Yacht Charter FAQs

Do I need sailing experience to charter a boat?

Not necessarily. There’s a charter style to suit every level of experience—from seasoned sailors to newcomers keen to explore the joys of life afloat.

Experienced sailors often choose a bareboat charter, where you take full responsibility for the vessel. But even experienced skippers sometimes prefer the freedom of not being in charge—opting for a skippered charter instead. With a professional skipper on board, you can relax and enjoy the journey while still being as involved in the sailing as you like.

For those with little or no sailing experience, a fully crewed charter is ideal. These include larger yachts and traditional vessels like Mediterranean gulets, which offer an all-inclusive sailing experience with a skipper, cook, and often a hostess—perfect for those who want comfort and service.

A popular middle ground is the crewed bareboat (or skippered bareboat), where we arrange a qualified skipper—and additional crew such as a cook if you wish—to guide your charter and enhance your experience.

Other options include:

  • Flotilla sailing, ideal for competent sailors wanting to cruise in the company of others
  • Power catamarans, a great choice for those more familiar with motorboats—offering space, comfort, and easy handling

Modern charter yachts are well-equipped and designed for comfort and safety. Whatever your background, we’ll guide you toward the right option to suit your experience, preferences, and travel goals.

Related FAQs

What is a fully crewed charter?

A fully crewed yacht charter is the ultimate sailing experience—combining comfort, service, and seamless travel. Your yacht comes with a dedicated professional crew, typically including a captain, cook/chef, and one or more hostesses or deckhands. Continue Reading...

What is a skippered bareboat charter?

A skippered bareboat charter gives you the freedom of a private yacht—without the responsibility of skippering it yourself. You hire a yacht and a licensed professional skipper joins your crew to manage the sailing, navigation, docking, and safety. Continue Reading...

What support is available during our charter?

You’re never alone at sea. Throughout your bareboat charter, you’ll have access to 24/7 technical support provided by the local charter base. Continue Reading...

What are the typical charter check-in and check-out procedures?

Most bareboat charters operate on a Saturday-to-Saturday schedule, although this can vary by destination and operator, particularly in quieter periods. Continue Reading...

How many people can a bareboat charter accommodate?

Most bareboat yachts are designed for groups of 4 to 12 people, depending on the size and layout of the boat. The average bareboat in popular destinations like the Greek Islands has around 4 cabins, though larger yachts with 5 to 8 cabins are available for bigger groups. Continue Reading...

What is a bareboat charter?

A bareboat charter is a yacht rental without a professional crew—giving you full responsibility for sailing, navigating, and provisioning the boat. It’s the ideal option for experienced sailors who want the freedom to plan their own itinerary and enjoy the adventure of skippering their own yacht. Continue Reading...

Can you assist with other aspects of our travel?

While we’re not a travel agency, we’re more than happy to assist with key elements that support your sailing holiday. Our expertise lies in organizing every aspect of your yacht charter—including transfers between the charter base and your arrival point or accommodation, as well as offering advice on provisioning your boat either remotely or upon arrival. Continue Reading...

How do we provision our bareboat charter?

Provisioning your bareboat is simple, and there are a few convenient options to choose from—depending on your destination and preferences. Continue Reading...

Can we board early at the start of charter?

Typically, your departure time is scheduled to give the operator enough time to prepare the yacht—ensuring it is clean, fully serviced, and technically sound before handover. Continue Reading...

Can we book a cabin on a crewed boat?

Yes, in many popular sailing destinations, it's possible to book a private cabin on a crewed yacht. Several charter operators offer scheduled cabin-share cruises, where you join like-minded travellers on a set itinerary with a professional crew. Continue Reading...

The Sail Connections Guarantee

One contact - every option - advice you can trust.


  • Matching any competitive offer
  • Sourcing boats with discounts available
  • Personalising our proposal just for you
  • Qualifying the operator as well as the boat
  • Advising without bias based on 25+ years of experience
  • We do more than just book yachts!

We will match any discount website offer on charter boat price, and still provide our customary high level of service.

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The Essential Guide to Sailing Holiday Charters

The Sail Connections Essential Guide to Bareboat and Crewed Sailing Holiday Charters is packed full of useful tips for getting the most out of your next boat charter. And it is FREE to download.

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