Bareboat Yacht Rental

When it comes to renting a bareboat yacht for your holiday cruise you encounter numerous questions that might affect your journey. Even if you own adequate sailing certificates valid in your country it doesn't meant that the licenses will be accepted anywhere in the world. That is why first enquire about license validation. Second is to rationally estimate and learn about the bareboat yachting destination you are about to visit. The weather patterns, sailing grounds and sailing companies owning reliable yachts. But lets start at the beginning with defining what bareboat chartering is and the responsibilities it brings.

sailing bareboat
1. Definition 

To charter a bareboat yacht means that a boat owner leases his vessel out to the renter for a fixed period of time. The main difference from crewed or skippered charters is that renter takes full responsibility of navigation, route itinerary, planning and provisioning. To charter a bareboat you receive the unique privilege to enjoy independence at sea and on board privacy.

Croatia bareboat
2. Responsibility

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. To be aware of local weather conditions, safety procedures at sea and maritime regulations and the area of sailing is skipper's main priority.

best bareboat charter locations
3. Qualifications & Experiences

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 like Croatia and Greece also require a VHF radio station certificate.

What Do I Need To Consider First?

Yacht vacation planing is not simple but will definitively affect on overall holiday experience and atmosphere on board. Booking yacht early enough and choosing a reliable charter agency are essential things to consider beforehand. Follow these 4 practical tips and secure yourself a stress-free and relaxing journey filled with joyful memories.

yacht charter agency in Croatia

WHEN TO BOOK?

Don't wait for last minute options and your book your charter ASAP. If you book best yachts are still available at early bird discounts.

BOOK YOUR BOAT EARLY
Elan 43

WHAT YACHT TO BOOK?

Most common yacht types for chartering on Mediterranean are catamarans and sailboats. Choose by considering your travelling style and budget.

CATAMARAN OR SAILBOAT
Best Bareboat Charter Locations

WHO IS COMING?

Everybody should feel comfortable and relaxed on their sailing holiday. So rent a boat with layout adequate to the number of  people coming.

SIZE MATTERS
Croatia

WHAT IS MY BUDGET?

Selecting a reliable local yacht charter agency is important. They will provide full support and best advices during your booking procedure. 

BEST CHARTER AGENCY

Do I have the experience to charter a bareboat?

Hiring a private boat is a ideal choice for experienced sailors looking for a flexible and cost-effective sailing holiday. If you feel confident to charter yacht for a week, you can expect a cruising vacation beyond any compare and enjoy the benefits of a bareboat charter: The  privacy, flexible itinerary, lower charter cost and a unique opportunity to spend precious moments with your favourite group. Before setting sail, these are 3 most important facts that affect your final decision chartering a bareboat yacht.

Best Bareboat Charter Locations
THE BUDGET

Before you start planning your sailing adventure first consider how much you are prepared to spend for the week. If you are on a limited budget then bareboat is best option. You have to realise though that causing damages will affect your wallet.

Best Bareboat Charter Locations
SAILING EXPERINCE

This is the most essential fact that will have a major effect to overall sailing experience. If you feel uncertain to navigate a sailboat on your own, rather book local skipper and enjoy in stress-free holiday moments aboard.

Best Bareboat Charter Locations
 EXCLUSIVE PRIVACY

If the privacy and onboard independence is at highest importance for you group  bareboat yacht rental is the only option. It is true that with skipper on boat you loose some space, but the skippers nowadays are all professionals and will ensure all the space you need.

Best Bareboat Charter Locations

Best bareboat rental options are in the eastern Mediterranean. And stunning Croatian cost is the ultimate location for carefree yacht charter vacations. This remarkable European country has largest range of bareboat vessels available for rental with one of the most impressive and safe sailing grounds in the world. Crisp-blue Adriatic, 3.000 miles of sun-soaked coastline and over 1.200 mostly uninhabited islands Croatia is one of rare intact world treasures and a true holiday paradise. Start your sailing adventure by booking you charter in most popular Croatia's nautical destinations.

7-day sailing from Split

SPLIT

Explore world-known islands in Croatia: Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Vis and sail the classic sailing itineraries from second largest Croatian city Split.

SAILING IN SPLIT
best bareboat destinations Croatia

ZADAR

Discover the most dense island sailing grounds in Europe including the magnificent Kornati national park and krka waterfalls.

SAILING IN ZADAR
Sailing from Dubrovnik Croatia

DUBROVNIK

Historic Dubrovnik is Croatia's most popular town and ideal launchpad from where you can sail to green lakes of Mljet and Lastovo national park.

SAILING FROM DUBROVNIK
Sailing yacht charter Pula

PULA

Northern route is best kept secret from Croatia yacht charter itineraries reflecting a remarkable diversity of scenic landscapes and island villages.

SAILING NORTHERN CROATIA

FAQs

 

Best bareboat destinations in Croatia are in larger marinas along Dalmatian coast where most of private yacht charter fleets are moored.

 

Chartering a catamaran in Croatia requires a valid international sailing certificate and VHF radio station licenses owned by at least 1 person aboard.

 

  • beareboat yacht will allow you to choose the vessel to best suit your needs
  • you can adjust the itinerary of your preference
  • cost savings compared to hiring a skipper or crewed yacht 
  • explore desired locations at your own pace
  • enjoy in complete independence and exclusive on board privacy

 

Split yacht charter base is the ultimate location for bareboat rentals in Croatia ensuring well maintained vessels and modern marina infrastructure.

 

Croatian coast is considered among best bareboat destinations in Europe ensuring safe sailing grounds, easy island hopping and scenic cruising locations ideal for intermediate skipper or a beginner.

 

RYA skipper licenses are accepted everywhere in Croatia but you can only hire a bareboat yacht if at least on crew member also owns VHF certificate.

 

  • 7-day yacht charter
  • check in & check out service
  • base fee, end cleaning, bedding
  • full water and fuel tanks
  • bottle of gas for cooking
  • dinghy with outboard motor

 

Hiring a skipper in Croatia will certainly make your yacht charter week a stress-free experience and allow you to truly unwind, while navigating unfamiliar waters and countless islands of Croatia.

 

Depending on yacht size and charter season, Croatian skipper will cost you an average 1.400€ per week not including the gratuities.

 

Apart from yacht rental cost you can expect also the following expenses during your charter 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 (100€ weekly)
  • Early check in (150-250€ 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)

 

Due to the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea), bareboat yacht charters are limited to maximum capacity of 12 passengers.

 

These are the types of vessels that you can charter bareboat:

  1. Motor Boats
  2. Sailing Yachts (monohulls)
  3. 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.

 

That is the whole essence of a bareboat charter. You have the full independence to supply the boat to suit your needs.

 

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 chargeable as an "extra cleaning" service. Please inquire beforehand at the charter office if they allow pets on board.

Blog by Janez Rupnik, Active Sailing

Best croatia sailing companies