Frequently asked questions
We are arriving by car. Where can we park?
Our guests can park their car for free at Aquilo Hotel Panorama.
How can I pay?
Besides cash we also accept all creadit and debit cards.
If I wish to sail with you do I have to book in advance?
We may be able to go out sailing with you after showing up on the spot but we can not guarantee this. An email or phone booking is highly recommended as we have lots of guests in the summer season.
Can we step on/off board in Siófok? Can we make a stop in Balatonföldvár? How far can we go by sail?
With an average wind strength we can cover a distance of around 5-10 kms in 2-3 hours (our average speed is somewhere between 2-4 km/h, depending on the wind). The captain also has to take into consideration that the boat has to go back to the place of origin and he must also leave some buffer time in case the wind is not so strong on the way back. Because of the above in a 2-3 hour sailing session we can make a stop in Balatonfüred (main port) or Tihany (main marina, near the abbey), the fee that has to be paid to the marina for docking is 5000 Fts. In case of a longer duration of sailing (half a day, full day) there is already the possibility to visit further ports, such as Csopak, Alsóörs, Sajkod, Balatonföldvár.
I have never sailed before. How stable is the boat? Will I be seasick?
Our 34 feet Bavaria yacht and 38 feet Lagoon catamaran are quite stable boats because of their considerable size and weight. We never had anyone getting seasick aboard, waves that could cause this can’t form on Lake Balaton (unlike on the sea). However if you are not feeling well, just let the captain know about this, he can make adjustments to the sails and speed which will minimize the uncomfortable movements of the boat.
What can we do on the boat, what is not allowed?
We have a few simple rules that serve the purpose of safety. Please read about these among our House Rules!
Is smoking allowed on board?
Yes, just please dont throw the cigarette butts into the water, but use the provided bin.
What happens if there is no wind, stormy wind, bad weather on the day of our booking?
We recommend to get in contact with us a few days before the booked date so we can check the weather forecast together. In case of unsuitable weather you can change the booking (with any fee to any free slots we still have). If we can’t go out sailing because of heavy rain or too strong wind of course you don’t have to pay anything.
Can we bring soft/alcoholic drinks or snacks on board?
Of course! Cold drinks can be put in the cooler so they dont warm up fast. There are unbreakable plastic glasses on board. If you don’t want to go shopping and carry all the drinks we can prepare the boat for you with drinks and ice upon request for an additional fee. We also happily recommend Sport Terrace, a boat-friendly restaurant at the port of Tihany – after ordering over the phone they can bring the food and drinks on our boat (we have to be near them).
De we have to wear a life vest?
Life vests are required to be worn in exceptionally strong wind according to the captain’s decision (in the last five years this only happened twice). Of course if someone feels it would be safer for them/their child to put on a life vest we can provide this anytime, just ask from the captain. This hasn’t happened often as our boats are large and safe (e.g. railing all around).
Can we bring our dog on board?
Only small dogs are allowed, however we don’t recommend it. Based on our previous experiences the environment of a sailboat is not comfortable for pets. Please let us know beforehand if you plan to!
We have small kids. Is sailing safe with them?
We never had anyone falling into the water or any accident on board (expect when they hit themselves while running around on the boat). Of course life vests for kids are provided upon request if you feel safer that way. Our experience is that kids under the age of 10 don’t really enjoy being on a sailboat after the initial curiosity phase as they obviously don’t have an interest in the peace, silence and nice panoramic sights, unlike adults in general.
MWill there be other passengers on board with us?
We organise private sailing session, so it will be only you and our captain on board, you don’t have to accomodate to anyone else.
What kind of small sailboats are available?
We have two standard Lasers (for one person per boat) and a Kalóz (Pirat) type dinghy which fits 2-3 adults. We don’t have larger boats for individual sailing.
Do I need a license for renting?
Our Kalóz and Lasers can be rented without any kind of license, however knowledge of swimming and at least a basic level of sailing experience is required. We ask about this when renting and you must confirm this with your signature.
Do I have to book in advance?
If the boats are not booked for the day we are happy to rent them for you anytime, however since we have lots of bookings during high season (especially the Kalóz) it is highly recommended to book/enquire over the phone or email about availability.
What kind of equipment is included?
Life vests and waterproof phone holders are inclued. On the Kalóz there is a backpack sized waterproof bag (for food, documents, clothes, etc.) and anchor, sponge, docking lines.