The Art of Charter
Independent Yacht Charter Advice
Same price as booking direct
We solve the charter puzzle. Operators pay our commission, so you pay the same as booking direct. We visit bases, check boats and prices, and recommend operators we trust.
Plan your charter- Independent since 2011
- Family-run
- Founding IFYCA member
Founding Member: International Federation of Yacht Charter Agents
Verified & Protected by Pantaenius Yacht Insurance.
The Art of Charter
Independent Experts Who Guide You to the Right Yacht and a Trusted Operator, at an Honest All-in Price
Top Yacht Charter Destinations
Yacht Charter, Your Passport to Unrivalled Riches
At Home With Catamarans
We sail catamarans ourselves, so we can help you choose the right boat and whether to go bareboat, skippered or crewed. You'll get independent advice from people who sail them.
Catamaran Charter GuideOur Charter Operators
We Have Access to Over 1,200 Operators Worldwide, but Only Recommend Those We Trust
With airlines, you know the names and the differences between them, British Airways, Qantas, Ryanair. With yacht charter companies, it's harder to know who to trust. We work with operators we know, visit their bases and check their boats and prices, so we can help with that.
Meet the Team
We're a small, family run team, and we sail ourselves. The people who answer your first enquiry stay with you until the day you step aboard.
Our Essential Yacht Charter Guide
- Enter your first name and email.
- Get the free 28‑page PDF by email.
- Save the guide and print the checklists.
Look Where Our Charter Boats Went
Explore overnight stops and routes from tracked charter yachts. We believe we're the first charter company to build and share a map like this.
We've started with Greece and we're preparing more destinations all the time.
Choose a departure area
Historical activity · common season scale
Map © OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles · Data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Yacht Charter Itineraries
Award Winning Yacht Charter Agent
Best Yacht Charter Holiday Company
The 3rd UK Enterprise Awards
Our Global Partners
Working With the World's Leading Operators & Financial Institutions
Independent and Proud
Independent since 2011, we put the operator first, finding the right boat from the right operator and checking prices against the market. Our award-winning advice covers bareboat, flotilla, crewed catamarans and crewed motor yachts, with the model, specification, location and value all part of getting it right.
More About UsReady to Skipper Your Charter Boat?
Try the free quiz to see where you stand, and we can help match your next charter to your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a yacht charter cost?
Monohulls can start around €2,000 per week, while luxury catamarans and crewed yachts can exceed €20,000. The price depends on the boat, season and destination. Check the extras as well as the boat price, so you can see what the holiday will actually cost. Use our charter cost guide.
Does booking through SailChecker cost more than going direct?
No. Booking through SailChecker costs no more and no less than booking direct, because the operators pay our commission. You get our help choosing the boat and checking the details at the same price. Our guide explains how yacht charter brokers work.
What qualifications do I need to sail a yacht myself?
For bareboat charter, you usually need a recognised certificate such as the ICC or RYA Day Skipper, plus sailing experience. Requirements depend on the destination and operator, so we check yours before you book. If you don't have the qualifications or experience, we can arrange a skipper. See our bareboat qualifications guide.
Can I hire a skipper, and what does it cost?
Yes, we can arrange a skipper, with the fee paid on top of the boat price. We include it in our quotes so you can see the cost before booking. You can take a sailing holiday without having to skipper the boat yourself. See our guide to chartering with a skipper.
What’s included in the price, and what are the extras?
Safety gear, charts, linen and cooking utensils are usually included. Depending on the boat and operator, extras can include fuel, marina fees, a transit log, end cleaning and APA on crewed charters; a security deposit may also be required. Check what's included in your agreement before booking. See our guide to charter payments.
Should I choose a catamaran or a monohull?
Choose a catamaran for more space and stability, or a monohull for a more traditional sailing feel and usually a lower price. Catamarans are popular with families and groups, and their shallower draught gives you more options for anchoring in shallow water. Our catamaran and monohull comparison goes through the differences.
What’s the best month to charter a yacht?
For the Mediterranean, June and September offer the best weather and fewer crowds; for the Caribbean, December to March brings ideal trade winds and dry conditions. The best choice depends on where you want to sail. Tell us your destination and possible dates, and we can help narrow it down.
How long should I charter for?
A week is the usual charter, and a useful starting point for your first trip. Shorter and longer charters are possible, depending on the operator and season. Tell us how much time you have and where you'd like to go, and we can suggest what fits.
What is the APA?
APA means Advance Provisioning Allowance, money paid ahead of a crewed charter to cover expenses such as food, fuel and mooring fees. It's separate from the charter fee and accounted for against actual spending. Any unspent money is returned. See our APA guide.
Is SailChecker a reputable yacht charter company?
Yes. Thousands of travellers around the world have trusted SailChecker, and our 5‑star reviews reflect the service we provide. We work with fully vetted fleets, give unbiased advice and prepare quotes around your plans using real-time availability. We'll help you check the boat, requirements and costs before you book.
Ready When You Are
Independent, award-winning yacht charter advice since 2011. Tell us where and when you’d like to sail, we’ll match the perfect boat and crew to your dates.