Captain-only Yachts for charter are a great way to experience the Caribbean and Bahamas. Maybe after connecting through Puerto Rico, you will board your charter to visit destinations such as Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, and Virgin Gorda, all while sailing the trade winds by line sight. Do you enjoy cooking your meals? And relish a more independent vacation with the sailing responsibility in the captain’s hands. Then this may be an excellent option for you, your friends, and your family.
Your captain discusses your vacation dreams and plans the trip based on this and the weather. Most captain-only yachts are available in the Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Some of the captain’s only yacht charters will also include a first mate.
Captain only yachts for charter virgin islands catamaran Guiding Light
Captain only catamaran “GUIDING LIGHT.“
The captain of GUIDING LIGHT, a captain-only catamaran, will cook three days out of the week and provide at the client’s expense to save time. He is a great host.
Your captains are very experienced, have sailed these waters, and know where the best snorkel spots are. And indeed the best restaurant options, beaches, and onshore entertainment.
Captain-only charters are available on sailing catamarans, mono-hull sailboats, power catamarans, and powerboats. These can be chartered in the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Antigua, St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and St. Lucia. The most popular sailing area is the Virgin Islands, and it is pretty much any time of year. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Experience the Adventure of Captain-Only Yachts for Charter
*Note; some of the charters below indeed have a cook/steward while others have a captain-only option. Please read the comments in the e-brochure.
Captain the Course of Your Dream Vacation: Exploring Captain-Only Yacht Charters
Does a full crew yacht feel a bit too crowded? Then, captain-only yachts for charter are the next best option. Learn about the stunning sailing catamaran Guiding Light! It offers a unique yachting experience that combine freedom and guidance.
Get ready to know the essentials of a captain-only charter. Learn more about what to expect on your adventure, from provisioning the yacht to enjoying water toys, and compare it to the traditional all-inclusive crewed option.
So, buckle up and get ready to discover if a captain-only charter is what you’re looking for.
What is a Captain Only Boat Charter?
A Captain-only yacht charter is semi-inclusive, with at least a captain and sometimes a first mate. The captain drives the yacht, and you care for everything else, including cooking and housekeeping.
With a Captain-only boat charter, you assist the captain in sailing. You can even pick up a few sailing techniques along the way.
You cook for everyone, clean the galley, make your bed, and clean the head. What’s the best part? Your cost is typically 75% of a fully crewed yacht.
In summary, you are responsible for covering the cost of all provisions: food, beverage, and ice consumed onboard (including the captain’s meals). In addition, the running expenses include fuel for the yacht, generator, and tender. Also, mooring fees and requested dockage, including cruising taxes, National Park fees, and custom clearance fees.
It is a great way to enhance your boat handling skills. And save a little money.
You and your group are the Crew on a Captain-Only yacht charter. The captain is a guide, advisor, and helmsman who sails the yacht. Some roles involve the charterer, including cooking, basic cleaning behind themselves, ensuring clean linens, etc.
Unlike a bareboat charter with no captain or crew, Captain Only yachts include water sports equipment. Mostly, you will like snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, etc. Scuba diving is available on some boat charters for an additional charge.
The overall responsibility of the yacht remains with the captain. All captains are fully qualified. And most are often owners/operators of the yacht. They have made sailing a full-time and permanent part of their lives.
An example of a Captain only catamaran charter
Captain-only Yachts for charter are a great way to experience the Caribbean and Bahamas. Maybe after connecting through Puerto Rico, you will board your charter to visit destinations such as Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, and Virgin Gorda, all while sailing the trade winds by line sight.
Do you enjoy cooking your meals? And relish a more independent vacation with the sailing responsibility in the captain’s hands. Then this may be an excellent option for you, your friends, and your family.
Your captain discusses your vacation dreams and plans the trip based on this and the weather. Most captain-only yachts are available in the Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Some of the captain’s only yacht charters will also include a first mate.
It is a 41-foot lagoon sailing catamaran that provides crewed and captain-only charter options.
It can accommodate up to 6 guests and accommodate up to 3 queen cabins.
The captain of GUIDING LIGHT, a captain-only catamaran, will cook three days out of the week and provide at the client’s expense to save time. He is a great host.
Your captains are very experienced, have sailed these waters, and know where the best snorkel spots are. And indeed, the best restaurant options, beaches, and onshore entertainment.
Captain-only charters are available on sailing catamarans, mono-hull sailboats, power catamarans, and powerboats. These can be chartered in the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Antigua, St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and St. Lucia. The most popular sailing area is the Virgin Islands, and it is pretty much any time of year. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
What to expect on a captain-only yacht?
If you’re dreaming of a private yacht vacation but prefers a less crowded yacht, then a captain-only charter might just be what you need. But before you set course, here’s what you need to be prepared for:
Your captain is a skilled guide, not a genie. He will navigate your through the Caribbean seas and ensure safety. But, unlike a fully crewed yacht, you have to rely on yourself in terms of housekeeping and food.
You’ll have a share of responsibility on board. Provisioning the yacht with food, drinks and essential supplies will be one of your tasks. This can be tricky especially if you are unfamiliar with an area or have dietary restrictions. You might also need to do a little more packing as you will need extra supplies for remote locations.
Be prepared to be your captain’s right hand. While the captain handles the “major stuff,” be prepared to lend a hand with minor tasks. This could involve helping with docking lines, raising the sails (if sailing yacht), or keeping an eye out for other vessels.
Say goodbye to gourmet meals (unless you’re a professional chef). There’s no one to prepare restaurant-quality meals for you. You will be relying on your own culinary skills unless someone from your family or group is a chef. So, ensure to plan your meals beforehand.
Don’t expect a full-blown floating water park. Most captain-only charters include water toys such as kayaks, paddleboards, or snorkeling gear. You can still have fun even with these basic water toys. Afterall, you will also be responsible for deploying and securing these toys.
Be Your Own Entertainment Director: While the captain might offer some local insights, planning your itinerary and activities falls on your shoulders. Research destinations, book shore excursions if desired, and pack plenty of games or entertainment options for downtime on board.
A cost-effective option. Captain-only charters are relatively cheaper compared to a fully crewed yacht. It is also a chance to truly experience freedom and enjoy complete private yacht vacation.
Why Book Captain-only Yachts for Charter?
Increased Privacy: With just a captain on board, guests have complete control on social interactions. There’s no crew presence in living areas, allowing for a more intimate and secluded experience.
Cost-Effectiveness: Captain-only charters are generally cheaper than fully crewed yacht. However, there could be additional charter fees that you should prepare for such as provision for food, water, supplies and mooring fees.
Customization: Clients have more control over the itinerary and activities. They can set their own pace, choose destinations, and plan meals on their own.
Prior Experience: Seasoned travelers and sailing enthusiasts who are comfortable handling basic yacht operations might prefer a captain-only option. You can enjoy the freedom of sailing with your family or friends while having an expert on board for navigation and safety.
Pet-Friendly Options: Some captain-only charters are more open to accommodating pets on board. This is especially beneficial for guests who want their fur-pets to join their yachting adventure.
What is the difference between captain-only yachts and an all-inclusive crewed yacht charter?
Captain-only yacht charter
All-inclusive yacht charter
There’s only the captain to navigate the yacht. No additional crew for guest services, housekeeping, or meal preparation.
Offers a full crew, including a captain, chef, and stewardess (or steward). They cater to your every need, from preparing meals and cleaning the yacht to managing logistics and itinerary planning.
More hands-on experience with securing supplies. Requires more planning and coordination before the trip. You will help in some basic yacht operations like docking or sail handling with the captain’s guidance.
Provide a luxurious, all-inclusive experience. The crew takes care of everything. They will prepare meals, clean the yacht, and even help plan activities or suggest charter destinations based on your interests.
Recommended for budget-conscious traveler. It offers a lower charter fee.
Recommended for those who can pay for premium price due to additional crew and services. A truly luxurious vacation experience.
You have more control over the itinerary and activities, and meals.
You can still personalize and discuss your preferences with the crew. They can have more suggestions about activities, and restaurants.
Overall, it all boils down to what your priority is. Do you go for luxurious or a more budget friendly adventure?
The only solution is to speak to a reputable charter company to discuss the specifics. They can help you choose the right yacht, and suitable charter destinations.
Book only with the Experts in Yacht Chartering
Captain-only yachts for charter offers a unique blend of freedom, adventure, and cost-effectiveness for a yachting escape. If you’re an experienced sailor or a group looking for a more intimate and customizable vacation, a captain-only charter could be perfect for you.
With the BVI SAIL team, you get expert advice from yacht charter brokers who are passionate about what they do.
They can match you with the ideal captain-only yacht and destination. More so, the BVI SAIL team will handle all the complexities, from provisioning to itinerary planning. Thus, ensuring your captain-only adventure is a seamless and unforgettable experience.
