re-fuelling the yacht?
SailTime - at no extra charge to the Member.
How do you handle irresponsible / uncooperative / non-paying Members?
The Membership Agreement makes provision for those Members who abuse SailTime’s policies to be fined or ultimately removed from the programme.
As a SailTime Member will I be qualified enough to bareboat charter abroad ?
Yes. Experience gained with SailTime and your RYA Day Skipper Tidal qualification and ICC (International Certificate of Competence) will enable you to charter anywhere in the world. Additionally, the E-ttendant Manager tracks and logs your time on the boat to help you build your sailing resume.
Can I continuously get back-to-back sail times so long as no other Member is using the time?
Absolutely! Each Member is entitled to unlimited ’as available’ use on a 24hour notice basis at no extra cost.
I see that you have bases worldwide. Can I use SailTime boats in other locations either temporarily or semi-permanently?
Yes. A SailTime membership gives you access to yachts across SailTime's global network of bases. Certain qualifications and restrictions must be met. Just call or email SailTime Medway to enquire on conditions.
Can I become a Member first and then upgrade to become an Owner-Member?
Yes. Owner-Members can be upgraded from the existing Membership pool. Requests are taken in chronological order and upgrades are issued once a new yacht is required in the fleet. The Owner-Member programme is very popular - please place requests early.
This seems too good to be true!
Well, it is good and it is true. SailTime has invested a lot of time, effort and technology into designing a programme that provides easy, affordable, and accessible sailing and a win-win situation for all!
