​These are the basic steps to chartering a yacht with Lime Charters.  We will provide more details as your charter date nears.  This should give you an idea of what to expect in the meantime.

CHOOSE YOUR YACHT
1.  LOOK THROUGH THE BOATS IN OUR FLEET
From our homepage, you can review our different boats and their amenities.  Note that our yachts charter in 1 week increments, and each specific yacht starts and ends on a specific day of the week, either Friday-to-Friday, Saturday-to-Saturday, or Sunday-to-Sunday.  All this information along with weekly rates are on the detailed pages for each boat.  Sorry, but we are unable to accommodate changes to the weekly schedule, however you may depart late or return early if you wish.
2.  SEND US A RESERVATION REQUEST
To get the ball rolling, send us a ​Reservation Request as soon as possible.  You will want to have your charter dates in mind, so we can check on availability for you.
3.  RESERVE YOUR YACHT!
After we have confirmed your yacht and charter date availability, you can reserve your yacht.  We will hold your spot for 1 week while you prepare the following items to secure your reservation:
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  • ​Signed Contract  (Click here for a sample contract, we will email you the actual contract)
  • 50% Deposit  
  • Optional Trip Insurance Fee (15% of undercounted base charter fee, see details below)

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
At Reservation
50% Deposit (minus any discounts)
Optional 15% Trip Insurance

30-Days before Charter Date
50% Balance (minus any discounts)
$5000 Security Deposit (refundable with return of yacht in good condition, minus any expenses)
​Optional 8% Deductible Insurance (reduces Security deposit to $3000)
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CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Once the reservation and deposit payments have been received, the charter is considered non-refundable.  In the event Charterer must cancel the reservation, the following rules apply.

Cancellation more than 90 days before charter date, full refund of monies paid minus a 15% cancellation fee (based on total charter fee).
Canceled between 90 and 45 days before charter date, receive half of your deposit back (25%).
Any cancellation fees before 45 days can be avoided if the charter date is simply rescheduled.  This is subject to availability of dates.
Cancellation between 45 and 30 days results in a forfeiture of the full deposit (50%)
​Cancellation within 30 days before charter results in a forfeiture of the full charter fee (100%) minus Security Deposit if paid.

IDENTIFY YOUR CAPTAIN
OPTION A.   BE YOUR OWN CAPTAIN
As you create a list of your best friends and family that you want to invite on your boat, figure out who has the most experience sailing large sailboats, and bring them along!  We review their credentials and past experience.  There is no set formula, because everyone has gained their experience through different means.  At a minimum, we ask for a sailing resume of the Charterer.  Does not have to be fancy, but the more details, the better.  Please start with our Resume Form...

​There are several accredited sailing schools that we recognize as well  If you have certificates from any of these schools, send them along with your resume.
American Sailing Association (ASA)    www.asa.com
US Sailing Association (USSA)     www.ussailing.org
​NauticEd     www.nauticed.org
If you having sailing experience, but need a refresher, we can also help by recommending an experienced sailor to come out with you on your yacht for a day or two until you are comfortable with sailing off into the sunset!  We of course with all our charters spend an hour or so during check-in familiarizing you with all the yacht's systems.

For a refresher on handling a catamaran including tips on motoring and docking, check out this 8-part video series published by Yachting World.​
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OPTION B.   HIRE A LICENSED CAPTAIN
If you are not comfortable sailing the boat by yourself or if you just want to sit back and relax, we can suggest a captain for you to hire.  Their rates vary, but are typically around $300~$400/day.

PACK YOUR SWIMSUIT
All right, you caught us!  There are a few more details that need to be covered before you pack your bags.
FUEL & WATER
When you arrive to the boat, the water tanks and diesel tanks will be full and ready to go.  At the end of your charter, Lime will accompany you to the fueling dock, where we will top off the tank.  This amount will be deducted from your security deposit.  The water is free!
PROVISIONING
We offer 3 options for loading your boat up with yummy food and beverages.

OPTION A.  FULLY CATERED & STOCKED.  Our caterer will provide a menu that includes individual grocery items as well as prepared family style dinner trays.  You simply check the items you want, and everything will be loaded and ready for you on the boat when you arrive.

OPTION B.  PEA POD DELIVERY.  Our local Stop & Shop grocery store offers a grocery checklist that you can fill out, specify when you want delivered, and pay for online.  They will deliver the bags of groceries to the marina.   www.peapod.com

OPTION C.  BRING YOUR OWN.  You shop and bring to the boat all your food and beverages.  There is a small food shop and liquor store within walking distance.  A 5 min cab ride will get you to a standard grocery store or a high end organic grocery store.  Trader Joes and Wholefoods are about a 20 min car ride away.
WHAT COMES WITH THE BOAT?
We have loaded up the boat with all the lines, tools, utensils, linens & pillows that you should need for your charter.  Your yacht also comes with an inflatable tender and gas powered motor.
ARE THERE ANY EXTRA CHARGES?
In addition to the weekly rate for your yacht, you will be charged the following:

SECURITY DEPOSIT
$5000, charged at time of final payment, refunded within 10 days after return of boat in good condition.  See Hull Deductible Insurance below for reducing Security Deposit to $3000.

FUEL
When the yacht is handed over to you, the fuel tanks will be full.  At the end of your charter, you will pay for the fuel you used.  Typical fuel charges are $200, but can vary depending on amount of motoring, length of charter, and current fuel costs.

TRIP INSURANCE
As an option, you may elect to purchase at the time of reservation, trip insurance for 15% of the un-discounted total charter fee.  With this insurance, you will receive a 100% refund of the charter fee paid, in the event of cancellation for any reason at any time prior to your charter date.  Any security deposits paid will be refunded 100%.  This insurance also covers a prorated refund for any days during your charter that have gale wind warnings.

HULL DEDUCTIBLE INSURANCE
As an option, you may elect to purchase at the final payment due date (30-days before charter), Deductible Insurance for 8% of the un-discounted total charter fee.  With this insurance, your liability for the high deductibles that these boats' insurance policies carry is reduced from up to $12,000 to $3000.  With this add-on policy, your Security Deposit will also be reduced to $3000.
WHERE IS HOME PORT FOR LIME?
Lime Charters is based at Port Jefferson Yacht Club in Port Jefferson, NY about half way out Long Island on the North Shore. The street address is 138 Surf Ave Pass Way, Port Jefferson, NY 11777.   You will enter into the lower parking lot down by the water.  Lime's boats are on the east dock to the right.
TRANSPORTATION TO THE DOCKS
Port Jefferson, NY is highly accessible and easy to get to.  We will be happy to arrange car service for you, just let us know!

CAR OR LIMO:  About 1hr 20 min drive from Manhattan.  About 1hr 20min from the Hamptons.
FERRY:  From Bridgeport, CT, take the ferry to Port Jefferson.  The yacht club is a short 5 min. walk to the east.
AIRPLANE:  Fly into Long Island MacArthur International Airport in Islip, NY, only 30min away.
​TRAIN:  Take the LIRR to Port Jeff Station, then a short cab ride down the hill to the yacht club.
START & END DAYS AND TIMES
Each yacht has a different start and end day of the week.  Some run from Saturday to Saturday, some Friday, others Sunday.   This information can be found under the details for each yacht from the home page.

FIRST DAY
2:00PM Check-In & Orientation
3:00PM  Start Time for Charter

LAST DAY
9:00AM  Return Time for Charter
9:30AM  Completion of Refueling and Check-out
LODGING BEFORE CHARTER
If the boat is available, you are welcome to stay on the boat the night before your charter for an additional $75/per person, minimum $150.  You can board the vessel from 5:00PM the day before.  We unfortunately, cannot guarantee the boat's availability until 1 week before the charter.

PORT JEFFERSON.  There are a few lodging options in Port Jefferson proper.  All places tend to book up early in the summer months, so plan ahead.
The Fox and Owl Inn.   631-509-3669.  3 bedrooms in this recently restored turn of the century bed & breakfast.
The Ransome Inn.  631-474-5019
Danfords Hotel.  631-928-5200

SURROUNDING AREAS.  Outside of Port Jefferson within a 15 min drive, there are a handful of additional options:
Holiday Inn Express, Stony Brook.  631-471-8000
Hilton Garden Inn, Stony Brook.   631-941-2980
Three Village Inn.   631-751-0555

CAN WE BRING TOYS?
Definitely!  If you have a paddle board or windsurfer, bring them along and strap them to the deck.  Inflatable floating lounge chairs are popular as well!
PACK YOUR BAGS!
Finally, you are ready to throw your bathing suit, beach towel, and party dress into your bag.  Don't forget the sunscreen and sunglasses!

​You don't have to memorize these details.  Well in advance of your charter, we will send you a reminder email, with all this information and more!