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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.
12 operators3 states5 regions
Skippered day sailA professional skipper runs the boat for a few hours. You get the scenery and as much hands-on sailing as you want, with a fixed departure and return.
23 operators7 states14 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.
35 operators8 states18 regions
Shared overnightA berth on a scheduled multi-day sailing trip alongside other travellers, priced per person rather than per vessel.
20 operators6 states9 regions
Learn to sail and raceStructured instruction, or a place on a racing crew. The objective is competence or teamwork, not a passive cruise.
12 operators6 states4 regions
Heritage and tall shipSailing aboard a working heritage vessel or a square-rigged replica, usually run by a trust and often crewed in part by volunteers.
6 operators5 states1 regions
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

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.