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Top 10 tips for your bareboat yacht charter

Top 10 tips for a bareboat yacht charter with Boatbookings Broker Alice shares her top 10 tips prior to doing a bareboat yacht charter. Including the do’s and don’t to make sure that you have a great charter on the water.

1- Bring a hard copy of your sailing certifications.

A hard copy of the relevant sailing certifications is due upon embarkation of the yacht in any country. If you cannot bring the sailing certifications with you, you may not be allowed on the boat.

Note that the specifications for sailing certifications vary from country to country. 

European requirements for a yacht charter: 

  • Croatia: Day Skipper/ ICC/ International equivalent + valid VHF licence for smaller catamarans and most monohulls. For larger catamarans in Croatia, the yacht master certification is sometimes required. Greece:
  • Greece: Day Skipper and ICC are often required.
  • Mediterranean: Day skipper (or equivalent)/ ICC.
  • Caribbean: Detailed sailing resume with charter experience on similar sized vessels.
  • Asia: Detailed resume alongside qualifications in certain areas.

Bring soft bag luggage onto the boat.

This is not a mandatory requirement for a bareboat charter however it certainly helps with space onboard. Typically on a monohull or a catamaran, the cabins are not oversized so taking a soft bag does help with storage onboard. It also saves the decks and prevents any harm or damage being caused to the boat.

3- Be aware of extra costs 

The bareboat concept is essentially just the boat. Other costs such as cleaning, a starter pack, and a handling fee are usually covered in the charter fee. Mooring fees differ from port to port however can range for a bareboat from €25- €60 per night. These are payable in cash on spot so remember to take cash with you.

4- If you have chosen a skipper- trust the skipper’s knowledge. 

Although your broker can give you an insight into the best boats, destinations, restaurants, bars and sailing grounds for your charter the skipper is the best person for itinerary discussion. Upon embarkation, you will be given both a safety briefing and an itinerary briefing for the charter. Be aware that a 10% gratuity of the charter fee is usually given at the client’s discretion.

5-  All bareboat charters in the Mediterranean run on a Saturday – Saturday basis. This is not the same for the Americas, the Caribbean or Asia. 

Most of the boats are chartered on a back to back basis throughout the summer (high) season in the Mediterranean. Embarkation time is at 1700H to set sail the following morning. Disembarkation is usually early morning and requires the charter vessel to be back in port the prior evening.

Mediterranean charters also solely run on a weekly basis and cannot do 10-day charters in high season. Most reputable yacht charter bases only run charters on a Saturday- Saturday basis.

In the Caribbean and Asia, charters do not run on a Saturday- Saturday basis. You can rent a boat for any period of time in these charter destinations.  

6-  Using the base manager as a go-to throughout the week. 

The base managers are always a phone call away throughout the week. If you require any assistance with regards to the boat, breakdowns and general maintenance issues throughout the week keep the base manager as your first port of call. Upon embarkation, if any issues are encountered, the base manager must be made aware of this.

7- Reserving moorings for the charter. 

This is up to you to organise if you have specific marinas you wish to stay in. In the majority of cases, you can just check-in and out of the marinas however, it is sometimes recommended to reserve a berthing spot. Marinas in Croatia are continuously busier and you need to be there pretty early on in the day to get a spot in your preferred marina.

8- Transportation to and from the boat. 

Boatbookings can only assist with this service if the base provides it. The Boatbookings charter brokers organise the boat, not the transportation to and from the boat for bareboat charters. Taxis are always available from the airport and some locations have UBER as an option. 

Uber is a great option in the South of France and Croatia for your yacht charter. Be sure to check out Uber Boat in Croatia and to look at Uber Copter in the South of France to get you to your charter. 

9- Provisions 

Some bases provide the service to do online provisioning prior to embarkation. This is not always the case and varies on a base-base basis. There is always the option of heading to a supermarket prior to embarkation on the yacht. It is advisable to buy basic provisions such as sunscreen, toilet roll, cleaning products, drinking water, and dry foods.

10- Take photographs and make memories for a lifetime. 

Catch sunsets, swim in the clearest waters in the world and make memories with friends and family that are unforgettable. No matter what size the boat is, the waters and destinations are all the same and pave for the best holiday that the globe has to offer. Be sure to invest in an underwater GoPro before heading on the charter. 

Get in touch today for any bareboat/crewed charter requests.

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How should I start my Yacht Charter Experience?

The Boatbookings Charter Broker Team are often asked whether it is a good idea to arrive the day before their Mediterranean yacht charter. The answer is always, yes! Travelling in the summer is busy, so arrive early, get into the time zone and make sure you’re relaxed ahead of embarking on your private yacht vacation.

Athens & Greece Yacht Charter

King George Hotel, Athens

A Greece yacht charter will continue to be the standout activity for summer 2020. Flying from California takes over 12 hours, crossing 10 time zones. Stay in Athens and explore one of the most mystical cities in the world. We have just returned from the city and spent some time at the King George Hotel, which offers spectacular views over Syntagma Square, as well as the Acropolis. You will then your Greece yacht charter itinerary full of energy and excitement!

Eze & French Riviera Yacht Charter

Château de la Chèvre D’Or, Eze

The French Riviera is home to some of the best hotels, restaurants and beach clubs in the world, so it would be a shame to not include them in your South of France adventure. Set high above the bay of St Jean Cap Ferrat lies the ancient citadel of Eze and the world famous Château de la Chèvre D’Or. The hotel has dazzled the most discerning guests and even played host to Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson in the blockbuster movie The Bucket List. If you do not have time in your schedule, ask your Boatbookings Broker to include dinner on your French Riviera motor yacht charter itinerary.

Rome & Amalfi Coast Yacht Charter

Hotel de Russie, Rome

Is there a more famous city in the world? Whether you feel inclined to visit the Pope and tour Vatican City, or step in the footsteps of Robert Langdon and hop from one Piazza to the next, Rome has something for everyone. Stay in the heart of the action at the Hotel de Russie in Piazza del Popolo and be pampered by world class service, cuisine and hospitality. The hotel has one of our favourite interior courtyards, which is the ultimate place to unwind ahead of your Amalfi Coast yacht charter.

Whichever destination you choose, our Brokers will guide you to the heart of the action so that you make the most of your time away. Complete our Enquiry Form today and set sail on an adventure like no other!

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Greta Thunberg

TRACK GRETA HERE.

16-year-old Greta Thunberg waves to her fans as she embarks on a climate change protest across the Atlantic.

I have found it almost ludicrous the level of animosity that Greta has experienced while taking on peaceful, low emission protest. At age 15 she started protesting in Sweeden, outside their houses of parliament to raise awareness for the direction this world is traveling in. It is undeniable, just like numbers, science does not lie – but people in power do.

Day 6. North Azores

“The science is clear,” Greta announces before embarking on a cross Atlantic passage set to take 2 weeks. “We must start bending the [carbon] emissions curve steeply downwards no later than 2020, if we still are to have a chance of staying below a 1.5 [Celsius] degrees of global temperature rise.“

According to CO2 earth, the level of CO2 emissions in the world has increased on every month. It is undeniable that we are heading to a point of no return if we do not act fast. Greta has taken it upon her self as a 16-year-old, to travel and raise awareness for the change in our climate.

Check out our carbon offset calculator

Track Greta on https://tracker.borisherrmannracing.com/

Some people may not ever live a life without air travel, and that’s fine. On the same token, people who live their life with climate change at the forefront of everything they do should not be slated. Every single person should be doing their bit for climate change, at the very least should be conscious and educated about climate change. This isn’t a rant about climate change, but about how people treat others when people have a passion.

What are Boatbookings doing to help combat the carbon footprint in their clients?

Carbon offsetting

Whenever you use a motor on a yacht, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is emitted into the atmosphere. Carbon Dioxide has been scientifically linked to Global Climate Change and Warming. With the worldwide concern about Carbon Emissions, we wanted to help our Charterers to be able to have a fantastic charter while also being friendly to Mother Earth.

Fortunately, there are a variety of organizations that allow you to buy “carbon credits” to offset the emissions you create while chartering. The United Nations works with many charities and NPOs to certify projects that will reduce carbon emissions. Projects such as building electricity-generating dams that will replace carbon fuel (coal) burning electrical generation. Wind farms. Tree Planting, etc.

Use our Carbon offset calculator to calculate your emissions into credits to help reduce your carbon footprint on your charter.

Wonder how you can have a reduced carbon footprint on your charter? Check out our Green Chartering page dedicated to reducing your carbon footprint on your charter.

We are behind you, Greta!!!

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What to expect when undertaking an RYA Day Skipper qualification.

In this post, I will take you through my journey of becoming a Day Skipper. I will take you through the necessary steps, and speak about what you should expect in your assessment.

The time line

So you love the idea of chartering a yacht in the Mediterranean this summer but there’s one thing you don’t have… the qualification. Below is the RYA journey of becoming an accomplished sailor.

You are the captain now!

Greece bareboat yacht charter guide

Competent crew (referred to commonly as comp crew) should be the first step unless you have a few years of sailing experience and are comfortable taking charge of the yacht. Remember, you are the captain of the yacht – you have to be able to confidently lead the crew.

Sailing Knowledge

Croatia bareboat Yacht Guide

In my experience, it was beneficial to my learning that I completed the classroom theory. This enabled me to execute assessments quickly and confidently in the practical without getting flustered. If you decide you do not want to do the theory you must have basic knowledge of:
– Tides and how to use tidal curves
– Course to steer (CTS)
– How to read charts and identify heights and symbols
– Rules of the road (COL regs)
– Know how to operate and identify safety equipment
– Mayday procedures / VHF understanding (countries like Croatia demand that you have a VHF license, or that someone on your yacht has a VHF license)
– Know how to sail!

Day 1 – Familiarisation

There she is, the beauty! Yacht Gemini, the yacht I took my day skipper on.

Italy yacht charter guide

We stepped aboard the yacht early morning after registering. We settled in, went through some safety aspects and how the week would run. The yacht was composed of the assessor, 2 days skippers (I was one of them) and two comp crew. It was down to the day skippers to ensure the comp crew guys were safe, and to teach about sailing.

The first day was calm, we did some motoring, manoeuvring and moorings. The first day the assessor is evaluating your ability and confidence level. They will ask you some questions like where’s the wind coming from, what knot would you use – real simple stuff! Don’t worry this is a course, not an examination.

Day 2 – Anchoring & Maneuvering

French Riviera yacht charter guide

The second day gets more into the technical aspects of sailing. Anchoring, using mooring buoys and again, more maneuvering in small spaces. We also touched on points of sail, and sail set up. The assessor is constantly evaluating how you control the crew – without being horrible and bossy! You need to show that you can be calm, collected and most importantly safe.

Day 3 – Night sail, CTS & Charts.

Spanish yacht charter guide

The third day we compleated our night sail – now – this is where recognizing lights and light signatures is extremely important! Yes, even at Day Skipper level you will have to do a night sail for the ‘just in case’ moments in life. Please note day skippers are not allowed to do night sails and must be docked before sunset! If you have sailed between the Isle of Wight and Southampton you will know how terrifyingly amazing it is. The Solent is extremely busy, with huge cargo ships coming in and out all the time. It is important to keep an eye out – you could be asked to identify markers/buoys and point them out on the chart.

Day 4 – M.O.B (Man Over Board)

Turkey bareboat sailing charter guide


The fourth day was M.O.B day. Aka, get-that-yacht-as-close-to-that-fender-as-possible-in-the-quickest-amount-of-time-day! I completely fluffed up my first attempt. However, in those moments it’s important that you remain calm and deal with the situation. You need to be able to direct your crew clearly. e.g “John go down and make a Mayday Call”, “Peter take down the sails”, “Lucy keep pointing to the casualty” etc. The assessor will explain everything before you are given the attempt so don’t panic!

Day 5 – The last day.

English bareboat sailing charter guide

The last day was relaxed. We had to get in before 2 pm so we were able to clean the yacht ready for the next batch of prospective Day Skippers to embark! The morning consisted of gentle sailing, knot tying competitions and lots of tea. We practiced tacking for the comp crew guys – whom at this point were fantastic and with it.

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Jenner’s superyacht birthday 2019

Inside the 1,500,000 EUR a week Superyacht – Tranquillity.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Hva_nHlWa/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet

Kylie Jenner

The originally named Motor Yacht Equanimity, renamed Tranquility, has been parading around the Italian and French Coast with the worlds youngest billionaire, Kylie Jenner. Kylie has been celebrating her 22nd birthday in true style – we’ve been saying it for years, celebrating on yachts is the best way!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1G-0wYn3j7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kylie Jenner, the famous half-sister of the Kardashian Klan, owns and produces her own makeup named ” Kylie Cosmetics” which have made several appearances during her charter. The reported worth of Kylie Jenner is $900 million,

M/Y TRANQUILLITY – THE FACTS.

  • Summer prices: €1,500,000 per week  + expenses
  • Winter prices €1,100,000 per week + expenses
  • Number of Cabins: 11
  • Total Guests (Sleeping): 18
  • Total Guests (Cruising): 26
  • Max N° of Guests for Quayside Events: 120
  • Cabin Configuration: 9 Double, 2 Twin, 2 Convertible
  • Total Crew: 29
  • Number of Beds: 13

M/Y TOBY available to charter in ITALY

M/Y TRANQUILLITY WATERTOYS

  • 2 x Hodgson Tenders 10.5m
  • 4 x kayaks 
  • 3 x Jet skis
  • 2 Wakeboards, 
  • 4 Paddleboards
  • 1 trampoline with the runway. 
  • 2x Seabobs F5S
  • 1x Quick Charger
  • 1x Radinn Electric Wakeboard
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1FMz0cHKOO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The mother of one, has been experiencing some of the best cruising grounds in the whole of the Mediterranean. Fancy living like the rich and famous? Check out our Luxury crewed yachts! We also have a large selection of yachts in The Amalfi Coast and the French Riviera.

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