Boat Rental with Captain: Options and Differences

Yacht tourism is a popular form of recreation at sea, offering a unique experience that’s both fun and relaxing. Yacht trips have become an easy way to travel on the water, and there are several ways to organize a trip. In this article, we’ll discuss the different options for yacht rental, including bareboat rental, yacht rental with a captain, and crewed yacht rental.

Bareboat Yacht Rental

Bareboat yacht rental is an independent trip on a yacht, with your own crew, and without strangers on board. This is the most popular option for renting a boat in Barcelona. You can rent a sailing yacht, a catamaran, or a motor yacht ranging in size from 30 feet (10 m) to 52-55 feet (15-16 m), designed for 4-12 crew members.

To rent a yacht without a skipper, you need to have the skills, knowledge, and experience to sail a yacht and have a valid skipper’s license. If you don’t have a trained person in your company, you can hire a professional captain whose services cost 150-300 euros per day. Additionally, you must provide the captain with a separate cabin and pay for food. The captain’s job is to manage the yacht and ensure the safety of the crew. The crew must solve all domestic issues independently, while the captain can offer a route that’s right for you, show you the most beautiful places, the best restaurants, secluded coves, and even teach the basics of yachting.

For novice captains, a good practice option to gain experience and make sure of their own abilities is to participate in a flotilla. When several yachts follow the route of the flagship yacht, an experienced instructor is on hand at all times to advise and provide the necessary assistance.

Yacht Rental with Captain and Crew (Crewed)

Yacht rental with a captain and crew is for those who want a luxury experience. You can rent sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts larger than 52-55 feet (15-16 meters). Gulets are always offered for rent with captains and crew only. The smallest yachts are manned by a crew of two (master and sailor), while the crew of a large yacht can easily exceed the number of guests on board.

The level of comfort and service on such yachts is in no way inferior to the level of service in the best hotels. The captain is responsible for managing the yacht and the safety of the crew, the hostess is responsible for daily cleaning, linen change, table setting, and is also the assistant to the captain during moorings and watches. The chefs are true culinary professionals who prepare dishes for every refined taste. The accompanying crew is located in a separate area from the guest, so as not to violate their privacy during rest.

The cost of this type of yacht rental is much higher than independent yacht rental (bareboat), but the client doesn’t bear any responsibility for the yacht, doesn’t take any part in mooring or sailing, and simply relaxes. If one of the passengers shows interest and curiosity and wants to work with the sails, they can definitely join in.

Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)

In addition to the cost of renting a yacht with a captain and crew, a deposit on expenses (APA – Advance Provisioning Allowance) will be charged from the client before the start of the charter to cover non-rental expenses incurred during the charter. This deposit is usually 30% of the yacht charter price. This amount is usually enough to pay for fuel for 4-5 hours of travel per day and a varied menu. At the end of the charter, the yacht must be returned to the base marina in the same condition as it was received at the beginning of the charter. The captain will conduct a final inspection with the client to ensure that everything is in order and that there are no damages or missing equipment. If any damages are found, they will be deducted from the deposit.

It is also important to note that when renting a yacht with a crew, it is customary to give a tip to the crew as a token of appreciation for their services. The standard amount is usually 10-15% of the charter price and is given at the end of the charter. However, this is not mandatory, and the decision to give a tip is entirely up to the client.

In summary, renting a yacht with a captain offers several options for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation at sea, from independent bareboat charter to luxury crewed charter with all-inclusive service. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice, there is an option that suits your needs and preferences. So, if you are looking for a big boat rental or large boat rental for events in Barcelona, consider renting a yacht with a captain and exploring the beautiful Mediterranean coast in style and comfort.