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Six kinds of charter

The word “charter” covers six different products. They can share a vessel and still differ in who is legally in charge, how many people may sleep aboard, and what the price includes. Start here, then narrow by where you want to sail.

BareboatYou are the skipper. The operator hands over the vessel, assesses your experience first, and can decline the handover if conditions or competence do not stack up.
11 operators2 states3 regions
Skippered day sailA professional skipper runs the boat for a few hours. Confirm the planned activities, guest participation and boarding times.
16 operators3 states3 regions
Private crewedThe whole vessel and its crew for your group alone. The usual choice for celebrations, for guests with no sailing experience, and wherever catering matters.
15 operators3 states2 regions
Shared overnightA berth on a scheduled multi-day sailing trip alongside other travellers, priced per person rather than per vessel.
19 operators3 states4 regions
Learn to sail and raceStructured instruction, or a place on a racing crew. Confirm the instruction, participation and experience level for the proposed trip.
1 operators1 states
Heritage and tall shipSailing aboard a working heritage vessel or a square-rigged replica, with guest roles and facilities that vary by vessel and trip.
0 operators0 states
By occasion10 reasons people charter, from weddings to memorials By guest countSix bands, from two guests to more than thirty By builder and hullFountaine Pajot, Leopard, Lagoon, Seawind and more Compare operatorsPublished fleets, formats and contact details side by side By itinerary15 day-by-day routes, from a harbour day sail to ten days in the Kimberley By monthWhich grounds are in their window, January to December

Not sure which applies? The charter types guide sets out the survey, staffing and pricing differences, and the how to choose guide works through it as a decision.