Want to charter a private yacht but are unsure how to do it? This is a common issue people face when booking a boat charter for the first time, but trust us, it isn’t as complicated as it seems.
As one of the leading charter companies on the market, one question we always get at sailyachts.com is, “How do I charter a yacht?” Well, we’re here to show you how to do just that. Let’s get started!
How Do You Charter a Yacht?
Understanding the Basics of Yacht Chartering
Before you book a charter, you should understand the basics of yacht chartering to understand what’s involved in the process. To give you some insight, we’ve curated a whole section on it.
Types of Yacht Charters
At Sailyachts.com, we have three different types of yacht charters available: bareboat, skippered, and crewed charters. Which one you’ll go with will depend on the sailing experience you’re after and if you have a skipper licence.
Bareboat Charter
Do you hold a valid sailing licence and want to be the master of your own journey? A bareboat charter allows you to steer the course and be the skipper on your voyage. Embark on an adventure against the crashing waves of the open sea, following your own itinerary without disturbance. This is our cheapest option of the three, costing minimum €3,500 per week, but it varies on the season and type of boat you require.
Skippered Charter
Hand over the reigns to an experienced captain with our skippered charter option. They’ll steer you safely to all the stops on your itinerary while you enjoy the vast ocean views and catch some rays at the same time. Prices for skippered charters are the same as what you’d pay for a bareboat charter; only you’ll have to spend an extra €220 each day to hire a captain.
Crewed Charter
Crewed charters are the complete sailing packages; you get a captain and an experienced crew, including trained chefs and deckhands, who will look after you while on the ocean. Whatever you need, they’ll be there to make it happen. Like a skippered charter, you’ll pay the fee for the bareboat charter, but on top of that, there will be a €170 charge for each crew member every day.
Types of Yachts
Once you’ve selected the charter style you want, you’ll have to pick the type of yacht you want to sail on. The options are catamaran, monohull, and motor yachtsÂ
Monohull
Full of velocity, incredibly easy to manoeuvre, and an unmatched power to sail upwind, what’s not to love about a monohull?
On average, our monohulls are priced at €3,000 a week throughout the low season. However, prices fluctuate based on the location of the rental and how long you want to rent it for.
Catamaran
Treat yourself to a luxury experience by hiring one of our catamarans, boasting opulence through their chic designs and elegant interiors. Catamarans are our largest vessels available for hire, so expect to pay a minimum of €5500 to hire one for a week. If you want to sail in the high season, prices can exceed €8500 per week.
Gulet
Embark on an oceanic adventure aboard one of our traditional wooden gulets. Similar to what they sailed back in the good old days with a modern twist, feel like Captain Jack Sparrow as you tackle high waves and deep blue waters. All of our gulets have vast open spaces for lounging and catching some breathtaking vistas.
Planning Your Yacht Charter
Location is everything when planning your charter with Sailyachts.com. We offer rentals from some of Europe’s leading cruising destinations where you can truly experience the high seas. Here are some of the options available:
Booking Your Yacht Charter
When your trip details are finalized, you can book your yacht charter with us. Our simple, straightforward reservation system will confirm your booking within 24 hours, as long as the boat rental you want is available.
Below, we’ve written the step-by-step process on how to charter a mega yacht to make everything clear so you don’t run into any issues.
- Step 1: Visit our website and choose the type of charter you want (e.g., bareboat).
- Step 2: Pick the style of boat you want and choose the dates you’d like to hire it.
- Step 3: Tell us the preferred location for pick-up and drop-off.
- Step 4: Send us the inquiry and wait 24 hours to hear from a team member with confirmation.
It’s that easy! Our inbox is always open if you’re unsure about booking yet and just want to know some extra information. You can simply send us an email with your contact details and query, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible to help you book your yacht charter.
Preparing for Your Trip
As you patiently wait for your departure date, you’ll want to start getting prepared for your sail.
Of course, the season you’re sailing will somewhat dictate what you’ve to pack in terms of clothing, but no matter the time, there are some items that you can’t afford to leave at home, such as:
- Travel documents, including passport, visas, and personal ID.
- Credit card and local currency.
- Personal medication, first aid kit, and seasick tablets.
- Sunscreen.
- Comfortable footwear and wet shoes for day trips.
It’s important to try to pack lightly. You can always pick up anything else when you stop at land. Remember to always pack extra snacks, drinks, and any additional entertainment for days out at sea.
You can see our packing list post if you’d like a more comprehensive breakdown of what to pack for sailing.
How Much Should I Be Prepared to Spend?
It’s difficult to figure out how much you should expect to spend as it depends on the type of charter and boat you decide to hire.
As an example, say you went with our skippered charter for a week on one of our catamarans during the high season; the total price would be €7500 for the boat, €3500 for the bareboat charter, and €220 X 7 for your captain, which would add up to €12,540 for one week. However, this will depend on the season and availability.
Final Words
Now you know how to charter a yacht, what are you waiting for? It’s your time to experience a sailing trip for yourself with the Sailyachts team.
You can select your preferred boat on the yachts section of our website, tell us the dates you wish to hire it, and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours. Soon, it will just be you and the uncharted waters of the high seas.
