What types of boat can be chartered with skipper or fully crewed?
There is a wide range of yacht types to choose from for skippered and fully crewed charters. Preference depends mainly on your destination, group size, and the level of comfort or adventure you are after.
Skippered Charters
For skippered charters, the following boat types are commonly available:
- Sailing yachts (monohulls): The classic choice for those seeking a traditional sailing experience, combining performance with comfortable onboard living.
- Sailing catamarans: Highly popular for their stability, spacious decks, and shallow draft, making them ideal for coastal cruising and family groups.
- Power catamarans: Offering the roomy layout of a sailing catamaran with the added speed and convenience of motor propulsion.
- Motor yachts: While less common in the skippered-only category, some destinations offer motor yachts with just a captain for those wanting speed and luxury without a full crew.
- Gulets (in selected regions): Traditional wooden sailing vessels, particularly popular in Turkey. Gulets may be offered with a skipper and minimal crew for smaller group arrangements.
On a skippered charters, you’ll typically be responsible for provisioning and basic onboard duties, while your skipper takes care of navigation and safety.
Fully Crewed Charters
Fully crewed charters offer a more luxurious, all-inclusive experience. The available vessel types include:
- Luxury Sailing Yachts: Larger, high-end monohulls designed for comfort, style, and a premium sailing experience with a full crew onboard.
- Crewed Catamarans: A favourite for island-hopping holidays, offering generous indoor and outdoor space, excellent stability, and full crew service.
- Luxury Motor Yachts: Ideal for those seeking top-tier comfort, speed, and professional hospitality. These yachts are fully staffed to deliver five-star service on the water.
- Gulets: Beautifully crafted traditional wooden yachts, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean. Gulets typically come with a full crew, including a captain, chef, and stewards, offering relaxed cruising with plenty of character and charm.
Whether you seek hands-on adventure or complete relaxation, we’ll help you choose the best type of vessel and service level for your ideal charter holiday.
Related FAQs
Which Mediterranean destination is right for me?
Every Mediterranean destination offers something different. Greece, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Spain, France and Montenegro each have their own sailing style, scenery and atmosphere. The best choice depends on your experience, interests and holiday priorities.
What activities are available during our yacht charter?
As many—or as few—as you like. One of the best things about a yacht charter is the freedom to shape each day around your pace and interests. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, there’s always something to enjoy on the water, on deck, or ashore.
What sailing qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat yacht?
Whether you need formal certification or just a sailing resume depends on where you’re heading and the charter company’s policies.
How do I stay connected during my charter?
Staying in touch while at sea is important, and there are several ways to do so depending on your destination and the equipment aboard your boat.
Do I need sailing experience to charter a boat?
Not necessarily. There’s a charter style to suit all levels of experience, from seasoned sailors to newcomers keen to explore the joys of life afloat.
What insurance covers the yacht and is getting it complicated?
Every reputable charter operator includes full hull and third-party insurance on the boat as part of your charter agreement. You are not required to arrange separate boat insurance.
How much will our sailing holiday cost?
The cost of your sailing holiday depends on several key factors—including your destination, travel dates, the size and type of boat you choose, and how long you plan to charter. Peak seasons and popular locations tend to be more expensive, while early bookings, longer charters, or less-travelled regions can offer great value.
Why don’t you list charter prices online?
Because no two charter sailing holidays are the same
Can we use devices and Wi-Fi on board?
Yes, but power availability depends on the type of boat and its electrical systems. Most sailing areas have good mobile coverage in populated and coastal zones, though connectivity can be patchy in remote bays and smaller islands.
What should we pack for our sailing holiday?
Packing light and smart is key for a yacht charter. Space on board is limited, and barefoot living is the norm so there’s no need to overpack.