Bareboat hire puts you in charge. You choose the destination, set the pace, and decide where to drop anchor each evening. There is no fixed programme, no group schedule, and no one else calling the shots. It is sailing on your own terms, in your own time.
For qualified skippers with a confident crew, bareboat charter is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a week on the water. You take the helm of a well-maintained yacht, collect the keys at the base, and head out to waters that have been drawing sailors for generations.
At Sailing Around, we match independent sailors with the right yacht from reputable, carefully selected fleets. You get personal guidance from Ronen, a sailor with 24 years of experience across Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and the broader Mediterranean, so you know exactly what you are stepping aboard before you arrive at the marina.
What Bareboat Hire Actually Means
A bareboat hire means you rent the yacht without a skipper or crew. The vessel is yours for the agreed charter period, typically a week running from Saturday to Saturday, though some bases offer flexible mid-week starts.
You bring your own crew, you hold the relevant sailing qualification, and you take responsibility for the boat during the hire period. The charter company provides a seaworthy, equipped yacht. You provide the skill and the plan.
Because you are sailing independently, the qualification requirements matter. Most reputable charter operators across the Mediterranean require a recognised certificate of competence, such as an RYA Day Skipper or equivalent, as well as a valid VHF radio licence. Some destinations and some larger yachts require a higher qualification. We check all of this with you before any booking is confirmed, so there are no awkward surprises at the handover desk.
The Range of Yachts Available for Hire
The choice of yacht shapes the whole trip. A five-berth monohull suits a crew of four who want a lively sail and easy marina docking. A catamaran gives you stability, space, and the ability to anchor in shallower bays that monohulls cannot reach.
Sailing Around works with trusted fleets whose maintenance standards we have checked personally. That means reliable engines, functioning electronics, properly stocked safety equipment, and sails that actually perform. These are not the boats you book hoping for the best.
Yacht sizes typically range from 37 to 50 feet, covering most crew sizes from two to eight people. Within that range you will find sailing yachts, performance cruisers, and catamarans suited to different budgets and sailing styles. When you enquire, we ask about your crew size, your experience level, and the kind of sailing you want to do. The yacht recommendation follows from there.
Weekly Hire Rates and What Affects the Price
Bareboat hire rates vary depending on the yacht size, the destination, the time of year, and the fleet you charter from. High season in July and August commands a premium across Greece, Croatia, and the Balearics. Shoulder season, particularly May, June, and September, tends to offer better value and more settled conditions.
A standard charter week includes the boat itself, basic safety equipment, and berthing at the base marina at the start and end of the hire. On top of the charter fee, you will typically budget for a security deposit, marina fees along your route, fuel, provisioning, and any optional extras you choose.
The security deposit is a standard part of bareboat hire. It is held against any damage to the yacht during the charter period and is returned in full when the boat is handed back in the same condition it was received. Amounts vary by fleet and by the size of the yacht. We confirm the exact figure before you book.
Optional extras worth considering include a departure briefing with a local skipper, a pre-prepared provisioning package, a satellite communication device for offshore passages, and tender hire if you plan to spend time at anchor away from marinas.
The Booking and Handover Process
The process starts with a conversation. You tell us where you want to sail, when, how many people are coming, and what certificates you hold. From there, we suggest suitable yachts and destinations, explain the relevant requirements, and give you honest guidance on whether the plan is realistic for your crew.
Once you select a yacht, we confirm availability and provide a full breakdown of costs. A deposit secures the booking, with the balance due closer to the departure date. We handle the paperwork with the charter operator on your behalf.
At the base marina, the handover typically takes one to two hours. The base team walks you through the yacht, checks your qualifications, holds the security deposit, and confirms the inventory. You then have a full briefing on the local area, including recommended anchorages, fuel stops, and any current restrictions.
When you return the yacht at the end of the hire week, the base team carries out a checkout inspection. If everything is in order, your deposit is released. That is the process from start to finish, and we are available throughout if anything comes up.
Why Independent Sailors Choose Sailing Around
Most sailors choosing bareboat hire are experienced enough to handle the boat. Where things go wrong is in the planning, the operator selection, and the gap between what is advertised and what arrives at the dock.
Ronen has been sailing the Mediterranean for over two decades. He knows which fleets maintain their boats to a consistent standard, which bases provide proper support, and which destinations suit which types of sailing. When he recommends a yacht or an operator, it is based on direct experience, not a listing algorithm.
You also get continued support once the booking is made. If weather changes your plans, if a marina is full, or if something needs sorting mid-charter, you are not navigating that alone. It is the kind of backup that rarely gets mentioned in charter brochures but makes a real difference when you actually need it.
What qualifications do I need for bareboat hire?
Most charter operators across the Mediterranean require a recognised certificate of competence as skipper. An RYA Day Skipper certificate or equivalent is the most commonly accepted qualification, though some destinations and larger yachts require a Coastal Skipper or higher. A VHF Short Range Certificate is also required. We check your specific qualifications during the enquiry process and confirm what is needed for the yacht and destination you are considering.
How long is a standard bareboat hire period?
Most bareboat hire agreements cover a full week, typically running from Saturday to Saturday. Some charter bases offer mid-week starts or flexible durations, though these are less common in peak season. Shorter or longer hire periods may be available depending on the operator. We can advise on availability when you enquire.
Is a security deposit always required?
Yes, a security deposit is standard with bareboat hire. It is held by the charter operator during the hire period against any damage to the yacht. The amount varies depending on the yacht and the fleet, and it is returned in full when the boat is handed back in good condition at the end of the charter. We confirm the exact deposit amount before you confirm any booking.
What is typically included in the charter fee?
The charter fee usually covers the use of the yacht, standard on-board safety equipment, and berth at the base marina at the start and end of your hire. Costs that sit outside the charter fee typically include marina fees along your route, fuel, provisioning, and any optional extras such as a satellite communicator or departure briefing. We give you a clear cost breakdown before you book.
What optional extras are worth considering?
Popular optional extras include a departure briefing with a local skipper who can advise on anchorages and local conditions, a pre-arranged provisioning package so supplies are waiting when you board, a satellite communication device for offshore or remote passages, and tender hire for anchoring away from marinas. Whether these make sense depends on your plans and your experience level, and we can help you decide what is genuinely useful.
Can Sailing Around help if something goes wrong mid-charter?
Yes. Unlike booking directly through a charter listing site, you have continued support from Sailing Around throughout the hire period. If a situation arises on the water, if plans need to change, or if you need practical advice, you can reach out directly. The level of support available will depend on the nature of the issue, but you are not left to manage it entirely on your own.
Which destinations are available for bareboat hire?
Sailing Around works with fleets across Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and the broader Mediterranean. Popular bareboat hire destinations include the Greek islands, the Dalmatian coast, and the Balearic Islands. The right destination depends on your experience level, the time of year, and the kind of sailing your crew wants to do. We help you choose based on all of those factors.
