Understanding a Bareboat Sailing Charter
"Bareboating" refers to a chartering a yacht that you sail yourself, though you can also hire a captain to help you sail it. A bareboat sailing charter yacht size is from 30 to 50 feet in length and you can charter a conventional single hulled yacht (monohull), a catamaran or a powerboat. A sailing charter is far more popular, and common, than powerboats.
A bareboat sailing charter comes equipped with everything needed to operate them from kitchen utensils to towels, sheets and bedding. Almost all bareboat sailing charter companies in the Caribbean provide you with a dinghy with outboard at no charge. In other areas this may be an optional extra. The essentials like initial fuel and water are included. Meal provisions must be purchased on your own unless you have made prior arrangements. Your bareboat sailing charter company will be happy to assist you with provision arrangements through local suppliers.
Understanding Bareboat Sailing Charter Requirements and Booking a Sailing Charter
When you rent a car, you must produce a valid driver's license. While you don't need a license or certificate for a sailing charter most bareboats in the Caribbean or USA, you do need to show a considerable amount of skill and experience in order to be allowed to operate the yacht by yourself. The bareboat sailing charter company will require you to fill out a “sailing resume” when booking and it must be approved prior to finalizing the arrangements. Unless you know someone who owns a boat, it is strongly recommended that you work with a reputable bareboat sailing charter company rather than an individual when chartering a yacht for your vacation. Dealing with a stranger you've never met and chartering a boat you've never seen can be somewhat risky, particularly when you'll be asked for payment
Once your arrangements are made for your bareboat sailing charter vacation, let the relaxing begin. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the beautiful islands of the Caribbean on your own terms.
Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor. The article “Relax with a Bareboat Sailing Charter to a Caribbean island” explains bareboat sailing charters. Barecat Sailing Charters (barecat.com) specializes in yacht charters in the BVI from Manuel Reef Marina in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands
