Key takeaways: Bareboat = you sail, full freedom, lower cost, requires a license. Crewed = skipper included, stress-free, no license needed, higher cost. Skipper-hire is the middle ground.

What Is a Bareboat Charter?

A bareboat charter means you rent the yacht without any crew. You are responsible for sailing, navigation, anchoring, and all decisions on board. The boat comes fully equipped with safety gear, charts, and often a cruising guide — but the helm is yours.

Who it suits: Couples or groups with at least one certified skipper. Sailors who want freedom and adventure. Groups comfortable with responsibility.

Requirements: Valid sailing certificate (ICC, RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104) + VHF radio license. Most charter companies also ask for a sailing résumé listing your experience.

Cost: Most economical option. A 40ft sailing yacht in Croatia costs $1,000–$2,500/week bareboat in mid-season.

What Is a Crewed Charter?

A crewed charter includes a professional skipper at minimum, and often a second crew member who cooks, cleans, and serves as hostess. You arrive, put down your bags, and the crew handles everything else.

Who it suits: Groups with no sailing experience. Families with young children. Corporate retreats or special occasions where relaxation is the priority.

Requirements: None for sailing. Just a passport and enthusiasm.

Cost: Add $200–$350/day for a skipper, $150–$250/day for a cook/hostess. On a full-service charter, expect to pay 50–80% more than the bareboat price.

The Middle Option: Hire a Skipper on a Bareboat

This is the most popular choice for groups who have some experience but want a local expert on board:

• Book a bareboat (lower base price)
• Add a professional skipper for $150–$250/day
• You help with sailing, learn local routes, and make decisions together
• The skipper handles difficult maneuvers, night passages, and emergencies

For a 7-day trip, this adds $1,050–$1,750 to the bareboat price — significantly less than a full crewed charter.

Side-by-Side Comparison

| | Bareboat | Skipper-Hire | Full Crewed | |---|---|---|---| | Sailing license required | Yes | No | No | | Extra cost | Base price | +$150–250/day | +$350–600/day | | Freedom | Full | High | Medium | | Stress level | Higher | Medium | Low | | Best for | Experienced sailors | Mixed experience | Beginners, luxury | | Privacy | Full | Shared with 1 crew | Shared with 2 crew |

Which Should You Choose?

Choose bareboat if: Your group has a certified skipper with solid experience, you value total freedom and adventure, and cost matters.

Choose skipper-hire if: You have some sailing experience but limited offshore hours, you want to learn while sailing, or you're in unfamiliar waters.

Choose full crewed if: Nobody in your group sails, you have children under 10, you want a luxury stress-free holiday, or you're celebrating a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between bareboat and crewed charter?

In a bareboat charter, you rent the yacht and sail it yourself — you are the captain. In a crewed charter, a professional skipper (and often a cook or hostess) comes with the boat and handles all sailing, navigation, and provisioning. Crewed charters cost 30–60% more but require no sailing experience.

Can I hire just a skipper on a bareboat charter?

Yes. Most charter companies offer a skipper-for-hire option for $150–$250/day on top of the bareboat price. This gives you the freedom of a bareboat with the safety of a professional on board. Ideal for licensed sailors who want local knowledge or aren't confident in unfamiliar waters.

What license do I need for a bareboat charter?

You need a recognized sailing certificate — ICC, RYA Day Skipper (practical), ASA 104, or equivalent — plus a VHF radio license. Requirements vary by country: Croatia and Greece require both; the BVI and Bahamas are more relaxed but charter companies still want proof of experience.

How much does a crewed charter cost?

A crewed charter typically costs 40–70% more than the equivalent bareboat. For a 45ft sailing yacht in Croatia, expect $2,000–$4,000/week bareboat vs. $3,500–$6,500/week crewed (skipper included). Full crewed (skipper + cook) adds another $200–$400/day.

Is bareboat or crewed charter better for families with children?

Crewed charters are generally better for families with young children — you can focus on the kids while the skipper handles sailing and navigation. If the adults in the group are experienced sailors, bareboat works well too, especially on a catamaran which offers more deck space and stability.