Practical Charter Planning Guide & FAQ
Essential details for planning your sail aboard Heron II—from our 8-guest half-day capacity and weather-confirmed boarding in Villefranche-sur-Mer to deck safety and personal enquiry options.
What to Expect on a 1936 Wooden Sailing Yacht
Stepping onto a 1936 Burma teak yacht is a tactile, memorable experience. To keep the atmosphere unhurried and comfortable, our half-day (~4-hour) and day charters host up to 8 guests maximum alongside Skipper Aaron Ashton and crew.
Before departure, Aaron reviews the local wind forecast, sea state, and port traffic across the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and confirms your exact meeting point so boarding by tender or quay is calm and straightforward.
We recommend bringing soft-soled deck shoes (or going barefoot on the warm laid teak decks), swimwear, a towel for swimming and paddleboarding stops, sun protection, and a light windproof layer for afternoon sea breezes.
Charter enquiries can be sent via our online charter portal (which sends your enquiry directly to Aaron with no online payment) or by contacting Aaron personally on aaron@heron2.com / +44 (0) 7758 913384. Aaron confirms dates and arrangements with you personally.
Unhurried coastal sailing on the foredeck and bowsprit with the Maritime Alps and French Riviera shoreline rising astern.
Charter, Capacity & Enquiry Answers
How many guests can join a half-day charter aboard Heron II?
Our half-day and day charters in the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap-Ferrat host up to 8 guests alongside your skipper and crew, ensuring generous space across the laid Burma teak deck (46ft 3in on deck, 52ft overall) and shaded cockpit. For multi-day coastal passages, Heron II offers sleeping berths for 5 to 7 guests below deck.
Where do we meet the yacht in the South of France?
Half-day and day charters operate in the sheltered waters of the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, just east of Nice. Because wind direction, swell, and port movements vary along the Côte d’Azur, the exact boarding point and daily route are confirmed with you prior to departure based on weather and port conditions.
How long is a typical sailing experience?
Our signature Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap-Ferrat sailing experience runs for approximately 4 hours (morning or afternoon session), combining traditional sailing under Heron II’s Bermudan cutter rig with time at anchor in a sheltered cove for swimming, paddleboarding, and refreshments on deck. Full-day private charters (approximately 8 hours) and multi-day regatta or coastal charters are also available.
Can guests take part in sailing the yacht, or simply relax?
Either approach is warmly welcomed. Skipper Aaron Ashton loves sharing the craft of traditional wooden yacht seamanship—you are welcome to help hoist the sails, trim lines, or take the spoked wooden wheel. Equally, if you prefer to relax on the teak deck while the crew handles every technical detail, the voyage is tailored entirely to your pace.
Is Heron II suitable for families and children?
Yes. Ahead of her charter work—and with Aaron’s own young daughter sailing aboard—polished stainless steel safety stanchions and lifelines were fitted around the deck in June 2019, complementing her deep, secure cockpit, 11ft 4in beam, and steady motion under her 7¼-ton lead ballast keel.
How do I check dates and send a charter enquiry?
You can submit a charter enquiry via our online charter portal at https://heron2.com/bookings/—which sends your request directly to Skipper Aaron Ashton with no online payment taken—or contact Aaron personally by email (aaron@heron2.com) or telephone and WhatsApp (+44 7758 913384). Aaron confirms dates, boarding details, and bespoke arrangements with you directly. You can also view our verified listing on Airbnb Experiences (https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1949639).
Is Heron II also offered for sale?
Yes. While Heron II actively sails and charters in the Mediterranean, she remains available for private acquisition at £395,000 GBP (lying in the South of France, fitted with a new 2026 Beta Marine 60hp engine). Full construction, machinery, and accommodation specifications are published on our Yacht & Pedigree page for prospective custodians and brokers.