This is the most common question first-time charterers ask. The answer isn't one-size-fits-all — but for most people reading this guide, one option is clearly better. Let's go through both honestly.
What's the actual difference?
Bareboat charter: You rent the boat without a professional crew. Someone in your group must hold the required qualifications to skipper the vessel. You are fully responsible for navigation, weather decisions, handling, and safety.
Crewed charter with skipper: The charter includes a professional skipper (and sometimes a cook or hostess). The skipper is legally responsible for the vessel and in command at sea. Your group are crew and guests.
Side-by-side comparison
With a skipper
Recommended for first charters
- ✓ No sailing qualification needed
- ✓ Expert handles all navigation
- ✓ Learn while you sail
- ✓ Relaxed, stress-free trip
- ✓ Local knowledge of anchorages
- ✓ Skipper manages safety decisions
- — Additional cost (€120–200/day)
- — Less privacy on smaller boats
Bareboat
For experienced sailors
- ✓ Complete independence
- ✓ Lower total cost
- ✓ Your schedule, your decisions
- ✗ Requires sailing qualifications
- ✗ You carry full legal responsibility
- ✗ Weather decisions on you
- ✗ Mistakes can be expensive
- ✗ No expert on board to help
What does a skipper actually add to the cost?
A professional skipper typically costs €120–200 per day, plus food. On a 7-day charter, that's €840–1,400 split across your group. For a group of 6, that's €140–235 per person for the week — less than €35/day.
Consider what that buys: professional navigation, local knowledge of dozens of anchorages and restaurants, someone who handles every docking manoeuvre, 24/7 safety oversight, and the ability to adjust the route based on weather. Most people find this exceptional value.
✦ The real calculation
A bareboat charter still requires you to hold a €3,000–5,000 security deposit. Any damage comes out of that. With a professional skipper, the risk of expensive mistakes drops dramatically. The skipper often pays for themselves in avoided problems alone.
When does bareboat make sense?
Bareboat is the right choice when you have genuine sailing experience, hold the required qualifications, and want the full responsibility and independence of skippering your own vessel. It's a wonderful experience — but it requires preparation and confidence.
The path most people take: do 1–2 crewed charters first, then take an RYA or IYT course, then bareboat. You'll be a much better prepared skipper for it.
The verdict for first-timers
Charter with a skipper. Enjoy the sea. Decide afterwards if you want to learn to sail properly. There is absolutely no shame — and enormous pleasure — in having an expert on board for your first time out.