There are three types of
charters: bareboat, skippered and crewed. What does this mean? The
bareboat yacht charter comes without a crew, with skippered yacht
charter you rent both the boat and a skipper while with crewed
charter you get a fully crewed yacht.
Skipper license
required
You are allowed to choose a
bareboat charter if you are a licensed skipper.
When chartering a yacht with no crew you will be obliged to have
all the necessary certificates, permits and documents that prove
you are able to sail by yourself. You and your guests (your crew)
will be required to provide a security deposit before you can
charter a boat. All this evidence of your sailing abilities and
prior experience is necessary because neither the boat nor your
life are cheap.
A skipper to guide you on your
journey
On the other hand, if you do not
have such documents, you will choose a skippered yacht
charter. Your charter company will provide you with a
skipper who will steer the boat, decide on the route (in accordance
with you), and keep you safe. Skippers are usually chosen not only
for their sailing experience but also for their "people
skills" and local knowledge about the chosen sailing
destination. Your skipper will not only steer the boat but also
show you some "trade secrets" if you are interested in sailing and
act as a kind of a tourist guide who will show you the best your
sailing destination has to offer. Note that you have to take care
of the skipper's meals.
Crewed charter for maximum
comfort
If you want the maximum
comfort and relaxation, opt for the crewed charter. By
choosing a crewed charter, you also get the crew
who will navigate, sail and prepare the beverages and meals. You
are free to decide on the itinerary whereas the crew takes you
wherever you want and provides you with three meals a day. Meals
they prepare are of the highest quality, prepared to meet your
taste and reflect the local cuisine. Note that
crewed charter yachts tend to be more luxurious and have additional
equipment like waterskis or A/C. The yacht charter crew will take
care of your safety and your comfort but you must not treat them
like servants.
Related
articles:
Choosing a Charter Yacht - What
Type, Size and Model?
Is the Age of a Charter Yacht
Important?
Choose a Yacht on Price
Alone