Your Questions Answered
At Sail Connections we love talking about boating holidays around the world. If you have a question about chartering a yacht, catamaran, motor boat or gulet and it's not answered here or elsewhere on our website, send us a message and we'll be pleased to help you with your sailing charter queries.
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...
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...
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 of our clients, 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, with everything needed for comfortable living and confident sailing. That includes a well-appointed galley with modern appliances, navigation instruments and charts, 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. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll need. 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 sailing holidays are the same. Charter pricing is highly variable—shaped by destination, time of year, boat type, duration, and specific preferences of your group. Rather than list generic rates that can mislead, we prefer to tailor each quote to give you the best value and clearest picture of total costs. Continue Reading...
How much will our sailing holiday cost?
The cost of your sailing holiday depends on several key factors, including destination, travel dates, size and type of boat, and how long you plan to charter. Peak seasons and popular locations tend to be more expensive, while early bookings, longer charters and 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 every level 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. VHF radio is the primary and most reliable form of communication at sea. Continue Reading...
What sailing qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat yacht?
It depends on your destination. Most places require a sailing resume, and some—especially in the Mediterranean—need a formal certificate like the RYA ICC or ASA IPC. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you work out what’s needed and guide you through the paperwork. No certificate? Talk to us—we may still be able to get you sailing. 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. Continue Reading...
