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.

This type of charter is ideal for:

• Guests with limited or no sailing qualifications
• Families or groups who want a more relaxed experience
• Confident sailors new to the region who appreciate local guidance
• Anyone keen to learn more about sailing from a seasoned professional

With a skipper on board, you're still in charge of your holiday. You set the pace, plan your route (within reason), and take care of provisioning and onboard routines. You can be as involved in the sailing as you wish—or simply sit back and enjoy the view.

Skippers bring valuable local knowledge—suggesting hidden coves, quiet anchorages, and the best island stops based on your interests. Many guests find it’s also a great way to build skills and confidence under expert supervision.

For first-time charterers a skippered bareboat offers peace of mind and a more enriching experience—especially for families, where children often enjoy learning the ropes alongside a friendly “captain.”

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 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...

Can I sail my bareboat anywhere I want to?

Generally yes, you have the freedom to explore within the cruising area set out in your charter agreement. These geographic boundaries are clearly defined at the time of booking and are designed for your safety and to ensure the vessel is returned on time. Continue Reading...