How much does a sailboat charter cost?
Sailboat rental prices start from around 1,000 EUR per week for a 32 feet classic boat in low season. The rental price for a brandnew 55 feet vessel can reach around 8,000 EUR per week in high season. The average price charter customers pay for a weekly sailboat rental is around 3,500 EUR in the Mediterranean. If you want to hire a skipper on top, you have to pay around 150 EUR per day extra plus food. Generally the Eastern Mediterranean offers lower yacht charter prices than the Western Mediterranean. Also in the Baltic Sea and Holland, rates for vessel rentals are lower than in the Mediterranean. If you book much in advance you will be offered a early booking discount between 5 and 25 %. If you are lucky, you can also get a highly discounted sailing boat rental in last minute, but you should be aware that the most wanted and newest yachts very likely will not be anymore available.
Is sailing a eco-friendly and sustainable type of holiday?
Yes, spending your
vacation on a chartered yacht is definitely very sustainable. TheGuardian.com lists three sailing trips in the article "
20 of the best sustainable holidays in Europe for 2020". The most obvious reason for this is that while you are travelling under sails, you do not burn fossil fuel. Sailing takes advantage of a regenerative energy - the power of the wind. However, even you use the engine once a while, you hardly burn more than 100 litres of gasoline per week with a big sailing yacht of 15 meter length, which can accommodate up to 10 guests.
In contrast to the revenues cashed by multinational tour operator enterprises, 80% of the boat rental rates are flowing in the pockets of the local charter bases. From this income, they pay their employees, suppliers, owners, marina berths and taxes.
Another argument that makes sailboat rental very sustainable is that 90 % of all charter companies are small to medium size businesses that employ local people. Those mechanics, cleaning team members, rental office managers and sail-makers strongly benefit from this nautical adventure tourism. Yacht charter activities enable them to make a living far away from big cities. Staff members and suppliers of boat rental companies and their families, spend a big percent of their income on the spot and therefore contribute to the stability of the local economy.
Opposite of hotel tourists, sailing boats crews tend to eat outside and buy local products in smaller shops: This means that a charter crew of 8 persons spends around 500-800 Euros per day. These expenses contributes a lot to sustainability, because the beneficiaries are mostly family owned businesses like traditional restaurants, bars, marinas, grocery shops, nautical services and market stands owners that sell handcrafts and work of art.
An additional aspect why sailing yacht charter should be considered a very sustainable form of tourism is, that boat charter guests appear as small individual groups of 4 - 10 persons. Unlike crowds of "ugly tourists" discharged into port cities by big cruising ships, individual sailors avoid typical tourist paths. Their behaviour generally does not match with negative patterns, which are known from overtourism.
Which are the most wanted destinations for sailing holidays?
Sail Croatia! For sailboat rental in Istria or Kvarner Bay we recommend to charter from Pula or from Punat on the Island Krk. A great sailing escape are definitely the Kornati Islands. You reach this stunning archipelago best when renting sailing yachts from Zadar, Sukosan, Biograd, Sibenik, Rogoznica or Primosten. For a cruise into the South Dalmatian Islands (Brac, Hvar, Vis and Korcula) hire a boat from Trogir or nearby Seget Donji, the island Solta close to Split, Marina Kastela, Split or Dubrovnik.
Relaxed Sailing Holidays in the Mediterranean
![Relaxed Sailing Holidays in the Mediterranean]( "Relaxed Sailing Holidays in the Mediterranean")
Do you dream of sailing Greek Islands? Charter providers in Greece have big fleets for hiring in the Ionian Sea. You can rent a sailboat from Corfu, Preveza or Lefkas. The Ionian Islands are suited best for family cruises and unexperienced sailors because there is no Meltemi blowing in summer and the waters between the islands and the mainland are well protected. Classical sailing greece refers of course also to the Aegean Sea: Discover the Sporades with a yacht from Volos or the Island Skiathos. Sailing vacations in Greece also can be experienced in the North Aegean Sea, on Chalkidiki: There are already some boat charter companies in Keramoti near Kavala and Porto Korfou. In Kalamaki, a seaside suburb of Athens, you will find the Marina Alimos with nearly 1000 charter yachts. Kalamaki and Lavrion are the closest departure ports for your yacht holidays into the Cyclades Islands. Paros is one of the only charter ports directly situated in the heart of the Cyclades. The Dodecanese Islands close to the Turkish Coast can be explored best when renting a sailing yachts from Kos or Rhodes.
Spain with the popular Island Mallorca, the famous party location Ibiza, the long coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the all-year-mild archipelago of the Canaries has very professional services for sailboat vacation. Palamós at the Costa Brava and Barcelona are fantastic for daysailing or weekly escapes to the Balearic Islands. By far the biggest selection of sailboats for rental you will find on Mallorca when chartering from Palma de Mallorca, El Arenal, Ca'n Pastilla, Cala d'Or, Porto Colom, Puerto Pollensa, Puerto de Alcudia or the Marina de Cala Nova. If you focus on partying, you might book your boating vacation directly from Ibiza Town or San Antonio.
For acquiring real ocean sailor experiences we recommend renting a boat in the Atlantic from Puerto Deportivo Radazul, Las Galletas on Tenerife, Las Palmas on Gran Canaria or from Arrecife on Lanzarote. A hidden secret of the Spanish Waters are the "Rias" (estuaries) of the Galician coast with their protected inlets, aligned by white sandy beaches. To visit the nature reserve "Cíes Islands", just book a charter vacation from Vigo.
Just select Genua, Follonica, San Vincenzo, Castiglioncello, Piombino or Punta Ala, in case you plan to rent a sailing vessel from Tuscany. On the Island of Elba there are charterboats available from the authentic harbor town Portoferraio. The Island Sardinia is world-famous for its crystal clear sea. You can rent yachts as bareboat or with crew from Costa Smeralda ports like Portisco, Cannigione, Olbia or further south from Cagliari, Carloforte and Santa Maria de Navarrese. The Gulf of Naples is the perfect gateway to sail to Capri and Ponza. Most yachts are placed there in Procida and Salerno from where you can explore the Amalfi Coast, Ponza or Ischia. The closest ports to sail to the Eolian Islands are at situated at the North Coast of Sicily: Milazzo, Portorosa, Capo d'Orlando, Santagata di Militello, Palermo, Catania. For reaching the Egadi Islands at the west-end of Sicily, just start your sailing trip from Trapani or Marsala.
Why do so many people like to go on a sailing vacation?
Did you know that 85 % of all people going on a bareboat charter holiday in Europe opt for a sailboat? Especially in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Turkey or Mallorca this type of yacht is enormously popular. So there is a much wider choice of yachts for your sailboat vacation to chose from. Furthermore, sailboats are generally cheaper in comparison to powerboats or catamarans. Nevertheless, the Caribbean is the second biggest sailing charter region in the world. Sailing the American or British Virgin Islands or the Bahamas is extremely popular among US sailors.
A sailboat under Blister in the Bay of Palma de Mallorca
![Wonderful charter sailboat in the bay of Palma]( "A sailboat under Blister in the Bay of Palma de Mallorca")
Sailing is not only a great hobby but also a sport and a skill. You can do it competitively in exciting regattas with your friends and as you keep practicing you will advance and improve every time you go for sailing trips. The other added bonus of this type of yachting is that you become a real pro at teamwork. Whereas on a motor yacht it is enough for one person to stand at the helm and press some buttons, on a sailboat everyone needs to work together like a well-oiled machine. In the case of a family holiday this even has an educational aspect. Children may carry out their own important tasks during manoeuvres which teaches them to be responsible and can be very rewarding. So parents and their off-spring get the possibility to bond on a very different and positive level compared to their normal everyday life.
![Sailing a yacht in the Mediterranean]( "Two sailboats under blister")
There are many other advantages of boat rentals besides the sports-related and team-building aspects. One of them is off course that you spend much time surrounded by the most beautiful nature and scenery. Also compared to a motorboat rental you can feel guilt-free as you don´t use any fuel when you are sailing purely with the wind. A sailing vacation is a wonderfully noise-free and a beautiful experience. This type of holiday has an enormously relaxing effect and it is eco-friendly. So go ahead and enjoy an unforgettable cruise!
Take a break from reading! Here truely authentic footage from a sailing holiday in Croatia we found on YouTube.
Which skills are required to rent a sailboat?
Chartering and steering a water craft requires a certain level of seamanship. Unless you are not citizen of Canada, the USA or France, the law requires very likely that you also hold a regular skipper license to charter a boat. Valid skipper sailing licenses are e.g. the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or the German Sportbootküstenschein (SKS) or the Yachtmaster certificate. In case you lack relevant sailing skills or you do not have a skipper license, you can still opt for a skippered charter with captain.
Sailing a boat is fun and a great experience
![Sailing a boat is fun and a great experience]( "Be a skipper - make your wishes come true")
In most European countries it is sufficient for one charter member to have skipper abilities. For rentals in Greece a second member of the group should be proficient to co-skipper. In you plan to have sailing holidays in Croatia you need a radio license as well. Since sailing is teamwork, the whole group can get in on the fun on a sailboat charter. Everyone can help at manoeuvres and be an active part of the process – this makes boating experiences so special.
If you are unsure about navigating the charter yacht yourself, you have the option of hiring a skipper or just hiring one for the first few days until you are familiar with the boat and confident to skipper it yourself.
The other option is a flotilla holiday, where you are skippering but moving within the safety of a bigger group of flotilla yachts and also have the added benefit of the lead boat that has a technician that can assist you in case of any emergency or problems.
What is Flotilla Sailing?
When you book a sailing vessel as a part of a so-called "Flotilla", you never sail alone. This type of sailing experience is very suitable for beginners or families. The advantage is that the flotilla is guided by a leading yacht, which is steered by an experienced skipper. All you need to do is following this boat. If you need any assistance or advice, you can communicate with the flotilla leader via VHF radio or smartphone and help will be offered. The leading skipper also works out the itinerary for the day according to the latest weather conditions.
Apart from getting support, flotilla sailing is also very social. Even sailors with many years of sailing knowledge tend to charter their boat in a flotilla because you can easily make new friends. The kids find quickly company and entertain themselves during evening and morning hours. Flotilla sailing holidays are very popular in Greece and Croatia. This form of water sport vacation is very popular among British and Dutch sailors.
How to rent a luxury sailing yacht?
A luxury sailing holiday means that you will charter a sailboat over 15 m length with a crew. There will be a skipper and at least one hostess taking care of the boat and arranging all amenities for the guests onboard. Depending on the provided packages, provisioning can be included in the price or will be charged on top of the charter price. In order to find suitable luxury sailing yachts, just check out the search function on our crewed yacht section.
When making bareboat sailing rentals, it is advisable not to overestimate the skills. So be realistic when judging the local sailing weather. Take tidal changes, weather as well as other characteristics of the territories at the charter destination into account. Bear in mind that mooring up a vessel in tight spaces with the wind coming from the side requires good skills and practice. If you are unsure whether you are capable of manoeuvring a sailing yacht yourself, just do a skippered charter instead and let someone else do the work for you. This ensures that you and the charter crew get to enjoy the sailing experience in the best possible and relaxed way.
What are the advantages of a sailing boat over a catamaran?
More than 80 % of all chartered yachts are monohulls as opposed to having several hulls. The manoeuvrability of a monohull craft is very different to the way a catamaran moves. It is true that multihulls are very steady and have a shallow draught, but unlike a monohull boat they cannot go against the wind very well, in which case you need to start using the motor. With a monohull sailboat you can still sail even when going against the wind. And going with the wind, you will find they are also faster and sportier than catamarans.
![Charter a sailing boat]( "This photo shows a charter crew on a sailboat")
Sailboats may grieve more than multihulls, but for many sailors this forms part of the true classic feeling that is associated with a sailing trip. It also gives the ship the ability to adapt to the movement of the waves in fiercer weather. The crucial difference in the exterior and interior is the additional space on a multihull. Furthermore, the fact that the salon on sailing yachts is mostly located under deck whereas on a catamaran the salon with the pantry and dining table lays on the deck. This means that you get to enjoy lighter and better views from inside.
To sum things up, it really is down to your personal preferences if you want to go on a comfortable, spacious and steady catamaran or on a versatile monohull boat for the authentic bareboat sailing charters. More advanced sailors may naturally opt for a sailboat and beginners could enjoy their sailing vacation much more on a multihull that allows them to come close to beaches as well as into protected bays and that is easy to park due to its two engines.
![sunset view from the stern of a sailboat]( "sunset view from the stern of a sailboat")
We hope that by now you have learnt some helpful facts about sailboat yacht charters and look forward to providing the right charter yacht for you. Just hit the red button below to place your charter request and we will contact you immediately. In order to check online available charter deals just search yourself with our YachtFinder from where you get the best offers.
![VeryGood]( "VeryGood")
SailingyachtsRecommendations
- Eline June 2024 4.80
"Good gear, worked nicely for 8 people for a week. Very fast reply on all problems we encountered. Very nice service overall and we are super happy." - Roger June 2024 4.97
"Lava Charter is by far the most personalized serviced and professionally run charter company we have used. A cut above the large commercial charter companies" - Markus May 2024 4.60
"Outstanding Service- booking of marinas is one of the best things here. Professional check in and ou..."
Read more, friendly personal, skipper bag is great. Bed linen smell very good. "
Read less - Buster November 2023 4.76
"Excellent service once again from the very efficient and friendly staff at Lava Charter. Great boats, extremely clean, well maintained. We will be back. " - Philip July 2023 4.63
"She sails beautifully, points well into the wind and the sails are new and efficient. The powered wi..."
Read moreches are fine. The motor is large and gives you 8 knots without strain. The master cabin was very comfortable and the heads were spotless and smell free. "
Read less - Randel June 2023 4.93
"The team was very efficient both at check in/ out! Also really helpful and responsive when we needed..."
Read moresupport with the boat whilst out at sea! Will hire again with Kekeris!"
Read less - carl June 2023 5.00
"everything was as advertised extremely well equipped with everything we required very helpful staff would highly recommend this company" - Roger May 2023 4.84
"The welcome, the responsiveness to messages, help from Massimo on the auto helmet which needed calib..."
Read moreating, the cleanliness and readiness of the boat plus the food service."
Read less - Caesar November 2022 4.37
"Sehr schöne Urlaub! Sehr freundlicher Verscharterer terer. Probleme wurden schnell behoben. Kundenkontakt Top! Yacht hatte einige Abnuntzungserscheinungen." - Jurgen May 2022 4.52
"The boat has given us a safe feeling in the wind experience. Everything worked well and technically was up to date. Very well equipped, very good conditions. "