Frequently Asked Questions
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What equipment is included with the charter? We provide an extensive inventory on board for
your holiday enjoyment. For a comprehensive list please visit our charter equipment list.
Can we fish from the yacht? Certainly, no fishing licence is required and we provide basic hand
lines on board. Bait is readily available locally.
Is there a restriction on the fish we are allowed to catch? There are limits on both the
minimum size of fish and the quantity of fish that are allowed to be caught. For guidance please
visit http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Recreational/
How many people can join us on our charter? Rangatira takes a maximum of 6 persons. Safe
ship Management certificate issued by Dunsford marine http://www.dunsfordmarine.co.nz/
May our party bring beer or wine onboard? Yes you may take acholic beverages on board.
However we encourage sensible drinking in line with the drink drive limits. The skipper is legally
responsible for the safety of the boat and all the people on board and is responsible for ensuring
that any alcohol consumed on board is sensible when taking into account the yachts location, and
weather conditions. For more information please refer to the boat safe web site
http://www.boatsafe.org.nz/basics/skipper.shtml
How much Sailing experience do I need? Rangatira is a special yacht and being relatively
heavy with a long keel is not as manoeuvrable as some modern designs. We therefore require the
skipper to have previous proven and documented sailing experience and to be able to demonstrate
a practical knowledge and understanding of seamanship, navigation, piloting and international
Rules of the Road at Sea, although a formal marine qualification is not required.
What are the charter limits? The charter limits depend upon the length of charter, experience of
the skipper and competence of the crew. Also to be considered is the time of year and weather
forecast and conditions.
The maximum charter limit is the Hauraki Gulf from the Eastern side of the Coromandel including
the Mercury Islands, south as far as Whitianga. The western side of Great Barrier Island northwards
up the coast to the Bay of Islands. Northland including Whangaroa Harbour, the Cavali Islands and
the Bay of Islands. View navigation charts of this area with reference to LINZ
http://www.hydro.linz.govt.nz/charts/catalogue/index.asp
Can you provide an itinery? We are reluctant to suggest a fixed itinery as safe anchorages are
always dependent on the local weather. We can make some suggestions on the day of departure
that may be more informed and useful. The yacht carries a local cruising guide and a book of
anchorages in the Hauraki Gulf that is very helpful and informative.
Can you organise provisions? Yes, we can organise provisions to be on board the yacht for
your arrival. You can find a good selection of foods provisions available on the Woolworths website
www.woolworths.co.nz/homeshopping/shop.asp We charge cost plus a 20% handling fee for
provisioning (minimum value$200) payable before departure.
Can you cater for special interests? Yes, please let us know your requirements in advance and
we will organise or provide if possible.
What is the climate like? The climate is maritime in nature and can be changeable. Summer
winds are predominantly Westerly up to about 25 knots with land and sea effects. Summer
daytime temperatures are around 18 to 23 degrees Celcius. For additional information please
refer to the NZ Meteorological Service information link to the NZ meteorological service
http://www.metservice.co.nz
How do I pay for consumables? The only consumable we charge for is the diesel and oil used in
running the engine. We charge a flat rate of NZ$4 per running hour.
What else do I need? Basically, the less you bring the less there is to worry about. You may want to
bring some personal music, a book you have never got around to reading or some videos, we have
a DVD player on board. A couple of items you should not forger is a sun hat and some sun screen.
What are the terms of cancellation - including forced cancellations due to weather? The detailed
terms of cancellation are contained in our charter terms We advise you read and understand the
charter terms before booking and also consider insurance for cancellation of booking. We do not
provide any refunds for inclement weather.
Do I need to pay a deposit? Yes a deposit of 25% of the charter fee is payable when making a
booking.
What sort of power supply is available aboard? The power supply on board is 12 volt DC and
there are outlets in the salon and cockpit. Additionally there is a 350w inverter on board that
supplies 240 volt AC that can be used for charging phone batteries, laptops, camera batteries etc.
The outlet for 240 volt ac is in the main salon.
How do I reserve Rangatira? Just fill in the booking form and send it to us. We will confirm your
booking and hold it open for 7 days until the booking deposit is received. We accept payment from
Visa and MasterCard.
Can I charter one-way? Yes we can arrange this on an individual basis. Chartering one way is a
great way for an experienced charter crew to see the coast and is generally only practical on
charters exceeding one week. Please contact us to discuss your proposed itinery and the
additional costs that may be involved to relocate the yacht.
Where is Rangatira located? Our charter berth is in Gulf Harbour Marina.
http://www.bayswater.co.nz/
How do I get to the Charter base? We can arrange for a hotel or airport pick up at competitive
rates. Please contact us if you need this service.
What if I want to hire a car after my charter? We can arrange for a hire car to be available for
your use when you redeliver the yacht back to the charter base. Please contact us if you need this
service.
Where can we find out about travel in general in NZ? There are numerous travel and tourism
sites for new Zealand that provide information. You could try the 100% Pure New Zealand website
which is informative and should be commercially neutral http://www.newzealand.com
What times does the charter start and finish? Standard charter boarding time is 15:30 and
drop off time is 10:30. This gives us just enough time to prepare the yacht for the next incoming
charter. However, we may be able to arrange alternate time for boarding and drop off to coincide
your travel arrangements and schedule. Please contact us for alternative arrangements.
What's included in the charter hire? We have included just about everything we can think of to
cover your holiday needs. To see a detailed inventory list please look at our charter equipment list
Should we bring the children? Children love playing on the beach, swimming, snorkelling,
exploring and using their imagination. Sailing is one big adventure for children and an opportunity
to take responsibility in running the ship. For rainy days bring some games or DVDs. Dont forget
sun hats and sunscreen.
What should I pack? Simple clothes that can be worn in layers if it gets cold. Wind and rain proof
jacket
Sun hat and sunscreen
Sunglasses
Camera
Comfortable shoes for walking ashore
Plenty of fresh Water
Plenty of snacks and bars
Waterproof bag for taking valuables ashore in the dinghy
Camera
Comfortable non-slip, non-marking soft soled, shoes, such as boat shoes or sneakers
Your own binoculars
Hand-held VHF and a hand-held GPS, if you have them
You may want to bring your own bedding or sleeping bag
Pack everything in a soft bag that can be easily stored away on the boat.
What if I have to cancel my trip? Please refer to our cancellation policy You should consider
cancellation insurance.
Am I responsible for damage? Yes, you are responsible for any damage or loss to the vessel
during the term of your charter. However, the maximum liability for the charterer is the sum of the
bond. The cost of any damage or loss during the charter will be deducted from the bond. To find
further information and insurance please refer to
How can I be reached in an emergency? The easiest way is by cell phone, our chartering area
is well covered by the cellular telephone network. Alternatively there is VHF radio on board that can
be used for contact via a shore station. If required we can arrange for a cell phone to be provided
on board at additional cost.
Can I sail after dark? We generally do not encourage sailing after dark unless on passage
between locations. Arrivals should always be planned for daylight. If you plan to sail after dark we
request you advise us first for approval.
Can I scuba dive? No, we do not allow scuba tanks on board the yacht.
Who do I contact if I have a question? If you have a question please email us
rangatira-charters@afritrade.co.nz We'll either answer it ourselves or pass it along to someone
who can.