⚓ BOAT&YARD
Charter

Chartering with and without a licence

What qualifications you need to charter a yacht and how to get out on the water before you have a licence.

A sailing yacht heeling in the wind

For a bareboat charter (without a skipper) the company usually requires a sailing licence and — in many sea areas — an SRC radio operator's certificate. Requirements differ between countries, so always confirm them with the operator.

No licence yet? You have two options: a charter with a skipper, who will sail the yacht and teach you along the way, or a trip as crew to build up miles before the exam.

On inland waters (for example the Masurian lakes) smaller yachts can often be sailed without a licence — the rules allow boats up to a set length. Always check the current regulations for the area.

Charter companies and the real fees

An indicative summary in EUR, as of July 2026; prices depend on the season, the sailing area and the model of yacht. For a charter without a licence the skipper's cost is the key figure. The links lead to the companies' websites.

Trips with a skipper (no licence needed)
  • Sunsail
    the skipper is added to a bareboat charter; no licence needed, sails the yacht and trains the crew    skipper approx. €160–320 (≈$186–372)/day
  • The Moorings
    skippered charter worldwide; skipper plus hostess option on larger boats    skipper approx. €285 (≈$331)/day
  • Dream Yacht Charter
    charter with a skipper or cabin charters without a licence, a berth per person    skipper approx. €200–280 (≈$232–325)/day
  • Navigare Yachting
    Croatia/Greece, sailing without a licence under a skipper's supervision with basic training    skipper approx. €190–250 (≈$221–291)/day
  • Pitter Yachting
    skipper and hostess on request; the skipper's meals are down to the crew    skipper approx. €200–260 (≈$232–302)/day
  • Kiriacoulis
    Greece and the Mediterranean; skippered charter with no licence required, a berth for the skipper    skipper approx. €180–240 (≈$209–279)/day
Aggregators with a “with skipper” filter
  • Click&Boat
    a “with or without a licence” filter; boats with a skipper included or at extra cost from various owners    from approx. €700 (≈$814)/week + skipper
  • SamBoat
    skipper on average approx. €200 (≈$232)/day; a “with skipper” option on every listing    skipper approx. €200 (≈$232)/day
  • Sailica
    international platform; easy to pick a boat with a professional skipper    skipper as per the offer
  • Yacht-Rent
    Croatia/Greece/Italy; cabin charters and skippered trips with no licence required    from approx. €900 (≈$1,046)/week + skipper
Regional variants (Masuria, no licence)
  • MUNDI Czarter
    lakes without an offshore licence; skipper on request plus meals    skipper approx. €70–110 (≈$81–128)/day
  • Marigo
    trips with a skipper and motor yacht handling lessons    skipper approx. €90 (≈$105)/day

Sources: Sunsail (skippered), The Moorings, SamBoat, Croatia Charter Cost Guide 2026, Click&Boat

Useful guides

In brief

  • Bareboat at sea: usually a licence plus SRC — confirm with the operator
  • Without a licence: charter with a skipper or sail as crew
  • Inland waters: smaller yachts often without qualifications