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Difference between crewed and bareboat charter

Difference between crewed and bareboat charter

Which is the right choice for your sailing holiday?
The decision whether to book a crewed or bareboat charter is a decisive factor for your perfect sailing holiday. Both options offer unique advantages and are suitable for different target groups. In this blog post, we explain the differences between crewed and bareboat charter and help you decide which option best suits your needs.

What is a crewed charter?

With a crewed charter, you not only hire the boat, but also a professional crew who will take care of all aspects of your sailing holiday. This crew usually consists of a skipper and possibly other crew members such as a cook or a hostess.

Advantages of a crewed charter:

  • Comfort and luxury: the crew take care of everything, from navigation to meal preparation. You can relax and enjoy the luxury on board.
  • Safety: An experienced skipper ensures safety and navigates the boat through all weather conditions.
  • Local knowledge: The crew knows the best anchorages, restaurants and sights in the region you are visiting.
  • Personalised service: The crew can tailor the cruise to your wishes and preferences, including special activities or dietary requirements.

What is a bareboat charter?

With a bareboat charter, you hire the boat without a crew. You take responsibility for navigation, mooring and all other tasks on board. The prerequisite is that at least one member of the crew has a valid boating licence and sufficient sailing experience.

Advantages of a bareboat charter:

  • Freedom and flexibility: You can determine your own route and schedule without having to take the needs of a crew into account.
  • Cost savings: Without additional crew members, the costs for a bareboat charter are generally lower.
  • Sailing experience: A bareboat charter offers you the opportunity to improve your sailing skills and gain practical experience.
  • Privacy: You have the boat all to yourself and don’t have to share your privacy with a crew.

For whom is which type of charter suitable?

Crewed charter is ideal for:

  • First-time sailors and the inexperienced: People without sailing experience or a boat licence can still enjoy a luxurious sailing holiday.
  • Luxury travellers: Those who want to be pampered and experience maximum comfort on board.
  • Families and groups: For larger groups, a crewed charter can reduce stress as the crew will take care of everyone’s needs.

Bareboat charter is ideal for:

  • Experienced sailors: People with sufficient sailing experience and a valid boat licence who are looking for the challenge and freedom of a self-determined sailing holiday.
  • Adventurous travellers: Those who like to make their own discoveries and love the freedom to decide spontaneously where to go.
  • Cost-conscious travellers: Travellers on a tight budget who want to keep costs down.

Our summary

The choice between a crewed and bareboat charter depends on your personal preferences, budget and sailing experience. If you want maximum comfort, safety and service, a crewed charter is the best choice. On the other hand, if you want to experience the freedom and challenge of sailing independently, a bareboat charter is the right choice. Both options offer unforgettable experiences on the water, so you can enjoy a fantastic sailing holiday regardless of your choice.