Frequenty Asked Question - Bareboat Charters
Sailing Yachts & Catamarans

​​What is a Monohull?
 

A monohull is your classic, single-hulled sailing yacht. For many sailors, this is what "real" sailing looks like. These boats are designed to work with the elements; they lean (heel) into the wind, giving you a direct, physical connection to the water.

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Why choose a Monohull?
 

• Performance: They are generally better at sailing "upwind" and offer more responsive handling at the helm. If you enjoy the technical side of trimming sails and feeling the boat react to every gust, a monohull is the way to go.
   

• Sleek Design: From compact 37 ft cruisers that are easy to handle for a small crew, to grand 64 ft+ yachts that combine luxury with serious speed, there is a size for every plan.
   

• Authentic Experience: It’s about the tradition of sailing. While they have less living space than a catamaran, modern monohulls are surprisingly roomy below deck, offering cozy, well-designed cabins and salons.

 

In short: Choose a monohull if you’re more about the journey and the sailing itself than just the destination.

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What is a Catamaran?
 

A catamaran is a twin-hulled yacht that offers a completely different experience than a traditional monohull. Instead of one deep hull, you have two, connected by a wide deck and a central salon. It’s essentially a high-end, mobile base for your holiday.

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Why choose a Catamaran?
 

• Stability & Comfort: Catamarans don’t lean (heel) like monohulls. They stay level while sailing and remain stable at anchor. If you have guests who are prone to seasickness or if you just enjoy being able to walk across the deck without holding on, this is your best bet.
   

• Massive Living Space: Because of the wide beam, you get a huge salon and a large cockpit area on the same level. Our models—ranging from 40 ft to over 60 ft—often feature "flybridges" (upper decks) and forward cockpits, giving you multiple areas to relax. 
   

• Privacy: The cabins are located in the two separate hulls. This means the sleeping quarters are far apart, offering much more privacy for families or groups of friends compared to a single-hull boat. 
   

• Easy Access to the Water: With a shallow draft, catamarans can get much closer to the beach and into shallower bays than most monohulls. Plus, the wide "sugar scoops" (transoms) at the back make getting in and out of the water for a swim incredibly easy.

 

In short: Choose a catamaran if you want maximum space, social comfort, and a relaxed, level ride for everyone on board.

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What is a Premium Bareboat Charter?
 

A premium charter isn't just about a "fancy" look—it’s about choosing a yacht that offers more independence and better features for your time at sea. These yachts are designed for sailors who want to take the helm themselves but place high value on extra comfort and modern technology.
 

What sets a Premium Yacht apart?
 

• Renowned Shipyards: You get the latest models from prestigious builders like Jeanneau, Sun Odyssey, Dufour, Bavaria, Kufner, and Hanse. These newer hulls offer modern designs that are brighter, more spacious, and easier to handle. 
   

• Full Independence: The real luxury is the ability to stay off the grid. Many premium yachts are equipped with Generators, Air Conditioning, and Watermakers, allowing you to stay anchored in a quiet bay without needing to visit a marina for power or water.
   

• Home Comforts at Sea: Premium yachts are often equipped with amenities like Nespresso machines, wine coolers, or even dishwashers, bringing a level of convenience to the ocean that you would normally only expect at home.

In short: A premium bareboat charter is for those who want the freedom of sailing their own boat while prioritizing modern equipment and high-end comforts for everyone on board.

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How many guests can stay on a bareboat yacht?
 

The capacity depends on the size and specific layout of the boat. Generally, bareboat yachts can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 10 guests.

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What to expect on board:

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• Private Cabins: Smaller yachts typically offer 2 or 3 cabins, which is ideal for couples or small families. The largest bareboat models usually feature up to 5 cabins, providing enough room for larger groups or two families.
   

• Bathrooms (Heads): Most modern yachts are designed with ensuite bathrooms for the cabins, providing extra privacy for everyone on board.
   

• Living Space: Modern designs focus on making the salon and cockpit feel open and airy, ensuring that even a group of 10 has enough space to relax comfortably on deck.

 

In short: Whether you need a compact yacht for a small crew or a large 5-cabin vessel for a group of 10, there is a layout that fits your needs perfectly.

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How long can I charter a yacht for?
 

The standard duration for a bareboat charter is 7 nights, usually running from Saturday to Saturday. This is the common rhythm in most sailing regions to allow for proper cleaning and maintenance between crews.

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Flexible Options:

 

• Extended Trips: If a week isn't enough, you can easily book for 14 nights or longer. This is often the best way to really explore a larger sailing area without rushing.

• Shorter Stays: While the 7-day Saturday-cycle is the norm, feel free to ask about different start days or shorter durations, especially during the low season. We will check what is possible based on the boat’s schedule.

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In short: Plan for a full week starting on Saturday to get the best selection of boats, but don't hesitate to contact us if you have something else in mind.

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Can I start and finish my trip at different ports?
 

Yes, one-way charters are possible in many destinations. This is a great option if you want to explore more of the coastline without having to double back to your starting point.

 

How it works:
 

• One-Way Fees: Since the boat needs to be returned to its home base, a one-way fee applies. The cost depends on the distance between the embarkation and disembarkation ports.
   

• Additional Costs: Keep in mind that mooring or harbor fees at the destination port are typically not included in the one-way fee.
   

• Availability: These trips depend on the yacht’s schedule and the base logistics. Just let us know which route you are interested in, and we will check the specific options and pricing for you.

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In short: One-way trips allow you to see more of the area, as long as you factor in the extra fee for the return journey.

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Do I need a sailing license for a bareboat charter?
 

Yes. To charter a yacht without a professional crew, the designated skipper must hold an officially recognized sailing license.

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What you need to know:

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• Valid Qualifications: Generally, a national license from your home country is required. Internationally recognized certificates like the RYA Coastal Skipper or the ICC (International Certificate of Competence) are also widely accepted.
   

• Regional Differences: Requirements can vary depending on the country you are sailing in and the size of the yacht. In some destinations, a radio license (VHF) or a second experienced crew member is also mandatory.
   

• We’ll Check for You: Don't worry about the fine print—once you’ve chosen your destination and boat, we will advise you on the specific license requirements to make sure everything is in order.

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In short: You need a valid license to take the helm, but we are here to help you verify that your certificates match the local regulations.

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What is a Skippered Charter?
 

If you do not hold a sailing license—or if you simply want a more relaxed holiday—you can book a professional skipper for your trip. This turns a bareboat yacht into a "skippered charter," where a qualified captain handles the technical side of the voyage.
 

How it works:
 

• Professional Handling: The skipper is responsible for navigation, mooring, and the safety of the yacht. You can still participate in sailing if you like, but the pressure of being the captain is off your shoulders.
   

• Local Expertise: One of the biggest perks is the skipper’s local knowledge. They know the best hidden bays, the quietest anchorages, and the most authentic restaurants that you might not find in a guidebook.
   

• Cabin & Food: You will need to provide a private cabin for the skipper and include them in your onboard catering or provide meals ashore.

·       Fees: The skipper’s fee is charged separately and is not included in the yacht’s base rental price.
 

In short: A skippered charter is the perfect solution for anyone who wants the privacy of a yacht combined with the safety and local insight of a professional captain.

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What insurance is recommended for a bareboat charter?

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To protect yourself and your crew from unexpected costs, we strongly recommend a comprehensive insurance cover. We work with Sealogy/EIS, specialists in maritime insurance, to provide you with tailored solutions.

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Available Insurance Options: Through our dedicated partner link, you can access and combine all essential charter insurances in one place:

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• Deposit Insurance (Kautionsversicherung): Protects your security deposit in case of damage to the yacht or loss of equipment.
   

• Skipper Liability Insurance (Skipper-Haftpflicht): Covers the personal liability of the skipper for damage to other vessels or persons.
   

• Travel Cancellation Insurance (Reiserücktritt): Protects your payments if you cannot start your trip due to illness or emergencies.
   

• Travel health and accident insurance: Protects you fully in case of medical emer­gency,  high medical treatment costs or in case of an accident.
   

• Professional Skipper Insurance: Special covers if you are sailing as a professional.

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Get your Quote & Book: You can calculate your individual premium and book all the mentioned insurances directly through these links:

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•  English Version: Sealogy/EIS Charter Insurance
   

• Deutsche Version: Sealogy/EIS Charterversicherung
   

Why book through our partners? The policies from Sealogy/EIS are specifically designed for the yachting industry. Standard insurance policies often exclude sailing or have insufficient coverage for charter-specific risks.

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In short: Use the link to choose the protection that fits your needs. We generally recommend at least Deposit Insurance and Skipper Liability for a worry-free holiday.

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What is a Transit Log?

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Think of a transit log as the official "sailing permit" for your yacht. It is a mandatory document issued by the local harbor master or port authority that officially registers your trip, your yacht, and everyone on board.

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Why is it important?
 

• Legal Requirement: No yacht is allowed to leave the marina without a valid transit log. It proves to the authorities that the boat is properly insured, the skipper is qualified, and the crew is officially registered.
   

• The Crew List:
  Every person on the boat must be listed in this document. If the authorities perform a check at sea, the people on board must match the names on the transit log.
   

•  What we need from you: To prepare the log, we need your yacht’s registration, insurance papers, the skipper’s license, and a complete crew list before you arrive.
   

In short: The transit log is the essential paperwork that makes your journey legal. We handle the bureaucracy with the authorities so you can start your holiday smoothly.

 

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What is a Crew List?

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The crew list is an official register of everyone on board during your charter. It is a mandatory requirement for port authorities, customs, and maritime police in all sailing destinations.

What information is required? To prepare the document, we need the following details for every guest:

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• Full name and nationality

• Date and place of birth 

• Passport or ID card number 

• Home address and phone number

 

Why is it necessary?
 

• Port Clearance: The harbor master uses the crew list to issue your Transit Log. Without an accurate crew list, the yacht cannot legally leave the marina.
   

• Safety & Identity: In the event of a coast guard check or an emergency, authorities must have an official record of who is on the boat and how to reach them.
   

•  Accuracy is Key: The information must match your travel documents exactly. If there are any last-minute changes to your crew, the list must be updated and officially re-stamped before you set sail.

In short: The crew list is a straightforward but essential piece of paperwork. Simply provide us with your guests' details in advance, and we will ensure the document is ready for your check-in.

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Can I bring friends on board who are not on the crew list?
 

No. For legal and safety reasons, every single person on the yacht must be registered on the official crew list before you leave the port.

 

What you need to know:
 

Legal Compliance: The Coast Guard or Maritime Police perform random checks. If they find someone on board who is not on the official list, it can lead to heavy fines and the detention of the yacht.
 

Insurance Coverage: Your insurance is linked to the official crew list. Unregistered persons can invalidate your coverage, leaving you personally liable.
 

• Crew Changes are possible: If you plan to have guests join or leave the boat during your trip, a crew change is absolutely possible. However, this must be organized in advance.
   

• Updating the Paperwork: For a crew change, we must update the list and have it officially re-stamped by the harbor master. Please notify us as early as possible so we can handle the logistics for you.
   

In short: To keep your trip safe and legal, never take unregistered guests on board. If you plan a crew change, just let us know, and we will ensure all paperwork is correctly updated.

 

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What is a Charter Package?
 

A charter package is a bundle of services and essentials often offered by the charter base to simplify your check-in. It’s important to note that every base works differently: some offer "all-in" packages, while others charge for each service individually.
 

Typical components (whether bundled or separate):
 

• Transit Log: This is usually the first priority. It is the official permit and paperwork required by the authorities for your yacht to leave the port.
   

• Final Cleaning: The professional cleaning of the yacht after you return from your trip.
   

• Bedding & Towels: Fresh linens, blankets, and towels for all crew members.
   

• The Basics: Additional items like cooking gas, the dinghy (with or without an outboard engine), and basic hygiene kits for the heads (bathrooms).

Why the difference?
 

• Bundles (Packages): Many bases combine these costs into one fixed fee to make the booking process more transparent and cost-effective.
   

• Individual Items: In some cases, you might pay for these services separately, allowing you to customize what you actually need for your trip.

In short: These costs cover the mandatory paperwork and the practical essentials for living on board. We will provide you with a clear breakdown so you know exactly what is included and what might be payable locally at the base.

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What is a Boarding Pass?

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The boarding pass is your final confirmation and the most important document for your arrival. It is issued by the charter company once the full payment has been received and the crew list is finalized.

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What information does it contain?
 

• Check-in Details: The exact location of the base and the time you can embark. 
   

• Vessel Information: The name and specific details of your yacht.
   

• Base Contact: Emergency phone numbers and contact details for the local base staff.
   

Why do you need it? You must present your boarding pass—either printed or digitally—to the base staff when you arrive at the marina. It serves as proof of your booking and allows the team to start your check-in process smoothly.
 

In short: Think of it like an airline ticket. Once you have your boarding pass, you have everything you need to head to the marina and start your holiday.

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What documents do I need for a bareboat charter?

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To ensure your charter is legally compliant and the check-in process at the base is smooth, you need to provide several documents in advance and carry the originals on board.

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1. Required Licenses
 

• Sailing License: The skipper must hold a valid sailing certificate recognized in the destination country.
   

• VHF Radio License: At least one person on board (usually the skipper) must have a valid radio operator's license.

Note: Always carry the original licenses with you, as authorities may request to see them during your trip.

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2. Personal Documents & Copies:  We require the following copies to prepare your official Transit Log:
 

• Skipper: Copy of passport (or ID card) and all required sailing/radio licenses. 
   

• Charterer: Copy of the passport (or ID card) of the person responsible for the booking. 
   

• Crew: Depending on the destination, copies of the passports or ID cards of all other crew members.
   

3. The Crew List (Excel Format)

 

• Complete crew list:  including names, nationalities, passport numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, and phone numbers for all guests is mandatory. 
   

• Travel Info: You must also include arrival/departure times, flight numbers, and any requests for transfers or optional extras. 
   

• Deadline:  All documents and the completed crew list must be submitted in Excel format no later than 4 weeks before your charter begins.

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4. Insurance & Recommendations

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• Deposit Insurance: While not always mandatory, we strongly recommend taking out deposit insurance to protect your security deposit.
   

• Onboard Documents: Your boarding pass, yacht registration, and insurance papers (provided at the base) must remain on board throughout the entire journey.
   

In short: Submit your documents in Excel format 4 weeks early, and remember to pack your original licenses. This ensures that your "sailing permit" (Transit Log) is ready the moment you arrive.

 

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What is a Security Deposit?

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A security deposit is a refundable sum required by the charter company to cover potential damage to the yacht or loss of equipment during your trip. Think of it like a rental car deposit.

How it works:
 

• Payment: The deposit is typically "blocked" on your credit card (Visa or Mastercard) at the base during check-in. In some cases, it can be paid in cash, though credit cards are the standard.
   

• The Amount: The sum varies depending on the size, age, and value of the yacht, as well as the destination. You will find the exact amount in your booking documents. 
   

• The Refund: After your charter, a "check-out" is performed. If the yacht is returned on time, undamaged, and with all equipment intact, the block on your credit card is released or the cash is returned in full.

 

Why is it necessary? The deposit covers the "deductible" (excess) of the yacht’s insurance. In the event of minor damages (like a lost fender or a clogged toilet) or larger accidents, the deposit is used to cover the costs up to the deposit amount.
 

In short: The security deposit is a standard safety measure. As long as the yacht is returned in the same condition it was received, it won’t cost you a cent.

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What is Deposit Insurance?

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Deposit insurance is an independent policy designed to protect your security deposit. It is a separate agreement between you and an insurance provider, independent of the charter company.

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How it works: Instead of risking the loss of your full security deposit due to an accident, you pay a small, non-refundable premium before your trip starts. If damage occurs during your charter:

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• The Process: The charter base will still retain the necessary amount from your security deposit to cover the damage.
   

• The Reimbursement: You then submit the claim to your insurance provider, who will reimburse you for the retained amount (minus any agreed-upon small excess).
   

• Peace of Mind: Your financial exposure is significantly reduced or eliminated entirely, allowing you to sail with much greater peace of mind. 
   

• Get your Quote: We work with specialized maritime insurers to offer tailored solutions. You can calculate your premium and book your insurance directly here
   

•  English Version: Sealogy Charter Insurance  
   

•  Deutsche Version: Sealogy Charterversicherung
   

In short: Deposit insurance turns a potential high financial risk into a small, fixed cost. It is the best way to ensure that a minor mishap doesn't turn into an expensive headache.

 

 

What is a Check-in?

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The check-in is the official handover of the yacht at the charter base. It typically takes place on your embarkation day (usually Saturday afternoon) and is the most important step before you set sail.

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What happens during Check-in?

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• Technical Briefing: The base team will walk you through the yacht to explain all technical systems, including the engine, electronics, safety equipment, and plumbing (heads and tanks).
   

• Inventory Check: You will receive a detailed inventory list. It is mandatory for the skipper to verify that all items—such as life jackets, fenders, kitchenware, and tools—are on board and in good condition.
   

• Document Handover: You will receive the original boat documents, insurance papers, and your official Transit Log.

Good to know:
 

• Duration: Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours for a thorough check-in. Rushing this process is not recommended, as you are confirming the yacht's condition with your signature.  
   

• Ask Questions: This is your time to ask the base staff anything about the specific quirks of the vessel.
   

• The Deposit: During this time, you will also finalize the security deposit at the base office.

In short: The check-in ensures that you are familiar with your yacht and that everything is in perfect working order. Once the skipper signs the inventory list, you are ready to take command and leave the port.

 

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What is a Check-out and when does it take place?
 

The check-out is the final inspection of the yacht by the base team to ensure everything is returned in good order.

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The Timeline:
 

• Return to Base: You must return to the marina on Friday afternoon (usually by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM). This allows you to refuel and ensures the base staff can begin the inspection.
   

• The Inspection: A formal check of the sails and inventory will be conducted. Additionally, a diver will always inspect the hull and keel for any underwater damage before the handover is complete.
   

• Final Night: After the Friday check-out, you and your crew remain on board for the final night in the marina.
   

• Disembarkation: You will officially leave the yacht on Saturday morning (typically by 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM).

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Important: Black Water Tanks (Holding Tanks): The regulations for discharging waste water vary by country:

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• Mandatory Pump-out: In some destinations, such as Turkey, it is strictly mandatory to have your black water tanks pumped out at a designated station.
   

• Procedures: If this applies to your destination, the base team will inform you about the specific local requirements and procedures during your Check-in. Failure to comply with local environmental laws can result in heavy fines from the authorities.
   

In short: You return on Friday for the technical inspection (including the diver) and the tank pump-out if required. After one last night on board, you disembark on Saturday morning.

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How does provisioning work on the yacht?

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You have two main options for getting your food and drinks on board, depending on how you want to start your holiday:

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1. Provisioning Service (Pre-ordered) For a stress-free start, you can pre-order your groceries. We will provide you with a provisioning list or a link to an online shop before your trip.

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• Delivery:  Your order will be delivered directly to the marina and brought to your yacht once you are on board.
   

• Benefit: You can avoid the first-day rush at the supermarket and start relaxing the moment you arrive.
   

2. Self-Shopping:  Of course, you can handle the shopping yourself. There are supermarkets located near the marinas in every destination.
 

• Local Choice: This allows you to hand-pick fresh local produce and explore the local markets at your own pace.
   

• Logistics: Some supermarkets near the marinas offer a delivery service to the pier, so you may not have to carry heavy items back to the boat yourself.

In short: Whether you prefer the convenience of a pre-ordered delivery or like to browse local shops yourself, the choice is yours.