Hey drhoppy,
We have chartered from CYOA, just this spring in fact. Had a great experience. Their boats are slightly older than others, however we found our boat to be very serviceable. We chartered the 1997 Hunter 450CC. Of course, not everything worked perfectly. I am not sure you will find a boat where that is true. Small issue though, burned out light bulbs, etc. We did not experience any issues that would interfere with sailing or our good time. Check out with CYOA involves you completing an inventory checklist to ensure all the necessary equipment is onboard. I would take note of any missing items or things that appear broken. The checklist can be completed the evening before you leave or that morning. Then CYOA will do a walk through of the systems with you. This is the time to test things before you leave the dock. Make sure the
anchor windlass is in working order. Make sure the dingy has a full tank of gas and start the motor, etc. CYOA also does a sail checkout with you. They will have you take the boat out into the bay and hoist all sails and tack, etc with them onboard. They then come and retrieve their staff person in a chase boat, so you can continue on from your position in the bay. CYOA also will dive the keel when you return the boat. They are very through about the checkout process. However we found this very welcoming. The Hunter 450CC had a
furling main. We did not care for this set up and found that it was furled backwards by the last users which made reefing in 27 knot winds difficult. So much for easing into it. We just pulled out the main and shortened the
jib and put the rail in the water. Had lots of fun. The people at CYOA are extremely accomodating and being a small operation, we felt like we received individual attention. Have previously chartered from Moorings and like Moorings however CYOA is definetly more personable. Any other questions, just let me know.