Contents
Crewed vs bareboat — the difference
On a bareboat charter you hire the yacht alone and skipper it yourself, which requires a recognised sailing licence and real experience. On a crewed charter the crew comes with the yacht, so anyone can go — no licence, no qualifications, no responsibility for the boat.
A TrimTeam charter comes either way. With a crew, a licensed captain runs the yacht; on larger catamarans and sailing yachts a host or cook joins to look after meals and service. Bareboat, you take the helm yourself — that needs a licence and real experience, and it costs less.
Bareboat, skippered or crewed — the three options
The skipper is the smallest line in the budget and the one that removes the biggest barrier: about €190–210 a day plus their food, which over a week is a fraction of the total. That is why every price on this site already includes the captain — see what a catamaran week in Greece costs for the full breakdown.
| Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence needed | Yes | No | No |
| Who sails | You | Professional captain | Professional captain |
| Cooking and service | You | You | Host or cook included |
| Typical extra cost | — | €190–210 / day for the skipper | Included in the weekly rate |
| Best for | Qualified sailors | Groups wanting ease, no licence | Celebrations, full service |
What the crew does for you
- Captain: navigation, safety, route planning, anchoring, and local knowledge of the best coves and harbours.
- Host or cook (on larger yachts): meals aboard, drinks and service, keeping cabins and the saloon in order.
- You: choose the pace, the swims and the stops — and never touch a rope unless you want to.
Who a crewed charter is for
Crewed charters suit families, groups of friends, couples and first-timers — anyone who wants a week (or a day) on the water without the work or the qualifications. It is also the natural choice for celebrations and corporate days, where you want to be present with your guests rather than running the boat.
What it costs
A crewed Mediterranean charter is quoted as one transparent, all-in price with the crew included — what you pay depends on the yacht, the length of the trip, the season and your group size. See our guide to what a charter costs for the full breakdown, or ask Helm for a live price on your exact dates.