Life on Board
How do the cabin allocations work?
Most of our guests are solo travellers, small groups of friends or couples. Skyelark 2 caters for all these variables, providing two double cabins, two bunk bed cabins and one single cabin. Solo travellers will typically be in same gender cabins. Both double cabins have ensuite heads and showers, the bunk bed and single cabins share another heads and shower.
If you have a particular preference for a certain cabin or bunk please let us know and we will try to accommodate this. However this may not always be possible.
The aft VIP ensuite double cabin, if available, is subject to a 35% surcharge, and the starboard ensuite double cabin is subject to a 25% surcharge. Single occupancy for any cabin may be possible at a 50% surcharge.
What bedding is provided on board?
Bottom sheet, top sheet, pillow and case and towel will be provided for the Canaries trips, the ARC, the ARC Europe, Caribbean and Spanish Rias Charters. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for the Vigo to Lagos trip, Lagos to Canaries trip, and the ARC Europe.
Who does the domestic chores?
For our shorter more holiday style charters, you will not have to get involved with any cooking, cleaning or washing up, unless you are particularly keen to lend a hand. Likewise you can be as hands on as you like regarding the sailing of the boat. These charters are typically our Caribbean and Spanish Rias holidays.
For our more adventurous style trips, it's a case of everyone getting involved. You'll be sitting watches at sea, taking care of the domestic duties as part of a watch system and generally contributing to life on board. (If you have any concerns about cooking, don't panic, we will assist!) We find this system works well for bringing the crew together and making everyone feel part of the team. This is what to expect if you have signed on for Vigo to Lagos, Lagos to Canaries, the ARC, ARC Europe and the World ARC.
Can I join a charter the evening before?
Usually it is not a problem to join the night before your charter if it is in the Caribbean, or it's an ocean passage or mile building trip. Please do let us know though if you plan to do this. Due to tight turnarounds, joining the night before is not possible for the Spanish Rias trips. Joining times vary according to the trip, but will be made clear in the trip joining instructions.
How many people will be on board?
In addition to Dan and Em, we will take a maximum of 8 guests on board.
What's included?
All onboard expenses, food, soft drinks, some alcoholic drinks and all running costs associated with the yacht. Bedding is provided (this can vary depending on the trip so check the joining instructions for more details). All safety equipment is provided including a lifejacket which contains an AIS transponder, light, sprayhood and safety line.
What's not included?
Travel insurance - this is required, and should be purchased as you book your trip in case you have to cancel for any reason. Flights and transport to the yacht, as well as any meals and excursions ashore are also not included.
Do I need sailing experience?
Sailing experience is not a pre-requisite of sailing with us, but some of our trips are more challenging than others, so it is best to check with us first. We can guide you on which trip you will be best suited for. For example, booking onto an ocean passage having never sailed before may not be the best idea. However we have had guests that have done just that, enjoyed every minute and had a life-changing experience! In general an adventurous spirit and a willingness to get stuck in and be part of a team is the more important than sailing knowledge.
What should I bring?
You will receive a kit list as part of the joining instructions for your trip, but as a general rule you usually don't need as much as you think! Hard suitcases are not permitted onboard and bags with wheels can't be taken down below, but can be stored in the lazarette.
Is alcohol allowed on board?
For our holidays that involve day sailing, alcohol is permitted on board. On ocean passages a 'happy hour' drink is permitted before dinner.
What will the food be like?
We pride ourselves on producing tasty meals on board whether we are on passage or at anchor. There are always plenty of cold or hot options for breakfast. Lunches tend to be sandwiches, wraps or salads and evening meals are always filling and tasty with plenty of variety and cooked with local produce where possible.
Why Skyelark 2?
Skyelark 2 is a luxurious Oyster 62, one of the most prestigious yacht brands out there. They are well known for their unrivalled strength and build quality. On deck offers plenty of lounging space, a spacious and comfortable cockpit, a large cockpit table, sprayhood and sun awning so you can be comfortable whatever the weather.
Down below offers plenty of comfort and luxury. Heating, air conditioning, a large galley, 5 cabins, 3 heads and shower compartments with freshwater push button heads, and a large, comfortable saloon.
The Oyster 62 sails beautifully even in light airs, but also provides a steady and solid platform when the wind picks up. Skyelark 2 is fully commercially coded to be able to charter anywhere in the world. This means we have to adhere to stringent safety, medical and manning regulations.
Many of our guests have made lifelong friendships during their time on our first yacht Skyelark of London. For us it's a delight to have so many people return again and again and become part of the Skyelark family.
