About Us
Home – About Us
Our Story
Faraway Yachting was founded in 1996 when we first arrived in Thailand. In the beginning, we were 4 cruising sailors with 4 different yachts from different parts of the world.
Two monohull yachts sailed from the Red Sea and two catamarans from Australia. The owners were from Australia, Norway, The Netherlands and I from Austria. We met unintentionally at an anchorage for a sundowner at Kata Beach, discussing the next cruising routes.
Freddy, from Norway, the most entrepreneurial of us wanted to start scuba diving trips to the Similan islands. His yacht “Colona II” was already set up for this venture.
Makz , born in The Netherlands, with his monohull yacht “Stressbreaker” also had all the scuba diving equipment. He decided to do the same.
Australian Bob on his boat “Lizard of Oz” and I from Austria, on “Amadeus” immediately set up our catamarans for scuba diving as well.
We all started offering sailing trips with diving and so Faraway Sail & Dive Expeditions was founded in the summer of 1996.
Over the years, we had amazing ventures, especially when the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar opened up in 1997. We were one of the first ones offering scuba diving and sailing cruises in this area.
We sailed the many remote islands in Myanmar and discovered the Andaman islands which belong to India. These islands are only 420 nautical miles away from Phuket, but over 1000 miles away from the Indian mainland!
We were diving at Barren Island with a sometimes active volcano. We went swimming with elephants on Havelock Island, and meeting Sea gypsies at the most remote islands of the Mergui Archipelago. These were only some of our adventures years ago.
Now, almost 25 years later, the company still exists. We renamed it “Faraway Yachting” a few years later and is still owned and managed by the last remaining of the original founding partners.
I, Wolfgang from Austria, settled in Phuket with my wife and 2 sons, who went to school here till graduation and then they both moved to Europe to continue their studies.
With our 5 own catamarans, we still like to do special trips with our guests to explore some special places.
The difference to any other charter company is that we from Faraway Yachting are all (or have been) charter skippers. With this experience and knowledge on hand over more than 25 years, we are very aware of our customer’s needs.
Knowing the cruising grounds intimately we are able to advise you on a very personal level, to assure you of the charter holiday of your dreams.
This personal touch goes a long way, before, during and after the charter.
FAQs
Booking terms and conditions of Faraway Yachting Co. Ltd.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, we have set out the following terms and conditions. By booking a yacht charter with us, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions, which apply to every client for all our yacht charters, you agree to all the terms and conditions if not otherwise agreed elsewhere in written form. Please read them carefully before making a booking.
1. Booking
To book a trip, please confirm availability and notify us. Upon confirmation, you will receive an invoice (formal or informal, but written) stating the amounts to be paid as a deposit and the outstanding balance. The deposit is due immediately after the invoice has been sent.
After depositing, please inform us of your payment with a payment slip or similar. Upon receiving this payment into our accounts, we will immediately send you a confirmation.
We reserve the right to sell the charter to another party after sending the invoice if not paid immediately after receiving the invoice. If you require an original copy of this invoice, please state so when making the booking.
Late payments of the balance may result in your booked space not being secured. Should we be forced to forego your reserved space due to late payment, your booking will be seen as a cancellation, and the relevant charges will apply.
1.1 Day charter
Deposit for day charters is 50%, and the outstanding amount needs to be paid 72 hours before the departure of the boat if not otherwise agreed upon. Bookings made less than 72 hours before departure are to be paid in full.
1.2 Overnight charter
The deposit for overnight charters is 30%, and the outstanding balance is to be paid no later than 40 days before the departure date. Bookings made less than 40 days before departure are to be paid in full. The booked yacht will not leave the marina before the outstanding amount is paid in full.
2. Altering a booking
Minor alterations are usually free of charge, provided they do not interfere with our schedules. Major alterations that interfere with our booking schedules may be treated as cancellations and re-bookings, and the relevant charges may apply.
3. Cancellations and Insurance
We need to be notified of cancellations in writing by email.
The date we receive the message is the one used in calculating the charge. The following cancellation charges apply:
3.1 Day trips
- Less than 7 days prior to the charter date – 30% of the full charter fee will be
- Less than 72 hours prior to departure date – 100% of the full charter fee will be
3.2 Overnight trips
- 60 days or prior to the charter – no charges will be
- Between 60 and 40 days prior to the charter – 30% of the total charter
- Less than 40 days – 100% of the charter fee will be charged.
Any time you cancel, there will be a 100 Euro administration fee.
If the weather is deemed unsafe by the meteorology department of Thailand, then Faraway Yachting Co. Ltd. will cancel the charter and first offer an alternate charter date. If this is not possible (other pre-booked appointments of flights back, evidence needs to be provided), a full refund is provided.
4. Force Majeure
No compensation will be paid in the case of unforeseeable and unusual circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised. Such circumstances or events include but are not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, unavoidable technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, pandemic, and adverse weather conditions.
5. Safety
We take safety very seriously, and the captain of the yacht has the discretion to change the planned route if he deems it unsafe. In the event of a route change, no refunds will be provided. Where itineraries are given, they may be subject to change based on weather conditions, guest preferences, or other circumstances.
The final decision regarding the itinerary lies with the captain of the trip. Passengers must follow the safety instructions provided by our professional crew. Failure to follow instructions may result in the cancellation of the charter without a refund. Please note that our insurance does not cover intoxicated passengers, and guests who consume intoxicating substances do so at their own risk.
6. Liability
Faraway Yachting accepts no responsibility for the acts or omissions of our clients, whether negligent or otherwise, and shall not be held liable for any claims made against them (or as a result of their actions) either by other clients of Faraway Yachting or third parties. We accept no liability for losses that were not caused by any breach on our part and were unforeseeable at the time of booking.
7. Holiday & Cancellation Insurance
We highly recommend that guests obtain travel insurance covering sailing and watersports activities and cancellation insurance. Please note that there will be no refunds by Faraway Yachting in case of any kind of cancellation by the guests.
8. Equipment Breakdown
While we take great care to maintain all systems and equipment, equipment failures or malfunctions can occur. Yachts are complex machines subject to a range of conditions and stresses, including heavy use, weather, and sea conditions. Our crew is trained and experienced in handling equipment failures and malfunctions, and we have procedures in place to address these situations promptly and effectively.
Please note that we do not offer refunds for minor issues that do not affect the overall charter experience. If a significant issue occurs that affects the safety or enjoyment of your charter, we will take all necessary steps to address the issue and provide a satisfactory resolution.
If Faraway Yachting is unable, even through no fault of their own, to deliver the chartered yacht or a similar yacht at the commencement of the charter period, we will be obliged to reimburse a pro-rata sum of the charter fee.
9. Complaints
Should a client have a complaint, they have to inform the skipper of the yacht, or in the case of a bareboat charter, the shore base. The skipper or shore base will do their utmost to rectify the problem. If the outcome is not satisfactory, the client will have to inform us in writing within 14 days after the end of the charter.
Complaints, which have not first been expressed to the skipper on the trip concerned or to the shore base in the case of a bareboat charter, will not be taken into consideration. To handle complaints, we require the original complaint of the client, signed by the client him/herself. If the matter is deemed fair, the client will have their trip partly or wholly reimbursed.
10. Information Provided
The information we provide regarding the yachts, itineraries, crew, sites, transfers, arrival/departures, prices, and all other aspects of the charters is correct to the best of our knowledge. However, we reserve the right to change any of the above as circumstances dictate without prior notice.
11. Price Changes & Promotions
We reserve the right to change prices at any time or run promotions. The price quoted at the time of booking will be valid for the duration of your charter, but any promotions or discounts cannot be applied later on to the charter. You can stay informed about our promotions and discounts by checking our social media channels.
12. Intellectual Property & Privacy Policy
All content on the Faraway Yachting Co. Ltd. website, including text, images, logos, and videos, is the property of the company and protected by copyright laws. The content may not be used, reproduced, or distributed without the company’s written permission. However, all media apart from the text on our website can be used for the purpose of promoting our services.
We reserve the rights to all media created on your yachts. Faraway Yachting Co. Ltd. is committed to protecting our customer’s personal data and respecting their privacy. The company will only use personal data provided by the customer for the purpose of fulfilling the charter and will not disclose this data to any third party, except where necessary to fulfill the charter or as required by law.
13. Final Note
By booking with Faraway Yachting Co. Ltd., you agree to our booking terms and conditions. These terms are valid for clients booking directly with us or through an agency. Any deviation from these booking terms and conditions must be agreed upon in writing by both parties. Verbal agreements do not hold any validity.
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Thailand. Any disputes arising from these terms and conditions or the booking will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Thai courts.
If any part of these booking terms and conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these terms and conditions, please feel free to contact us for clarification before making a booking. We hope that you find these terms and conditions clear and concise.
At Faraway Yachting Co. Ltd., we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring your safety and enjoyment while aboard our yachts. Thank you for considering our services, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard soon.
Your Faraway Yachting Team
Charter inquiry
You can check the availability of a specific yacht using the inquiry forms on this website. Alternatively, maybe you have some general ideas about your charter holiday requirements but would like to receive some more suggestions concerning one or several yachts that might suit your needs.
In either case, please give as many details as possible. We will personally reply to you within 12 hours. The people of the Faraway Team are based in Phuket, where most of the charter yachts are located. We will work closely with you to put together an itinerary, including any special requirements you may have. All of us are experienced sailors and have been working in yacht charter and diving for many years. We are happy to advise you on any question you may have, whether it concerns the yachts, the cruising area, sailing with children, things to do, Thai and European catering, dive sites, weather conditions, local travel arrangements, etc …
Here is how you can contact us:
– send a charter inquiry form from this website
– write an email to: info@far-away.net
– call us at +66 81 895 1826
Please, keep in mind that many of our charters are often booked 6 months in advance, so it is better not to leave your inquiry to the last minute.
Book your yacht
Once you have confirmed your booking, we put the yacht on Working Hold (a temporary reservation until we receive your deposit) for 7 days and you will receive an invoice that we ask you to pay in two parts: Deposit (30%) immediately and Final Payment (70%) 60 days before the start date of your charter. For more details on booking, payment, changing dates, please see Booking Conditions.
Before you arrive here
You may want to make flight arrangements, and hotel reservations if you intend to arrive early at your destination. We can help you with suggestions for attractive places to stay, or if you wish, we can make the reservation for you.
A few weeks before your charter, we will send you a Preference Sheet, through which you can indicate your wishes for the catering: preferred breakfast and cuisine, vegetarian mails, special dietary requirements, wines, your favorite sundowner drink … Also we like to know more about the guests on board, ages of children, sizes for dive equipment. And you can ask us to arrange the pick up from the airport or your hotel.
We recommend that you purchase Travel and Cancellation Insurance covering the activities that you will undertake.
When you arrive here
If you asked us to arrange transport from the airport or your hotel, our minibus driver will pick you up and bring you to the location of embarkation for the yacht. There you will be met by a representative of Faraway Yachting or by the skipper of the yacht, and your final questions can be settled or final arrangements can be made before you embark on your charter holiday.
At the end of your trip
We will usually try to meet you at the end of the charter and can make travel arrangements for you from the location of disembarkation. The skipper will contact us to inform us of your requirements.
Sounds OK? What are you waiting for? Send us an email!
Related FAQ and links:
Booking Conditions
Contact Us – Enquiry Form
Choose the Service Level that you like.
1. Crewed Charter
Includes the services of a dedicated captain and chef/hostess and all the catering you can wish for. Together with the skipper, you decide on an itinerary and you can choose to be as lazy or active as you like, from never leaving the netting with your book to sailing the boat all by yourself. The skipper knows all the good places to go and the best time to be there. You don’t need to worry about the cleaning, the cooking, and the safety of the yacht. Faraway offers a different kind of yachts as a crewed charter, the charter rates reflecting the level of luxury and style you can expect on the yacht. In all cases, crewed charter yachts make perfect sailing holidays!
2. Bareboat Charter
You skipper the yacht all by yourself and also take care of the catering, the cooking, and the cleaning. Many bareboat yachts can be supplied with standard catering when you arrive here, or alternatively, you can ask for a specific shopping list of goods to be supplied at your arrival. Before you take off, you will receive an extensive boat and area briefing, and in some cases, someone comes along for the first day to help you familiarize yourself with sailing the yacht. In order to be able to charter a bareboat, you need to give us proof of adequate sailing experience and qualifications beforehand.
3. Bareboat Charter with Engineer/guide
You are the skipper of the yacht and an engineer is on board to help you with all mechanical aspects of the yacht (checking oil, water, running systems, and fixing problems on the spot). The engineer also knows how to sail the boat and will happily act as your guide, knowing the cruising grounds, best anchorages, snorkeling spots, restaurants, etc… Some yachts only go out with an engineer, and can not be chartered fully bareboat. The charter rates are lower than a fully crewed charter and the guests pay all the extra expenses. These would be provisions (also for the engineer), fuel, water, marina fees, etc. Also, you prepare the meals and look after your cabins and the cleaning of the yacht. This might be a good choice for those who want to eat ashore frequently and don’t need the personal service which a fully crewed charter includes. You need adequate sailing experience and qualifications to charter a bareboat with an engineer.
4. Luxury Charter
Luxury charters are offered by specialized top-range sailing and power yachts. Not only do they have a dedicated captain and chef, but also there is a larger staff looking after your needs and wishes and sailing and maintaining the yacht. Often there will be several hosts/hostesses, a divemaster, a masseuse, a sailing master, and one or more deckhands. The yachts are large and your cabin will be a roomy private en-suite cabin with all the comfort and often you find luxury items like a hairdryer or private bathrobe. You can think of a luxury charter as “a floating resort”. The charter rates reflect the high service level and the size of the yacht.
Other Options
We can design a trip to meet any special requirements or requests. Here are just a few examples:
– Honeymoon and Wedding Trips
– Reunion of friends or family
– Wedding anniversaries or other anniversaries
– Corporate Events or Incentive trips
– Team-building or management training
– Diving courses
– Special Diets
– Onboard massage
With regard to the catering: we will do everything to accommodate your personal dietary requirements. Vegetarian menus are no problem and will delight everyone, not just the vegetarians!
The most important is to get in touch with us as soon as possible and communicate your special wishes early. With enough warning, most requirements are possible.
Related FAQ’s or links:
– How do I book a charter yacht?
– Enquiry Form
Simply because it is the greatest vacation on Earth!
Why private yacht charter? Imagine waking up on a private yacht in a different secluded cove each day of your vacation. Imagine deciding whether your day’s activity should include a swim, snorkel or scuba diving or kayaking, or a beach stroll or cross-island hike, a sail to another beautiful island, or just relaxing on the deck in the nets. The yachts are excellent and reliable, all perfectly fitted for sailing in the tropics.
If you booked a crewed charter, you’re at ease because you have a crew who, in addition to being your personal tour guides, are looking after the boat, the food and the cleaning. You’re on a floating resort where the scenery always changes, the food is prepared as you like it and you never run out of things to do. When it comes time to sail to your next destination you can participate as little or as much in the sailing of the vessel as you would like. The crew will be happy to teach you about the art of sailing, navigating and boat handling.
Why with Faraway?
– What you see is what you get: with Faraway all information is transparent, no hidden costs or issues.
– Booking is as easy as 1-2-3
– The yachts are carefully selected for excellent cruising holidays
You can rely on us, Faraway is one of the most experienced charter companies in Phuket, operational since 1995. We have many guests who return to book a charter with Faraway every year.
Related FAQ’s or links:
– Charter Enquiry Form
Much better: total freedom and variety in a perfect setting.
Your own personal yacht charter offers you the variety and flexibility that you will not easily find with land-based resorts, hotels and villas. You will see beaches and views that you can not see from the shore and in many cases that you cannot even get to. Each charter is totally customized to your requirements,:
– no set departure dates and no fixed schedules which you have to adhere to
– there are no strangers you have to share your holiday with
– you will have anchorages and beaches to yourself when you choose to
– you can visit village, bars and resorts from the yacht
The yacht is many things at once: your hotel, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, favourite lounge place, all in a perfect marine setting. And if you wish to go to the next destination: you and your group can decide where to go and when to go, the yacht is yours.
Much better: total freedom and variety in a perfect setting.
Your own personal yacht charter offers you the variety and flexibility that you will not easily find with land-based resorts, hotels and villas. You will see beaches and views that you can not see from the shore and in many cases you cannot even get to. Each charter is totally customized to your requirements,:
– no set departure dates and no fixed schedules which you have to adhere to
– there are no strangers you have to share your holiday with
– you will have anchorages and beaches to yourself when you choose to
– you can visit villages, bars and resorts from the yacht
The yacht is many things at once: your hotel, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, favorite lounge place, all in a perfect marine setting. And if you wish to go to the next destination: you and your group can decide where to go and when to go, the yacht is yours.
Water sports
All our yachts have equipment on board for water sports activities. These include snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and of course the main activity sailing. On many of the yachts, Scuba Diving is also available on request. Some of the yachts offer additional activities such as water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, or wing-foiling.
Land-based activities
– rock climbing in Phi Phi Island, Railay Beach (Krabi)
– visit the fishing village in Phang Nga Bay
– visit temples in Krabi and Phuket
– visit ancient worshipping caves in Krabi and Koh Lanta
Related FAQ’s or links
– Destinations – Thailand, Burma, Andaman Islands
Yummy and plenty!
The cooks on the yachts are excellent. Your best bet is to let them do what they do best, and sit back and enjoy the magic. Sailing builds up
a healthy appetite. We have developed a reputation over the years for providing exquisite meals and we are proud of this. We pay particular attention to the freshness of meals aboard, working hard to maintain their quality, variety and creativeness. Fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood
all prepared in the Asian style are standard fare. Vegetarian dishes are
our specialty and dietary requirements can be catered for.
We also know what kids like to eat and drink, they will be very pleased.
Each morning starts with a hearty breakfast (Asian, European or American) with plenty of fresh fruit. Lunch is often enjoyed at leisure at an anchorage outdoors on deck under the awning. or perhaps in the saloon. Before you start on your evening meal on board, there are snacks or a fresh fruit platter in the afternoon. And don’t forget your sundowner when the sun is at a 10-degree angle to the horizon. On some occasions, a sumptuous beach barbecue is offered. And of course, feel free to venture ashore to taste the local cuisine if you are tempted.
With notification ahead, your particular requirements can be catered for in most cases. In the Preference Sheet that you receive from us before your charter, you can indicate all your special wishes and preferences for food and drinks.
Would you like to learn to cook Thai?
On many of the yachts, the chefs are happy to share their recipes with you and show you how delicious Thai dishes are prepared. You will be able to astonish your friends back home!
Yes, children love being aboard!
Activities aboard are suitable for all ages and children love playing in the water, exploring with the kayaks, or simply being involved in the “crewing” of the boat, helping out with the sails, steering and learning activities that are new to them.
All of our skippers are used to having children on board and many have young families of their own, they are familiar with the needs and safety of children aboard. Especially the catamarans are very suited for holidays with younger children: they have well-protected cockpits and being catamarans, are more stable. Also, there are often excellent swimming platforms, providing easy access into and out of the water.
Would you like our suggestions for yachts that fit your needs for a family holiday? Just let us know and we are happy to advise you:
– fill in the information inquiry form
– email: info@faraway.net
– call +66 81 895 1826
Still curious about what kids do on the yachts?
Related FAQ’s or links:
– How do I book a charter yacht?
This is all you need for an unforgettable sailing holiday!
Clothing
The climate is tropical, humid and warm. For clothing, bring casual wear, mostly shorts and T-shirts, swimsuits, flip-flops or waterproof sandals and good walking footwear for venturing ashore. Long sleeves may be required in the evening sometimes and lightweight longer trousers and sleeves protect you against occasional mosquitoes onshore. If you are traveling in Myanmar (Burma), it would be custom to wear clothes that cover knees and shoulders when visiting villages ashore.
Items to bring
– for sun protection: a hat and sunscreen that is non-oily (oily sunscreens make the decks slippery and also permanently stain cushions, windows, etc).
– mosquito spray for going ashore (usually mosquitoes are no problem on the water)
– your own medication (a basic first aid kit is on board)
Snorkeling and diving
Your own mask, snorkel and fins if you’re inclined, but most yachts carry an assortment of sizes. For small children, you may want to bring your own small-size mask. If you are expecting to scuba dive you are welcome to bring your own equipment, but dive equipment is also available for hire. Please, advise us ahead of your sizes. Tanks, weights and weight belts are always on the dive yachts.
Your bags
If you can, bring only soft-sided luggage such as a duffle bag or backpack, since storage space is limited on any yacht and storage of soft luggage is a lot easier. Also, hard luggage can easily damage woodwork and paint.
The yachts provide bedding, sheets and towels.
YES, but they are very small!!
We understand that this is a genuine concern of many people unfamiliar with the waters around Thailand. It is with the utmost confidence that we can say: There is NO piracy whatsoever in the areas we charter (Northern Malaysia, Thailand and Burma). This is also clear from the online piracy reports from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO, click here to go to the website of the IMO on the topic of piracy). The last act of piracy in the Andaman Sea around Thailand was recorded over 60 years ago.
All we have now are little pirates enjoying themselves on the water and dealing fiercely with their parents.
We highly recommend that guests obtain travel insurance covering sailing and watersports activities and cancellation insurance. Please note that there will be no refunds by Faraway Yachting in case of any kind of cancellation by the guests.
The following items are not covered by our insurance and every guest is personally responsible for such and similar items:
Cash, jewelry, watches, cameras of any kind, phones, computers, i-pads, i-pods, and any other electric or electronic device, passports and other documents.
MISSION STATEMENT
At Faraway Yachting, our mission is to create unforgettable experiences and exceed expectations for both our team and our guests. We firmly believe that a happy team is the foundation of guest happiness, making it our number one goal.
Team Happiness: We understand that only a happy team can create a happy guest. We prioritize fostering a united and joyful team, working together towards a shared goal. By creating an environment where our team members find fulfillment and satisfaction in their work, we empower them to go above and beyond to provide exceptional service and ensure the happiness and satisfaction of our guests.
Guest Happiness: Our dedication to guest happiness is unwavering. We strive to deliver the best possible product and go the extra mile to ensure their happiness and satisfaction. From personalized services to special gestures like complimentary birthday cakes, we aim to create lasting memories and exceed our guests’ expectations at every turn.
Environmental Friendliness: As the leading yacht company in Thailand, we take our responsibility towards the environment seriously. Our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability is integral to our mission. We prioritize low gasoline consumption in our yachts and educate our team members on the importance of environmental stewardship. Regular meetings encourage the introduction of new ideas and technologies to further improve our environmental practices. We believe in taking action to protect the pristine beauty of the areas we operate in.
Profit: While profit is essential for the sustainability of our operations, it is not our primary focus. We prioritize investing in team and guest happiness, as we understand that providing the highest possible value to our guests is paramount. Our financial resources are allocated to enhance our team’s skills and well-being, as well as continuously upgrading our yachts with the latest technologies. By doing so, we maintain our commitment to excellence and ensure that the value we offer to our guests far exceeds their expectations.
Ultimately, our mission is to create extraordinary yacht charter experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests, while also making a positive impact on our team, the environment, and the communities we serve. By prioritizing team happiness, sustainability, and exceptional service, we strive to deliver unparalleled experiences and exceed the expectations of all who sail with us.
