Bareboat charters are an exciting way to discover the open seas alone without anyone else having a say in your sail. However, there are some requirements when it comes to hiring a bareboat charter that you should be aware of before you book anything.
At sailyachts.com, we’re well-versed in the rules for leasing a bareboat charter throughout the Mediterranean. To fill you in on all the need-to-know information about this type of charter, we’ve designed this in-depth guide with all the important requirements.
Who Can Hire a Bareboat Charter?
It’s important to know that not just anyone can hire a bareboat charter. After all, you are going to be out in the sea alone, so the countries you’re sailing around want to know you’re not a hazard and can trust that you won’t send a help signal.
In most country’s waters, you’ll need at least valid bareboat charter certification to prove you can operate a boat. Some countries may ask you for proof of experience as well, but it depends on the place.
Countries usually base their requirements on the sailing conditions in certain waters and will apply a level to it that a sailor needs to meet. Most places like Croatia and Greece have this level, but it depends on the ocean.
If you want to sail in level 1 waters, these are the requirements:
- valid International Certificate of Competence (ICC) ,RYA Day Skipper or ISSA
- Proof of at least 100 completed miles or 5 days on a vessel the size you’re hoping to hire.
- An understanding of the up-to-date information regarding sailing charts.
There are some level 2 waters around parts of the Mediterranean in countries like Spain and Greece. If you’re considering sailing through them, this is what you’ll need:
- Proof of at least 200 completed miles or 10 days on a vessel the size you’re hoping to hire.
- A valid International Certificate of Competence (ICC) ,RYA Day Skipper or ISSA
- An understanding of the up-to-date information regarding sailing charts and tidal flow.
While these are the rules for level 1 and level 2 sea conditions, there are some additional regulations that you must know, including:
- There must be one person over 18 years old who can operate the vessel.
- An original copy of your skipper’s license must always be on hand when sailing.
- When sailing in Greece, you should have someone at a ‘competent crew’ level on board.
- When sailing in Croatia, you’ll need to have a VHF Radio Operators License.
- The skipper who’s in charge of operating the vessel needs to be able to handle the boat in all types of situations, like mooring and anchoring.
Essential Documents
If you’re considering chartering a boat with sailyachts.com, you’ll need the following documents:
- A valid International Certificate of Competence (ICC),RYA Day Skipper or ISSA
- A VHF Radio Operators License (for Croatia).
- Proof of past experience such as past rental documents outlining the amount of time you spent sailing.
Choosing the Right Bareboat Charter
Once you fill in the requirements to hire a bareboat charter with sailyachts.com, your next job will be to choose the right vessel for your cruise.
We offer a variety of options, which you can choose from based on your personal preferences. Some of these include:
Monohull
If you like the sound of something speedy, easy to operate, and cheap on the wallet, a monohull will be an excellent option for you.
While the location from which you want to rent the boat does impact the total price, you can expect to pay around €3,000 a week during the off-season for a monohull boat. If there’s a high demand for monohulls at the time of rent, the prices can far exceed those in the low season to more than €5500.
Catamaran
For something a little fancier, look at our catamaran boats, which exude luxury with their trendy designs and stylish furnishings that will make you feel like you’re in a floating hotel.
Remember, catamarans are bigger than any of our other boats, so you’ll need a valid bareboat license to operate something this size.
A week’s rental in a catamaran will set you back at least €2500 a week, but this figure can go up much more, sometimes to over €7500; that’s why booking far in advance is key. Everyone wants to sail on a catamaran: they’re the big thing at the moment. So, if your bareboat charter license doesn’t cover you for one, you can always opt for a crewed charter costing more than €10,000 per week.
Motorboat
Our motorboats may be small, but they’re mightier than ever with their rapid pace that’s superb for tackling the shallow seas and secluded inlets of the dreamy Mediterranean. If you’re sailing with a smaller group, there are no better options. Based on your style of trip, we can tailor it to your needs, with multiple and single-room options available.
Gulet
Take on the waves of the Mediterranean in one of our hand-built wooden gulets famed for their unique design with multiple masts. Featuring huge open-air deck spaces and plenty of relaxation areas to soak up the high temperatures, a vessel like this will set you up perfectly for exploring the high seas.
Final Words – Bareboat Charter at Sailyachts.com
There you have it; we’ve broken down all the yacht charter requirements for anyone hoping to rent a bareboat charter. As you can see, there are some boxes you’ll need to tick as a sailor to get permission to sail on your own, but once you do, you’re free to go wherever you like without disturbance.
Now that you know what bareboat charter qualifications you need for chartering a yacht, you can move on to the next step and choose the type of boat you want from sailyachts.com. All you have to do is get in touch with our team, let us know the dates you’re interested in hiring, and pick a boat that suits you.
In no time, you’ll be behind the rudder, and your only problem will be deciding where you want to sail next.
