Frequently Asked Questions About Bareboat Charter

A bareboat charter means you rent only the vessel – a yacht, sailboat, motorboat, or catamaran – without a skipper or crew to operate it. In other words, hiring a boat without a professional skipper implies full autonomy for the client, which is particularly attractive to seasoned sailors and those who value the freedom to roam. However, it also means you must personally navigate the vessel and take full responsibility for it during the entire charter period.

It's important to clarify that “bareboat” does not mean the vessel comes unequipped – quite the opposite. These vessels are fitted with all the essential navigation and safety gear needed for a multi-day cruise: GPS plotter, nautical charts, life vests, a dinghy (inflatable tender), a kitchen with gas stove, refrigerator, anchoring system, mooring lines, electric shore power cables, freshwater tanks, bedding, and basic tools. In short – everything you need except the crew.

A bareboat charter provides independence and tranquility, but it also comes with certain risks. The client must have genuine sea experience and a clear understanding of their responsibilities – both toward the vessel and the safety of everyone on board. An experienced skipper knows the rules of navigation, maneuvering, and anchoring, and without such an expert present, solid preparation becomes even more important. Proper route planning, understanding weather forecasts, and a sound knowledge of maritime culture are absolute prerequisites.

Yes, renting a boat without a skipper is only allowed if you hold the appropriate license. Your skipper’s certificate must be valid and recognized in the country where your bareboat charter takes place. Within the European Union, commonly accepted licenses include the RYA Day Skipper, ICC (International Certificate of Competence), or appropriate national licenses from countries like Croatia, Germany, Italy, and others.

Most countries also require VHF radio certification (known as a VHF license), as maritime communication – whether with coastal stations or other vessels – must be properly regulated. Without these documents, no reputable charter company will allow you to take a boat out on your own. It’s strongly recommended to send a copy of your license in advance to the agent or charter company for verification. Without a valid certificate, bareboat rental is not an option.

While the boat is already insured by the owner or the charter company (with mandatory hull and third-party liability insurance), a security deposit is required when taking possession of the vessel – usually between €1,000 and €3,000, depending on the size of the boat. This amount is refundable if the boat is returned undamaged. The deposit can be paid in cash or secured on a credit card.

An alternative is to pay for an additional deposit insurance, also known as a damage waiver. This is a non-refundable fee, but it protects you from greater financial risk, as it covers potential damages. It’s also advisable for passengers to take out regular travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, personal accidents, or medical emergencies.

If your bareboat charter is taking place outside well-known sailing regions (e.g., outside the Mediterranean), insurance requirements may be stricter – especially in oceanic areas, the Caribbean, or tropical zones, where navigation can be more demanding.

There are no official age restrictions, but safety is the top priority. Every person, including infants, must be listed on the crew list, and the total number of people on board must not exceed the vessel’s certified capacity. For families with young children, it is highly recommended to install a safety net around the deck and to ensure children wear life jackets at all times.

You can request a safety net in the marina before departure, and many charter companies provide them for free or for a small fee. Beyond physical safety measures, it’s smart to teach kids the basic rules of behavior on board, especially during sailing or docking. A bareboat charter can be a wonderful family adventure if everyone is properly prepared.

Stocking the boat with food and drinks is essential for a comfortable stay at sea, especially for multi-day cruises. The simplest option is to send your grocery list in advance to the agency or a specialized provisioning service that can deliver directly to your boat at the marina. These providers are well acquainted with marina layouts and can ensure delivery to your exact berth and boarding time. Note that your order includes both the cost of the provisions and an additional fee for shopping and delivery service.

Another option is to do the shopping yourself – if you’re arriving by car, you can purchase everything you need at large supermarkets near the marina. Be mindful of available storage space, fridge capacity, and the number of people on board. Many crews plan their meals in advance – which is especially useful when sailing in remote areas without shops. A well-stocked boat is the foundation of a relaxing and enjoyable vacation at sea.

The person who signed the charter contract – typically the holder of the skipper’s license – is fully responsible for managing the vessel, ensuring crew safety, and protecting the condition of the boat. During a bareboat charter, you are effectively the captain, meaning you bear full responsibility for all decisions, including the navigation route, choice of anchorage, marina communications, and handling emergencies.

Beyond technical operations, you're also in charge of implementing basic safety measures, such as ensuring life jackets are worn in bad weather, keeping an eye on children, anchoring properly, and avoiding sailing during storms. If damage occurs, the return is delayed, or local regulations are violated, you are the person the charter company will hold accountable.

In most cases, you have the freedom to navigate within the territorial waters of the country from which you depart, but with limitations defined in the charter contract. Bareboat charters usually do not cover international navigation unless this has been previously arranged and you have obtained approval and additional documentation. Some charter companies restrict movement to a specific region for safety reasons — for example, in case of bad weather or unreliable anchorage conditions.

It is important to regularly monitor the weather forecast and avoid areas known for strong winds (e.g., the Meltemi zone in the Aegean Sea). If you are unsure about the safety of a route, it is recommended to consult the charter base or local harbor authorities. Sailing within national waters provides plenty of freedom, but still requires responsibility and careful planning.

Breakdowns on the vessel, such as engine issues, sail damage, electronics malfunctions, or toilet problems, can happen, but charter companies have established protocols for such situations. The first thing you should do is contact the charter base’s technical support. Every serious company is available 24/7 during the charter period and often has field technicians who can come to assist.

If it is a minor issue, such as replacing a fuse, the crew may handle it themselves with guidance. Larger malfunctions are dealt with by the service team, and in more serious cases, boat replacement may occur. Everything depends on the speed of your report and your adherence to instructions. A bareboat charter assumes user responsibility but also the support of a professional base when needed.

When chartering a bareboat (without a skipper), a staff member from the charter base will personally guide you through the vessel and explain how to use all equipment. Whether you’re experienced in sailing or renting a yacht for the first time, you will go through safety equipment, engine starting procedures, propulsion system use, and how to operate the VHF radio — which is especially important in emergencies. You will also be shown all navigation instruments, nautical charts, the pilot book, the anchoring system, and mooring lines. This is a standard procedure during every boat handover.

The condition of the boat is verified through a check-in/check-out procedure. Charter companies have special equipment checklists that you go through with a staff member before signing. Each item is checked, and your verification is confirmed by both your signature and the staff member’s. The same is repeated when returning the boat. Any damages or equipment issues are noted on this list in duplicate. This documentation is the basis for resolving any disputes or technical issues during the rental.

In most cases, the handover of the vessel takes place on Saturdays, but there are exceptions. Some charter companies offer Wednesday handovers to avoid the typical Saturday tourist crowds. If you are renting the boat for 10 or 12 days, your pickup or return day may fall on any day of the week. For rentals shorter than seven days, everything should be arranged in advance with the charter company — depending on boat and staff availability at the marina.

The rental price includes the boat with all standard charter equipment. Also included is a daily berth in the home marina on the day of pickup and return — and sometimes for the entire duration of the charter, which should be confirmed in advance. The boat will be delivered with full fuel and water tanks, and it must be returned in the same condition. Bed linen is included, and usually also towels for the bathroom, making your holiday and sailing experience more comfortable and stress-free.

Yes, some items are not included in the basic price of the boat rental. Fees for overnight stays in marinas or on moorings (buoys, small harbors) are not included and depend on your chosen route. If you return the boat without full tanks, the charter company may charge for refueling. Since handovers usually happen in the late afternoon, some charter companies offer the option of early check-in, which is charged extra. Additionally, optional equipment such as an outboard engine, SUP, kayak, underwater scooter, or snorkeling gear is usually charged separately unless already included in the offer. Some charter companies also charge for final cleaning or include it in a mandatory “transit log” package that also covers linen change, gas, hand soap, dishwashing detergent, and other essentials. In our charter offer, you will always see a clear breakdown of what is charged, with no hidden costs.

Chartering a boat without a skipper — bareboat charter — is recommended exclusively for individuals who have sufficient nautical experience and feel confident taking on the role of captain. While the freedom this type of rental offers is appealing, the responsibility is significant. If you lack confidence or knowledge, it is advisable to hire a professional skipper at least for the first day of sailing, to show you key maneuvers, anchoring, and how to operate the equipment.

For a completely relaxed sailing experience, where enjoyment is the focus rather than managing the vessel, chartering with a skipper remains the better option. However, for experienced sailors, a bareboat charter remains the ultimate expression of nautical freedom.