Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TYPES OF CHARTERS
There are three basic options: a crewed boat, with skipper and cook; a 'bareboat' without
staff that you operate on your own; or a sailing-school vessel.
Equipment
Most boats available for charter range in size from 32ft to 52ft and have two to five cabins.
Vessel types include the following:
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Monohulls
These are heavier, tack more easily and typically cost less.
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Catamarans
These are multihulled and provide greater stability (good for those prone to
seasickness). They're also wider, providing more room on deck and below, but are also a
little pricier.
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Motoryachts(aka'poweryachts')
Companies sometimes offer these sail-free vessels as
a third option. Motor yachts can cover a lot more ground than monohulls and catamarans,
but cost more.
Crewed Boat
Crewed boats - ie privately owned yachts with skipper, cook and any other crew needed
for proper ship handling and your personal pampering - offer luxury accommodations that
move from island to island. These can cost up to three times more than a bareboat charter,
but for many visitors it's worth it to have a stress-free holiday with everything taken care
of. Crew can also function as informal guides, since they're likely to know where the best
anchorages, sunsets and snorkel spots are.
Meticulously maintained and often exquisitely decorated, these boats offer all the water
toys (and electronic connections to your office) you might imagine, plus cuisine that tops
most luxe resorts. In fact, the food served on board is the primary means by which the com-
panies compete with one another, and the chefs often are culinary-school graduates.
Crewed boats are booked by brokers who get to know the boats and their crews at boat
shows. They will get to know you, too, before making a recommendation based on your
budget, the size of your party and your preferences for all those little things that make your
vacation special.
