Your Yacht Charter Questions, Answered

A sailing catamaran has two hulls, offering excellent stability, generous living space and shallow draught. Catamarans are particularly popular with families and groups who enjoy spacious accommodation, large social areas and relaxing at anchor.

A monohull has a single hull and offers a more traditional sailing experience. Many sailors enjoy the feel and performance of a monohull under sail.

Both offer fantastic ways to explore the coast and islands. The best choice depends on your group, sailing experience and the type of holiday you're looking for.

A bareboat charter allows you to hire a yacht and sail it yourself, provided you meet the operator's qualification and experience requirements. You are responsible for navigating and operating the yacht during your holiday.

A crewed charter includes a professional skipper and, depending on the yacht, additional crew who take care of the sailing and onboard service. This allows you to relax and enjoy the destination without having to manage the yacht yourself.

Some bareboat charters also offer the option of adding a professional skipper or additional crew.

If you are planning a bareboat charter, you will generally need to demonstrate suitable sailing qualifications and experience.

Requirements vary depending on the destination, yacht operator and local regulations. An International Certificate of Competence (ICC), an RYA qualification or an equivalent recognised certificate may be accepted in some locations, but requirements are not universal.

Some operators may also request a sailing CV or evidence of previous experience. We recommend checking the requirements before booking so there are no surprises when you arrive.

Absolutely. You can enjoy a sailing holiday without having any sailing experience by booking a yacht with a professional skipper.

Your skipper will take care of navigation and sailing while you enjoy the experience. You can also get involved and learn a little about sailing along the way if you wish.

A skippered charter is an excellent option for first-time sailors, families and anyone who simply wants to relax.

Yes. A skippered sailing holiday can be a great opportunity to gain confidence and learn more about sailing.

Your skipper can often involve you in everyday sailing activities, explain navigation and demonstrate how the yacht operates. However, this does not automatically mean that your holiday includes formal training or an internationally recognised qualification.

If you are looking to complete a sailing course or obtain a qualification, let us know before booking so we can help identify suitable operators and programmes.

A flotilla holiday involves several yachts sailing together along a planned route, usually supported by a lead crew who provide guidance and assistance. It is a popular choice for less experienced skippers, families and people who enjoy meeting other sailors.

A cabin charter allows you to book an individual cabin aboard a yacht rather than hiring the entire yacht. It is a good option for couples or individuals who want to experience a sailing holiday without organising a full group.

Availability depends on the destination and operator.

The best yacht depends on the number of guests, your budget, preferred destination and the style of holiday you have in mind.

A catamaran is often a good choice for families and groups looking for space and stability, while a monohull may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional sailing experience.

Other factors to consider include the number of cabins, bathrooms, onboard equipment, age of the yacht and whether you require a skipper or crew.

We can help you compare suitable yachts and find the right option for your group.

The number of guests a yacht can accommodate depends on its size, cabin configuration and the regulations applicable to the charter.

Most charter yachts have a combination of double cabins, twin cabins and, in some cases, additional berths in the saloon.

It is important to consider not only the maximum permitted number of guests but also how comfortably everyone will sleep and live onboard.

We recommend choosing a yacht that gives your group enough space to enjoy the holiday comfortably.

Both can be excellent choices for families.

Catamarans are particularly popular because they offer more living space, wide deck areas and good stability when at anchor. The additional room can make family life onboard more comfortable.

Monohulls offer a more traditional sailing experience and can be a great choice for families who enjoy being closer to the sailing itself.

The right choice will depend on the ages of your children, the size of your family and the kind of holiday you want.

Yes. Many families enjoy sailing holidays together, and a yacht can be a fantastic way for children to explore new places and spend time outdoors.

When choosing a yacht, consider the age of your children, the layout of the deck, cabin arrangements and available safety equipment.

Children should always be supervised onboard, and suitable lifejackets and safety arrangements should be discussed with the operator before departure.

Yes. If you have a particular yacht model or layout in mind, let us know and we can check whether it is available in your chosen destination and dates.

Where possible, we can help you compare similar yachts if your preferred model is unavailable.

Please remember that yacht specifications, equipment and layouts can vary, even between yachts of the same model.

Inclusions vary depending on the yacht, destination and charter operator.

A bareboat charter will generally include the yacht and its standard onboard equipment. Some items and services may be included, while others may be charged separately.

Additional costs can include fuel, marina fees, provisioning, end cleaning, security deposits, skipper fees and optional equipment.

For crewed charters, the arrangements may be different and could include crew services and certain onboard provisions.

We recommend checking the individual charter quotation carefully so you understand exactly what is included and what is payable separately.

The cost of a yacht charter depends on several factors, including the destination, time of year, yacht size, age, model and length of the charter.

Prices are generally higher during peak season and school holidays, while travelling outside the busiest periods can offer better value.

You should also allow for additional expenses such as fuel, marina fees, provisioning, insurance and any optional extras.

Tell us where and when you would like to sail, along with your group size, and we can help you explore suitable options.

Most yacht charter bookings require an initial deposit to confirm the reservation, with the remaining balance payable according to the operator's payment schedule.

The deposit amount and payment deadlines vary between operators and charter agreements.

Your booking confirmation and charter contract will clearly set out the payment schedule and relevant deadlines.

The final balance is normally due before the start of the charter, but the exact deadline depends on the operator and the terms of your booking.

We recommend checking the payment schedule carefully and making sure the balance is paid by the specified date to avoid any problems with your reservation.

Yes. In addition to the yacht rental price, there may be additional costs during your holiday.

Depending on the destination and type of charter, these may include:

Fuel and engine usage.

Marina and mooring fees.

Food, drinks and provisioning.

End-of-charter cleaning.

Skipper or additional crew fees.

Tourist taxes or local cruising charges.

Optional equipment and activities.

Some operators offer packages or additional services that cover certain expenses. Always check the quotation and charter agreement to understand the total cost

ancellation and amendment conditions depend on the charter operator and the terms of your signed charter agreement.

If your plans change, contact us as soon as possible. We can help you understand the options available, which may include changing dates or requesting a postponement, subject to the operator's approval and applicable charges.

We strongly recommend arranging suitable travel insurance that includes cover for unexpected cancellation and other travel-related disruption.

Your charter payment goes into Sailing Starboard's bank account. We accept bank transfers only into our Wise account, with any bank fees covered by the charterer. 

When at the Charter base you will sometimes be required to pay the security deposit and any other aditional options/extras. This will usually be done via credit/debit card. In some cases the charter base may require cash. Sailing Starboard will let you know in advance. 

The currency used depends on the destination and charter operator. Euros are commonly used for yacht charters in many Mediterranean destinations because they are the local currency in much of the region.

In other destinations, prices may be quoted in US dollars or the local currency.

Your quotation will confirm the currency in which the charter is priced and the currency in which payment must be made.

Packing for a sailing holiday is generally quite simple. Soft luggage is preferable because it is easier to store onboard than large, rigid suitcases.

We recommend bringing:

Lightweight clothing and swimwear.

Comfortable, non-marking deck shoes.

Sunglasses and a sun hat.

High-factor sunscreen.

A light jacket or warmer layer.

Personal toiletries and medication.

Beachwear and a beach towel, if not provided.

Travel documents and any required sailing certificates.

The exact items you need will depend on the destination and time of year. Sailing Starboard can confirm what is already provided onboard.

Yes. Many charter operators offer provisioning services, allowing you to order food and drinks in advance and have them delivered to the yacht.

This can save time on arrival and make the start of your holiday much easier.

Alternatively, you may prefer to shop locally once you arrive. The best option depends on the destination, your itinerary and the facilities available at the marina.

Transport arrangements depend on the destination and marina.

Some charter operators can recommend local taxi companies, arrange private transfers or provide details of public transport options.

If you would like assistance arranging transport, let us know before your trip and we can help establish what options are available.

Embarkation times vary depending on the operator, yacht and booking arrangements.

Most charters have a designated check-in time, allowing the operator to complete the yacht handover, safety briefing and inventory checks before departure.

Your booking documents will confirm the expected arrival and boarding time. If you arrive early, you may need to wait until the yacht is ready. 

Usually most bases if the yacht is ready, will allow early boarding. 

We strongly recommend arranging suitable travel insurance before departure.

Your policy should be appropriate for a sailing holiday and should cover the activities you intend to undertake. Depending on your circumstances, you may wish to consider medical expenses, emergency assistance, cancellation, personal belongings and sailing-related activities.

If you are skippering a yacht yourself, check whether your policy covers bareboat chartering and your level of sailing experience. There are policies out there to protect against the damage deductible. 

It is always optional, however the answer is YES. 

When you have added additional crew onto a bareboat, it is recommended between 10-20% of what their costs was.

For fully crewed charters, it is recommended between 10-20% of the charter cost (to be divided by the crew). 

Normal practise is to give the tip at the end of the charter when you are departing, inside an envelope to the skipper with the crew present. 

The best time to sail depends on your chosen destination.

The Mediterranean sailing season generally runs from spring through autumn, with July and August being particularly popular. May, June, September and October can offer pleasant conditions and fewer crowds, depending on the location.

Tropical destinations such as Thailand and the Caribbean have different seasonal weather patterns, so it is important to choose your dates carefully.

We can help you understand the best sailing periods for your preferred destination.

There are several excellent destinations for a first sailing holiday.

The right choice depends on whether you are planning a bareboat or skippered charter, your sailing experience and the type of scenery and activities you enjoy.

The Greek Ionian Islands, Croatia and parts of the Caribbean are popular choices because they offer attractive island-hopping routes and a variety of places to visit.

For less experienced sailors, a skippered charter or flotilla holiday can be a particularly good way to enjoy the experience.

The Mediterranean and Caribbean offer some wonderful family sailing destinations.

Croatia and Greece are popular for their islands, swimming spots, historic harbours and coastal villages. The Caribbean offers warm water, beautiful beaches and relaxed island-hopping opportunities.

Thailand is another fantastic option, with dramatic limestone scenery, tropical islands and sheltered bays in the Andaman Sea.

The best destination will depend on your children's ages, travel dates, preferred activities and how much sailing you would like to do each day.

Daily sailing distances depend on the yacht, weather conditions, route, crew experience and your preferred pace of travel.

Some guests enjoy short passages with plenty of time for swimming, exploring and relaxing, while others prefer longer sailing days and covering more distance.

Your itinerary can usually be planned around your interests, although the skipper or charter operator will always need to consider the prevailing conditions and safety.

In many cases, yes.

One of the great advantages of a private yacht charter is the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You may be able to choose which islands to visit, where to stop for lunch and how much time to spend swimming or exploring ashore.

For bareboat charters, your itinerary will be subject to the yacht operator's cruising area restrictions and prevailing weather conditions.

For skippered and crewed charters, your skipper can help plan the route around your interests while keeping safety and local conditions in mind.

Yes. Many destinations offer excellent opportunities to extend your holiday with activities before or after your time on the water.

Depending on the location, you could enjoy local sightseeing, cultural experiences, restaurants, beaches, diving, hiking or private excursions.

We can help you explore suitable options and make the most of your time in the destination.