If you are looking to take a sailing holiday, you may already know that you have several options for your trip. There is the bareboat charter in which you sail and provision the boat yourself, essentially providing your own captain and crew.
At the other end of the spectrum (with a number of options in between) is a crewed yacht charter. However this luxurious and vastly relaxing alternative receives very little attention. If you are interested in being pampered and taken care of by the crew while spending days on end out on the water, read on to learn what to expect from a crewed yacht charter.
All Inclusive
Crewed yacht charters are essentially all-inclusive. You pay a set fee for everyone on board and this includes sailing, service and all meals and drinks. What is not included is a fairly substantial tip at the end of the trip (ask your charter company for details) and any meals, drinks and activities on land.
Custom Service
The service is an essential part of a crewed charter, with the idea being that you can really sit back and enjoy the ride. Crew members are responsible for providing all meals, snacks and drinks and of course sailing the boat to the destinations you have in mind.
If you are so inclined, you can also be involved with sailing the boat –the service is customized in that your charter can really be what you make of it. Before setting off, do find out what is included in terms of additional services such as childcare if you wish to have a romantic dinner alone, or having an on-land guide to an island attraction.
Choose your Yacht
Crewed charters can range from a one-man operation in which the captain is the only crew member to a two-person crew and far beyond. Larger yachts may have a crew of 10 or more.
You can select from boats with room to sleep two passengers for a romantic cruise or those with berths for much larger parties. The larger the yacht the more services and amenities you can expect, as these will be truly luxury crafts. Some companies even offer two boats traveling in tandem to accommodate larger parties
You Design your Itinerary
As the guest of honor on the charter you can work with the captain to decide where to go. Normally there are certain places and activities that are best for different groups; fun places to go with kids, special snorkeling and diving spots, etc.
There is a prearranged charter base or pick up point and a certain number of contracted days but during the time in between the choice is yours. Factors to consider include the weather and the mood of the crew, as these can have a dramatic influence on where you go and when.
You may choose to stay an extra day in one place or take off early to see something else. For more information about crewed yacht charters and other types of charters contact the experts at LateSail.
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