Bareboat Yacht Charters Blog » bareboat yacht charter

Bareboating in Greece a Luxurious Getaway

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:28:01 +0000

Bareboat yacht charterers in Greece enjoy such itinerary destinations as Kos, Athens, Corfu, Ios, and Mykonos.

Bareboating in Greece is not only a very luxurious option that most would love to have but will also live to have. The experience of bareboating in some of the best waters of Greece is a noted love among many who love sailing into the ocean and enjoying a luxurious trip.

If you are interested in a luxurious around the Greek waters, then you will want to ensure that you have the necessary papers with you as well. You don’t want any kind of permission hindrance for your bareboating in Greece.

You can choose to begin your bareboat in Greece expedition from such starting bases as Skiathos, Corfu, Sros, Athens, or Istion Main Bas (Kos). These are some of the most popular sailing regions of the country and sailing though its waters is an experience in itself.

To arrange your next vacation on a chartered bareboat sail or motoryacht,
contact your charter specialists at www.bareboat.com through our website at
http://bareboat.com/contact_us.html
by email via info@bareboat.com
by phone via 1-800-BAREBOAT (227-3262) or 305-720-7245
or via twitter http://www.twitter.com/bareboatdotcom (Please follow us!)

Have an Adventure on a Bareboat Charter

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:24:07 +0000

For this vacation, you want to go on a sailing vacation, but you are being careful with the budget.

If you want to sail a yacht without hired crew members, you want to charter what is known as a, “bareboat.”

If you don’t have enough experience to sail it on your own, another way to sail is through skipper-only charters and flotillas.

On skippered charters, you rent the boat and you hire a skipper (provided by your bareboat yacht charter company, bareboat.com) to sail the chartered yacht for you. A main consideration in renting the boat will be the number of bedrooms (also known as cabins or staterooms) you will require to accommodate your guest count.

With a flotilla, a number of boats with hired captains sails together.

With a bareboat charter, you receive all the standard equipment to be comfortable and safe to sail the boat. Considered a self-catered floating villa, your yacht will have cabins, a lounge, a kitchen (galley), and an outdoor area.

Bareboat vacations are an adventure to last a lifetime.

Bareboat charters can be found in the United States US, Bahamas, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Turkey, and just about anywhere water is found! Whether you are on a honeymoon or looking for an adventure with family or friends, a bareboat charter, whether skippered or bareboat (self-sailed), is an adventure of a lifetime.

Basics of Bareboating

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:16:46 +0000

Have you ever dreamed about renting a bareboat and just sailing away?

You can do this on bareboat yacht charters!

Bareboats range from thirty to fifty feet in length. You can charter a catamaran (two hulls, very stable in the water and very roomy), monohull (one hull), or powerboat (boat powered by engines, not sails). These yachts come with everything you need to operate them, as well as kitchen utensils, bedding, and towels. Some charters provide you with a dinghy with motor at no charge.

Are you interested in a sailboat or a powerboat for your bareboat charter vacation?

A bareboat is a yacht that you sail yourself, or you can hire a captain (referred to as a captain only or skippered charter), if you wish.

While you are not required in the Caribbean or the United States to provide a certificate or license to charter a boat, you will have to demonstrate experience and skill (called a “check out sail”) to be allowed to operate the yacht by yourself – otherwise you will require (and will have to pay to hire) a captain to assist you.

Your bareboat yacht charter company will ask you critical basic questions in order to select the perfect boats from which to choose for your vacation. Those questions include whether you want a sailboat or a powerboat, the destination in which you want to charter, the number of guests in your charter party, amenities required (like air-conditioning), and budget.

Bareboating in Croatia

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:00:45 +0000

You are going on a bareboat yacht charter in Croatia but know little about the area. Here are some tips.

Croatia and the Adriatic Coast is a unique bareboat yacht charter destination and activity which includes National Parks, wine tastings, and scuba diving.

Which itinerary to choose? The Croatian islands route is a seven day cruise that will take you to Brac, Hvar, Split, Solta, and Vis. The Adriatic Coast and National Parks route is also seven days, and you will go to Kornat, Split, Skradin, Primosten, Telascica and Trogir. The Dubrovnik sailing itinerary is seven days, and you will sail to Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula, Milna, Promena, Sipan and Split.

What will a bareboat charter in Croatia cost? Prices range from 1,150 to 3,135 Euros depending on accommodations and season of travel.

What to do in Croatia? As you sail your bareboat yacht charter, you can anchor and scuba dive, skin dive snorkel, fish, or just swim and enjoy the beautiful water and scenery. You can stop at a National Park and tour the green and tranquil area. You can visit Korcula Island (on the Dubrovnik itinerary). There is a lot to do there. It is considered one of the most interesting islands in Croatia that was a favorite Greek holiday spot over 2000 years ago. You can go into Korcula Old Town for Moreska sword dancing!

Don’t forget — if you plan to rent a bareboat yacht to charter in Croatia, you are required to provide the documentation that proves that you can sail. This documentation includes a B-category skipper’s license and a VHF radio operator’s certificate.

Bareboat sailing in Croatia provides historical significance in visiting islands as old as 3000 years.

Whether you choose a crewed yacht charter or a bareboat (where you crew your own yacht), chartering a bareboat in Croatia provides an active, relaxing vacation. Enjoy your bareboat.com vacation!

A New Facebook for Bareboat Enthusiasts and the Boating World

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:48:25 +0000

New Social Network Hopes to Become the Facebook of the High Seas

A new social networking site has unfurled its sails, and hopes to attract bareboat charter lovers, as well as all recreational boaters and marine industry professionals.

TheOpenSea.com hopes to become the new Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter for the boating world.

Designed to connect boaters and marine businesses, the creators of the site believe bareboat yacht charter enthusiasts will feel just as comfortable using this site as industry professionals. “It doesn’t matter if they’re on a kayak or superyacht, our URL will be open to everyone,” says Todd Russell, who co-founded TheOpenSea.com with industry veteran Gary Druckenmiller. “There are a lot of websites for boating, but we felt like there was a major disconnect with no social or professional marine networks. We believe that a social network is a great way to improve the industry.”

According to Russell, social media sites like Facebook and Twitter rely on users to generate generic content, while traditional websites tend to “push out” content to users, whether they want it or not. “We see ourselves as a combination of Facebook and LinkedIn for the marine industry,” says Russell. “But we thought Facebook was too broad, so decided to create a foundation for boating.”

Like all social networking sites, TheOpenSea.com wants to attract as many diverse groups as possible, from crew members on megayachts looking for jobs, to yacht charter customers, to groups focused on industry issues. “The Genmar bankruptcy is a great example,” says Russell. “All of the Genmar dealers, for instance, could create a group and start communicating with the manufacturer and then the boaters. We don’t see anything else out there that would allow them to do that.” Russell says that the same Genmar dealers could also promote their boat lines with photos, videos, forums and logs (the nautical URL term for blogs). “Our URL can be used in so many ways,” he adds.

Hundreds of large and small boat companies have signed up, including West Marine, Westerbeke, Garmin, and Triumph Boats. The National Boat Owners Association has already formed their own user groups for the social network.

The site founders hope to attract 100,000-200,000 users, as word about the social networking site spreads. The network has been designed to host and support over a million users.

Westerbeke, one of the initial sponsors, is a strong believer in the use of Internet-driven social networks. Tom Sutherland, director of sales and marketing, initially turned to sites like Twitter and Facebook to market engines and generators. “But I like the idea that the Open Sea is strictly focused on marine,” says Sutherland. “You can go in and set up different groups, talk to very specific types of people, and you’re not just limited to 52 characters. It’s a great tool to get in there and reach out to customers.”

Sutherland also likes the capability of responding instantly to consumers. “We can really see what people want and need, and it can allow us to talk about issues and products that are of interest to consumers,” he says. “People want instant information, and this gives us that capacity. It’s also a great tool for building our brand.”

Westerbeke plans to create logs for owner groups and master distributors, as well as promote instructional videos and release new product announcements. “You can do just about anything on this site,” says Sutherland. “They have really brought together the best of what’s out there in the social media space. Another thing I really like is that, besides the time, there is really no expense involved.”

For more information, contact your charter specialists at www.bareboat.com through our website at
http://bareboat.com/contact_us.html
by email via info@bareboat.com
by phone via 1-800-BAREBOAT (227-3262) or 305-720-7245
or via twitter http://www.twitter.com/bareboatdotcom

New Bareboat Yacht Charter Base to Open in Gulf of Naples, Italy

admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:46:47 +0000

To the delight of Amalfi yacht charter enthusiasts, the spike in bareboat inquiries for Italy has led to the opening of a new base in the Bay of Naples, in the town of Procida.

While Procida is less well-known than its glamorous neighboring islands of Ischia and Capri, its mainland location makes it the ideal starting point for a bareboat charter to the Pontine Islands or along the Amalfi Coast.

Located in the Tyrrhenian sea within 50 miles of Italy’s west coast and just a one-hour cruise from
Naples, the Pontine Islands are only accessible by sea. They remain relatively unknown, thus
making this archipelago ideal for an authentic Italian holiday on a monohull or catamaran bareboat.

The Pontine Islands include Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Ventotene, Santo Stefano, the small island of Gavi, and the solitary rock of la Botte, offering a variety of coastal conditions, with rock outcroppings, dockside villages, and small Mediterranean yacht charter ports.

Sail charter enthusiasts will enjoy mild climates, flourishing gardens, and fragrant citrus groves. The waters are clear and perfect for summer snorkeling, especially in Palmarola. There are numerous coves and inlets – enough to fill a week or more with exploration possibilities. Walking shoes are a must – as there are many historical ruins and nature trails for hiking.

The marina at Corricella is a perfect overnight anchorage, at the edge of a postcard, picture-perfect fishing town, surrounded by nets and fishing boats. Only attainable by sea, there are no vehicles here. The village faces due southeast and is sheltered from all other sides by the cliff behind. A long ridge of rocks protects the marina from the occasional southeasterly wind (Scirocco).

Marina Corricella - Procida Italy near Naples - bareboat charter destination

What could be better than a monohull or catamaran sail yacht rental along the Amalfi coast, with its magnificent stretch of mountainous coastline and small fishing villages? The charter base in Procida is sure to grow in popularity. It is hard to imagine a more authentic slice of Italian coastal life.

An excellent sail monohull yacht for consderation is the Sun Odyssey 39i, featuring 3 cabins and 2 heads. Twin steering positions with winches placed near the helms provide easy sail handling. For safety, with a dedicated life raft locker integrated into the stern skirt, the Sun Odyssey 39i truly represents the next generation of yachts.

Use Caution When Operating a Bareboat in Reduced Visibility

admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:25:01 +0000

A bareboat charter client of ours forwarded a nice, short article about the dangers of sailing in fog. Not sure where he saw the article so we will paraphrase it and pass it along.

Be cautious when dealing with limited visibility when boating

While most of our bareboat charter business takes place in warm-water locations (Bahamas, Caribbean, etc.) we know many of our New England clients like to “sneak in” a little summer sailing closer to
home. Fog make not be much of an issue for us in the Caribbean, but taking safety precautions during a sail bareboat yacht charter in Newport, for example, makes a good deal of sense!

The biggest danger of operating a sailing yacht or a motoryacht in fog probably comes from commercial vessels, including fishermen. The skippers of these vessels are seasoned veterans and are comfortable (dare we say “complacent”) operating in the soup. Sadly, some of these gents are downright negligent, as evidenced by the Block Island ferry which hit the USCG buoy tender last year.

Commercial fishermen are particularly problematical. Often short-handed, it seems these skippers feel that they know the local waters. Many have a “attitude” when it comes to watching out recreational boaters and bareboat charter vessels.

The bottom line – you need to look out for yourself!

It is highly suggested that you have a strong radar monitor onboard, and you keep a sharp eye on it. Going slow, and sounding your horn, is the safest way to cruise in the soup, but here’s an extra precaution you can take:

When traveling in a busy area, send a sécurité broadcast. Note your location, speed, direction, and broadcast your message on Channel 16. Something like this should work: “Sécurité, sécurité, sécurité, this is the yacht “your boat name here” leaving Camden Harbor at 5 knots on course 120 degrees leaving buoy R2 headed towards Gilkey Harbor, all vessels take note.” Skippers on nearby vessels will certainly appreciate the heads-up!

Escape to a Caribbean Bareboat Yacht Charter Paradise – the British Virgin Islands

admin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:09:35 +0000

Any bareboat yacht charter enthusiast can tell you, if you are planning a Caribbean yacht charter, the ideal destination is the British Virgin Islands. Known to repeat bareboat charter yacht skippers as, “Nature’s Little Secrets,” the 50 or so islands, islets, and cays of the British Virgin Islands are nothing short of a yacht charter paradise.

Caribbean yacht charter clients, especially bareboat charter families, have long been sailing the turquoise waters surrounding the British Virgin Islands, drawn to the sheltered anchorages, white-sand beaches, and easygoing lifestyle of these islands.

Once a hideaway for pirates and brigands, the BVI’s have only 17,000 residents – in contrast to the 100,000 people living in the American Virgin Islands (often referred to as the United States Virgin Islands, or USVI). Caribbean yacht charter customers won’t find highrises or fast food on any of these islands, and they’ll find only a few posh resorts mingling with the more casual villas, family-owned inns, and funky beachfront bars and restaurants.

Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke are the most developed and most visited islands. Cooper Island, Peter Island, Norman Island, Marina Cay, and Sandy Cay are less developed but are popular with day-trippers. Most of the islands are close to each other and close to the USVI, making island-hopping the mode for the BVI.

Tortola (Spanish for turtle dove) is the capital of the British Virgin Islands (or BVI). Road Town, on the southern coast, is Tortola’s capital. The entire island centers around Road Town and its beautiful harbor-businesses, luxury yacht charter marinas, restaurants, shops, pubs, and hotels.

Some fairly celebrated establishments like Pusser’s Road Town Pub grace the streets. A favorite watering hole for thirsty barefoot sailors, Pusser’s pours English Ale on draft and mixes up some tasty concoctions with its famous Pusser’s Rum.

Pusser's Landing - a must see on your British Virgin Island bareboat yacht charter vacation

On Tortola’s north shore is the busy but laid-back Cane Garden Bay. This popular anchorage with its crescent-shaped beach has seen increasing crowds but has managed to hold onto its tradition of family-run inns, bars, and restaurants. Music is an integral part of Cane Garden Bay, and the friendly, open-air bars that line the water’s edge host local musicians whose island tunes can be heard floating across the bay.

Five miles from Tortola is Jost Van Dyke Island. Known as “the party island” of the BVI, “Jost” has only 150 residents, but it has six bars! Life on Jost Van Dyke has been described as “one long island-style happy hour” – with pig roasts, beach bars, and dancing in the sand. Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, an open-air ramshackle restaurant and bar has become a landmark and is undisputedly the most “happening” gathering spot for boaters in the BVI. Owner Foxy Caldwood is famous for his parties, none moreso than his annual New Year’s Eve party, which made Time magazine’s list of “Top 5 Places to Spend New Year’s.”

Norman Island is the largest uninhabited island in the British Virgin Islands and is steeped in pirate legend. Locals call it Treasure Island because of age-old stories of buried pirates’ loot. Blackbeard, one of the most famous and feared pirates of all time hung out here between raids.

At the western tip of Norman Island you will discover, “The Caves” – a popular spot with snorkelers and swimmers. The far northern cave is the most incredible, extending 70 feet into the mountainside.

Virgin Gorda is home to one of the Caribbean’s most amazing sights – exotic pools and grottos formed by gigantic granite boulders strewn across white-sand beaches. Known as “The Baths,” this surreal natural wonder (and snorkeler’s dream) is one of the most visited spots in the BVI.

The Baths of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands

Nature Little Secrets are a secret no more!

World’s Largest Cruise Ship at Center of Environmental Controversy

admin — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:12:33 +0000

Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Cruiseship

The “Oasis of the Seas,” Royal Caribbean’s huge cruise ship, plans to make St. Thomas, USVI its first port of call, but not if a local environmental group has any say in the matter.

Bareboat and Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts, tourism and hotel officials, and concerned residents threaten legal action to stop a controversial dredging project in St. Thomas USVI.

The Coalition to Save Lindbergh Bay, Inc. has served noticed to Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, and a host of Obama administration officials of the group’s intent to commence a lawsuit to prevent the dumping
of dredge spoil in Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.

Plans are underway to dredge a portion of Charlotte Amalie harbor, and deposit the dredged materials on the ocean floor of nearby Lindbergh Bay.

The Virgin Island Port Authority (VIPA) seeks government approval to dredge Charlotte Amalie Harbor to accommodate navigation and berthing of the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s “Oasis of the Seas.” Currently under construction, the 1,180 ft vessel is scheduled to include St. Thomas as its first port of call in December 2009. An environmental assessment report commissioned by the VIPA states the project will actually improve the marine environment and prevent coastal erosion.

Some tourism and hotel officials don’t see it that way.

The Coalition to Save Lindbergh Bay, Inc. is concerned the environmental impact of the project will have adverse effects on the local economy. They cite the potential for harm to sea turtles, their nesting sites, and the protected coral species found in the Bay.

Long the hub of the Caribbean yacht charter, bareboat charter, cruiseship industry, and a thriving eco-friendly vacation destination, thousands of tourists visit the Virgin Islands each year to swim, boat, and dive in the protected waters.

According to the Coalition, the long-term results of damage to the environment will mean a reduction of tourism. “Tourists come here to experience nature, up close and personal,” states a local bareboat yacht charter employee. “If we destroy the natural beauty of the area, tourists will simply go elsewhere and we’ll all pay the price, including our marine environment.”

To read the VIPA environmental assessment report and learn more about the Coalition to Save Lindbergh Bay, Inc email andrea@virgin-islands-hotels.com

Your First Bareboat Sailing Yacht Charter – Are You Qualified?

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:59:23 +0000

Are you qualified to sail a bareboat without crew?

As yacht charter consultants, the most common question we are asked is, “what qualifications are required to take a bareboat yacht charter vacation?”

Almost all reputable bareboat charter fleets around the world have the same criteria for determining a client’s bareboat qualifications. Whether planning a Caribbean yacht charter or a Mediterranean yacht charter, no formal certification of any kind is required to charter from most major fleets. Qualification is based primarily on your sailing experience.

For clients with little or no sailing experience, enrollment in a learn-to-sail sailing certification program is recommended. Many programs offer courses leading up to actual bareboat certification.

Most charter fleets will accept a certificate as proof that the customer is qualified to charter a sailing yacht. In some cases, the fleet will require a customer to pay for an instructional skipper to join the charter for a day or two. This check-out skipper is placed onboard to insure the newly-certified sailor is ready for his or her first yacht charter vacation.

The most widely recognized bareboat sailing certification designation in the United States is the American Sailing Association (ASA). ASA certification is honored by almost all barefoot fleets around the world.

Here is an overview of the typical, three-part program offered at most ASA sailing schools:

LEVEL 1 – BASIC KEELBOAT SAILING
A combination of classroom training and actual sailing experiences.
Normally offered over a two to three day period, the course focuses on basic
sailboat terminology, rules of the road, on-the-water safety, sail handling
skills, knot tying, and VHF radio procedures.Expect to pay approximately $400.00 per person for this initial course. No
experience is required to enroll.

LEVEL 2 – BASIC COASTAL CRUISING
A two to three day program involving both classroom and hands-on sailing
training. Students practice keelboat sailing skills, cover course plotting,
and learn United State Coast Guard requirements. The course also involves
interpreting marine weather forecasts, anchoring techniques, and docking
under power. Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat Sailing CertificationTypical prices for this intermediate course range from $450.00 to $550.00
per person.

LEVEL 3 – BAREBOAT CHARTER CERTIFICATION
This two to three day course involves a small amount of classroom work,
combined with extensive, hands-on sailing, including an overnight anchorage.
Coursework covers boat systems, maintenance procedures, GPS operation,
navigation, boarding etiquette, trip planning, and docking. Sailing instruction
is normally taught onboard 35′ – 43′ cruise-equipped sailboats.
Prerequisites: Basic Keelboat Sailing and Basic Coastal Cruising CertificationsExpect to pay approximately $500.00 to $600.00 per person for this course.

Check your local yellow page directory for the name of the nearest sailing school.

You can also go online to the Yellow Pages, which link to other yellow page directories around the country.

You’ll also find advertisements for sailing schools in magazines such as “Sail” and “Cruising World.”

For more information, contact 1-800-BAREBOAT at www.bareboat.com.