WHEN TO BOOK?
1. Definition of a bareboat charter
To charter a bareboat yacht means that a boat owner leases his vessel out to the renter for a fixed period of time. Basically the main difference from crewed or skippered charters is that renter takes the full responsibility of the yacht's navigation, route itinerary, planning and provisioning. To charter a bareboat you receive the unique privilege to enjoy the ultimate independence at sea and uncompromising on board privacy.
2. Responsibility and control of the renter during the rental period
Operating the boat you rented also brings additional obligations and responsibilities from the captain in charge. The skipper onboard should at first stage have some practical knowledge on how to operate and navigate the vessel. He should be aware of local weather conditions, safety procedures at sea and maritime regulations of the country and the area of sailing.
3. What qualifications do you need to charter a yacht?
Not having a professional skipper on board consequentially means that at lest one of the crew members should posses a valid nautical international certificate of competence (ICC) that is issued by the state authority of the country that you are coming from. Without that license you can't hire a bare boat yacht. Some counties also require a VHF radio station certificate.
The Advantages Of a Bareboat Charter
- Bareboat charter allows you to choose a vessel according to your needs
- You can tailor the itinerary of your preference
- Cost savings compared to hiring a skipper or crewed yacht
- Sail and explore a new destination at your own pace
- Complete independence and exclusive privacy on board your vessel
- You can enjoy among your friends or bond with your family
BAREBOAT YACHT CHARTER FAQs
Please follow these 4 simple steps to secure your bareboat charter rental:
- Find a reliable Yacht charter Agency
- Send them your inquiry where you specify: sailing period, destination, yacht preferences
- The agency will send you the range of boats suitable to your inquiry
- The booking on selected yacht is confirmed after the advanced payment
Chartering a sailboat in the Mediterranean usually includes:
- 7-day sailing boat charter
- check in/out service
- base fee, end cleaning, bedding
- full water and fuel tanks
- bottle of gas for cooking
- dinghy with outboard motor
To rent a bareboat you must poses a valid international nautical certificate of competence (ICC) and a VHF radio station certificate issued by the state of your origin. In some countries like Croatia those certificates are issued without any practical course at sea. Yachting agencies usually don't claim or demand extra proof of experience from renter to charter a bareboat. It is the renter's is responsibility to objectively judge if he is capable of safely navigate the vessel with the people on board.
Yes, but that is then a skippered yacht charter. You still have the advantage of flexible itineraries and adjust the route together with your skipper to best suit your needs.
Besides yacht rental you can expect also the following yacht charter costs during the week:
- Local tourist tax (1.35€ per day a person)
- Safety Deposit for boat (refundable amount if no damage on boat)
- Fuel (per consumption) - The fuel tank should be returned fully charged at the end of your sailing week
- Port and marina fees on route
- Food and provisioning
Optional extras:
- SUP and various water toys (80-120€ weekly)
- Early check in (100-150€ per booking)
- Railing net for kids (50-130€)
- Wi-Fi +20GB (20€/week)
- Provisioning - you can order beforehand
- Taxis and airport-to-marina transfers (upon request)
- Car parking is charged by the valid marina price list. (usually around 10€ per day)
These are the types of vessels that you can charter bareboat:
- Motor Boats
- Sailing Yachts (monohulls)
- Catamarans (multihulls)
Renting a bareboat yacht means that you freely operate with your vessel and is your choice who you will invite to join you aboard. It is recommended not to overload the yacht so hire yacht with enough capacity that everyone will feel comfortable and safe during the sailing week.
Due to the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea), bareboat yacht charters are limited to maximum capacity of 12 passengers.
That is the whole essence of a bareboat charter. You have the full independence to supply the boat to suit your needs.
In most countries, you are required to have an internationally recognized boating license through schools such as an ASA, RYA or an ICC (International Certificate of Competence). To charter a bareboat in the Mediterranean at least 1 person on board is required to own a VHF certificate.
All sailing yachts for chartering have full KASKO insurance covered. Otherwise the yacht is considered uncertified in the official state boat registry.
Maintenance and charter staff services are included in so called "Base Fee" or a "Transit log" that are included in a bareboat fee. You also have a full 24H mechanical support in case of malfunctions and damages caused during your week on the vessel. It is recommended for the renter to be thorough at the check in procedure and inspect the boat and its equipment together with the assigned charter staff (or a base skipper). Any boat damages or scratches have to be noted in writing. Also check the sails, engine and if the fuel tanks are full before you set sail...
Certain yacht charter agencies approve for guests to have a pet on board, usually extra chargeable as an "extra cleaning" service. Please inquire beforehand at the charter office if they allow pets on board.