Do you long for the freedom of a live-aboard lifestyle? Fancy exploring turquoise waters and deserted beaches on a boat you can’t afford? Ever wondered if you could hoist a mainsail? If yes, then bareboat sailing could be right up your passage.
It’s hard to fathom that anyone would be prepared to hand over their million-dollar sailboat to a complete novice, someone without a boat license or years of nautical experience. But they do.
Chartering a boat ‘bare’ means agreeing to operate and navigate the vessel yourself for a short period of time (anything from a few days to weeks depending on your budget). No skipper. No crew. Just the friends or family that you invite.
The experience gives you choice over where you go, what you do and how long you want to be somewhere. No regimented itineraries, no waiting for strangers or compromising on activities. Sound like bliss?
Bareboating is particularly popular in the sun-kissed, calm waters of the Caribbean, Whitsunday Islands, and the Mediterranean, where conditions make it easy for beginners to learn the ropes. This means anyone comfortable with being on a boat can give it a try. So long as you have a basic understanding of how boats work on water, you can don that Captain’s hat and set course for a secluded cove.
Aye Aye Captain
Feeling queasy with responsibility? Don’t worry, on-boarding inductions are thorough. Experienced staff will spend several hours briefing you on the safety features and teach you skills to drive, sail and anchor. While prior technical knowledge is not essential, it helps if you can listen to instructions, read a chart, and problem solve.
Things can get a little physical if the wind gets up so the ability to move around the boat safely, pull on a rope and swim is useful. Knowing how to immerse yourself in the magic of where you are should be a given.
Before the charter company gives you the heave-ho, you’ll need to show that you can handle the boat under power, tie-up, drop the anchor, and pick up a mooring. If you, or the instructor, are struggling to cast off any doubts, there may be an option to hire a skipper until you get the hang of it. Worst case scenario you stay put, pop the champagne and chill in the yacht club for a week.
What to expect
Boats vary in size and price depending on the level of luxury you desire. Twin-hull catamarans are frequently used for bareboat charters as they offer more stability and deck space than a mono-hull. The bigger the boat, the more you need to manage so give some thought to how many people you want in your crew, and the tasks you might need help with. Did someone say sunset hors d'oeuvres and cocktails?
Cabins typically sleep two people comfortably in a double or bunk bed and include a small locker space for personal items. Compact internal bathrooms squeeze in a marine toilet, shower, and washbasin, and many boats feature a breezy deck hose to rinse off the after-swim salt.
Your new home away from home should come stocked with boating essentials including tools, emergency equipment, kitchen appliances, and cooking implements. Linen, float toys, snorkelling gear, and audio-visual connections may vary so check what you need before you arrive. A week without coffee or popular music could result in a mutiny.
Staying Safe
Conditions can change quickly on the water. The designated skipper must maintain a good awareness of their environment and the wellbeing of their crew. Your charter company may schedule a regular check-in via radio or satellite phone to provide a weather update and make sure everything is ship-shape.
If you’re worried about being a fish out of water, learn the basics before you leave home. Sign up to a ‘come and try’ sailing day at your local yacht club. Find a mate with a boat and ask if you can crew. Apply for your boat license or skipper’s ticket. Watch all five Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Smooth Sailing
While diving into a bareboat experience for the first time may sound daunting, with a little preparation and a healthy appetite to try life on the tranquil seas, you too will be hooked.
Read up on your destination and plan a route. Include a few contingency options in case the winds change or the rum punch gets the better of you. Allow plenty of time to get to your next anchorage (where you plan to sleep overnight). Know how long it will take to get there and work backward to figure out what time you need to set sail.
Plan your food menu ahead of time and shop accordingly. There is a limit to what can be stored in cupboards and fridges and, depending on your route, access to re-supply may not be feasible.
Bring a reusable water bottle and buy large water containers to refill rather than using single-use plastic. Ration water use for showers, dishes, and toileting. A blocked toilet in a confined space is a quick way to soil friendships.
Pack light to maximise the space you have in your berth, but don’t forget sun protection, warm and waterproof clothing.
Watch out for what other boats are doing and try to give them plenty of space – they may not be as experienced as you!
Pay close attention to tide times, markers and instructions designed to protect the beautiful marine environment.
Learn the lyrics to a few sea shanties. Everyone should know what to do with a drunken sailor.
WHEN TO GO
Whitsundays: June–August offers cooler temperatures and humpback whales. December–March is the wet season and can be hot.
Carribean: Early Summer (March–June) offers fewer tourists and the tropical fruit and flowers are in season.
Mediterranean: May–June or September–October is comfortably warm without the crowds.
BOATING LINGO
Pick Anchor
Port Left
Starboard Right
Hoist Lift
Sheet Sail ropes
Bow Front
Stern Back
Fore In front
Aft Behind
Gunwale Boat wall
Scupper Drainage hole
Jib Foresail
Head Toilet