Behind the Scenes: How Your Sunsail Yacht is Maintained

September 19, 2025 5 min

One of the best parts of Sunsail’s Yacht Ownership Programme is knowing your yacht is never left unattended. Whether you’re thousands of miles away at home, busy planning your next trip, or stepping on board for a week of carefree sailing, a professional team is making sure your yacht is safe, cared for and ready to go.

But what does that actually look like behind the scenes?

From quick turnarounds and post‑charter checks to storm‑season preparations, winter storage and the final handover at the end of your term, here’s how Sunsail takes the stress out of yacht maintenance – so all you need to do is enjoy your time on the water.

Between Charters: The Routines You Don’t See

Every time a yacht returns from charter, it goes through a detailed inspection and turnaround process so it heads back out clean, safe and reliable. While the finer points differ by model and base, owners can typically expect:

Interior checks – Upholstery, galley equipment, electrical systems, plumbing and air conditioning are checked to make sure everything is working as it should.
Exterior checks – Lines, rigging, deck fittings and sails are examined for wear. Smaller fixes are completed on the spot; anything larger is scheduled straight away.
Engine and systems – Oil levels, filters, pumps, batteries and electronics are carefully checked by trained technicians after each charter.
Deep cleaning – The yacht is thoroughly cleaned, sanitised and restocked, ready for you or the next guest.

This regular rhythm means your yacht is never left sitting for long. It’s a big part of why Sunsail yachts are maintained to such a consistently high standard, year after year.

Owner tip: Take advantage of Sunsail’s provisioning service before you arrive. Stepping on board to find your yacht stocked with local wine, fresh produce and ready‑to‑sail essentials turns your first evening into a five‑star welcome.

When the Unexpected Happens: Repairs and Incident Response

Even the most experienced sailors know that boating comes with the odd bump along the way – a scrape from a tight berth, a torn sail, a light grounding or weather‑related damage. The reassuring thing about Sunsail ownership is that you’re never left to deal with these issues alone, and your yacht isn’t left out of action for months on end.

From the moment something happens, Sunsail follows a clear, step‑by‑step process to get it resolved quickly and professionally, keeping you informed from start to finish:

Immediate assessment – Base staff are trained to diagnose issues quickly, whether they’re mainly cosmetic or more structural.
Owner Communication – You’ll be told what has happened, what’s needed to put it right and the expected timeline.
4-hour service commitment – If something goes wrong during a charter that affects safe sailing, Sunsail aims to have a technician on site within four working hours of notification (during base operating hours), so your yacht and guests can get back on the water with minimal downtime.
Expert repair teams – Sunsail works with certified marine technicians, riggers and electricians, and partners with trusted local yards for more complex repairs.
Quality assurance – Repairs are only signed off once the yacht has passed post‑repair checks and, where appropriate, sea trials.

Owner Tip: If you or your guests ever need support while you’re out on the water, contact the base as soon as possible. The 4‑hour commitment is there to make sure small issues don’t turn into big ones.

Seasonal Maintenance: A Deeper Dive

As the main sailing season winds down, Sunsail bases use the quieter months for a thorough annual health check of the fleet, making sure every yacht is refreshed and ready for the year ahead. Depending on location, this may include:

Haul-outs – Lifting yachts ashore for hull cleaning, sanding, antifouling and detailed inspections.
Rigging checks – Inspecting masts, shrouds and stays and replacing components where needed.
Mechanical overhauls – Preventative maintenance and any necessary repairs on engines, generators, watermakers and refrigeration systems.
Interior refresh – Replacing or refurbishing soft furnishings, linens and galley equipment to keep the yacht comfortable and looking its best.

Owner Tip: If you can, plan an owner trip just after seasonal maintenance. Your yacht will be in peak condition – freshly serviced, polished and ready to impress.

Storm Season: Safety First

Protecting the fleet during storm season is one of Sunsail’s top priorities. Each base has experienced dock staff, technicians and managers who handle preparations with precision, so even in hurricane‑prone regions you can relax knowing your yacht is in expert hands.

During quieter periods, Sunsail also draws on trusted local infrastructure for bigger jobs and post‑storm repairs. After Hurricane Irma swept through the British Virgin Islands, for example, Sunsail worked closely with local shipyards and independent surveyors to carry out large‑scale repairs and return the fleet to service ahead of the following season. That combination of local know‑how and global backing is what allows Sunsail yachts to recover quickly after major weather events.

For Caribbean‑based yachts, hurricane preparation is a serious, structured process. Sunsail bases typically follow strict protocols such as:

Strategic storage – Hauling yachts ashore or securing them in reinforced hurricane holes.
Securing systems – Removing sails, tying down rigging and clearing loose items.
Continuous monitoring – Tracking storm activity and adjusting plans as the forecast evolves.

In the Mediterranean and other cooler regions, the focus shifts to winterisation – hauling yachts ashore or securing them in marinas, draining and protecting systems and preparing each boat for the colder months.

Owner tip: If you’re planning a trip close to storm season, speak to your base team. They can share the preparation schedule and let you know when your yacht is due for work, so you can plan around it with confidence.

End-of-Program Phase-Out: Ready for What’s Next

When your ownership term comes to an end, Sunsail doesn’t simply hand back the keys. Your yacht goes through a comprehensive phase‑out process to make sure it’s in excellent condition for private use or resale.

The phase-out typically includes:

Full survey and inspection – Independent surveyors and Sunsail technicians go over every part of the yacht, from rigging and structure to systems and plumbing.
Mechanical and system checks – Engines, generators and electrical systems are serviced, upgraded or replaced where necessary.
Cosmetic upgrades – Polishing, painting and interior repairs to freshen the yacht inside and out.
Compliance and safety gear – Ensuring safety equipment and certifications are up to date with current regulations.

For owners, phase‑out offers peace of mind and helps protect value. You receive a yacht with all major systems addressed and a clear record of work carried out, ready either for life as your private boat or to be marketed in the best possible condition.

Owner Tip: Ask your sales manager for a copy of the phase‑out report. It’s useful both for your own records and if you decide to list the yacht for private sale in future private sale later on.

Behind the Scenes: People and Processes You Can Trust

What really sets Sunsail apart is the combination of people and process behind every yacht. Each base is staffed with experienced marina managers, technicians, engineers, riggers and cleaners – many with decades of experience – who treat your yacht as if it were their own. They understand not only how to maintain a private yacht, but also the higher standards expected of a Sunsail charter boat.

From the everyday turnarounds you’ll never see, to the four‑hour response if something goes wrong, to the methodical way bases prepare for storms or winter, Sunsail’s model is built to keep your yacht working and well cared for all year round – without you chasing yard quotes, organising contractors or dealing with complex insurance claims.

That’s the true behind‑the‑scenes story: professional teams, established partners and predictable processes that let you focus on what you bought the boat for in the first place – carefree time on the water.

Put your yacht in the hands of professionals who treat it like their own. Contact our Sunsail Ownership Team today to sail with confidence and enjoy genuine peace of mind on the water.