WHAT APPEARS IN THIS ARTICLE?
- How to Choose the Right Charter Experience
- Understanding the Different Charter Types
- The benefits of each Navigare Charter Type
- Choose the Right Choice for Your Lifestyle
How To Choose The Right Charter Type
Are you new to chartering and finding everything a bit confusing? With so many different yachting industry terms you’re likely to encounter as you gather information, planning an island-hopping trip can seem potentially overwhelming at first. Good news, we’re here to sort everything out and help you identify the most suitable sailing experience.
Being equipped with the correct information and insider knowledge is crucial to making the right decision about which charter type best suits you and your group. At Navigare, we offer a diverse range of experiences tailored to suit every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re an experienced seafarer craving the freedom of a bareboat sailing charter, or a casual vacationer looking to island-hop on a skippered or crewed yacht, Navigare Yachting has the perfect option for you.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the different types of yacht charters available, helping you choose the ideal sailing vacation to match your desires and plans.
Understanding Different Yacht Charter Types
Yacht charters come in several forms, each catering to different levels of sailing experience and personal preference. Navigare Yachting offers the following main types of charters:
Bareboat Charters: Ideal for experienced sailors, a bareboat charter allows you to rent a yacht and sail it yourself. This option offers maximum freedom and flexibility, but it requires that at least one person on board holds the necessary qualifications and experience to navigate the vessel safely. Read more about the requirements to rent a boat without a crew below.
Skippered Charters: For those who lack sailing experience or prefer a more relaxed vacation, a skippered charter includes a professional skipper who will handle all aspects of sailing the yacht. This option allows you to enjoy the journey without the responsibilities of navigation and sailing. Chartering a boat with a skipper is one of the best options for those who are completely new to sailing, as it requires absolutely no experience at all, just a desire to island-hop or explore the sea.
Crewed Charters: A crewed charter includes both a skipper and an additional crew member, such as a chef and/or hostess. This type of charter provides a luxurious, all-inclusive experience, with the crew taking care of all sailing, cooking, and cleaning duties. You can create your own vacation by choosing the boat and then adding the crew of your choice separately, such as a skipper and a host/hostess or a skipper and a chef.
Luxury Crewed Charter: Our luxury crewed charter is the premium option when it comes to yacht chartering and is only offered on select yachts in our fleet. Reserved for the luxury cruises, are some of our fleet’s largest catamarans that come fully equipped with modern luxury amenities. We currently offer the luxury crewed charter in the BVI, Greece, Croatia, and Turkiye, and the yachts dedicated to this offering have a permanent crew that are well versed in working together and providing top-notch service.
While the traditional crewed charter is a trip you put together on your own or with the help of an agent, you can think of this as the exclusive package-deal version of the crewed charter. It’s an all-inclusive offer with the highest level of luxury and service, where everything from sailing route planning to budgeting are left to us. This offering typically comes with a full board package, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, served with white-glove service that ensures you have everything you need at your fingertips. With an experienced captain onboard, this option is open to everyone regardless of sailing experience.
By the Cabin Charters: If chartering an entire yacht is not feasible, you can opt for a cabin charter, where you rent a cabin on a shared yacht. This is a cost-effective way to enjoy a sailing experience and meet other sailing enthusiasts. Apart from other guests, you are also joined by professional crew members who sail the yacht and prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day.
Think of by the cabin charters like a traditional cruise but much more intimate and luxurious. You have a top-rated crew dedicated to serving only you and the few other guests onboard. The exclusive environment of the private yacht also makes this a social vacation, perfect for creating lasting friendships and getting an authentic experience of your chosen destination. Read more on our blog.
Benefits of Each Yacht Charter Type
Navigare Yachting’s award-winning range of yacht charters caters to various preferences and skill levels, ensuring every traveler can find their perfect match. Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of each type of charter and identify who they are best suited for.
Bareboat Charters
Ideal for: Experienced sailors with the necessary certifications, seeking freedom and flexibility.
- Freedom and Flexibility: Bareboat charters offer the ultimate independence, allowing experienced sailors to navigate their own course and explore destinations at their own pace. Without a crew, you have the freedom to make spontaneous decisions, change your itinerary, and immerse yourself fully in the adventure.
- Cost-Effective: By eliminating the cost of a skipper or crew, bareboat charters can be a more budget-friendly option for seasoned sailors. You can allocate your budget towards other aspects of your trip, such as dining and onshore activities.
- Skill Enhancement: Sailing the yacht on your own provides an excellent opportunity to hone your sailing skills. The hands-on experience is invaluable to improve your skills, whether you’re an individual sailor or part of a sailing crew where everyone contributes to the journey.
Skippered Charters
Ideal for: Novices or those who prefer to leave the sailing to an expert, focusing on relaxation and enjoyment.
- No Experience Needed: A skippered charter is perfect for those with little to no sailing experience. Your professional skipper will handle all aspects of navigation and sailing, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey without any responsibilities.
- Local Expertise: Skippers often have extensive knowledge of the local area, including hidden gems, best anchorages, and top dining spots. They can provide insider tips and create a personalized itinerary based on your interests.
- Stress-Free Sailing: With an experienced skipper at the helm, you can sit back, unwind, and soak in the stunning scenery. This option is ideal for those who want to experience the joys of yachting without the pressure of managing the vessel.
Crewed Charters
Ideal for: Those seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive experience with personalized service.
- Full-Service Experience: A crewed charter includes both a skipper and an additional crew member, such as a chef or a host/hostess. This setup ensures that all sailing, meal planning, and cooking are taken care of, allowing you to enjoy a completely stress-free vacation.
- Customized Luxury: You can tailor your experience by choosing your crew based on your preferences. Whether you want a culinary expert to prepare gourmet meals or a hostess to provide impeccable service, a crewed charter offers personalized luxury. The host/hostess typically prepares breakfast, lunch, and snacks while a chef makes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, but whether you prefer half-board or full-board with the chef is up to you.
- Ultimate Relaxation: With a dedicated crew handling every detail, you can fully relax and enjoy your surroundings. Spend your days lounging on deck, exploring new destinations, connecting with friends and family, or engaging in water activities without any logistical concerns.
Luxury Crewed Charters
Ideal for: Those desiring the highest level of luxury and service, where every detail is meticulously managed.
- Premium Yachts: Luxury crewed charters feature some of the largest and most luxurious sailing catamarans in the fleet, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and modern comforts. These yachts are designed for those who seek the pinnacle of opulence.
- All-Inclusive Packages: This charter type typically includes a full board package with gourmet meals, snacks, and beverages served by a professional crew. The white-glove service ensures that all your needs are met with the utmost care and attention.
- Seamless Experience: From route and activities planning to budgeting, cooking, and sailing, everything is managed by the crew, providing you with a hassle-free experience. This option is perfect for those who want to indulge in a lavish vacation without lifting a finger.
Cabin Charters
Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a cost-effective and social yachting experience.
- Affordable Luxury: Cabin charters offer the luxury of yachting at a fraction of the cost. By sharing the yacht with other guests, you can enjoy the sailing experience without the expense of chartering an entire yacht.
- Social Atmosphere: This type of charter is perfect for making new friends and socializing with other sailing enthusiasts. The intimate setting fosters a sense of community, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy meeting new people.
- Professional Crew: Even though you’re sharing the yacht, you’ll still benefit from the services of a skilled crew who handle the sailing and prepare meals. This ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your journey.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right yacht charter type with Navigare Yachting depends on your sailing experience, personal preferences, and the type of vacation you envision.
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
- Bareboat Charter: Perfect for experienced sailors seeking freedom and flexibility.
- Skippered Charter: Ideal for novices or those who prefer a stress-free sailing experience.
- Crewed Charter: Best for those desiring a luxurious, all-inclusive experience.
- Luxury Crewed Charter: Suited for individuals seeking the highest level of luxury and service.
- Cabin Charter: Great for solo travelers or small groups looking for an affordable and social island-hopping adventure.
Navigare Yachting Offers Yacht Charters for All Lifestyles
We hope this guide to yacht charter types has provided some clarity on the options you have when it comes to choosing your sailing adventure with Navigare Yachting. With experiences ranging from the autonomy of a bareboat charter to the indulgence of a luxury crewed yacht, we have a suitable option for all guests seeking an unforgettable sailing experience.
Understanding the unique benefits of each charter type will help you choose the sailing getaway that most aligns with your level of experience and the type of vacation you and your group are looking for. Let our team of charter experts help you every step of the way, and start planning your sailing adventure today.
Navigare Yachting is a five-time 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner. Since 2001, over 400,000+ charter guests have set sail with Navigare - it’s safe to say that your yachting adventure will be in capable hands. With 12 exotic locations worldwide, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time adventurer, Navigare Yachting opens up a world of exploration, discovery, and sailing that comes with complete peace of mind.