What bareboat means
On a bareboat charter, your group hires the vessel and skippers it without a professional crew aboard. That gives you more control over the pace of the trip, but the operator will expect the nominated skipper and crew to meet its requirements. Ask how the boat and cruising area briefing works, what experience is needed, and who you contact if plans change while underway.
What a skippered charter changes
A skippered charter has a professional skipper responsible for handling the vessel. It may be a short sail, a private event or a longer cruise. Ask whether the skipper is included in the quoted price, what the skipper’s duties cover, where the trip can go, and whether catering or other crew are included. “Skippered” does not automatically mean fully crewed.
Compare the real trip, not just the label
Two catamarans with the same charter style can differ in capacity, cabins, departure point and inclusions. If your group includes children or first-time sailors, ask about shade, bathroom access, boarding arrangements and how the operator handles weather. For overnight charters, confirm berths, linen, provisioning, fuel and any minimum duration.
Prices in this directory are indicative where supplied. A bareboat quote can include a security bond and other charges; a skippered quote can depend on trip length and crew costs. The operator should give you the current terms in writing before you commit.
Where the distinction affects your day
In a bareboat arrangement, the handover is a key part of the trip. Ask how much time is set aside for systems, navigation and the local area briefing, and whether the operator limits where or when you may sail. A skippered outing can reduce that responsibility for your group, but you still need to know the route, guest duties and whether your preferred activity fits the booked hours.
If a published vessel does not show a charter-mode label, treat the style as unconfirmed. The directory filter shows boats explicitly marked with a mode in the source catalogue; it does not prove other vessels cannot offer that arrangement. Ask the operator about the exact boat.
Questions to take to the operator
- Who is responsible for skippering, navigation and the vessel briefing?
- What experience or documentation do you require from our group?
- Which fees, bonds, fuel and cleaning costs are included in the quote?
- What happens if conditions or availability change?
- What route and boarding point apply to the exact vessel we are considering?
Use the boats marked bareboat → or browse boats marked skippered →. For help matching a boat to your crew, read how to choose a catamaran →. Then use the quote checklist to compare what each package includes. Information here can be wrong or outdated; see the disclaimer →.