Bareboat Charter

Discover the Wonderful World of Bareboat Charter

Frequently Asked Questions on Bareboat Charter

What is the Definition of Bareboat Charter?

Bareboat Charter. Bareboat Charter is an agreement between a Yacht Owner or a Fleet Operator (chartering the boat on the owner’s behalf) that gives the charterer full utility of the charter yacht, together with responsibility, for the vessel for an agreed time, in return for payment. The arrangements often come with undertakings and limitations as to what the charter can and can’t do with the boat. The charter yacht is typically regulated by national guidelines where it operates and comes with some insurance.

Describe a Bareboat Charter?

Bareboat Charter is the most popular type of yacht charter. It prevents the need to have another qualified person on board during the charter. The charterer then has the ability to sail at their own pace and have the freedom to create their own itinerary and routes based on their own preferences and experience.

What are the Main Features of a Bareboat Charter?

The main feature of a Bareboat Charter is that the charter comes without crew. During the agreed charter period, subject to undertaking and restrictions, the charter accepts all responsibility and liability for the boat. The boat is rarely used for a specific journey or voyage, occasionally one-way charters are arranged, but usually to extend the range of what the charterer can visit.

Who can Bareboat Charter?

In order to be allowed to Bareboat Charter, one or more members of the crew must hold a valid sailing licence and/or a sailing resume. Exactly what you need is complex and depends on the location in the world and national and regional regulations. You can read more in our Blog What Qualifications Do I Need to Charter a Yacht?.

The full qualifications required to Barbpat a charter yacht will depend on the destination desired and the size of the boat (boats over a certain size, or a number of passengers, will require a crew).

What is the Purpose of a Bareboat Charter?

The underlying purpose of a Bareboat Charter is to earn an income for the boat owner, which in many cases, is not the same as the company operating the yacht. Typical expectations of this are larger motor yachts and super yachts operating as single companies. Rarely do many yachts more than break even, the overall effect is usually to defray the costs of ownership or purchase.

Who Should Consider a Bareboat Charter?

The Bareboat Charter is ideal for sailors who hold relevant qualifications or have appropriate experience and want to sail with their friends and family, without the need for another person on board during the charter. It offers the added advantage of cost savings and control over your itinerary and what you do and when.

What Kinds of Boats Can You Bareboat Charter?

You can bareboat charter all over the world from a wide variety of yachts, including sailing catamarans, power catamarans, motor yachts, and more. You can find the most suitable yacht accommodating just 2 up to yachts with up to 6-7 cabins. Typically maximum occupancy on a bareboat charter tops out at 14 guests.

SailChecker Can Help

Your Peace of Mind.ย At SailChecker, we work relentlessly to offer you total peace of mind by combining the latest search technology and the best charter offers.ย 

Experience Counts. Our experienced consultants, who all sail and regularly visit our catamarans, will assist you in navigating the bewildering selection of wonderful catamarans to rent across some 48 countries worldwide.

Our Price Guarantee. We are focused on delivering high levels of customer service, yet we understand how important it is to deliver true value for money, so we guarantee never to be beaten by a genuine quote.

Bareboat Charter Guide

1. Why Go On A Bareboat Charter?

Here are some reason why you should go on a bareboat charter:

  • Flexibilityย – A bareboat charter gives you and your party the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
  • Freedom to Pick Your Itineraryย – On a bareboat charter you can travel to wherever you wish to visit, stopping along the way where you decide to.ย 
  • Avoid High Costsย – Bareboat charter is an inexpensive way to charter a boat without the additional costs of the crew.ย 
  • Complete Privacyย – Your and your guest will be able to enjoy your trip as you want with just your group.ย 
  • Large Choice of Boats and Destinationsย – On a bareboat charter you can choose from a large variety of boat including monohulls and catamarans.ย 

2. Destinations

SailChecker offers Bareboat charters in the BVI, Caribbean Islands, Europe, the Middle East, Australasia, South America and North America. Each destination offers a unique and wonderful experience, with new things to discover and explore. Being the most popular type of charter, it enables you to choose among a plethora of charter bases.

Our most popular destinations are:

Amazing Sailing Experiences

Our Amazing Customers


  • Great family vacation.

    I didn't think sailing with my family would be so much fun...

    Sailing for the first time.

    Alex
    Alex USA

  • I recommendate them !

    Everything went smooth, the paper processing, special requests and the specs of tht check-in procedure. Boat was also in good shape, so no complaints and a worry free holiday...

    We had a great experience with booking through sailchecker.

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    Dick USA

  • Great service from Kate.

    Informative and looked for the best value for our family. Very good customer service on this side and in Greece. Great boat and skipper...

    Fantastic holiday from start to finish.

    <read more>

    Angela United Kingdom

  • Very professional outfit!

    They were very responsive and very quick to answer questions via email and instant chat. They had extensive knowledge of the area...

    We will most definitely use their services for our next bareboat sailing vacation.

    <read more>

    Kirsten W.
    Kirsten W. USA

  • Sail checker were professional from start to finish - we wouldnโ€™t book through anyone else!

    Sailchecker were professional from start to finish - and were awesome dealing with a problem! Our first Yacht had serious issues and sail checker helped us to resolve it...

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    Kat, H.
    Kat, H. UK

  • Coronavirus pandemic support has been brilliant!

    During the Coronavirus pandemic, Kate and her colleagues at Sailchecker have performed brilliantly. They have been considerate and highly efficient in re-organising our Turkey charter and also provided lots of assistance in getting our Yacht Security Deposit insurance policy transferred to match our revised charter dates.

    Truly worthy of a 5 star rating!

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    Alan, R.
    Alan, R. UK

  • Sailing is the perfect family holiday.

    Would I go sailing again? OMG yes! Sailing is the perfect family holiday. Boys loved the activities, I enjoy relaxing as well...

    Sailchecker.com arranged a sailing cruise her family of 2 sons, daughter & hubby in the BVI with their own.

    Anne
    Anne USA

  • ย Thank you sooo much! It was sail in the dayโ€ฆ party at night. We couldn't have wanted a better skipper or a Spring Break! ย Good times...

    Arranged for 6 friends to sail Spring Break in the British Virgin Islands for under $500 each.

    Tim
    Tim USA

  • We had an absolute blast !!

    All bookings and confirmations was always accurate with no delays. Our boat was also fabulously maintained and the Skipper new the area extremely well...

    Everything was down to the tee.

    <read more>

    Pieter Van R.
    Pieter Van R. Netherlands
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