Yacht Charter Glossary
Bareboat Charter
Also known as: Bareboat Hire · Self-Skippered Charter · No-Crew Charter
Full explanation
Bareboat chartering puts the charterer in the captain's chair.
You collect the yacht from the base, you navigate, you cook, you anchor every evening.
The yacht-management company hands over the keys after a technical briefing and you bring it back at the end of the week. Certifications required in Greece: at least one person aboard must hold an internationally recognised sailing qualification - typically RYA Day Skipper or above, ASA 104, IYT Bareboat, or equivalent.
A second crew member must hold at least Competent Crew or hold a Greek-recognised radio operator's licence.
The Greek Coast Guard checks these documents on departure. What yachts are available bareboat: sailing yachts 30–55 feet, catamarans 38–50 feet, motor yachts under 50 feet (rare in Greece).
Above these sizes, bareboat is not offered - the yacht's value and complexity require professional crewing. Bareboat vs crewed cost: a bareboat 45-foot sailing yacht in the Cyclades in July is around €5,000–€8,000/week.
The same yacht crewed would be €15,000–€20,000/week.
The cost saving is real, but only if the charterer is genuinely qualified and willing to do the work - bareboat is a vacation that includes labour.
Why it matters for UHNW charterers
Bareboat is a different product than crewed chartering. UHNW buyers who say 'I want to bareboat' usually want a low-stress crewed week on a smaller yacht - in which case they should book a 50-foot crewed cat with 2 crew at €12k/week, not a bareboat 45-foot at €7k. Asking the right qualifying question is the broker's job.
Worked examples
Standard bareboat, 45-foot sailing yacht, Cyclades, 7 nights
Charter fee: €6,500. APA: not applicable (you provision yourself). Fuel/marina fees: ~€1,200. Total trip cost: ~€8,000 + your time and effort.
Bareboat catamaran, 48 feet, Ionian, 7 nights
Charter fee: €7,800. Insurance waiver: €500. Linen/cleaning: €450. Total: ~€8,700 for a yacht that crewed would be €18,000+.
Frequently asked
About bareboat charter
Can I bareboat charter a superyacht?
No. Above 50 feet, yachts are exclusively crewed. The skipper certifications required for vessels above this size (Yachtmaster Offshore minimum, often Master 200 commercial) are not held by typical charterers.
What licences do I need to bareboat in Greece?
At minimum: RYA Day Skipper or equivalent ICC for the skipper, plus VHF radio licence. A crew member with Competent Crew is also normally required.
Is bareboat insurance included?
Basic hull insurance is included but with a substantial deductible (€2,000–€5,000). Insurance waiver to reduce the deductible is sold separately at €300–€800 per week.
Can I hire a skipper for a bareboat yacht?
Yes - this is called a 'skippered charter.' You pay a daily skipper fee (~€200–€250/day in Greece) on top of the bareboat fee. Effectively a crewed charter without the chef and stewards.
Related terms
Other definitions worth knowing
Crewed Charter
A crewed charter is a yacht hire that includes a professional crew - captain, chef, deckhands, stewards -…
Day Charter
A day charter is a yacht hire of 8–12 hours typically embarking and disembarking the same day from the same …
Cabin Charter
A cabin charter is a yacht booking where the charterer rents one or more cabins (not the entire yacht), shar…
Sailing Yacht
A sailing yacht is a yacht equipped with masts and sails as its primary propulsion. Modern luxury sailing ya…
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Ready to charter in Greece?
George P. Biniaris and the George Yachts team broker yachts in Greek waters under MYBA-standard contracts. Speak with us directly.