Boat Charter

Boat Charter is the practical way for those who do not own a Yacht to go sailing or, for those who do own a yacht, to sail somewhere else or try a different type of boat.

It is fast becoming a viable alternative to buying a boat in these tough financial times. It avoids the need for finance,maintenance costs and mooring fees.

If booked in time Sailing Vacations can be taken at your preferred time of year and you will have a good choice charter boats.

It is not generally realised that yacht charter prices are no more, per person, than a reasonable hotel but to the more adventurous they offer much greater flexibility and participation. See Charter Prices for examples.

Charter Yachts, unlike privately owned yachts, have to comply with high safety and equipment requirements.

In addition there is no need to buy specialist sailing clothes or boating equipment as it is normally included in the price or is available for a small extra cost. It is nevertheless important to check what is or isn't provided in the price.

Yacht Charter companies cater for all levels of experience from complete novices who have never been on board a yacht to experienced yachtsmen who know exactly what they are looking for.

The range of yachts offered by these companies can vary from small 20 foot Racers up to Luxury Yachts of over 100 foot.

There are several different ways to organise a Boat Charter.

Bare boat Yacht Charter. The charterer skippers or provides his own Skipper (suitably qualified) and crew. This is the method often used for family holidays or groups amongst whom are suitably experienced sailors.

Flotilla Sailing.The charterer needs some previous sailing experience but there is a Lead Skipper in charge of the flotilla who provides an itinery each day with advice on anchorages, moorings at night and where to go and what to see in the area.

Skippered Yacht Charter. The Yacht Charter Company supplies an experienced Skipper to sail with the charterers who crew the yacht and help with the sailing.

Crewed Yacht Charter. The Yacht Charter Company supplies an experienced Skipper and crew who sail the yacht and look after the charterers. This is the method used on the larger luxury yachts and often includes a hostess and other staff to pamper the guests.

Another advantage of Boat Charter is the choice of venue, which can be close to home or almost anywhere in the world.

It is important that a reputable Yacht Charter company is used because there are companies who cut prices at the expense of safety and maintenance or use old worn out boats. However the reputable companies can vary from a one boat businesses to large charter organisations.

We recommend Sailfirst for the UK who offer you top of the range Beneteau yachts to charter on the South coast of England where you can stay in the Solent or, if you wish sail further a field to the West Country, The Channel Isles or France.

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