boat hire in Lefkada · Bali — 5.4 (2019)

We chartered from KAVAS a 54-foot catamaran for a seven-day sailing holiday in the Ionian Sea for six adults (three couples). The yacht was advertised as offering “a feeling of luxury and comfort only found aboard big boats” and was operated by a KAVAS skipper and hostess, with no responsibility on our part for its navigation or operation. Problems became apparent immediately after embarkation. Although the yacht was advertised as having six guest cabins, only four were made available to us. One of those cabins had a non-functioning air-conditioning unit, which we understood had already been known to KAVAS before our arrival. After the first night, the air-conditioning in a second cabin also failed, leaving only two operational cabins. According to the Owner, who spoke to us via the skipper’s phone in a discourteous manner, four functioning cabins were considered unnecessary because we were only three couples. We found this inconsistent with the terms on which the yacht had been chartered. Only after repeated requests was technical assistance arranged, restoring one unit so that three cabins remained usable for the rest of the charter. Another persistent issue involved the generator and water maker. Both produced excessive noise, often for prolonged periods during the day and overnight. The forward cabin closest to the generator became particularly uncomfortable, making uninterrupted sleep difficult. The noise also significantly affected the saloon and aft seating area, repeatedly disrupting meals, conversation and relaxation. On one occasion, neighbouring crews complained about the disturbance, and one yacht relocated to another berth because of the noise. The most significant incident occurred on the third day when one of the yacht’s two engines failed after we were informed that its propeller had detached. The yacht remained stationary in a sheltered bay for approximately two days while repairs were arranged. As a result, the planned itinerary could not continue, and a substantial portion of our holiday was spent waiting rather than cruising between the agreed destinations. Although we accept that mechanical failures can occur despite proper maintenance, the disruption materially affected the purpose of the charter. Only a partial repair was completed, as the affected engine remained unable to engage reverse gear. This limitation became evident when arriving at Sivota, where the skipper was unable to complete what appeared to be a normal stern-to mooring (as so many other vessels in the same bay)and instead anchored the yacht without stern lines near the harbor entrance. Later that evening, after returning from ashore by tender, we found that the yacht had come into contact with another vessel. We did not witness the incident and cannot comment on how it occurred, but it reinforced our concern that the earlier engine failure continued to affect the yacht’s safe operation. We were also concerned by the apparent reluctance of the skipper and Owner to report the incident to the Coast Guard. Following this event, the original itinerary was abandoned, and the yacht remained in a nearby bay for almost two further days before returning directly to Lefkas Marina for redelivery. During the charter we sent two emails to KAVAS describing the ongoing problems. Neither received a response, nor did any representative contact us to discuss the situation or offer alternative arrangements. While unforeseen technical problems may arise on any yacht, we believe that timely communication and customer support are essential when such issues significantly disrupt a charter. In our experience, KAVAS failed to provide either. The yacht’s general condition also fell short of the standard represented in its published description. It appeared insufficiently cleaned before embarkation, and several items of equipment operated unreliably. The bathing ladder had apparently been repaired with insulating tape, one step was missing, leaving exposed metal, and only after we raised the issue was it temporarily secured with a rope. The freshwater deck shower provided consistently weak water pressure, while the tender was in poor condition, with torn upholstery, standing water inside and detached material hanging near the outboard engine. The principal purpose of the charter—a comfortable week-long cruising holiday—could not be achieved to the extent reasonably expected when the booking was made. This statement is not intended as criticism of the skipper personally, as many of the circumstances may have been beyond his control. It has been prepared in good faith solely to provide an accurate account of our experience. Based on that experience, we would not charter this yacht again, nor would we feel comfortable recommending either the yacht or the services provided by KAVAS to others seeking a similar sailing holiday.

I just would like to express my gratitude to all Kavas team, My expectation on this trip was really high, but you could make it simply perfect and much more from what we could imagine. The crew was simply excellent. making our stay comfortable and warm at the same time. We could have privacy but at the same time well served. Andreas took us through a perfect tour where we could see an even more beautiful Greece that we could know before. Anastasia was really efficient and kind at the same time. They compose a really good team and make us lived a dream. The only critical point was the AC of my bedroom that doesn't work for the whole night, which make us not sleeping well but Andreas made his best effort to fix, sometimes no successful but all the rest more than compensate this "fault". I would like also to express my appreciation for Sophia that help me during 2 years before the rental. She was always kind and efficient. to sum up, see you next summer. Eduardo in name of the whole group.