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If you are planning your next holiday and have been thinking about chartering a boat (for the whole trip or just part of it). You will surely have asked yourself this question: “Is it better to organise a boat trip with a skipper or a bareboat charter?”.
In any case, and in order to make your choice easier, Click&Boat has collected some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject. Today, we share the answers with everything you need to know about both modes, so that you can organise your trip perfectly.
A bareboat charter: Take control of the helm
Do you have what it takes to take the helm?
It’s a great thing! There is nothing better than taking the helm and guiding your fellow travellers along the most incredible routes. Decide on the best itinerary, cruise and set off to discover hidden bays and stretches of the blue seas. What more could you ask for?
Do I need a licence for a bareboat charter?
In the Mediterranean, This question often arises among yacht charter brokers. When planning a bareboat charter in the Mediterranean, it’s important to have a sailing certification (and in some cases, such as Croatia and Montenegro, a VHF licence as well). Although not all charter companies will ask for your sailing resume, they will certainly require your sailing licence.
Countries like Croatia and Spain have lists of licences they recognize, based on the charterer’s country of origin:
- Recognized licences in Croatia
- Recognized licences in Spain
For a bareboat charter in the Mediterranean, port authorities mandate a certification that specifically mentions “Sailing licence”. The best proof of certification includes the ICC, IPC, and SLC. These internationally recognized licences ensure that you will be able to charter a bareboat.
These three titles effectively transform your national licence into an international licence.
If I want to sail abroad, can I be the captain of a bareboat?
The answer is actually more complicated than expected, as it depends on the country you are in. At European level, there is no single set of regulations, but we refer to international conventions.
Here are the guidelines for the main European destinations:
- As previously mentioned, a licence is mandatory for Croatia, Montenegro and Portugal, regardless of the type of boat.
- To sail in Spain, the directive only allows you to do so without a licence if you stay within 2 miles of the coast and the engine power does not exceed 15 HP. If, on the other hand, you are interested in sailing boats, the length must not exceed 6 metres. If you have a sailing licence, we recommend you to check if you have to apply for authorisation at the competent Harbour Master’s Office to then have your licence validated.
- Regarding the rules for sailing in Greece, a nautical licence is also mandatory for every type of boat. Normally, to be able to charter, at least two people on board, you must have a licence
- To sail in France, a licence is not necessary for sailing boats. For motorboats, however, it is mandatory for motorboats whose engine exceeds 6 HP.
In any case, before organising your next boat trip with a skipper, or opting for a bareboat charter. We advise you to check the current legislation of the country you will be sailing in. Or to ask the owner of the boat when booking.
What happens if I don’t have a licence?
If you do not have a licence, Click&Boat still gives you the opportunity to organise your boating holiday, in this case renting with a skipper.
Alternatively, you can always choose to rent a zodiac or boat without a licence and spend a day out of the ordinary along the Italian coast.
Skippered boat trip: Sailing with no worries
If the word ‘relaxation‘ is enough to describe the goal of your next trip, then we have no doubt: a skippered boat trip is definitely for you!
Quiet atmosphere, no rush, safe sailing and being able to make the most of time-shared with family and friends. This is the holiday scenario of those who choose to cruise the seas with a professional on board. Doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
The boat captain, or skipper, is the person in charge of controlling and managing the boat from the beginning to the end. He is a qualified person who is not only technically experienced, but also knows all the best routes around the sailing area. Stepping on board with a skipper means dropping anchor safely. It’s being certain that the cruise will run smoothly, trouble-free or unexpected events.
Of course, for voyages involving a night or more on board, a space reserved for the skipper must also be provided.
Another advantage?
By sailing beside an experienced person, you can take advantage to learn the basics of navigation and collect practical tips, to put into practice during future experiences.
How to organise the boat trip itinerary?
One of the greatest advantages of a skippered boat trip is that you can plan the perfect sailing route together. The skipper will take into consideration all the places you would like to visit. So, points of interest and activities you would like to do (or not) on board. He will take into account the weather conditions and his own knowledge of the destination. He will help you organise your dream trip. Easy-peasy, isn’t it?
How much does it cost to sail with a skipper?
The cost of the skipper, generally has to be considered separately from the charter fee, can vary depending on the season, the destination or difficulty of the itinerary, and the type of boat. Generally speaking, you can find many offers on Click&Boat that already include the service of a skipper, whether for daily trips or weekly holidays.
If you have to pay separately, for the service of a skipper, we recommend that you budget between €100 and €150 per day or so.
In any case, whether your next boat trip is with a skipper or is a bareboat charter, we have no doubt that it will be one of the most incredible experiences you have ever had. A lifetime memory to share with friends and family!
