Yacht Chartering
Bareboat Yacht
Bareboat chartering refers to a chartering a yacht that you sail yourself.
Most bareboats range from 30 to 50 feet in length and you can charter a conventional single hulled yacht (monohull), a catamaran or a powerboat; although sailing yachts are a far more popular, and common, choice for bareboat charters than powerboats.
Bareboats come equipped with everything needed to operate them; from kitchen utensils to towels, sheets and bedding. Some of the bigger, more luxurious, bareboats have generators, air conditioning, microwave ovens and TVs, but most do not. Nor do they tend to have extra gadgets and "toys" such as kayaks, windsurfers (unless rented separately). These amenities tend to be only found on crewed yachts.
When you rent a car, you must produce a valid driver's license. Whilst a license or certificate is not essential to charter most bareboats, you do need to show a considerable amount of skill and experience in order to be allowed to operate the yacht by yourself; otherwise you'll need a captain to help you. In some areas of the world, including some European countries, you will require a sailing license or certificate of competence in order to bareboat charter. We will inform you of any mandatory requirements/experience for your chosen destination when we respond to your enquiry.
The alternative for those who can sail be prefer the comfort of having an expert on hand, but not living aboard their yacht, is the flotilla charter.
Unless you have a good friend who owns a boat, we strongly recommends that you only work with a reputable bareboat management company (rather than an individual) when chartering a yacht for your vacation. Dealing with a stranger you've never met and chartering a boat you've never seen can be somewhat risky, particularly when you'll be asked for a considerable payment in advance! And this is where we can help.
Ocean Cruising will help you select a suitable company (we only work with reputable companies in whom we have complete confidence) and this service doesn't cost you anything extra, as we receive our remuneration from the charter company for booking and administrating your charter. In fact, we can often obtain keener rates for you than if you book direct because of our greater negotiating power and market knowledge.
It is important to remember that, just like any holiday, booking your hotel is not the end of the cost. Here are the usual additional items you will need to budget for:
Flights
Airport Transfer to your yacht
Food & Drink
Mooring Fees (if you visit a marina)
Additional End Cleaning (if you return the yacht in an unusually dirty condition)
Any additional watersports equipment
Spending Money
All the boats are insured with reputable insurance companies. However, all bareboat charters are subject to a refundable security deposit, both to ensure that you return the yacht and that you have enough money to pay the insurance excess. Should the worst happen, the cost of any repaires wil be deducted from the security deposit before it is returned; but this is the maximum amount you will be required to pay.
