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Your own yacht - without the hassle!

SailTime - 'Not just a business - more a way of life!"

I’ve previously written a lead article on this site which was intended to dispel the myth that sailing is an elitist sport, out of reach to all but a wealthy few. Since writing it, I have met up with Richard Pierpoint and Sue Grey of Sailtime based in Lymington and Hamble who are not only absolutely charming but have also helped prove my point with their increasingly popular alternative to outright yacht ownership. They provide the opportunity to reap all the benefits of owning your own yacht, without the costs and aggravation attached.

‘SailTime’ is the new alternative to traditional boat ownership. Consider this, most people who own a yacht use it only 2-3 times per month. Yet the cost of ownership is high: marina fees are £400-£500 per month, your monthly mortgage repayment could range from £750 to £1,100 yacht maintenance is expensive, there is insurance and the list goes on and on!

With Fractional Sailing you share access to a new yacht with seven other Members. Individually, you are guaranteed at least seven sail times per month, and SailTime takes care of the insurance, marina fees, cleaning and repairs of the yacht - all for a monthly Membership fee that is usually less than a day's charter rate or the monthly marina charges for a similar boat.

With normal boat ownership, if you get tired of the boat you have to sell it. With Fractional Sailing there is no long-term commitment. Members can opt out of the programme any time they want with minimal restrictions. The appeal of SailTime is that it's essentially a turn-key system, Members simply point, click, and sail! For powerboat fans, they offer the same opportunities and an exciting range of boats to choose from.

This approach is underpinned by a sophisticated booking system called the ‘Sailtime Scheduler’ which allows you to make instant reservations via your PC and even to book your sailing a year in advance.

The fleet is based on a mix of Bavaria or Beneteau yachts which are the most popular currently in the market. All are fitted with all the ‘bits’ and of course because your ‘share’ is based on a specific yacht, you’ll be able to embark on your love affair in the knowledge that you will always be returning to the boat which you have come to know and love.

One of the things I found particularly appealing about this company is that Richard and Sue don’t treat it like a business, more a way of life. Richard also runs a very successful RYA training school and it is this combination which seems to appeal especially to those perhaps new to the sport. From your first outing and receipt of a Competent Crew certificate to your Yachtmaster and beyond, you’ll find you have become part of a social network and for want of a better expression ‘support group’, there to make the whole experience hassle free and most importantly FUN!

Perhaps the kids have just packed their bags for University, or maybe you have just woken up to the fact that there is so much enjoyment to be had on your doorstep. Either way, I thoroughly recommend you explore this as an option, because everyone I’ve spoken to seems delighted they went the SailTime route. JS

To find out more information, contact Richard or Sue or visit www.sailtime.co.uk/lymington/index.htm where there are details of their great informal introductory days.

Contact SailTime Lymington:
Phone Enquiries
Richard Pierpoint
Managing Director
Hamble & Lymington
0845 450 3331