The word continues to spread that most of the advantages of a bareboat charter holiday are available regardless of experience – with the addition of a local Skipper. We are finding that families and couples who have seen the laid back lifestyle on display (as you walk down the quay in most Mediterranean ports) are calling to say “how can we do that?”.

Many are cruise ship passengers or staying ashore but are intrigued about how they can experience a holiday on a small boat.

For us, it is like going back 30 years when we had to explain every aspect of the charter holiday, although it is difficult to describe the differences in size of an aft cabin on a 45’ yacht to a cruise ship cabin.

At a cost of approx. (€150 per 24 hours plus provisions), many see Skippers as a very inexpensive sailing lesson, travel guide, confidence booster or kids distraction. We also have many experienced bareboat clients that elect to take a Skipper as they want to totally relax with friends and family.

We know from experience that average weather and some boat issues combined with a great Skipper is much more preferable to great weather and boat but an average Skipper, so we work hard to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Often a local Skipper will also give you an experience through their contacts that is unobtainable when bareboating, taking you to a family winery or local event.

I have one charter group (four Australian couples) who have chartered Lagoon 450’s in Sardinia, Montenegro, Greece and Mallorca. They always have some great stories when returning  and have had a variety of outstanding Skippers including artists and professors – young, keen and fun as well as some old salts with a great sense of humour, who tend to be remembered as much as the holiday itself.