6 Things You Need to Consider Before Chartering a Yacht for Your Vacation

Traveling with a yacht charter, wind in your hair, and endless horizons is a dream for many. Sailing on turquoise waters and immersing yourself in the pleasures of a luxury yacht is undeniably attractive.

However, renting a sailboat can be an exciting yet daunting experience for those who’ve never sailed before. With so many options to choose from, where do you even begin?

In this guide, we’ve compiled the top factors to consider before embarking on a nautical journey for a smooth and memorable experience.

So, even if you’re a complete newbie in the sailing realm, you’ll be prepared for an adventure by knowing what to expect. Let’s dive in!

1. Decide Where You Want to Sail

First things first, you need to decide where you want to sail. Your destination plays a pivotal role in shaping your sailing vacations and will influence the type of yacht best suited for your needs. Whether you seek tranquil bays on the shores of the Caribbean or vivid nightlife in the Greek islands, make your selection early on.

Some people like to voyage in the deep sea, while others prefer to indulge in island hopping. Some crave cultural immersion, while others want to benefit from the solitude of the sea. Keep in mind you’ll need to choose the country and the area where you want to sail. Once you make your selection, our agents will help you pick the vessel that’ll make your vacations afloat impeccable.

2. Pick Your Sailing Dates

The second important decision you must make is when you want to sail. Seasonality plays a vital role not only in weather conditions but also in the number of tourists at a destination. For example, during low seasons, you can find more affordable yachts to charter, but in less favorable weather. On the other hand, during high seasons, you can expect ideal weather but higher prices due to demand.

Naturally, the number of tourists at a destination also affects how you experience it. Although you can still find tranquil moments on a yacht, long queues in ports and buzzing islands are expected. Also, keep in mind official holidays that might impact restaurant schedules or tourist attractions. For instance, you might decide to sail in the Caribbean on Christmas, but be ready to work your schedule around closed shops and limited availability.

Finally, the type of sailboat you rent might affect your selected dates. Most catamarans have a tight schedule of weekly charters from Saturday to Saturday. On the other hand, motorboats are more flexible, letting you book for one, two, or three days.

3. Determine How Many People Will Be in Your Party

Another essential factor you have to consider is how many guests will stay aboard. That’s why you should check the maximum licensed number of people each yacht allows. Keep in mind that your crew – if any – will also stay aboard with you, so there must be enough room to accommodate everyone.

As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the boat, the more comfort and privacy. Of course, some people care less about space and more about an adventurous holiday with sun, sea, and nature. However, if you do care about amenities and want to benefit from ample space aboard, opt for a more spacious yacht for your convenience.

4. Choose a Boat Type: Bareboat Vs. Crewed

Now it’s time to decide what kind of boat you want and what services to include. There are two categories:

Bareboat

Bareboat yacht charter means the customer, if they have a sailing license and the necessary experience, can rent a yacht without a captain. These types of boats are more affordable, with prices ranging from 3,000€ to 14,000€, and are up to 50 feet. Although the bareboat concept is mainly captainless, the customer can hire help, such as an extra skipper, a cook, or a hostess.

However, the customer is responsible for creating the itinerary, deciding on the route, facing difficult weather conditions, and dealing with unexpected vessel damage. This more hands-on approach to sailing requires initiative and discipline and might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Crewed

On the other hand, crewed boats are the so-called “urban hotels” with a permanent crew of at least two people or more (captain, cook, sailor, stewardess). Although a bit more pricey than bareboat, with vessels running from 52 feet and above, they’re packed with amenities, ensuring a stress-free vacation.

The crew handles everything for you, from sailing and cooking to supplying the yacht. This allows you to enjoy your holidays without lifting your little finger. Not only that, but crewed boats offer a more personalized experience.

For instance, compared to bareboat, where captains change every week, crewed boats have a permanent crew of professionals who know the ins and outs of the yacht. These decorated vessels offer a more personal touch, where you can genuinely feel the hospitality and authenticity. Plus, you can benefit from amenities like water sports, which can’t be found in a bareboat.

5. Settle on a Budget

Finding a value-for-money boat isn’t the easiest task, but it’s totally possible. As you can expect, seasonality directly influences prices, with high seasons raising the bar and low seasons offering more affordable options. Naturally, the bigger the boat, the higher you’ll be expected to pay.

Moreover, the add-on amenities or the extra crew members you choose will be crucial in the final price. For example, if you opt for an extra cook or add a few more watersports, it can sum up to a pretty penny. And let’s not forget that the type of vessel you choose – bareboat or crewed – is decisive for more expensive or affordable holidays.

Finally, when you opt for motorboats, expect to pay higher costs compared to sailing boats since fuel consumption per hour tends to be hefty. The more miles to your destination, the more fuel you’ll need to consume and the higher the expenses.

6. Opt for Additional Amenities

As mentioned earlier, amenities can skyrocket your experience onboard but will also determine the type of yacht you should charter. If you dream of water skiing, wakeboarding, or a banana tube, only a crewed vessel can offer these options.

Additionally, if extra provisions like water makers, children-friendly equipment, or fishing gear are among your requirements, you must find a yacht that can accommodate them. Naturally, this will also affect budgeting, raising prices for a yacht tailored to your needs.

Charter a Yacht for Your Vacation!

Selecting the ideal yacht for your vacation is an exciting venture that demands careful consideration of your budget, destination, and seasonality. By following our tips above and working closely with a reputable yacht company, you’re bound to have an exceptional journey at the seas.

At G2G Yachting, we offer a wide selection of yachts to choose from and various destinations around the world. Our mission is to help you make memories onboard that you’ll cherish forever. From bareboats to crewed boats and catamarans to mono-hulls, we’re here to advise you on the best option tailored to your preferences. Contact our yacht experts today and leave your holidays in good hands!

Writer: Anna Skyfta