A guide to chartering a crewed or bareboat catamaran for the ultimate sailing vacation
Catamarans
An introduction to Catamarans
Experience the allure of catamaran charters across a myriad of breathtaking destinations such as the BVI, USVI, Croatia, Italy, Greece, and the Bahamas - just to name a few. These charters are skyrocketing in popularity for good reason. Offering stability and luxury, catamarans cater to both novice sailors and seasoned adventurers, promising an unforgettable voyage where you can take the helm or simply relax and let the crew work their magic. Seamlessly blending the thrill of authentic sailing with the comfort of a luxury motor yacht, catamarans epitomize freedom on the water.
With unparalleled expertise in the world's premier sailing locales, our Charter Experts stand ready to assist, providing insights and recommendations tailored to your preferences. Embark on your exclusive getaway today by reaching out to us and kick-starting your journey into the extraordinary.
Top Catamaran Charter Destinations
Why Charter a Catamaran
Chartering a catamaran offers a plethora of reasons why guests return year after year to indulge in this unique experience. From the expansive deck space to the convenience of anchoring just meters offshore, catamarans provide unmatched stability with their dual hull design, making them a preferred choice for many. Their shallow draft allows for easy navigation in shallow waters, granting access to secluded spots that are otherwise inaccessible.
The ample deck space and panoramic views from the flybridge offer guests unprecedented freedom and relaxation. Multiple lounging areas and a wide beam contribute to a comfortable journey, especially for those prone to seasickness. Catamarans excel in fuel efficiency while sailing between islands, ensuring a peaceful voyage for everyone onboard.
Inside, the spacious main salon serves as a retreat from the elements, with its central location acting as a natural wind blocker. The cabins, located in separate hulls, offer privacy and ample sleeping quarters, making them ideal for couples or small groups.
Catamarans seamlessly integrate outdoor living with indoor comforts, with fewer stairs and open access between the main deck and galley. Their proximity to the water allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the marine environment, while sun-seekers can bask in the warmth on the deck, which provides superior comfort compared to traditional sailing yachts. With its versatility and luxury amenities, a catamaran promises an unparalleled sailing experience for all who embark on its decks.
Catamaran Manufacturers
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Fountaine Pajot
Fountaine Pajot Catamarans are acclaimed for their innovative design, superior performance, and luxurious comfort, providing an unparalleled sailing experience.
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Lagoon
Lagoon Catamarans are celebrated for their spacious, stylish designs and exceptional stability, making them a popular choice for comfortable and enjoyable sailing.
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Sunreef
Sunreef Catamarans are renowned for their luxurious, custom-built yachts that combine innovative design with exceptional performance and comfort.
Best Crewed & Bareboat Catamarans Worldwide
Chartering a Catamaran with High Tide Yacht Charters
While we have access to the full spectrum of yachts available on the charter market, we choose to collaborate exclusively with the finest vessels. Our unparalleled expertise in the catamaran charter industry continues to expand through regular interactions with captains and crews, conducting onboard inspections, and participating in industry shows to enhance our curated fleet of top-tier catamarans.
High Tide Yacht Charters boasts an extensive selection of catamarans tailored to diverse preferences and needs. We prioritise understanding your requirements, offering recommendations from our vast inventory, and ultimately refining the options to ensure the perfect fit for you. Often, we've personally visited the boats, established relationships with the crew and charter operators, and can provide impartial advice based on firsthand experiences. As your dedicated charter agent, our services are complimentary, with guaranteed best prices and no obligation until you sign a contract.
Catamaran Interior & Layouts
The interior space and layout of a catamaran set it apart from other yachts. Below, we present the layouts of some of our most sought-after catamarans, offering insight into their comparative floor plans, living areas, and sleeping accommodations. This overview aims to assist you in selecting the ideal catamaran that perfectly aligns with your preferences and needs.
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3-Cabin Layout
An ideal choice for families, a 3-cabin catamaran layout offers a spacious "owner's suite" in one hull, providing parents with privacy and ample space. This suite often includes a work area for added convenience, allowing for business activities during the trip. The opposite hull typically houses two cabins, offering plenty of room and either a shared bathroom or ensuites. Additionally, this layout provides great comfort for longer charter periods.
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4-Cabin
Privacy is a priority in every cabin, with the option to share a head with one other guest or enjoy the luxury of individual ensuite facilities. In this layout, you'll find four queen cabins, each thoughtfully designed with its own ensuite bathroom and shower. This configuration is perfectly suited for hosting up to four couples, ensuring that every guest experiences equal comfort and convenience throughout their stay aboard the catamaran.
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5-Cabin
In the 5-cabin configuration, privacy remains paramount in each cabin, offering guests their own private ensuite. This layout boasts five spacious cabins, each featuring a comfortable queen-sized bed and its own ensuite bathroom with shower facilities. With ample accommodation for up to five couples, this arrangement ensures that all guests experience the same level of comfort and convenience throughout their voyage aboard the catamaran.
Understanding the costs of a Crewed Catamaran
But before you set sail, it's crucial to understand the costs involved and how to navigate them. Let's dive into the details of chartering a yacht and break down the expenses for a group of eight guests, using an example like ALICE, with high-season rates.
Understanding the Basics
Chartering a yacht involves renting the entire vessel, along with its crew, for a specified period. This would include a captain, a deckhand and/or host/hostess and your very own private chef. The cost of chartering includes various factors such as the yacht's size, amenities, destination, seasonality, and additional expenses like VAT and provisions.
Breaking Down the Costs
Let's take the example of ALICE, a fantastic Lagoon 46 based in Athens with a high-season rate of €15,500 per week, excluding taxes and provisions. In Greece, a 13% VAT applies to yacht charters, and there's typically a 30% Advanced Provisions Allowance (APA) for covering expenses like food, fuel, and mooring fees.
Here's an outline of what the Advanced Provisions Allowance (APA) typically covers:
Advanced Provisions Allowance (APA):
Marina Fees:
Docking or mooring fees at various ports and marinas throughout the charter.
Provisions for the Week:
Food: Including groceries, fresh produce, seafood, meats, snacks, and any special dietary requirements for guests.
Household Supplies: Such as cleaning products, toiletries, and other essential items needed during the charter.
Chef's Ingredients: High-quality ingredients for preparing gourmet meals onboard.
Fuel for Engines and Generators:
Fuel for powering the yacht's engines and generators during navigation and while anchored.
Fuel for tenders and water sports equipment, such as jet skis and motorized toys.
Alcoholic and Soft Drinks:
Alcoholic Beverages: A selection of wines, spirits, beers, and cocktails for guests to enjoy during the charter.
Base Charter Rate:
ALICE's weekly rate for July & August: €15,500
Greek VAT (13%): €15,500 * 0.13 = €2,015
APA (30% of base rate): €15,500 * 0.30 = €4,650
Total Cost: €15,500 (base rate) + €2, 015 (VAT) + €4,650 (APA) = €22,165
Cost per Person
With eight guests sharing the expenses, let's divide the total cost:
Total Cost: €22,165
Cost per Person: €22,165 / 8 guests ≈ €2,770.00 per person + Gratuity ranges from 10% to 15% of the total charter cost, depending on the level of service provided.
Additional Considerations
While the base charter rate and APA cover most expenses, it's customary to tip the crew for their exceptional service. Gratuity typically ranges from 10% to 15% of the total charter cost, depending on the level of service provided.
Chartering a yacht offers an unparalleled experience of luxury, freedom, and adventure. By understanding the costs involved and how they're distributed among guests, you can plan your dream getaway with confidence. Whether you're exploring the Greek islands aboard ALICE or sailing to exotic destinations around the world, the memories created on a yacht charter are priceless.
Remember, it's not just about the destination; it's about the journey. So, set sail, soak in the sunsets, and make memories that will last a lifetime aboard your own private yacht.
Understanding the cost of a Bareboat & Skippered Catamaran Charter
Understanding the cost of a bareboat or a skippered catamaran charter is essential for planning a memorable sailing adventure. Several factors contribute to the overall expense, including the size and type of catamaran, the duration of the charter, the destination, and any additional amenities or services requested. While bareboat charters typically exclude the cost of fuel, provisioning, docking fees, and optional extras such as skipper or hostess services, it's crucial to factor these expenses into your budget. Additionally, seasonal fluctuations and special offers may impact pricing, making it beneficial to book in advance and compare quotes from various charter companies. By carefully considering these factors and working closely with your charter expert, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable sailing experience within your budgetary constraints.
Understanding the Basics
Chartering a bareboat or a skippered yacht involves renting the entire vessel, for a specified period. The the cost of chartering includes various factors such as the yacht's size, amenities, destination and seasonality. However, the big different between the Bareboat & Skippered Catamaran charters vs a Crewed Catamaran charter is that all expenses are additional.
Understanding the additional Costs
Let's take the example of a Fountaine Pajot Elba 45, based in Athens with a high-season rate of €11,900 per week, including taxes.
However there are typically obligatory extras that are required as additional expenses such as a ‘Service Pack’ and some yachts require an obligatory ‘Damage Waiver’ but this is dependent on the supplier.
A ‘Damage Waiver’ is a one of non-refundable fee to reduce the ‘Security Deposit’.
The ‘Security Deposit’ is a refundable balance paid at the point of embarkation which typically a ‘pre-authorisation transaction’ held over a credit card. You will receive the full balance if the yacht is returned in the condition that it was presented to you. If there is damage, or any deductions, during your charter you will be charged by the supplier from this balance. We strongly recommend that you identify and document any damage that maybe on the yacht prior to the handover.
If you decide to charter a skipper and/or hostess, their wages will be additional on top of the charter fee, they are typically paid in cash at the point of embarkation. You will also be responsible for the crew’s food and as well as your own provisions during your charter. They will also require a cabin.
Charter Fee Example:
The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 weekly rate for 27th July to 3rd August: €11,900
Service Pack (Obligatory): €300
Damage Waiver (Obligatory): €420 (Reduces the Refundable Security Deposit from €3,000 to €600
Skipper (Optional): €1,330 + food
Hostess (Optional): €1,260 + food
Total Cost: €15,210 (This does not include the price of Provisions, Fuel, Marina fees and Water etc…)
Speak with your Charter Expert for estimations on these additional costs are they vary based on the yacht, location, itinerary and seasonality and it is important to factor these costs into your budget.
Top Crewed Catamarans