The new CLAWA star classification
In
2002 an entirely new star classification system for traditional charter voyages
came in place, to better inform guests about the level of comfort on board.
The system was totally overhauled, because previous norms were too outdated
for modern levels of comfort in sailing. The new CLAWA classification is the
only official star classification for charter voyages. It replaces the old classification
system and can be recognised by a copyrighted logo (see opposite).
The
level of comfort on board is expressed by the number of stars (1 - 5): a ship
with 1 star provides for decent, basic comfort, whereas a 5-star ship is fitted
out to the highest standards of luxury. The number of stars, however, only reflects
the level of comfort of the accommodation on board. Other important features
of the product called charter voyage, such as the ship's sailing qualities,
sailing area, hospitality, personnel on board, catering, the ship's authenticity,
programme, rigging etc. are not taken into account in this classification.
The
star system sets high standards. This means that a ship has to meet many requirements
in terms of comfort to be granted 1 star. It also means that there are very
few ships with 5 stars, since these are extremely luxurious.
Since
any one ship can be used by more than one group, some ships are marked by a
second star level. This indicates the level of comfort when a group "signs
on" with a smaller number of guests than the maximum capacity of the ship
allows.
Below
you will find a summary overview of the five different star categories (at a
certain number of passengers) as well as the minimum standards that a ship must
comply with for each category.
A
*ship complies with the following standards (23 passengers in this example):
Cabins:
A cabin berth for every passenger; mattress with fitted sheets, pillow
with case provided.
Sanitary
facilities: Minimum 1 toilet per 20 passengers.
Saloon:
Separate room with seats of at least 45cm for every passenger.
Space
on deck: A seat on deck for at least 50% of the
passengers.
Galley:
Hot and cold water.
Technical
specifications: 230V electricity and heating in
at least the saloon.
A
**ship complies with the standards for a *ship and moreover at least with the
following specifications:
Cabins: At least 1.80m headroom in every cabin. Every cabin has its own entrance
and a washbasin.
Sanitary
facilities: Minimum 1 (flushing) toilet per 15 passengers.
Minimum 1 shower per 20 passengers.
Saloon:
Seats are at least 50cm wide; headroom in the saloon is at least 1.80m.
Space
on deck: A seat on deck for at least 50% of the
passengers.
Galley:
The galley is separate from the saloon
Technical
specifications: Heating in all cabins.
A
***ship complies with the standards for a **ship and moreover at least with
the following specifications:
Cabins:At least 1.90m headroom in every cabin. Every cabin sleeps a maximum
of 4 passengers, has a washbasin with hot and cold water, and an open closet
and clothes hooks.
Sanitary
facilities: The bathroom is next to the cabins.
Minimum 1 toilet and 1 shower per 10 passengers. The bathroom is heated.
Saloon:
Seats are at least 55cm wide with a backrest; headroom in the saloon
is at least 1.90m.
Space
on deck: A seat on deck for all passengers.
Galley: Oven included.
Technical
specifications: Every cabin has a 230V socket for
small appliances. Heating can be regulated in all cabins.
A
****ship complies with the standards for a ***ship and moreover at least with
the following specifications:
Cabins: At least 1.95m headroom in every cabin. Double cabins only . Closet
with hanging space and shelves.
Sanitary
facilities: The bathroom is next to the cabins.
Minimum 1 toilet and 1 shower per 4 passengers.
Saloon:
Seats are at least 60cm wide; headroom in the saloon is at least 2.00m.
There is a second lounge.
Space
on deck: At least 50% of the seats on deck have
a backrest.
Galley:
Dishwasher included.
Technical
specifications: Every cabin is provided with a 230V
socket for larger appliances.
A
*****ship complies with the standards fora ****ship and moreover at least with
the following specifications:
Cabins: At least 2.10m headroom in every cabin. No bunk beds. Closet with
hanging space and shelves (can be locked). Room to store a suitcase. Room to
write. Radio.
Sanitary facilities: Every cabin has its own toilet and shower. There is 1 toilet for common
use.
Saloon:
Seats are at least 65cm wide; headroom in the saloon is at least 2.10m.
Vestibule at the entrance.
Space
on deck: A seat with backrest for all passengers.
