How does a Spinnaker Fractional Membership work?
Spinnaker is just like a gym membership, but on the water. You join, pay a monthly fee, use the equipment, clean it up when you are finished, and leave - without all the ownership responsibilities. Spinnaker also provides an online scheduling calendar and an written check-on and check-off system that makes it easy to schedule your boating time and ensures the boat is always clean and ready to go. Spinnaker is perfect for anyone who wants a smarter and more realistic way to sail on a new boat.
What is the maximum number of fractional boaters on a given yacht?
The usual maximum is 8 users, including the owner-member
What is the cost?
This depends on the size of the boat you want.
Will my costs go up if there are fewer Members on the boat?
No. The Spinnaker model has been specifically crafted to alleviate this type of pitfall and ensures that Members pay a flat monthly fee only.
How much cash will I be required to pay when I join Spinnaker Fractional?
This depends on the size of the boat. Typically, for a new Beneteau 34, you pay $795 for the first months membership, a refundable (with restrictions) damage deposit of $3,000 and the training fee appropriate for your level of experience, (approximately $1500)
What is the length of the commitment?
There is 90 days written notice of cancellation. There where be a cancellation fee prorated upon length of membership.
Do I need to sign a contract? Can I see it?
Yes.
Am I a part owner of the yacht when I join Spinnaker Fractional?
No. Shared ownership of the boat creates many complexities. The yacht is owned by a Spinnaker Owner-Member. If you are interested taking advantage of our Owner Member program, speak to your Spinnaker representative.
Are there any other maintenance/upkeep fees that will be assessed?
No. But if you lose an item or damage the vessel you will pay for replacement or up to the insurance deductible.
Can two people share one membership?
Yes. There are some details that need to be reviewed to do so.
How do you schedule the sail times?
We utilize the universally accessible Google Calendar System. Additionally, you have the ability to borrow time from adjacent months/
How long is a sail time?
This varies midweek to weekend. There's fewer weekend days and they are prime so we follow this schedule
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Midweek Time Periods Day: 9 am - 5 pm Evening: 5 pm - 9 am.
- Weekend Time Periods Day 9 am 3 pm Evening 3 pm - 9 am (this gives everyone some daylight to sail in!)
Is Friday a weekday or weekend sail time?
Friday day is a weekday. Friday night is a weekend evening sail time.
Can I see the yacht ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just call to schedule an appointment.
How is the boat outfitted?
Our boats are fully loaded with luxury appointments and the latest electronics for the appropriate weather and sailing conditions.
Can I stay overnight on the yacht?
Yes. Every evening sail time ends at 9:00 am the next morning.
Who is responsible for washing down the boat?
Members wash down the yacht after their use and remove their trash, etc. Members use a simple check on and check off the boat each time they sail.
Who is responsible for re-fueling and pump-out of the yacht?
Spinnaker is! – at no extra charge to the Member. In the event of an extended stay outing the Member then becomes responsible for these items upon return of the vessel to the marina.
How do you handle irresponsible / uncooperative / non-paying Members?
The Member agreement provides for the removal of Members who abuse Spinnaker's policies.
Can I use Spinnaker Fractional to qualify to Captain a yacht on a Caribbean vacation?
Yes. Spinnaker will help you gain enough experience so that you can qualify to Captain a boat in a vacation destination. Additionally, the system tracks and logs your time on the boat to help you build your sailing resume.
Can I continuously get back to back sail times so long as no other Member is using the time?
Absolutely! Each Member is entitled to unlimited “as-available” use on a 24-hour notice at no extra cost.
Can I become a Member first and then upgrade to become an Owner-Member?
Yes. Many of our Owner-Members start with our program as members. They become familiar with how the program works, how the boats are maintained, and become comfortable with the local base owner. When they are ready they take advantage of our terrific Owner-Member program to own the boat of their dreams.
This seems too good to be true!
Thanks, Spinnaker Fractional has invested a lot of time, effort, and technology into designing a program that opens up the world of big boat sailing to a whole new group of people. We hope you'll try it!
