FAQ

You can tailor your yacht charter to make the most of your budget. We’ve listed some considerations that will make a difference to your bareboat charter cost.

Choose an older yacht – Our newest yachts are more expensive to charter than others in our fleet. You can sail wonderful older yachts and that will lower your charter price.

Sail in low season – Peak seasons are popular for good reason, yet the shoulder seasons can also provide pleasant climates and fewer crowds. Low season also has the advantage of being less expensive with more yachts available and cheaper flights.

Charter for longer – Most charters are for one or two weeks, but it is possible to secure additional discounts if you sail for more than three weeks.

Mooring and marina fees – Your choice of destination makes a big difference to your overall bareboat charter cost. Some locations offer free or very low mooring fees if you buy a meal at the local restaurant. In others, you may need to pay marina fees, as well as fees for landing on islands, entering national parks or marine reserves.

Add-ons for your charter – Water toys enable you to explore mangrove creeks, blue caves and lagoons, or to simply exercise and have fun. It is easy to add kayaks or paddle boards to your charter.

Early boarding – Check in and depart on the same day.

Delivery sailing – Experienced sailors can help us get our fleet ready for the season by sailing boats to our network of bases. If you’re flexible and have the right resume, this could suit you.

Normally you will need to pay a 30% deposit to confirm the booking and the balance is due 60 days prior to embarkation.

Yes, you need to hold a sailing license to rent a boat to most of our destinations. This is what is called a “bareboat charter”. However, you may book a skipper through our systems if you don’t have a sailing license or prefer a hands-off approach during your holiday. Some of our larger yachts over 50 feet require a dedicated crew. This experience is called a “crewed charter”.

Caribean does not always require a sailing certification; however, a strong sailing resume is preferred.

If you want to verify the eligibility of your sailing credentials and license eligibility, feel free to contact us. Please note that ASA is recognized and accepted throughout Europe. To charter a boat up to 30 tons, you need to have a Bareboat Chartering level (ASA 104). Above 30 tons (i.e. Lagoon 450 and more extensive) Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) is required.

Greece

The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat you intend to charter, in compliance with Greece Maritime Law. A VHF license is recommended but not mandatory.

The following sailing licenses and permits issued by approved organizations are valid in Greece:

• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International; Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence from previous experience.
• IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America, Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
• UK - RYA Day Skipper practical (with our without photo)
• The USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See“ or above
• Belgium - Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite général
• France - LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
• Or other national qualification/certificate of sailing ability from any recognized sailing association.

Croatia

The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat you intend to charter, as required by Croatia Maritime Law. A VHF license is required, and you may apply for one with the FCC, or we can provide further guidance in this process. The following sailing licenses and permits issued by approved organizations are valid in Croatia:

• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International
• RYA Day Skipper Course
• IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)
• UK – MCA Master (Yacht less than 500 GT), RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate or above
• The USA – US Sailing “Basic Keelboat”, ASA “103 Basic Coastal Cruising” or above
• Germany – Sportboot-Führerschein, Sportsee Schifferschein, Sporthochsee Schifferschein
• Croatia – Skipper license B-category or C-category

For the full list of licenses issued by different countries refer to the  pdf document.

Turkey

The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat you intend to charter, as required by Turkey Maritime Law. A VHF license is recommended but not mandatory.

Spain

The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat, required by Spain Maritime Law for the yacht in question. A VHF license is required, and you may apply for one with the FCC, or we can provide further guidance in this process. The following sailing licenses or permits issued by approved organizations are valid in Spain:

• ICC (International Certificate of Competence), International, Prerequisites: RYA “Day Skipper Course” or complete the ICC Assessment form to prove competence
• IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), Prerequisites: ASA 104 or US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”
• UK – RYA Day Skipper practical
• The USA – US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
• Germany – “Sportbootführerschein See“ or above
• Belgium – Algemeen Stuurbrevet/ Brevet de conduite général
• France – LE PERMIS PLAISANCE
• Or other national qualification/certificate of sailing ability from any recognized sailing association.

Italy

The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat you intend to charter, as required by Italy Maritime Law. A VHF license is required, and you may apply for one with the FCC, or we can provide further guidance in this process.

Sweden and Norway

The skipper must possess a valid sailing license for the size and tonnage of the boat you intend to charter, as required by Sweden/Norwegian Maritime Law. A VHF license is recommended but not mandatory.

Caribean

No formal sailing certification is noramlly required however you will be asked to provide a sailing resume outlining your experience and skills with docking, mooring, and anchoring. Our catamarans 50 ft and above may require a dedicated crew, depending upon your level of experience and certification. Contact us!

Thailand

The skipper will need to show proof of sailing certification and experience. Feel free to contact Holiday Yacht Charter to verify the eligibility of your credentials.

Mediterranean (Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain)

The sailing season in the Mediterranean lasts from April to mid-November, with the peak season stretching from June to August. Prices vary depending on your desired sailing dates and rates go up as you draw closer to the peak season.

The months of May and September are ideal for those of our clients who prefer to enjoy some peace and quiet at the harbor, while the air and water temperatures remain enjoyable and the bays and secluded creeks aren’t as crowded.

The usual charter length is 1 to 3 weeks, but the duration of your charter trip is up to you!

Our standard charter period in Europe is from Saturday to Saturday. We strive for flexibility for our guests and can also accommodate other durations by request.

Sweden and Norway

The peak season for sailing in Sweden and Norway is from June until the end of August. A particularity of Scandinavia is that the days are very long in June and July with only a few hours of darkness, thus you can maximize your sailing fun during the extended period of daylight.

The usual charter length is 1 to 3 weeks, but the duration of your charter trip is up to you!

Our standard charter period in Sweden is from Saturday to Saturday. We strive for flexibility for our guests and can also accommodate other durations by request.

Caribean & Thailand

The most popular time to go sailing in Caribean and Thailand perfectly supplements our Mediterranean destinations, from mid-November to March. The weather is the most favorable then, but it is also the most crowded time.

In Thailand, you can expect fewer crowds and more attractive rates in the monsoon season from May to the end of October.

Caribean are a great sailing destination year-round outside of the hurricane season which officially lasts from June to November, with September being the most likely month for heavy storms, rain, and possibly hurricanes.

Yes! You can sign up to join one of our charter getaways in Croatia by renting “by the cabin” for 1 or 2 weeks. Our experienced skipper and hostess will be on board and you will enjoy a scheduled route. The advantage is that you do not need to have any previous sailing experience. This is a wonderful way to meet new friends and have an amazing time!

For more information about our routes and services, please contact us.

Take a closer look at this Blog!

Yes. You may use the 12V charger (car charger) while sailing or plug into the power outlets of the yacht while connected to shore power.

You can often order a transfer to the marina. If picked up at the airport, you are taken directly from the arrival terminal to your boat. Upon arrival, please contact the office and staff on-site for assistance.

Standard check-in time for all European destinations (Mediterranean and Nordic) starts at 17:00 (5 pm).

If you would like an earlier check-in, we recommend ordering a VIP Pack (only available in Croatia, Greece & Spain). Not all partner companies offer this duty. When booking online, simply select the corresponding optional extra. It includes priority check-in guaranteed from 13:00 / 1 pm, exclusive reception, and drinks onboard. This option gives you an extra half day of sailing. Book early as the number of VIP packs is limited!

In the Caribean in general, the USVI, and Bahamas embarkation is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) & disembarkation is at 10:00 am every day.

In Thailand, embarkation & disembarkation is at 12:00 (Noon) every day.

In Croatia, upon arrival at the marina, proceed to the base office to finalize your paperwork. Once your boat is cleaned, prepared technically, and checked, it’s ready for you to embark! You will be accompanied by a technician and a check-in will take place. After the inspection of the boat, you are ready to sail away!

For all other destinations, check-in is performed by the skipper and one crew member together with someone from our base staff. They inspect the boat from stem to stern and check that all the equipment is in place and functioning properly.

During check-in, you will also receive instructions on the operation of the specific yacht model you’ll be chartering. You and your crew will be given instructions regarding the use of the toilet, septic tank, and propane for cooking. Should you have any questions or concerns, please ask the base staff! If you detect any malfunctions, just call our service the team! When you sign the takeover, ensure that any existing damage has already been written down. At check-out, you will go through the boat again.

The skipper always has full responsibility for the boat, therefore contracting skipper insurance is highly recommended. If you hire a professional skipper, she/he will be responsible for all damages onboard.

Should loss or damage occur as a consequence of your gross negligence, damage costs may apply at the discretion of our base manager and will be discussed with you during check-out.

We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. Please make sure you have personal travel insurance that covers sailing.

The vessel is insured throughout the charter with first-class insurers against all risks, to provide permission to charter as under contract terms and to cover third-party liability.

The following options are available in limited locations:

• Security Deposit: This varies on the size of the boat and when the boat is returned without damage it is refunded.
• Damage Waiver: The charterer agrees to pay a non-refundable damage waiver at the time of booking, as well as a reduced damage deposit on embarkation that is refundable upon completion of the charter should no damage occur.

In Norway, there are a number of providers of courses that will give you approved certificates and licenses so that you can charter a BareBoat. Search online or feel free to contact us for advice and tips.