The most horrible experience
We have bareboat many yachts over the years however we had never experienced such an unfriendly checkin with Puresailing who engage a third party Skiathos Sailing. We were not advised of this when booking the yacht through HELM.
We did take the opportunity to checkin with Puresailing prior to 5pm on our first day. This was an uncomfortable experience, questioning our RYA ICC “what is this?” and being advised the €350 damage waiver fee has no formal documentation “it’s a fee”.
We then had the most horrible experience following checking in and having boarded the yacht at our official 5pm slot.
We did received permission from the staff already on the yacht to board, unload our food shopping and luggage.
Vassilis Sarris (Skiathos Sailing) then turned up at 5:15pm ranting we should not be on the yacht and all crew being told to get off the yacht, reciting damage the had been unrecognised by previous customers.
We were left feeling like rats, scurrying over the vessel.
WHAT A HORRIBLE START TO OUR HOLIDAY, having paid £5000+ Hiring the yacht (Captain George) for the week.
Our crew were sent to the local bar, out of the sun / heat until Skiathos Sailing had explained the yacht functions, whilst carrying out repairs in our time.
Also the security deposit €750 should not have been made against my credit card, merely holding only. This had been taken from my card a week later. As a consequence, I am now out of pocket with the charges associated with the transaction / conversion € to £.
Equally prior to return of the yacht, we were pressured to return it at least 1 hour earlier, so as to secure the location of the yacht desired by Skiathos Sailing.
Again handing back the yacht was most uncomfortable, inspecting for any signs of damage, coming across as though we were guilty until proven innocent.
The return documentation is gear towards damage / fee generation having 50% of the single page dedicated for such.
Our feedback currently sits with HELM for response & improvement.
PLEASE BE WARNED. I’ve experienced far better customer focused organisations out there.
1 August 2022
Unprompted review