FAQs

Membership

Owner-Membership

General

Training

Membership

How many members share a boat?

We restrict the membership to a maximum of 8 members including the owner-member. Consequently this will give you the equivalent of 6½ weeks use per year and engenders a real ‘pride of ownership’. It is the pride of ownership that sets us apart from our competitors and enables us to maintain your boat to such a high standard.

Can I bring friends and colleagues when I sail?

Absolutely! You are free to invite anyone you wish to sail with you. Provided that as the member you are onboard and if you do not yet have your Day Skipper Practical qualification you can still sail, as long as you have with you a suitably qualified skipper who is in charge. In this situation we need to have the skipper’s details and qualifications for insurance purposes.

Can a membership be shared?

Yes, you can share a membership with one other person. This is normally a spouse or partner, but could be a friend or business colleague. In the case of sharing with a friend or colleague a ‘fair use’ policy would apply to the ‘as available’ bookings (within 48 hours) over and above your guaranteed access.

What are the arrangements for fuelling?

We have fuel accounts at both of our marinas. We ask you to ensure that you leave your boat with at least half a tank of fuel. If you need to refuel just visit the fuel pontoon on your way back to the berth, fill the tank, sign the paperwork and the cost will go on to our account. If refuelling elsewhere you will need to pay, and then send us the receipt so that we can reimburse you by return

What are the cleaning arrangements?

Every month we undertake a professional clean that takes approximately 5 hours to ensure that our boats remain really smart and clean. We use chemicals to remove stubborn marks on the deck; clean the bilges; galley and heads; and polish the woodwork and bright work. As a member you are expected to wash down the decks, clean the galley and heads, sweep the floor, clear out your rubbish, etc. Basically you will need to leave the boat as you would like to find it, ready for the next member. We provide details in the Boat Manual of a professional cleaning service should you wish to arrange a membership clean, especially after you have had the boat for a few days.

What is the cost of joining FlexiSail?

We do not charge any joining fee so the monthly or annual rate is what you pay. Your Agreement is for 12 months, which is renewed annually. When you first join we take you through a thorough 2-day induction on your boat with an instructor. The cost of this is £700 including vat.

Are there any extras to pay?

No, your membership fee covers all your costs. The boat is fully insured, berthed, maintained and managed by us. Even the cooking gas and *fuel (*yachts only) is included. There are no further costs for you to pay. You are responsible for your own overnight berthing costs when away from your marina.

What is the insurance excess?

You are liable for the first £1,000 on the yachts and £1,500 on the motor cruisers. Insurance is comprehensive and with a mainstream insurer. Your excess is recoverable where the insurers deem it is not your fault.

What happens if the boat breaks down?

Boat engines are very reliable and our boats are all new or less than 6 years old. However, it is possible to pick up weed and cause the engine to overheat or to catch a rope around the prop. Our boats are covered by Sea Start – the AA on the water, who will sort you out, usually within the hour. They are available to chat through and help with any mechanical issue.

How do I sail if my FlexiSail boat is damaged?

Our boats are not insured for racing and so it is very unusual for any boat to receive significant damage. In case the worst happens we do have ‘Loss of Earnings’ insurance which covers us to charter in a boat temporarily to replace yours while it is being repaired. Between the time of the damage and the replacement charter boat is brought in (10 days) we will do our utmost to lend you another FlexiSail boat so that you do not lose booked dates.

Can I race my FlexiSail yacht?

Unfortunately not. One of the reasons why we can keep and maintain our yachts to such a high standard is that they are for cruising only. We know from experience that boats which are raced are ‘pushed’ hard and to the limit which results in equipment breaking and significantly greater wear and tear.

Am I a part owner when I join FlexiSail?

No, full ownership is vested in the owner-member. As a member you are paying to have access to the boat. This keeps membership very simple and clean. When you choose to leave there are no shares to sell or other complexities. Your membership commitment is for 12 months.

How do you handle irresponsible members?

The Membership Agreement makes provision for those members who abuse their FlexiSail membership to be fined or ultimately removed from the programme. We are pleased to say that in 6 seasons we have never had to expel a member.

What qualifications and experience do I need before joining FlexiSail?

None! We are a fully integrated RYA training centre (Solent Nautical College) and one of the great benefits of FlexiSail is that we will ‘hold’ your hand, giving you access to your boat with an instructor, taking you, your friends or family from total novices to competent sailors in a safe, enjoyable way. SNC is both an RYA practical and shore based training school that is able to provide all your training needs.

Can I become a member first and then upgrade to become an owner-member?

Yes, we actually encourage membership first. This way you can see how everything works, ‘buy’ into the way we run our business and proceed with absolute confidence that we will properly look after and care for your boat. It makes the transition very easy as you literally step off one boat onto your own as soon as it arrives. Meanwhile you have been enjoying your sailing during the wait.

What if I don’t have enough spare time to justify paying for 6½ weeks access a year?

You can choose to share your membership with another person, which would effectively reduce your costs (and access) by half. However, we don’t recommend that you view membership on the basis of needing to use 100% of your allowance to justify membership. Very few members actually use more than 65% of their allowance. This means that for 35% of the time the boat is available for use, but is not booked. Rather than reduce the member’s access and sell more memberships, we leave this time on the boat as it increases your flexibility of dates when you want to book. Whilst weekends are always peak, you will be surprised how many weekend days you can ‘pick up’ on the 48 hour ‘as available’ basis. You are in effect taking an 1/8th share in your FlexiSail boat, resulting in hugely dissipated costs. A member’s total membership cost is usually less than the annual berthing cost of the boat! Many private owners carry the whole cost and sail much less than our average owner-member.

How do FlexiSail charge for fuel on motor cruisers?

Whilst we include the cost of fuel on the yachts, we have to charge for it on the motor cruisers. Fuel meters are installed which record the total amount of fuel burnt. Members take the meter reading on arrival and again on departure. Fuel is then charged back bi-monthly to the members at cost plus an engine service charge that is designed to cover the cost of regular engine servicing.

Why should I be a member and not an owner?

The advantage of membership is that it is simple and straight forward. You are paying for access to the asset, not buying it. Membership is a great way to see if sailing is for you (dipping your toes) without the huge costs of buying your own boat, paying all the running costs, dealing with all the ownership issues, and being left with a depreciating asset to sell. FlexiSail membership represents a brilliant opportunity to sail lovely boats at fantastic value. Membership is a no risk simple 12 month commitment.

Can I meet other members on my boat?

Absolutely you can. As a member you have access to all the other members’ contact details on your boat as well as the opportunity to meet members from all the boats across both our locations of Hamble and Lymington at our regularly arranged social events. If you are thinking of membership we are always pleased to arrange for you to meet or talk to existing members. It is a great way to get answers to questions, such as “What is your experience?” and “Does the iCalendar scheduling work out fairly?”

Do you have members who would sail with me?

Yes, we have a number of members that sail together. It allows you to sail when you might not otherwise have a crew and to sail with someone more experienced; who is more familiar with the area and places to go; and it is a fun social way to sail. We find that members meet each other through our social events, but we also have a Crew Affiliate Membership that you can have access to.

Owner-Membership

What is the advantage to owning a FlexiSail boat?

Owning your own boat is an important dream for many people. Through FlexiSail you have the opportunity to realise the dream knowing that your boat is being properly maintained, well cared for and all your standard costs paid for. As an owner it is good to know the other members using your boat and to know that they have a real ‘pride of ownership’ too. Add to that the guaranteed income and your free membership and you can literally have your cake and eat it!

What level of equipment specification do the FlexiSail boats have?

The yachts are very well specified including chart plotter; autopilot; heating; electric windlass; galley items and other features that make yachting easy and enjoyable. All FlexiSail boats are fully certified to the Maritime and Coastal Agency Code of Practice for small commercial vessels, carry extensive safety equipment and the larger and latest boats are fitted with AIS, Radar and Active Radar reflectors.

How do you handle irresponsible members?

The Membership Agreement makes provision for those members who abuse their FlexiSail membership to be fined or ultimately removed from the programme. We are pleased to say that in 6 seasons we have never had to expel a member.

Can I become a member first and then upgrade to become an owner-member?

Yes, we actually encourage membership first. This way you can see how everything works, ‘buy’ into the way we run our business and proceed with absolute confidence that we will properly look after and care for your boat. It makes the transition very easy as you literally step off one boat onto your own as soon as it arrives. Meanwhile you have been enjoying your sailing during the wait.

Which brands of boats do you have in FlexiSail?

Our primary brands are Beneteau and Dufour yachts and Nimbus Motor Cruisers. However, we are open to other manufacturers if you want to have a boat in FlexiSail. Call us to discuss the options and financial model.

I already own a boat, can I put it into your programme?

In principle yes. The boat needs to be less than 3 years old with a good standard of specification and be in exceptional condition. There will be some entry costs because all our boats need to comply with the MCA Code of Practice. If you would like to know more please contact us so that we can take you through the detail.

What are the typical finance arrangements for a new boat?

As a rule of thumb the maximum deposit/loan ratio is 20/80. Often the best rates are available at around 30/70. The marine finance industry has become quite sophisticated over the last few years with variable and fixed rate deals, over periods up to 15 years. Loans are available with balloon final payments (which reduces the amount of capital that has to be repaid during the term). Lenders have different ways of setting interest rates – some use Libor as the base rate, others the Bank of England minimum lending rate, etc. The 3 main marine finance companies are SGB (Société Général), Barclays and Lombard. Larger loans attract lower interest rates, but in all cases you need to be able to demonstrate affordability of payments, without the income received from FlexiSail as this is not taken into account.

How much do new yachts depreciate?

This very much depends on brand and condition. As a generalisation the depreciation curve is steepest in year one, becomes less steep in year 2, and continues to flatten in years 4 and 5. By year 6 most yachts will have stopped depreciating. Overall depreciation will vary in range of between 20% – 40% over this period. We have examples of the manufacturers that we use that we could show you and I think you will be impressed.

Do I have to sell my boat at the end of the FlexiSail Agreement?

There are several options for you to consider. If your boat is popular we will consider extending the agreement for a 6th season. Alternatively we can put the boat through our charter programme if you wish to continue receiving an income. Thirdly you can choose to part exchange your boat for a new boat in our FlexiSail programme. Finally, you can decide to sell the boat privately (for which we have preferential rates for you through the main dealer) or simply decide to sail off into the sunset!

As the owner do I get preferential access?

The answer is both yes and no. If you bring a new boat into our fleet then for the first year we will provide you with a second membership free of charge, giving you 1/4 of the use of your boat. However, each membership is on exactly the same terms as any other member. There is no owner priority over bookings. The same ‘fair share’ iCalendar rules apply to everyone.

As an owner how much do I get paid?

We operate either a revenue share, which will give you an income as high as 9% (dependent on boat size) of the purchase price of your boat, or you can opt for a lower guaranteed fixed income. This income is in addition to the berthing, insurance, standard maintenance, fuel (excluding motor cruisers), gas, management and marketing costs. The total package is above 20% of the purchase price of the boat, receivable each year for the 3 – 5 years that your boat is in our FlexiSail programme.

Can I remove my boat early from the programme?

Yes, we just ask that you give us 9 months notice at any time.

How can I be sure my boat will be properly treated by the other members?

Firstly, we maintain an exclusive membership of a maximum of 8 members including yourself. This approach engenders a genuine ‘pride of ownership’ amongst members. Each member must be suitably qualified and are assessed by us during the 2 day induction that all members undertake. This ensures that each member is fully familiar with your boat’s operation and equipment. Through our RYA training centre, Solent Nautical College, we continually provide training to improve members’ skills. Additionally, each member receives a ‘Member’s Manual’ and signs a ‘Duty of Care’ undertaking. Last, but not least, we have a proactive management team who maintain a high standard of maintenance, planned preventative maintenance and general cleaning. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so do come and see our existing fleet and take time to look at a 4 or 5 year old boat – we know you will be impressed.

General

What facilities do your marinas at Port Hamble and Lymington Yacht Haven have?

First and foremost as a FlexiSail member you have all the rights of a berth holder. You have access to the berth holder’s reserved parking, showers, loos and changing facilities. At MDL marinas (Hamble) you get ‘MDL Outlook’ card benefits that include free overnight stays in other MDL marinas.

Are the marinas tidal dependent?

No, you have access to enter and leave at all states of the tide, whether it is neaps or springs.

What stops an owner or member from getting on to the iCalendar first and booking the best times?

Our iCalendar is a sophisticated online scheduling system. Bookings are made in 8 week rotations so that each owner or member is entitled to 7 days (5 full weekdays and 2 full weekend days) during each 8 week rotation. This ensures that everyone has access to the same amount of time and each owner or member can book a full weekend. The total number of advance bookings is controlled, as well as the maximum number of weekdays, weekend days and holidays. You can book up to 12 months in advance, but no-one can take advantage and pre-book more than their fair allocation.

Do we get a key for our boat?

Yes, as an owner or member you will receive your own washboard key so that you can always get onboard at any time of the day or night.

Training

Can I join FlexiSail and learn to sail?

Our own RYA training centre, Solent Nautical College, is an integrated part of FlexiSail. We can (and do) take absolute beginners and teach them to Day Skipper and beyond. Learning with FlexiSail is a ‘fast track’ way of acquiring the necessary skills whilst at the same time becoming an expert in handling your FlexiSail boat. We teach you as a family unit or with others if on your own, giving you the benefit of one-to-one training with a highly experienced Yachtmaster Instructor. Our approach is very much a ‘hand holding’ one as we appreciate how daunting it can be to take responsibility of other people as well as an expensive boat. There is no more efficient or less stressful way of learning to sail.

Do you provide VHF and Sea Survival Courses?

Yes, we are a fully accredited RYA training centre (Solent Nautical College) for both shore based and practical courses. We provide theory courses, VHF, First Aid, Sea Survival and Diesel Engine Maintenance. All members receive a preferential rate.

I need to do Day Skipper Theory, can I do it with you?

Yes, we provide a Correspondence Course that is very popular as many of our members find it easier to do it in their own time rather than spending time in a classroom. Please ask for details.

Can I take my Day Skipper Practical and/or Competent Crew course on my FlexiSail boat?

Whilst you can join one of our ‘standard’ courses, which is open to the public and done on our 37’ training yacht, the much preferred approach for our members is to have one-to-one training on their own FlexiSail boat. For two people the cost is similar, but you get better value and will learn more and faster than in any other way.

I am already a Day Skipper, but am rusty. Can I take a refresher course?

You can book one of our Yachtmaster Instructors who can bring you up to speed and will make sure that you are happy with your skills and your FlexiSail boat before taking her out on your own. When you join FlexiSail you will also receive a 2-day induction that includes a full day on the water with a lot of power handling and marina berthing practice.

Ask the Skipper