What’s the difference between a Bareboat, Skippered and Crewed Charter?

When planning a sailing holiday, choosing the type of charter best suits your expectations, preferences, and level of involvement in the adventure is essential. There are three main solutions available: bareboat, skippered and crewed. Each option offers a different experience, and understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your holiday.

Bareboat Charter

A bareboat charter is the purest form of chartering, where you simply rent the boat without any additional crew. This option is ideal for experienced sailors with valid sailing licenses who want full control over their holidays. Bareboat charters offer the freedom to set your own pace, plan your route, and enjoy total privacy without the presence of a skipper or crew. This is also the most budget-friendly option, making it a popular choice for seasoned sailors who are confident in their abilities.

Skippered Charter

A skippered charter sits between the first and last options on this list. If you don't have a sailing license or prefer to leave the navigation to an expert, you can hire a skipper for your trip. While you enjoy the flexibility of a bareboat charter, the skipper handles the technical aspects of sailing. This type of charter is perfect for those who want the freedom of a bareboat experience without the responsibility of navigating the boat themselves. Skipper and hostess services, however, are hired externally and are not included in the boat's base price, meaning additional costs will apply.

Crewed Charter

A crewed charter is the most exclusive and luxurious form of boat charter. Typically reserved for larger yachts over 60 feet, this option includes the boat and a dedicated crew consisting of a skipper and, often, a hostess or cook. With this service, all aspects of your sailing holiday are taken care of, from navigation to meal preparation and cleaning. The crew ensures a high level of comfort, tailored itineraries, and expert local knowledge. Though the budget for a crewed charter is higher, it guarantees a unique, carefree experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in relaxation and luxury.

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Understanding Responsibilities in Each Charter Type

When booking a sailing holiday, it's crucial to understand where responsibilities lie, especially in terms of navigation, damages, and liabilities. Here's how it works for each charter type:

• Bareboat Charter: When opting for a bareboat charter, the individual who signs the contract assumes full responsibility for the boat. This includes any damage caused by you or others on board. A security deposit is typically required, which can be used by the charter company to cover any repair costs if needed. This option places the greatest responsibility on the charterer, so it’s essential to be confident in your sailing skills.

• Skippered Charter: In a skippered charter, while you, as the charterer, hold the legal responsibility for the boat as the person who signed the charter agreement, the skipper assumes practical control of the vessel during the voyage. This means that in the event of damage occurring under the skipper's navigation, they generally handle the immediate responsibility for managing the situation.

However, it's important to note that ultimate financial and legal liability still rests with you as the charterer. Therefore, we strongly recommend securing additional insurance coverage to ensure you are fully protected from any unforeseen costs or liabilities that may arise during your trip.

• Crewed Charter: In a crewed charter, the crew is solely responsible for the boat’s navigation and any damages incurred during the trip. The itinerary is planned based on your preferences, but the captain takes the lead in decision-making, considering weather conditions and safety. As a guest, your responsibility is to relax while the crew ensures a smooth journey.

Peace of Mind with Skipper Liability Insurance

To ensure complete peace of mind during your bareboat or skippered charter, Sailogy has partnered with Pantaenius, a renowned provider of skipper liability insurance. This insurance can be tailored to your specific needs, offering protection in case of any unexpected issues or damages. For more details on how to secure this additional layer of protection for your holiday, click here.

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Why Sailogy?

At Sailogy, we partner with the top charter companies worldwide to ensure our clients receive the highest standard of service throughout every stage of their journey. Whether you're embarking on a crewed charter, sailing solo as an experienced sailor, or with the guidance of a hired skipper, our dedicated team is here to support you from the very beginning. 

Sailogy takes full responsibility for the booking process, ensuring that you find the best boat and charter companies to guarantee both quality and professionalism. Our expertise allows us to recommend the ideal boat based on your preferences and needs. After booking, we continue to provide exceptional customer service, assisting you with all inquiries and coordinating closely with the charter company. This includes everything from offering expert advice and troubleshooting any issues to liaising with the charter company on your behalf.

On the day of your charter, the charter company will take over, welcoming you at the marina, overseeing the boat’s condition, handling check-in and check-out procedures, and providing technical assistance throughout your trip. This seamless collaboration between Sailogy and the charter companies ensures that you have a worry-free and unforgettable sailing experience, with support at every step of the way.

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With Sailogy, you're not just booking a boat; you're investing in a first-class experience tailored to your needs. Contact our team today to learn more about your options and how we can make your sailing holiday unforgettable.

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