Charting the Course Behind the Scenes
Beyond the Search Bar: Personalised Yachting.
At High Tide, we believe that luxury is not found in an algorithm. Booking a yacht should be as seamless and refined as the charter itself.
We’ve moved away from the high-volume, "click-to-book" model to provide a tailored consultancy service where every client is paired with their own Dedicated Personal Broker.
Bareboat vs. Skippered Yacht Charter: What’s the Difference?
The primary difference between a bareboat charter and a skippered charter is vessel responsibility. A bareboat charter requires a valid sailing license (ICC or RYA) as the guest acts as captain. In contrast, a skippered charter includes a professional captain who manages navigation, safety, and local routing for the guests.
Bareboat
For qualified sailors who want to be the masters of their own vessel. You take the helm and set the pace.
- Credentials: ICC or RYA Day Skipper usually required.
- Privacy: No staff on board; total group exclusivity.
- Control: You manage navigation, mooring, and safety.
- Value: No additional fees for professional crew.
Skippered
No license required. Relax while a hand-picked local professional takes the helm and reveals the secret coast.
- Zero Stress: Your skipper handles docking and weather.
- Local Secrets: Access bays unknown to the tourist trail.
- Safety: Total peace of mind with a pro on board.
- Hospitality: Expert guidance on routes and tavernas.
Explore the Popular Bareboat Yacht Charter Destinations
Forget the generic booking engines. We provide a tailored, human-led journey designed to ensure your time on the water is exactly as you imagined.
Bareboat vs. Skippered Charter: Choosing the right one for you
The primary difference is vessel responsibility. Bareboat charters require a valid sailing license (ICC/RYA), while skippered charters include a professional captain for navigation and safety.
Do you hold a valid ICC or RYA license?
Bareboat requires a certified skipper. Without a license, a professional skipper is mandatory for legal compliance.
Seeking total privacy or local expertise?
Bareboat offers 100% group exclusivity. Skippers provide local guidance to hidden bays and top tavernas.
Who is responsible for the vessel?
On a bareboat, the guest captain is liable. On a skippered charter, the professional assumes sailing risk.
Still undecided? Consult with James Teague for a bespoke recommendation.
Where do I start?
Start off by saying Hello! It helps your broker if you have an idea of where you want to go as well as your charter dates as this will narrow down our search.
Personal
Consultation
We start with a conversation, not an algorithm. Your dedicated broker listens to your vision first.
Bespoke
Curation
Hand-picked shortlists of vetted yachts, highlighting honest pros and cons for every boat.
Transparent
Math
Full cost breakdowns including VAT and port fees. No "from" prices or hidden extras.
Seamless
Handover
From license verification to local secrets, your broker manages the details until you set sail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skipper Fees can vary between destination but expect them to be in the region between €1,300-€2,100 + food for the week. Hostess will be around €1,330-€1,750 + food per week.
On most yachts, the skipper requires their own private cabin. On larger catamarans, they often occupy one of the separate bow cabins (accessed from the deck). It is essential to factor this into your guest count when selecting a boat.
Absolutely. If you wish to outsource the provisioning, cooking, and light cleaning, we can pair your vessel with a professional hostess. Note that like the skipper, a hostess also requires their own cabin and food provisions. Estimated €30 per crew member per day for provisions.
Coordinating the grocery shop and ensuring the galley is stocked with your preferred vintage and fresh local produce. They prepare and serve fresh breakfasts and light Mediterranean lunches daily, manage daily cleaning of common areas, and serve drinks/snacks throughout the day.
A Bareboat Charter provides the ultimate privacy, as there is no staff on board. If you require a skippered charter but want maximum space, we recommend a Catamaran; the dual-hull design provides much better natural separation between the crew and guest areas.
For first timers, we strongly suggest a Catamaran. Their wide beam and dual hulls offer significantly more stability at anchor and while sailing compared to a monohull. In Greece, we would also tailor your route to the Ionian or Saronic Gulfs where waters are calmer.
Yes. In the Mediterranean, you generally need an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or an RYA Day Skipper qualification. We verify all licenses with local port authorities before arrival to ensure a seamless handover.
Extra costs include fuel for the yacht, provisions, water, and mooring/marina fees. These costs vary based on your itinerary and location, but we provide transparent estimates during the consultation phase.
Yes, it is standard, customary etiquette to tip your skipper and hostess to show appreciation for their work, usually ranging between 10% and 20% of the total charter fee. While voluntary, tipping is expected for good service, with 15% being the average and 20% for excellent service.
Have a specific question about your 2026 route?
Ask James Directly →Send Your Charter Brief
Complete the form to receive your bespoke quote from James.
Talk to James Teague
"Planning a Bareboat or Skippered charter is about more than just finding a boat; it's about matching your group with the right yacht and the perfect itinerary. I'm here to handle the logistics so you can focus on the horizon."
Start planning your yacht charter adventure with High Tide Yacht Charters, today!
