Damaged the Yacht? Don’t Panic – Here’s What to Do Step by Step

1. Stay calm and ensure safety
   Your first reaction may be stress or frustration with yourself, but the most important thing is not to panic. Stop, look around, and assess whether anyone is injured or if the yacht is in any danger. If necessary – drop anchor, turn off the engine, and move away from any obstacles. Contrary to instinct, staying calm and acting quickly is the best way to limit further damage and regain control of the situation.
2. Document the incident
   Regardless of whether the damage seems minor or more serious, it’s essential to document everything properly. Take several photos – of both the damage and the context (e.g., the dock, nearby boats, or the buoy). If another vessel was involved, note its name and the skipper’s contact details, and photograph its registration license. Sometimes, a written incident report signed by both skippers is required. This documentation will be helpful when reporting the damage and can help avoid misunderstandings.
3. Contact the charter company or owner
   Don’t wait until the end of the trip to report the damage. Contact the charter company – that is, us – or the yacht owner as soon as possible. The phone number for the base manager responsible for your yacht is always listed on your boarding pass or base information. That’s the person to contact in such situations. It’s also a good idea to send photos of the damage so the owner can quickly assess the situation. Sometimes it’s fine to continue the trip with a bit more caution; in other cases, technical support or a service visit may be needed.

4. Don’t attempt repairs without the owner’s consent
   Many sailors are tempted to "quietly" fix minor damage – screw something back in, patch it up with tape, or replace a part on their own. While we appreciate the good intentions, we strongly advise against such actions without prior consultation. Unauthorized repairs may worsen the yacht’s condition or void the insurance. It’s best to let us know what happened – we’ll offer a safe and proper solution.
5. Return the yacht honestly and without hiding damage
   At the end of your trip – when returning the yacht – transparency is key. Even if the damage seems small or hard to notice, it’s better to inform the owner or charter representative than hope “maybe they won’t notice.” Experience shows that hiding damage almost always leads to unpleasant situations – whereas openness and honesty are usually met with understanding and a constructive attitude.

Damage to the yacht is not the end of the world – how you respond to it is what matters. And if anything worries you – we’re here to help. Remember: you’re not alone at sea, even if you’re the captain for now.
To reduce the risk of losing your deposit, we always recommend taking out deposit insurance before your trip. It’s a small expense that can save a lot of stress – especially in the case of minor but costly damage.