Yacht Charter FAQs

How do I book a yacht charter?

Booking a yacht charter with Sail Connections is a simple yet personalised process. Our aim is to match you with the perfect sailing experience for your group of holidaymakers. Continue Reading...

What happens if there’s a problem with the boat during our trip?

Problems on a charter are rare, but should something go wrong, rest assured you're not on your own. At Sail Connections, we only work with established, reputable operators who maintain their fleets to high standards. Continue Reading...

What are the benefits of booking a sailing holiday through a broker like Sail Connections?

Booking through a trusted yacht charter broker like Sail Connections offers many advantages, all at no extra cost to you. Continue Reading...

Am I responsible for damage to my chartered boat?

From time to time, damage can occur during a yacht charter. When it does, it’s important to distinguish between fair liability on the part of the charterer, and issues that fall outside of their control. Continue Reading...

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. Continue Reading...

What level of service is provided in a fully crewed luxury yacht charter?

A fully crewed luxury yacht charter offers the highest level of service available at sea, providing an experience that rivals the finest boutique resorts. This type of charter is ideal for those seeking complete relaxation, personalised attention, and an indulgent escape on the water. Continue Reading...

What extra level of service is there in a skippered bareboat charter?

The difference between a bareboat charter and a skippered bareboat charter lies in the level of responsibility and service provided onboard. Continue Reading...

Is it best to book a Greece sailing holiday through a broker or directly with an operator?

While it may seem straightforward to book directly with a charter operator, using a reputable broker is almost always the better choice.There are many reasons as below, and importantly, it doesn't cost you any more. Continue Reading...

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?

Check-in usually begins from 5:00 PM. This is the time the base allows to prepare your yacht—cleaning, fueling, and completing any necessary maintenance. We recommend arriving earlier in the day if possible. 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 Continue Reading...

How do we provision our bareboat charter?

Most charter operators provide a provisioning form or online system that lets you pre-order groceries and supplies ahead of your arrival. Your provisions will typically be waiting for you at the base—either on board or in the office—for a service fee. 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. However, we recommend arriving and registering at the base office as early as possible. If everything is progressing smoothly, the staff may be able to take you to the boat for your inventory and briefing ahead of schedule. Any waiting time can be a great opportunity to do some provisioning or enjoy a relaxed start to your holiday before returning at the agreed handover time.

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. However, we don’t broker these operator-run, scheduled cabin services directly. They are best arranged through specialised travel agencies. What we can assist with are opportunities involving professional skippers who occasionally organise one-off shared charters for mixed groups. These provide a more personalised and sociable sailing experience. Availability and format vary by location, so feel free to contact us to learn more about these skipper-run options.

Can I sail my bareboat anywhere I want to?

Generally 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. While you're free to roam within that zone, it's important not to venture too far in one direction—remember, the boat must be back at its home base by the end of your charter. If you’re planning a longer route, a one-way charter may be an option worth discussing with us in advance. Finishing your charter in a different country is only possible with prior approval and specific arrangements. This typically depends on whether the boat’s next charter can start from your intended drop-off point.

Can we choose our itinerary on a crewed charter?

Yes—within reason, your itinerary on a crewed charter can be tailored to suit your preferences. Your crew is there to ensure you have the best possible sailing holiday, and that often means shaping the journey around your interests. Continue Reading...

Can we have a skipper for our boat charter?

Yes, you can—and for many charterers, choosing a skippered charter makes the whole experience more enjoyable. You don’t need to be a sailor to enjoy the sailing holiday of a lifetime. With a carefully selected professional skipper on board, you can set sail in confidence and comfort. Continue Reading...

What equipment is aboard our charter boat?

Think of your charter boat as a fully equipped floating holiday home. On board, you’ll find everything needed for comfortable living and confident sailing. That includes a well-appointed galley with modern appliances, navigation instruments and charts, a saloon and dining area, bedding and linen, and full bathroom facilities. Continue Reading...

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. Continue Reading...

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. Continue Reading...

Why don’t you list charter prices online?

Because no two charter sailing holidays are the same Continue Reading...

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. Continue Reading...

Is our charter boat insured?

Yes, all charter boats come with insurance, and your liability as the charterer is limited under normal circumstances. Continue Reading...

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. Continue Reading...

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. Continue Reading...

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. Continue Reading...

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. Continue Reading...