Dos, don’ts, and pro tips for first-timers
Whether you’re exploring the isles of ancient Greece, watching the sunset in Tahiti, or tucking in for a lobster dinner in the British Virgin Islands, there’s no vacation like a boat vacation—it opens new worlds you just can’t experience when you stay in hotels. It may seem daunting, but you have many resources to help you create and enjoy a bareboat charter where you’re the skipper for the week. Here’s how to plan and pull off the greatest vacation you’ve ever had.
Where to Go and Who to Book with?
Most charters are still focused on sailing yachts, but for non-sailors, power catamarans are popping up in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and even in some exotic islands like Tahiti. Most large charter companies such as The Moorings, Dream Yacht Charter, MarineMax Vacations, and Navigare Yachting offer powercats at select bases.
Powercats are perfect for large groups because of their ample deck and cabin space and a steadier platform which makes it easier for anyone prone to seasickness. Powercats are also fast since they’re not dragging a heavy keel through the water, and they’re easier on fuel consumption and, therefore, on your wallet. For monohull options, you’ll need to think about regional operations like Anacortes Yacht Charters in the Pacific Northwest.
When to Go?
There are more places to charter than you’ll have time for or the budget. A rule of thumb is to visit the Caribbean in the winter, the Mediterranean in the summer, and the South Pacific, such as Thailand and Tahiti in the spring or fall. Most charters are a week long although some may be 10-14 days depending on yacht availability.
Shoulder season offers more boat options at lower prices, and there will be smaller crowds in restaurants, vacant anchorages, and less harried locals. Ask the charter company about shoulder season specials, for example, 10 days for the price of seven or upgrades to newer or bigger boats.
Shoulder season in the Caribbean is late May through June and early November. Shoulder season in the Med is May and October, but take note that in the Med, the no-go time is August when everyone in Europe is on vacation and everywhere is crowded.
How Far in Advance to Book a Bareboat Charter?
For good boat availability, book 6-10 months in advance. If booking for peak season holidays like Christmas/New Year or peak summer in the Med, make it 10-12 months ahead. For off-peak cruising, you may be able to book three to six months out, and if you have a flexible schedule, take advantage of last-minute deals.
What do Charter Companies Expect?
Requirements to charter a bareboat differ by destination. The Caribbean is the easiest so long as you have good boating skills, such as docking, anchoring, and navigating. You’ll just need to submit a boating experience résumé.
In Europe, the requirements are stricter. Ask the company what you’ll need so you have time to acquire the necessary certifications prior to your trip. You’ll also have to provide a crew list with the names, ages, and passport information of all guests.
You’ll also need to attend a chart briefing in-person or online and do a vessel walk-through to learn systems before departing. Don’t skip either. All this knowledge will come in handy during the week. Record the meetings with your smartphone so you can play back important information like how to start the genset. Know how to monitor and manage the batteries and make sure to convert all electronics to English before departing. Ask about anchoring restrictions and using moorings in the area.
What are the Expenses Beyond the Cost of the Boat?
Plan for fuel and insurance costs as well as provisioning, which is stocking the boat with food and drinks. Most charter companies will provide a list from which to choose and will deliver the food on the first day or you can decide to shop on your own for better prices and more choices, but this is a tough and time-consuming job. Choose “partial provisioning” that allows you the flexibility to eat off the boat at restaurants. Always provision less than you think because most boats come back with lots of excess food.
If you’ll be on a boat with a skipper or full crew, plan to provide a tip. It can be based on the number of days of charter ($50 to $100 per person) or as a percentage of the cost of the charter, roughly 10-20 percent. As with most service jobs, that’s how the crew earn their income.
What to Look for in Boat Amenities?
Critical boat equipment to look for will depend on the destination. You’ll want a watermaker in the Caribbean. In the Med, where they expect you tie up to town quays with water provided, onboard watermakers are nearly nonexistent. Also, check on the size and quality of the tender as well as the outboard.
What Else to Consider?
Consider your crew. If you’re bringing children, add kid-friendly activities like kayaking or snorkeling. Charter companies have kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear available to rent, and you can bring toys and floaties with you. If you have non-boaters, share information with them to set expectations and manage fears. Choose destinations with calmer seas and shorter distances if boating with those prone to seasickness. Decide ahead of time how expenses for the boat, provisioning, and extras will be divided among the group.
A packed itinerary isn’t a vacation, it’s a chore so don’t exceed 20-30 miles of distance or two to three stops per day. Stay flexible and take each day as it comes which makes room for spontaneity. Also, groups of people never move quickly so build in time for logistics.
How to Get More Information?
Charter companies are your greatest resource. First, check out their websites for fleet information, available destinations, packing tips, and sample itineraries. Then, pick up the phone and call. Their travel planners are knowledgeable and ready to help.
What About Crewed Charters?
If you’re worried about your skills or just want a luxury experience, there are other options beyond bareboating. First, ask the charter company to provide a local skipper for one to two days to show you the ropes. Second, you can take a skipper for the whole week and benefit from his local knowledge on your stress-free vacation. You’ll need to feed them and provide sleeping accommodations. Finally, you can opt for a fully crewed experience. These usually take place on a larger powercat and include a skipper, chef, and maybe a deckhand so you can relax all week.
Nearly all the major charter companies offer crewed options. The pluses are that you’ll instantly gain local knowledge, you don’t have to have much experience to take out a big boat, and if something breaks, you don’t have to fix it. You also don’t have to worry about provisioning, cooking, or cleaning. The minuses include the extra cost and that the captain will be living with you on the boat during your vacation.
Chartering is much easier than it sounds, and there are lots of people to help you plan and execute. Think through what you want to do, how you want to do it, who will be coming with you, and what a successful cruise will look like to the group. Then, take the plunge.
-by Zuzana Prochazka
SIDEBAR 1:
Where’s a Good Place to Start?
The British Virgin Islands are “chartering 101.” The distances are short, the charter companies are many, the navigation is predominantly line-of-sight, and there’s a bar in just about every anchorage.
Sample Itinerary/Highlights of the BVI:
⊲ Most bases are on Tortola or Scrub Islands. A counterclockwise itinerary is usually best.
⊲ Start at Salt Island where you can snorkel on the wreck of the RMS Rhone then tuck in at Cooper Island for the night and snorkel Cistern Point before dinner at Cooper Island Beach Club.
⊲ Get an early start for The Baths where you swim ashore and hike through the caves. That night, catch a mooring by Virgin Gorda and make reservations for dinner at Saba Rock or the Bitter End Yacht Club.
⊲ Set course for Anegada and take at taxi to the other side of the island to Cow Wreck Beach for cocktails.
⊲ Enjoy a long run to Jost Van Dyke Island and a hike to the Bubbly Pool swimming hole. Wrap up with piña coladas and dinner at Foxy’s.
⊲ Catch a mooring and snorkel at the Indians rock formations near Peter Island.
SIDEBAR 2:
Charter Companies with Powercats at Various Bases
Dream Yacht Charter – Fountaine Pajot and Bali powercats
Martinique, Sea of Cortez (Mexico), Bahamas (Abacos and Exumas), Greece, Australia (Whitsundays)
The Moorings – exclusively Leopard powercats
British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas (Abacos and Exumas), St. Lucia, Martinique, Seychelles, Greece, Croatia
Navigare – Aquila powercats
Bahamas (Abacos), U.S. Virgin Islands, Croatia
MarineMax Vacations – exclusively Aquila powercats
British Virgin Islands and Bahamas (Abacos)
