Frequently Asked Questions: SailTime Power Member
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 any of the ownership responsibilities. SailTime provides an on-line sophisticated, but simple to use, ‘fair share’ scheduling system that has been developed over 7 years. Onboard all the powerboats there is also 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 wants a more affordable way to sail on a new well-specified powerboat.
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 in real-time. You are allocated 7 sailing ‘slots’ each month that you can use that month, bank for use in the following month, or borrow unused slots from the previous month. You can schedule your sailing times up to a year in advance, anything from a day sail, a night sail or a whole week. A 'day' sail is from 10.30 am and a 'night' sail is from 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm.
Can I stay overnight on the boat?
Yes. Every evening ‘sail time’ slot starts at 6.00 pm and ends at 10.30am the next morning.
What stops one member reserving every weekend?
The 7 guaranteed monthly sailing slots are divided into 1 weekend day, 1 weekend evening, 3 weekday days and 2 weekday evenings. Friday is a weekday. Friday evening is a weekend evening sail time. The scheduler keeps track of these categories of usage and together with other rules allows all members a fair and equitable chance of booking their preferred sailing times.
Can I use the boat if no other member is using the time?
Absolutely! You can schedule an unlimited number of slots if they are available within 24 hours, for which there is no extra charge.
What is the maximum number of members on any boat?
The boat is made available to a maximum of 7 members and 1 owner-member, giving each member approximately 6 weeks sailing per annum.
How much will I have to pay when I join SailTime?
There is a one off joining fee of £1,750 incl vat, which covers 2 days induction and training, a contribution towards wear and tear, and membership of SailTime Plus – giving you access to over 160 powerboats and yachts in over 60 locations worldwide.
Am I a part owner of the boat when I join SailTime?
No. Shared ownership of the boat creates many complexities. A SailTime owner-member owns the boat. If you are interested in taking advantage of our owner-member programme speak to your SailTime base owner.
Who is responsible for the cost of re-fuelling?
There is a charge per litre on powerboats to cover the actual costs of the fuel and engine service. This varies with the type of boat.
Are there any other maintenance/upkeep fees that will be charged?
No. Membership is inclusive of all costs. Your only liability is the insurance excess should you have an accident which was partly or entirely your fault.
What are the specifications of the boat?
The boats are extremely well specified and include chart plotter, autopilot, heating, electric windlass, galley items and other features that make your boating easy and enjoyable. All SailTime boats are fully certified to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency codes of practice for small commercial vessels, carry extensive safety equipment and the larger boats are also fitted with Radar.
Who is responsible for cleaning the boat?
Members wash down the topsides, clean below decks and remove their rubbish, etc. after use. SailTime will ensure that the boat receives a deep clean every month. These measures ensure you get the boat in pristine condition each time you go sailing.
What happens if the boat is damaged and out of commission?
SailTime take care of it. In the event that your boat is unusable, your SailTime Base will charter in a replacement after a short qualifying period until your boat is repaired.
How do you handle irresponsible members?
The Membership Agreement makes provision for those members who abuse SailTime’s policies to be fined or ultimately removed from the programme.
What experience do I need to become a SailTime member?
None! SailTime is able to take members that are complete novices. An important part of the SailTime programme is the nurturing and training of our members through RYA courses to become competent, safe and confident.
I see that you have bases worldwide. Can I use SailTime boats in other locations?
Yes. As well as enjoying sailing at your local SailTime Base, our global network of bases provides a unique opportunity to sail other powerboats and yachts around the world. SailTime Plus Membership lets you make advance reservations worldwide on currently over 160 boats in 60 locations.
Can I become a member first and then upgrade to become an owner-member?
Yes, we actually encourage membership first so that you are happy with the programme. Members can upgrade once a new boat is required in the fleet.
I don’t have enough spare time to justify paying for 6 weeks access a year. Can I share my membership?
Yes you can. Classically the ‘Member’ is husband and wife, but the second person could be a partner, sibling, friend or business colleague. Obviously you share the time allocation of 1 membership. However, as frequently happens, you both sail together the majority of the time, but you have effectively halved the cost of membership!
Is this too good to be true?
SailTime was the first in fractional membership sailing and is the world leader. With our technology driven and proven concept you can benefit from our high investment over the last 7 years to enjoy easy, affordable and accessible sailing that really works.
