The most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Yacht Charter
What sailing qualifications are required for a bareboat charter?
To charter bareboat, specific skipper qualifications are required depending on the sailing destination and size of boat. In popular yacht charter destinations in the Mediterranean, including Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Spain, and Italy, you typically need a valid Skipper license (with English translation). The ICC (International Certificate of Competence) is usually, widely accepted worldwide and RYA license members just need to apply online to obtain it for boating abroad. In some destinations, like Croatia, a VHF radio license is also required.
In the Caribbean, Asia and the Exotics, a comprehensive sailing resume may suffice.
Please check with your Yacht4Less yacht charter broker for the exact requirements for your chosen sailing holiday or catamaran charter.
Find out more about Bareboat Charters
Does Yacht4Less organise flights?
Yacht4Less specialises in yacht charters, catamaran charters, and boat rentals, however, we do not arrange flights directly as we are not a Travel Agent or Tour Operator. Our team is happy to offer recommendations and advice based on our experience, to help you organise all aspects of your holiday.
What is included in the charter price?
The charter price typically includes:
- Use of the yacht, catamaran, motorboat or gulet and its equipment for the agreed period.
- Navigation and safety equipment, including GPS, charts, and lifejackets.
- Mooring fees at the home port for the first and last nights.
Additional costs like fuel, provisions, and optional extras (e.g., water toys, Wi-Fi) may apply. Review your quote for a full breakdown to plan your yacht charter or catamaran charter budget effectively.
How much does a yacht charter cost?
Can I hire a skipper and/or a hostess for my yacht charter?
Yes, you can hire a skipper and/or additional crew members (deckhand/hostess/cook) for your yacht or catamaran charter. The skipper handles navigation and safety, while the hostess maintains communal areas clean and tidy and prepares simple meals (usually half board). A skipper typically costs €190–€250 per day, and a hostess costs €170–€220 per day, but fees may vary based on the destination and the fleet operator. Both require their own cabin and provisions on top of the aforementioned costs.
Find out more about Skippered charters
Do you organise airport transfers?
We can arrange one-way or round-trip airport transfers based on your travel details. Yacht4Less is not the provider of the service and does not make any profit out of these arrangements, we just facilitate the procedure in order to offer peace of mind to our valuable customers.
If you prefer, you can also use taxis or ride-sharing services available at all major yacht charter destinations.
What are the options for boat insurance or security deposits?
You can choose between:
- Paying a non-refundable damage waiver paird with a reduced security deposit (only applicble on selected fleet operators).
- Providing a full refundable security deposit at check in which is fully released at the end of your charter if the boat returns with no losses/damages. This is the standard policy across the yachting industry.
- Insuring yourself against any losses from the security deposit through an external insurance provider.
We are happy to guide you on the best option based on your needs, whether it's for a bareboat charter, skippered charter or crewed yacht charter.
What are the standard embarkation and disembarkation times?
In the Mediterranean, embarkation usually begins from 17:00 on Saturday, with disembarkation by 09:00 on the following Saturday (with the obligation to return to the home port by 18:00 the evening before disembarkation).
Charters mainly run on a 7-day Saturday-Saturday weekly basis. Early check-in may be possible but cannot be guaranteed, while some fleet operators provide this optional extra at a certain cost. In the Caribbean and other regions, embarkation is often available from 12:00 noon or as an evening check-in while selected fleet operators also offer sleep aboard options with an extra fee.
Confirm timings for your specific yacht rental or sailing holiday booking with your Yacht4Less yacht charter broker (check in and check out information will be explained in detail in your Yacht4Less Booking Confirmation).
Are consumables like water and fuel included?
Consumables such as water and fuel are not included in the charter fee. Costs depend on usage and local prices. On average, expect to spend €200–€600 per week for sailing on a sailing yacht or a catamaran on fuel and water, though this varies based on the boat's engine power or itinerary for your sailing holiday along with sailing and weather conditions. The respective cost for power catamarans and motor yachts will be considerably higher.
Is Yacht4Less ATOL or ABTA protected?
ATOL and ABTA memberships/protections are exclusively applicable to Travel Agents or Tour Operators. Yacht4Less specialises in Yacht Charters (independent accommodation), which falls outside this scope.
That said, if you have any concerns about the security of your charter payments, we recommend using a debit or credit card (transactions fees may apply). This payment method offers full protection under the clause of non-provision of paid goods, ensuring your peace of mind.
Yacht4Less takes immense pride in our credibility and the outstanding feedback we’ve received from clients worldwide over the years. Our excellent reviews and consistent track record of satisfied customers speak for themselves. We encourage you to explore our Trustpilot page to see what others have shared about sailing with us!
What is a bareboat charter?
A bareboat charter is the ultimate choice for experienced sailors seeking the freedom of a private yachting holiday. This type of yacht rental allows you to charter a fully-equipped sailing yacht, catamaran or motor yacht and sail independently without the need for a professional skipper or crew.
Find out more about Bareboat charters
What is a crewed charter?
A fully-crewed charter is the epitome of luxury sailing, offering a level of service that rivals the most exclusive 5-star holidays. Unlike other sailing experiences, an all-inclusive yacht charter allows you to enjoy your holiday without any worries. With a dedicated crew—including a captain, private chef, and hostess—every detail of your journey is taken care of, allowing you to focus on relaxation, adventure, and creating memories.
Find out more about Crewed yacht charters
What is the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)?
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a pre-paid fund, typically 20-30% of the base yacht charter fee, provided by the charterer before embarking on a fully crewed sailing holiday. This fund is managed by the captain and crew to cover operational expenses such as fuel, food, beverages, and docking fees for the yacht charter. Throughout the trip, the crew provide transparent updates on expenditures, ensuring all costs are accounted for. At the end of the charter, any unused funds are refunded, while additional costs, if any, are settled with the charterer at disembarkation.
Is travel insurance necessary?
Travel / cancellation insurance is highly recommended to cover unforeseen events, such as cancellations, medical emergencies, or trip disruptions during your sailing holiday.
What is the typical duration of a yacht charter?
Yacht charters are typically offered on a weekly Saturday to Saturday basis. Multiple week charters are possible and charterers are usually offered a multi-week discount on top of regular reductions.
What is the maximum number of guests allowed on a yacht?
The number of people allowed on board each yacht is based on its license. For larger groups, don't forget to check the maximum passengers that your sailing yacht or catamaran is registered for, with your Yacht4Less yacht charter broker.
How do I know the yacht will be in good condition?
We ensure top-quality yacht charters by handpicking the finest yachts for Yacht4Less customers, all carefully equipped and maintained. To uphold these standards, we regularly visit yacht charter bases around the world, personally inspect and sail as many boats as possible, actively gather feedback from Yacht4Less customers and frequently engage with charter companies at international boat shows.
While older yachts can still offer enjoyable experiences at competitive rates, we recommend choosing newer models when your budget allows. Newer yachts are less likely to encounter issues caused by natural wear and tear, ensuring a smoother, more reliable, and stress-free yacht charter experience.
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Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
We prioritise transparency. While the yacht charter fee typically includes the rental of the yacht and its equipment, fuel, water, provisioning, mooring fees and local taxes are not included (with the exception of fully crewed yacht charters where special terms apply). We would advise you to check with your Yacht4Less yacht charter broker regarding obligatory, optional extras and add-ons. A detailed breakdown of costs per boat is provided with each Yacht4Less quotation and finalised with the booking confirmation.
What is the policy on pets aboard?
Pets are often allowed on board sailing yachts and catamarans subject to the charter company's confirmation. Please don't forget to always inform us in advance and provide all information required such as the breed and size of your pet. A double cleaning fee usually applies.
Can I embark or disembark at different yacht charter locations?
Yes, one-way charters can be arranged depending on the yacht or catamaran’s schedule, usually during low season. Additional relocation fees usually apply and in most cases charterers are asked to disembark earlier so that the boat has enough time to return to the home port.
Don't forget to check with your Yacht4Less yacht charter broker for one-way opportunities.