Boat rental: with or without a skipper?
Skipper: Safety First
Are you considering a boat vacation with or without a skipper? The question often arises due to legal requirements. A license is essential for renting a boat in many destinations. However, you might also choose a skipper if you plan to explore an unfamiliar or challenging sailing area. For example, sailing from Martinique to the Grenadines or from Saint-Martin to the British Virgin Islands, or crossing to Corsica or among the Cyclades islands when the Meltem wind blows, all require a good level of skill to safely manage a rental boat.
Boat Rental: Complex Regulations and Essential Common Sense
Before deciding whether to hire a skipper, consider the regulations based on your personal situation. What licenses do you hold? Some countries require a license only for motorboats, while others require it for sailboats as well. The engine power or boat length may determine the required skills or license. Regulations can be complex and vary by country and the boat’s flag. Consult your rental company for the current local laws.
In some regions, no license is required to rent a sailboat. However, a coastal license (and offshore or river extension, depending on the planned navigation) is essential for any motorboat exceeding a certain power. If you want to rent a motorboat exceeding this limit, you must either have a license or opt for a skipper. Most reputable rental companies offer this option.
For a sailboat, even if the engine power exceeds the limit, the rental company will simply ask you to demonstrate your ability to handle the boat with a nautical resume. This is where common sense comes in. Depending on the destination, type of sailboat, and planned navigation, consider whether you feel capable of safely handling the chosen boat. Also, objectively assess whether the responsibility of being the captain will spoil your vacation and that of your crew. The decision is yours!
Rental Without a Skipper: Freedom Comes with Responsibility
Renting without a skipper is often called “bare-boat” chartering. You assume all tasks and responsibilities. This includes plotting the course, monitoring the weather, adjusting the sails or choosing the appropriate engine speed, planning stops, performing maneuvers in port and anchorages, and ensuring that water and fuel tanks are adequately filled. You must also anticipate food and drink needs and resupply without making significant detours. Above all, the captain is responsible for the safety of the crew and the boat. Bare-boat rentals are best suited for experienced skippers.
If your sailing skills allow this choice, you’ll enjoy total freedom and a unique experience!
Why Choose a Boat Rental with a Skipper?
Don’t have the appropriate license? Uncomfortable with the responsibility of a boat and crew? Sailing in an unfamiliar area? Unfamiliar with tides, challenging moorings in Greek ports, or strong Mediterranean winds? Or simply want to fully enjoy your vacation and prefer to relax?
In all these cases, hiring a professional skipper is the ideal solution. All rental companies can provide one. There is a cost (around a certain amount per day, depending on the season and location, plus food and cabin for the skipper). But for this reasonable price, you can have a dream vacation. The skipper will take you to hidden coves, recommend the best local restaurants, and negotiate for fresh seafood. They can also share local culture and even train you to confidently sail your own boat on future vacations.
However, hiring a skipper isn’t just for those lacking skills. Experienced sailors often use local skippers to discover a destination and fully enjoy their vacation!
Boat Rental with Crew: The Ultimate Luxury?
For larger vessels, rental companies may offer a crew option in addition to the skipper. Depending on the boat’s size, you’ll have top-notch hotel service, a cook, server/hostess, and even a deckhand. The crew will cater to you and your guests, allowing you to relax and enjoy!
Before you leave, consider downloading a mobile application that will assist you during your sailing trips and stopovers.
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