Frequently Asked Questions

What is my commitment ?

As a shareholder your commitment is limited to one season. Repeat shareholders will be given preferred status during the signup
period the following season.

What is included in the shareholder fee ?

The shareholder fee includes dockage, insurance and scheduled maintenance of the yacht.

How much will I really pay at the start of the season ?

At the start of the season, you pay the shareholder fee and the refundable security deposit. The refundable security deposit covers the insurance deductible in case you damage the boat.
New members pay an initiation fee, which includes a class on using the electronic navigation software that you find on all our ETAPs.

How much can I sail ?

You buy 2 weeks of time, split in 28 timeslots. When the boat is not used by another shareholder or the owner, you can use it “for free”.

When can I sail ?

ETAPCharterlease LLC developed its own proprietary online scheduler that you can access through the internet 24/7. We have gone to considerable lengths to have a state of the art scheduling tool that allows everyone equal access to the boat when they want it. Your ETAPCharterlease representative will go over the scheduler and it’s use upon discussing your application.
Sails can be as short as one day or nite slot and as long as one week.

Can I buy more time ?

Yes, you can buy more than one shareholder position in a boat.

Where can I sail ?

Long Island Sound and vicinity.

Can I partner with somebody else to split the cost ?

Yes you can, but only one of you will be the shareholder, will sign the agreement and must be on the boat whenever it goes out. This is required by our insurance policy.

What do I do when I get back from a sail ?

You need to wash down the boat and dispose of your trash. If you have been out for a longer period of time, you may need to refuel and/or pump out before docking. All our boats have wireless access on board and when checking out, you will be asked to fill out a form that will include eventual points of attention for our staff.

What experience do I need to be able to become a shareholder ?

ETAPCharterlease LLC is not a school. You need to feel comfortable captaining a sailing yacht by yourself. And we need to feel comfortable too, so we will want to talk about your previous experience (bareboat charters ? owned a boat ? crewed ?) or certifications during the application process

What happens if I feel I need a short clinic to get back into shape ?

ETAPCharterlease is owned by experienced ocean sailors. We can arrange for a customized clinic on the boats if necessary. If you feel you need more extensive schooling, we will refer you to one of our partners.

How do I become an owner of a managed boat ?

Contact us early! There is significant time delay from deciding on a boat to having it in the water, so if you are interested in this formula, give us a call or
go to Etap-USA.

Why ETAP ?

Because they are the safest boats around. ETAP is a Belgian niche builder of solid fiberglass double-hulled sailing yachts. They are the only yard building sailing yachts this way. All ETAPs are certified unsinkable. The unsinkability comes from a closed cell foam in-between the two hulls. An ETAP with a breached hull will sail back to port. Because of this unique building procedure, ETAPs are stronger and more expensive than other boats. And because ETAP only builds a limited number of yachts per year, they go quality throughout. The difference is obvious.

ETAPCharterlease LLC wants to bring these high end boats in an affordable formula to the East Coast. It works for us because the better quality the boat, the less hassle down the road. And hassle-free sailing is what ETAPCharterlease is all about.

Because of their solid construction, easy sail handling and overall safety, ETAP owners spend more time on the water. Relax, it’s an ETAP!