Co-founder of PlainSailing.com, Adi Tognarelli, shares this beginners’ guide to chartering a yacht or catamaran for a sailing holiday.
A sailing holiday is a unique and exhilarating way to explore new destinations, offering freedom, adventure, the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and (often incredible) frontline coastal views, every single night! For beginners, the idea of chartering a yacht or catamaran might seem daunting, but it can be an accessible and rewarding experience. We will try and walk you through the basics…
BAREBOAT, FLOTILLA, SKIPPERED OR CREWED?
When chartering a boat, you will need to decide between three main options:
1. Bareboat: If you have the sailing qualifications (minimum RYA Day Skipper / ICC), you can take the boat off on your own. The charter company will be in close contact in case you need any help, but you are able to pick your own itinerary and choose where to anchor or moor up – you are the boss!
2. Flotilla: If you are not quite confident enough to head off on your own, a flotilla can be a great option. You still need a sailing licence, but you are supported by a dedicated flotilla leader who sails in a boat next to you. You follow their set route and itinerary, but it is a great way to step up from being newly qualified and gaining the experience you need of mooring and anchoring.
3. Skippered: A professional skipper will handle all the sailing, so you can sit back and relax, and not worry about how you are going to squeeze into that last tight spot in the marina. You can enjoy the journey while learning sailing basics if you are interested.
4. Crewed: For a luxury experience, opt for a crewed charter – in addition to a skipper, you will have a chef and a hostess, who will do all the cooking, shopping and cleaning for you, so literally the only thing you have to think about is whether to go swimming now, or later.
YACHT OR CATAMARAN?
There are two types of boat you can charter – a yacht (or monohull) or a catamaran (with two hulls). There has been a growing trend towards catamarans in recent years, as they offer so much more space and comfort than a yacht (often double!), but if you are there for the sailing, a yacht is the way to go.
– Yachts are known for their classic sailing experience, are faster under sail and can cut through the waves easier if you are heading into the wind. They are cheaper to charter, and also cost less in both marina fees and fuel.
– With two hulls, catamarans provide a stable and spacious platform. They are ideal for families or groups (there are two or three socialising spaces rather than all being crammed into the cockpit), and offer larger living areas, more bathrooms and more mod cons like watermakers, generators and air conditioning. Manoeuvring is also a little easier (for me, anyway!) as there are four engines (forward and back on each side) so you can turn on a sixpence.
THE RIGHT DESTINATION
The destination can make or break your sailing holiday, especially for beginners. Look for areas with calm waters, short sailing distances and plenty of sheltered anchorages. It is also worth checking how much flights are (and where you can get to easily that fits with the usual Saturday to Saturday rhythm of charter holidays). The most popular places for beginners are…
1. Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast: Known for its stunning islands, crystal-clear waters and historic towns. A popular route is from Split to Dubrovnik, offering short hops between islands like Hvar, Korčula and Mljet.
2. The Greek Islands: The Saronic Gulf and the Ionian Sea are the best for novice sailors, as both are relatively protected from the wind, and have some of the most picturesque villages in the Med.
3. The British Virgin Islands: Often called the “sailing capital of the world”, the BVI offers easy line-of-sight navigation, gentle trade winds and most nights are spent on mooring buoys (so you do not have to worry about parking up, or the anchor!)
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your days will typically involve a mix of sailing, swimming, snorkelling and exploring coastal towns or secluded beaches. Usually, you spend each evening in a new spot, whether it is a bustling marina or a tranquil bay. We typically recommend alternating between a night in the marina and a night out at anchor.
You can be in charge of the itinerary – stay in late if you prefer lazy mornings, or get up and away and back into the marina by the early afternoon if you want to add in sightseeing or afternoons sat in the marina bar, watching the boats come in.
WHEN TO GO?
The season in the Med starts in April and runs to November. Peak season (when charter fees are highest) is July/August, though September is normally sought after as the prices drop a little, the sea is warm and it is less busy too. The weather in April can be hit and miss, but in the Med it will be much better than here in the UK!
You can sail in the Caribbean for most of the year, though July and August carry an extra risk of hurricanes! Peak season coincides with Christmas and New Year, though the February half-term week is fast catching up. Going just a few weeks either side of these weeks can have a big impact on price.
WHAT’S INCLUDED? OTHER COSTS?
Charter costs can vary widely across the months, but generally the bigger and newer the boat, the more expensive it will be. The charter fee will include:
– The boat
– Any mandatory admin fees and end cleaning
– Bed linen and towels
You also need to budget for a couple of other costs…
Local Taxes – in Croatia the Tourist tax is €1.5 /person/day. Greece and Italy do not have them.
Marina Fees – Depends on the size of the boat, and the marina – in Greece it can be €20 a night, in Capri it can be €350!
Fuel – A catamaran has two engines, so generally uses twice as much fuel. Budget for €250 on a yacht or €500 on a cat, though it might be more if you use the engine a lot (or the air conditioning!).
Extras – Optional add-ons like outboard, WiFi, paddleboards and kayaks are all available, for a price.
Insurance – You will put a Security Deposit on a credit card at check-in (usually a pre-authorisation, like with a hire car), but you can get specialist insurance to cover you in case there are any damages.
Chartering a yacht or catamaran is an unforgettable way to explore some of the world’s most beautiful destinations, and does not have to be as expensive as you think…
Award-winning PlainSailing.com are UK based yacht and catamaran charter experts who have hand-picked the best professional yacht charter operators to work with in Greece, Croatia, the Med and the Caribbean, as well as England and Scotland.
