yacht skipper verdienst

Becoming a skipper: qualifications, trainings, remuneration ..

In a global context where the figures of the nautical sector are rather positive, the demand for skippers is growing every year. Becoming a skipper is a real passion coupled with a solid training. Capt’n Boat explains the role of a professional skipper, his trainings, his missions and his remuneration system.

A skipper is the person in charge of the navigation of a boat . He provides paid passenger transport (charter) as well as delivery (boat delivery) of pleasure boats from one port to another, he offers training services (sailing course) and improvement, or he sails a sailboat in sporting competitions (races).

1. What is a skipper?

The skipper is the only master on board . Thus, he is responsible for all the tasks and actions necessary on the boat:

• Driving the engines and electrical installations
• Relations between the crew and the client
• Safety and security of the passengers and the ship
• Management of the crew
• Hygiene on board and health of passengers
• Maintenance and repair of the vessel
• Radio communications

The skipper also plays an important role in the animation of life on board.

2. What are the missions of a skipper ?

The missions of a skipper are quite varied. A skipper works most often for vacation organizations, boat rental companies and takes summer guests on cruises. During the off season, he or she is more often employed to deliver private boats.

A. Boat deliveries

The mission of delivery consists, for a professional skipper, to convey a ship for a remuneration, between two ports or two sites by sea.

Generally, it is about :

• Driving boats to a shipyard for maintenance or wintering
• Routing boats to a race start
• Conveying boats to the home port following a purchase

B. Boat coaching

The improvement or coaching is an educational mission. The skipper’s objective is to teach the fundamentals of navigation and the use of a boat.

The services of a skipper are generally requested to:

• Train an owner following a boat purchase
• Propose improvement courses to owners in order to be more comfortable on their boat

C. Cruise with a skipper

Going on a cruise with a skipper is a good compromise to enjoy both the navigation and the sea air without being embarrassed by maneuvers, anchorages…

We also talk about doing charter missions with clients.

3. Which training to become a skipper?

A. internationally.

The most common certificate to work internationally as a skipper is the Yachtmaster . The Yachtmaster is an English degree from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), recognized by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and throughout the world. It allows skippers to command pleasure boats up to 24 meters long, and up to 200 miles from the coast. It has 3 levels and each one have limitations: Coastal, Offshore and Ocean.

To obtain the Yachtmaster, the candidate must be over 18 and have at least 1000 miles of navigation in 1st or 2nd category (corresponding to the distance from the coast). The theoretical tests cover a wide range of subjects such as:

• The ship and its components (technical, engine, electrical installations)
• Navigation in all its states (coastal and offshore, day and night)
• Maritime law relating to events at sea
• Meteorology and hydrology
• Sanitary conditions on board

The practical test takes place during a 12-hour navigation. It includes a night phase, a man overboard exercise as well as port maneuvers.

The Yachtmaster must be completed with a “Commercially Endorsed” endorsement in order to be used on commercial services for profit. To obtain this endorsement, the skipper must obtain the Professional Practices and Responsibilities certificate (PPR), the Basic Safety Training (BST), and the MCA Medical Examination (ENG1).

B. In France

In France, there are 2 main types of skipper certificates:

• The Merchant Navy certificates (Captain 200, Captain 500, Captain 3000…) for fishing and trade. Merchant Navy diplomas are authorized for boat deliveries and charters.

A Captain 200 Voile certificate is compulsory to work as a professional skipper in France. This certificate allows you to work as a professional skipper in yachting and sailing, either to carry passengers (12 maximum) on ships of less than 200 tons (about 24 m), or to drive a ship for a third party.

In order for the Captain 200 to be effective, you must also hold the BST, ROC/GOC, EM1 and a Medical Checkup .

• The State Certificates (BPJEPS, BEES ..), are qualified to carry out only training.

C. Yachtmaster or french title?

There is no one title better than another. It all depends on what type of vessel you want to work on.

If you want to work on French flagged vessels, Capt’n Boat recommends that you opt for the French titles. Otherwise, the Yachtmaster titles are a good option if you want to work on foreign flags.

There is now a gateway to work on a French flag with a Yachtmaster : the Master 200 GT.

4. Qualifications and obligations of the skipper

A skipper’s ability to make decisions, sense of responsibility, interpersonal skills, dynamism, initiative, composure and great resistance to physical and nervous fatigue are essential qualities for a skipper. The journeys can be long and the customers demanding, a skipper must therefore be able to adapt his behavior to each situation and people, he must be versatile, available and autonomous.

In any case, being a skipper is a “passion job” that requires a lot of investment. The human element is an essential part of this job, especially for charter services.

5. Remuneration of the skipper

The cost of a professional skipper varies according to the service (boat delivery, charter, coaching), the duration of the service, the sailing area, the size of the boat and the number of passengers :

• For charters, the remuneration is a daily rate. Example : In Croatia, a skipper is paid at least 240€/day ; In France, 300€/day ; In Saint Marteen, 250€/day ; In Greece, 240€/day ; In the Bahamas, 350€/day ; etc ..

The price varies according to the geographical area, each country has its own minimum wage. 

• For boat deliveries, the remuneration is per nautical mile. Here, the wage is the same internationally : 3,5€ per nautical mile.

Want to become a skipper? Capt’n Boat offers you a professional marketplace

Here is a similar article: How to become a yacht stewardess: The fundamentals of the job 👈

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Skipper on a Yacht – The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to sailing trips and holidays, a lot of people appear misinformed that it requires extensive knowledge of oceanic navigation as well as operating a boat.

The comforting truth, on the contrary, is that a sailing trip can be enjoyed by complete novices as much as any sailing pro.

Almost all yacht charter companies these days provide a skippered boat with a crew in addition to regular bareboat charters.

In other words, you can enjoy the freedom of being all by yourself in the serene blue ocean without any stress and responsibility.

In fact, in my early experiences on charter boats, I almost always had professional and experienced skippers in charge of navigation and operation. Even now, I often go on sailing holidays with a skipper on a yacht.

In this article, you can learn all about the benefits of hiring a skippered boat, tips to hire a professional and experienced captain, what you can legitimately expect from the skipper during your sailing trip as well as other relevant information.

Table of Contents

Responsibilities of the Skipper

The primary reason for chartering a skippered boat is to hand over the navigation and operation of the yacht to someone who has the necessary experience and knowledge.

In the case of your skipper, you can expect him to ensure the safe passage of the boat through responsible boat handling and safe seamanship.

In the case of a fully crewed yacht, the responsibilities of the skipper include making sure the crew understand and carry out their roles and duties.

The skipper is expected to maintain proper coordination among the crew.

To sum up, the tasks and responsibilities of a skipper are both technical and interpersonal. Apart from operating the boat and navigating it expertly, he should also ensure that the crew is obeying his command dutifully.

Who Should Choose the Option of a Skippered Yacht?

People with no or little sailing experience would have to choose the services of a professional and experienced skipper to make their trip a success.

Skippered yachts are perfect for those who do not possess a sailor’s license but want to partake in the fun of a sailing holiday.

Also, if you are part of a large group of friends and family, and want to leave the responsibility of sailing to the skipper to enjoy the trip in a stress-free manner, then you should certainly consider a skippered boat.

A skippered boat is also ideal for people who want to sharpen their sailing skill under the watchful eye of an experienced and professional sailor.

Even experienced sailors can benefit from professionally skippered boats if you want to partake in regattas and require that extra bit of help and professional knowledge.

Planning Your Itinerary With the Skipper

One of the best advantages of having a skippered boat comes from the help you would get in planning your sailing itinerary.

The skippers on particular routes have extensive knowledge of the best locations, coves, inlets, and beaches that you and your friends would enjoy during the trip.

They can help you plan the sailing trip in a way that makes it possible for you to see and experience the most during your trip.

Also, skippers are intimately aware of the prevailing weather conditions and may help you tweak your itinerary in such a way that adverse weather does not mar your holiday.

Last, but not the least, skippers know the best and cheapest places to moor the boat so that you do not spend extra at expensive marinas.

Does the Yacht Charter Price Include in Skipper’s Fees?

Yacht charter companies do not include the fees payable to a skipper when you lease their boats.

The fees commanded by the skipper is typically done at the base office, while the invoice for the same is generated and handed over to you after the completion of the trip.

The yacht charter companies only advertise the cost of hiring their boat, without the crew, complements, and skipper, on their brochures and websites.

  Accommodation for Skipper Aboard the Boat

It is required that you reserve one of the cabins for skipper and his crew to rest and sleep in during your sailing trip.

Typically, a lot of boats have a special version for charter companies featuring extra cabins so that more people can be accommodated on the boat.

It is not required that you reserve the stateroom or other luxurious cabins for the crew. Typically, yachts come with a dedicated cabin for crew and feature bunk beds.

Who is Responsible for Skipper’s Meals?

It is customary that skippers be provided meals along with the crew by the chartering party. There is no requirement that the food should be fancy or gourmet quality, and the crew and skipper would typically eat whatever you serve.

During your trip ashore in the middle of your sailing holiday, it is considered nice to take the skipper to restaurants along with you.

However, there is no such requirement or custom, and you may just hand him enough cash for a meal at the local fast food joint.

Do’s and Don’ts for Skipper on Board the Yacht

As mentioned above, the primary role of the skipper on board the boat is to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone.

This means taking care of the technical aspects of sailing, including the correct deployment of mast and sails, safe moorings, checking the weather conditions, guiding the crew, and advise on the route.

The skipper, however, is not obligated to take the route preferred by you if they deem it dangerous due to any reason, including weather.

Similarly, you should not expect the skipper to perform menial tasks such as cleaning.

Cost of Hiring a Skipper

The cost of hiring a skipper dependent on some factors including his professional experience, the region you are sailing in, and the sailing season.

On an average, you should expect to pay between Euro 90 to 150 for each day of your sailing trip.

How to Tip the Skipper?

It is customary to tip the skipper at the end of the sailing trip. Typically, the tip works out to 10 percent of his total sailing fee.

However, if you liked his services and recommendations, then you may tip generously. The skipper will certainly appreciate it.

Advantages of Hiring a Skipper

Probably the best part of having a skippered boat is that it allows you to get the most out of your sailing holiday.

• In my personal experience, I have noticed that the presence of a professional and experienced skipper enabled us to plan our itinerary better.
• Many times, the skipper’s intimate knowledge of the local coastline and weather helped us see places that we did not expect and avoid rough weather.
• Skippers know the best places to eat during your trips ashore and have their own local sources to recommend the best places to see and visit.
• Also, you can truly enjoy a stress-free and blissful holiday with your friends and family safe in the knowledge that your boat is in capable hands.

In Conclusion

Skippered boats are probably a perfect way to introduce the joy of sailing holidays to those who have not experienced it before.

Even among those with sufficient sailing experience, there are a lot of benefits to having an experienced skipper in charge of the yacht.

There is no doubt that an experienced sailor would help you get more out of your holiday in every sense of the term. While it may be slightly costlier than bareboat charters, a skippered boat is certainly worth its price.

Need a skipper on your boat? Send your inquiry now, and you’ll receive a free skippered yacht charter quote!

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Have you already hired a skipper? If so, what was your experience? Please feel free to share it by leaving a comment just below, I’ll be glad to hear your feedback:)

Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.

Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.

7 thoughts on “Skipper on a Yacht – The Ultimate Guide”

Hi Daniella,

I just found out that I can charter a yacht with a skipper commandeering it. I was reluctant to go to the sea because I thought I have to go to a “sea” school first.

Especially, when you watch all the Hollywood movies that portray you can go on a cruise without a skipper. And then comes the storm. YUCK!

Now I can safely plan my trip with the skipper’s help. Thank you for bringing this to my attention and corrected my misinformation.

No problem. it’s a pleasure for me to inform the readers, this is the purpose of the website:)

I am happy that the misinformation has been cleared up! And, indeed, you can plan in complete tranquility your next trip with the help of a skipper, believe me, it is worth it:)

Thank you for the comment and wish you a nice day!

Thanks for the information on skippers on a yacht. I have never been on a yacht before and know very little about them except what they look like and are used for! So i enjoyed learning about the skipper as never actually heard that term before. It’s something that i would love to do one day, And the pictures make it seem like it is an amazing experience to have. Maybe one day!

Having a skipper on board is something fabulous:) You don’t need to worry about the navigation at all. They also know the environment well so you can count on him to bring you to best places as well:) Isn’t great?

Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!

Thank you for visiting my website and for the comment:) To answer your question, most charter companies offer to the client the option to hire a skipper for their sailing holiday. Skippers are not included in the price as they work independently and the cost per day will vary between 120 to 150 Euro, some, even more, depending on the skipper skill. If you own a yacht and you wish to hire a skipper, you can find one at “ Delivery Captain ” I hope it helped and if you need more information, feel free to contact me at any time, I’ll be more than happy to assist!

Have a wonderful day!

I really like your comment about how an experienced sailor would help you get more out of a holiday than sailing on your own. I imagine it would also be a good idea to work with a skipper if you plan to buy your own yacht as well, even if you plan on learning to sail (someone has to teach you, after all). I imagine that a skipper would have a lot of good information about different services as well, like yacht delivery if you plan to move for example.

I am glad you like the comment, thank you for the kind feedback:) Oh, yes, definitely, a skipper will not just navigate the boat, but he will also teach you a lot of things and will bring you to places you don’t know. A skipper is someone you can rely on!

Thank you again for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

How to be a good skipper: ooze calm and confidence but don’t shout!

• March 29, 2016

No two skippers are the same and everyone has different leadership styles, but Chris Tibbs believes certain traits will make you into a skipper that crew will want to sail with

Photo: Mahina Expeditions

We become skippers by a number of different routes; many dinghy sailors will eventually become yacht owners after years of crewing on different yachts. Sea schools are well attended and boats are often keen to take on crew from schools, allowing students to gain experience and miles to help with qualification.

There are also many people who come to sailing later in life; after buying a boat, these people tend to learn from the experience of sailing their own yacht.

I think it is also fair to say that, along with the many ways of getting into sailing and becoming a skipper, good skippers will have different leadership styles – no two are the same. Over the years, having sailed with many different skippers, I have noticed a number of common traits in a good skipper.

By melding together the points I like in a skipper this has hopefully made me a better skipper, both for when I was working commercially running yachts, and now aboard my own.

Photos: Paul Wyeth

I find that a skipper who is calm and confident goes a long way to maintaining a nice feel to a boat. Easily said, but it is a fine balance between confidence and arrogance; and being too laidback can give an impression of laziness, extending to preparations and maintenance. Staying calm and in control during a crisis rubs off on the whole crew and the boat becomes much quieter and under control.

Don’t shout

There is plenty of time for a please and thank you, along with an explanation of what needs doing and how it should be done. It also gives time to work on a solution to any problems and avoids panicked decisions. This is communication in a way that is effective and also pleasant.

People dislike being shouted at (I certainly do); it inhibits crew doing their job as they are afraid of getting it wrong, so they wait until told to do something. This can be very frustrating for a skipper, particularly when racing and the pressure is on, which in turn leads to more shouting.

Article continues below…

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I equate the amount of noise on board to be in inverse proportion to the sum of knowledge. I do find that being on a boat with a skipper who stands behind the wheel shouting at the crew is not much fun and, if asked back, will generally decline the invitation.

There is something great about helming your own boat in a race, but if you are also trying to run all aspects of the boat from behind the helm you can get stressed. Then your helming declines as your concentration jumps from one task to another.

It is much better to have a crew boss or mate who controls the running of the boat, managing manoeuvring instructions and allowing the skipper to concentrate on helming. The alternative is for the skipper to manage the running of the boat and have a different helmsman. Large racing boats will often have separate helmsman, navigator and tactician, with the skipper in overall control.

This is another important lesson: delegation and training. There are many decisions taken on board that really do not need to involve the skipper once a general plan has been made.

For example, does the skipper really need to micromanage all the food that is bought for a transatlantic passage ? By delegating a large proportion of the running of the yacht to others it does free up the skipper to focus attention on the more important issues.

5 top tips for a good skipper

• Communicate clearly.
• Stay calm and confident.
• Promote fairness and listen to your crew (treat them with respect).
• Be cheerfully available at all times, whenever called.
• Act decisively.

I skippered a yacht in the BT Global Challenge where everyone on board had an area of responsibility, although things would be discussed. We split things up in a number of ways: for example, one crewmember, who worked in the oil industry, was the safety officer.

It was their responsibility to make sure all our safety equipment was in working order and serviced. They would also give a safety briefing to new crewmembers as to where equipment was stowed and how it should be used.

By giving responsibility to a crewmember, it relieves some of the skipper’s duties, but more importantly it helps crew quickly become part of the team. During the last ARC one of our crew arrived only a couple of days before the start – immediately he set to work on a jobs list and his comment afterwards was that it allowed him to familiarise himself with the boat and made him feel part of the crew.

Part of the skipper’s job is to explain and teach; it is pointless to get angry at a crewmember for doing something wrong if they have never been shown how to do it right.

Although it is often easier to do something yourself than explain how it should be done, it is important for other members of the crew to be able to tackle particular jobs.

Then if something needs doing in a stressful situation they will not be doing it for the first time under pressure, when something is very likely to go wrong.

Some crew may not be very experienced, but all should be willing to learn – with a bit of help and encouragement they will soon become efficient crewmembers, whether for a day’s sail, or an ocean passage . I find it easier to hand over the helm when showing what I would like done rather than trying to do it from a fixed place with divided concentration.

You only have to watch manoeuvres in a marina for a short time to spot a boat getting into difficulties and a significant amount of shouting and swearing starts. The skipper has lost control of the boat and will shortly lose control of the crew, then will spend a long time contemplating the wonders of single-handed sailing.

It is important to get away from the blame culture. If something is done wrong a quiet word will be more effective than balling somebody out; most people are upset when they do something wrong and I see no point in making it worst by public humiliation.

As a skipper it is important always to be available and never to be upset or grumpy at being called, even if it turns out not to be necessary. I recall one dark night in the English Channel when the crew on watch were discussing a ship.

One was quite certain that we were passing behind the ship, the other equally certain we were passing in front. On hearing this I got up to find that there was a ship close by and where one crew was seeing the running lights, the second was seeing lights at the stern and in front of us was a wall of steel! A (very) quick gybe and all was well.

I will never ask anyone to do something that I would not be prepared to do myself; whether changing a sail on the foredeck at night in a gale, or climbing the mast . While younger, fitter crewmembers might be better suited to the task, is it safe or right for them to do it? I look at the task and ask myself would I do it? If the answer is yes I do it myself or, if the volunteer will do it better, then I may be persuaded.

If however the answer is no, then we must find another solution. As I get older I may have to change my thinking as it gets more difficult to do the tougher physical activities.

Safety first – Angus Fuller

• Safety, safety, safety – make this a priority, not just on deck, but below: in the galley, moving in the interior, even in the heads.
• Wear lifejackets at night. Always.
• Respect the environment, particularly with a view to pollution.
• Remember you can’t do everything so delegate/rely on crew wherever possible.
• Carry out drills before departure, ensure all crew understand their roles during any scenario. At halfway, have a chat, table top drill or even a full drill in order to keep the crew refreshed.
• Pay attention to detail. This applies to pretty much everything, from maintenance of systems to presentation of the yacht to monitoring the weather .
• Communicate the plan to the crew: a daily briefing on weather (lunch time is ideal), route, any change in this owing to weather and why. At sunset, issue night orders for changes in wind speed and direction.
• Ensure clear parameters are set with the crew so they know when to wake the skipper in the event of changes in weather, shipping, landfall, etc.
• Never be afraid to brief the crew before a manoeuvre – and a debrief after a manoeuvre can be a very useful process for both the skipper and crew.
• Reef when you first think about it – invariably performance doesn’t suffer that much (and is often improved) if it’s a marginal decision.
• Aim to have the yacht arrive in the same condition, or preferably better, than when you departed. By definition this means you will be looking after the yacht properly during the passage.
• Know the cruising area or stretch of water being transited. If you don’t, then heavily research it.
• Exercise seamanship to the very best of your ability at all times and instil this in your watch leaders from the outset.
• Assemble a crew who aren’t just good sailors, but compatible personalities too.

Fairness is all

You also need to be fair, whether this means splitting the watch times so all the crew are happy, or balancing meals and meal preparation. Fairness is important and it is easy to fall into routines where one person feels unfairly treated.

At the start of a long ocean passage on my boat one crewmember, who did not suffer from seasickness , ended up making drinks and snacks for everyone; this became the norm and after a few days they became unhappy because they were doing more than their fair share of galley duties.

Small things like that can quickly become big on a boat at sea. Another time I had a habit of always running the generator and watermaker at the same time of day; this became annoying for the off-watch as it made sleep more difficult, something I was not aware of at first as it did not affect me. Having a time where everyone comes together, maybe meal times, can be a good time to address small issues before they get bigger.

Part of a skipper’s responsibility to the crew is safety and this is not only their direct personal safety, but also the maintenance of the boat and equipment.

I find it useful to have plenty of discussions about what could go wrong and the equipment we have on board and how it can be used.

Man overboard practices and fire drills should be done as a matter of course, but it not always that easy, particularly on short voyages. However, a safety briefing should be done for all new crewmembers even if they are only on board for a daysail.

What is perhaps not so comfortable for skippers is having to resolve interpersonal problems. This may just involve switching the watch system around, or may mean you have to ask someone to leave: not a nice job for anyone to have to do, but a happy boat tends to be a safer boat – and faster if racing.

One problem that can become an issue on races and rallies is how hard the boat will be pushed. What might be pushing hard for a racing person will be different for a cruiser and it is easy for people to become apprehensive (or plain scared) when out of their comfort zone.

Then there is the issue of money on cost sharing or paying your way boats. It is important before committing to sail together to have a firm agreement on what is expected on both sides.

It should also be clear who is paying travel costs as, although a boat may be legally responsible for repatriating crew, most non-commercial yachts expect crewmembers to be responsible for their own travel.

Who’s the leader?

There can be times when a crewmember may be as experienced (or maybe more so) than the skipper. This can cause tension and insecurity in the skipper’s position.

For a day or so it should not be a problem, but on a longer passage a feeling of being undermined can set in. As a skipper it is useful to be open to ideas, they may be better than yours as everyone’s experiences are different, but at the end of the day the yacht is your responsibility.

Trying to get a balance between listening to, but being able to reject ideas may not be easy and can be a difficulty when taking on crew that you may not have sailed with in the past.

I have seen this a number of times in the ARC where a boat has taken on an experienced crewmember, but it has blurred the lines as to who is the skipper and caused tension.

I do find choosing a crew difficult; it does partly depend on what I am intending to do. For a long passage an enthusiastic, positive person will make up for any shortcomings in experience.

We all have to live together so getting on is important, along with a willingness to share all tasks. As we are sharing our boat, which is our pride and joy, respecting and looking after it should be a priority.

Damage will occur and owners/skippers need to be prepared for this, but a carelessly dropped saucepan on the newly varnished cabin sole is avoidable and immensely irritating.

My ultimate test is: would I be happy working on the foredeck in bad conditions with this person? A definite no-no for me is laziness, particularly crew not willing to muck in with the bad bits as well as the good.

Speak to your crew – Tom Cunliffe

• Communication is key. No ‘mushroom management‘.
• Listen/watch, crew and boat.
• Remain cheerful, or at least positive, even when woken during your watch below.
• Above all, make sure all hands are running on the same ‘motivation fuel tank‘. If they all want the same thing, you are three-quarters of the way to a happy ship.
• By all means communicate legitimate concerns, but never irrational anxieties.
• Sit down before you start, agree ship’s articles and all sign them. Everyone must know their duties. If money is involved, details of this must also be inscribed, as well as a probable route with contingencies. Then, when things turn to the bad and aggro starts, you get out the articles and read them together. End of problem (given to me by one crew of Sandefjord , which sailed in the 1950s from South Africa).

Judging competence

Choosing a skipper also has its pitfalls. Experience and competence is difficult to judge on first meeting and going for a sail together is important. Personally I would avoid a shouter at all costs.

Competence levels are more difficult to measure, but a well-run, tidy boat is a good indicator while one with a long jobs list could indicate that things have slipped.

A quick look in the bilges and at the engine can give a clue as to maintenance and a check on lifejackets will show thoughts on safety. I recently did a safety check on a yacht for an event to find that the owners had brand new top of the range lifejackets for themselves while the crew ones were old, without lights or sprayhoods. I am not sure I would have enjoyed sailing on that boat!

Skippering a yacht well is not an easy task, there are so many aspects to the job. It becomes easier with experience and there is no substitute for miles sailed. Good sailors are not necessarily great skippers, but good skippers must also be good sailors.

I have a great deal of respect for the late Sir Peter Blake and, although I never had the privilege to sail with him, I sailed against him on two Whitbread Round the World races . He always found time to have a friendly word and generated great crew loyalty on board his boats.

Be the best leader you can – Jim Thom

• It’s becoming progressively easier to access sophisticated weather information. A good skipper will prepare the yacht for the actual weather, not the forecast he/she’d like.
• Monitor the yacht’s position and the conditions, high and low-tech, from radar/chart plotter to barometer. Even though electronics are increasingly failsafe, a good skipper keeps a record on paper, in the log and on a chart – even the most advanced yachts can be struck by lightning , or suffer power failure . A good skipper will also listen to their senses, and to their sixth sense. They’ll ask themselves where that low swell is coming from or why the seas have become steeper. Shallow reefs may tint the underside of clouds green or blue, and the sound of breakers will hopefully never come as a surprise. Rain has a distinctive smell at sea, as does land and your nose will tell you when ice is near.
• A good skipper will look for the ‘horseshoe nail’ – lost from the messenger’s horse, it triggered the chain of events that lost a kingdom. Regular checks of the yacht, including sails and rig, deck fittings, bilges, steering, engine and machinery, will help the skipper and crew stay ahead of the law of entropy, and out of the incident pit.
• Create a flexible structure without being overly prescriptive. Agree standard practice with the crew: how lines should be made off on a cleat; how to use and make fast on a winch, how to shake out a reef, how to make engine checks, etc. Establishing basic procedures avoids surprises and allows crew to develop skills and think further. A good skipper will prevent boredom and apathy by agreeing daily routine maintenance tasks and helping to develop projects that improve the yacht and teach useful skills on board.
• A good skipper’s best attributes are not related to technical expertise, but to self management, leadership and communication skills. If you develop a set of team and personal goals then a common understanding will prevent many hot spots from forming.
• A good skipper will try to manage their own emotions, knowing the effect they can have on morale. They’ll keep an eye on each member of crew and on the mood of the team, finding reasons to celebrate together – crossing the line, halfway point, a birthday, a good day’s run, or just a great day at sea.

About the authors

Chris Tibbs is a meteorology and weather router, as well as a professional sailor and navigator, forecasting for Olympic teams and the ARC rally.

Angus Fuller is a professional skipper, MCA Chief Mate 3000GT (yachts), who has made 29 transatlantic crossings, 21 as skipper, and one transpacific crossing as skipper, plus one circumnavigation upwind and sailed over 300,000 miles.

Jim Thom has been skipper of a Robert Clarke sail training yacht, a Baltic trader, a Clipper Round the World Race yacht and for four years was captain of the Fife design Kentra . From 2003-2012 he was captain of the 125ft Fife 19 Metre Mariquita with his wife, Lucy, as mate.

Tom Cunliffe is a Yachtmaster Instructor Examiner, author of numerous books on seamanship and is a contributor to Yachting World , responsible for our ‘Great Seamanship’ features.

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Skipper’s Job and Responsibilities: What You Should Know

What exactly does the Skipper’s job entail? And what are their specific responsibilities? In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the world of sailing and explore the various duties and obligations.

What is a skipper?

A skipper is great when you want to rent a bareboat but you do not have a licence

When it comes to renting a bareboat without a license, hiring a skipper is always a wise choice. This is especially true for people who lack the knowledge and experience to sail on their own, or for those who want to enjoy a stress-free and relaxing vacation on the water. But even experienced sailors may need to hire a skipper in certain situations, such as when they want to explore new waters or unfamiliar destinations, or when they simply want to sit back and enjoy the scenery without having to worry about navigation and other technicalities.

Hiring a skipper is a great idea to learn how to operate a boat safely

When embarking on a bareboat charter, it is essential to ensure that safety is the top priority. One great way to learn how to operate a boat safely is by hiring a skipper. Not only do skippers have years of experience operating boats in various conditions and environments, but they also have extensive knowledge of safety guidelines and protocols. By having a skipper on board, you can learn firsthand the best practices for navigating through unfamiliar waters, avoiding potential hazards, and handling emergency situations. 

You could get a skipper if you don’t want the hassle and stress of handling the boat you are renting

If you are embarking on a bareboat charter but don’t have experience sailing a yacht or simply want to avoid the stress and hassle of doing it yourself, there’s no need to worry. Many charter companies offer the option of hiring a skipper to take care of the sailing for you. A skipper is a professional sailor who has the necessary expertise and qualifications to navigate the waters safely and efficiently. They are also knowledgeable about the area and can offer valuable insights on great destinations, local attractions, and hidden gems. Hiring a skipper can be an excellent choice if you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views and warm breeze of the open sea without any worries. 

Read also: Yacht Rental With Skipper And Hostess Vs Fully Crewed Charters

What is the difference between a skipper and a captain?

Like car licenses, there are different categories. But here’s the catch: it’s not just about the category, it’s about your practical experience and the miles in your logbook that really matter.

Believe it or not, you can charter a yacht in Europe with a Bareboat Skipper (IYT) / Inshore Skipper (ISSA) / Day Skipper (RYA) license. This beginner category allows you to sail 20 miles offshore during daylight hours in good weather. However, if you go beyond the 20-mile limit and encounter any issues with your yacht, your insurance might not cover it. Recently, some countries, like Greece, have started to impose restrictions on chartering yachts for skippers with “day licenses.”

The next category is the Coastal Skipper / Offshore Skipper. With this license, you can sail up to 60 miles offshore at night, still in good weather.

And finally, we have the highest category: Yachtmaster / Master of Yacht. With this prestigious license, you can embark on challenging sailing expeditions, including crossing the Atlantic. This license is truly a badge of honor among yacht owners.

What is the cost of a skipper?

The cost of hiring a skipper for a week can range from €250 to €350 per day. For a longer duration, the cost may decrease slightly. However, during peak season, the cost may be higher due to high demand. It is also important to note that in some countries, it is mandatory to hire a skipper if you do not have the necessary qualifications to sail.

Skipper’s job involves a lot of responsibilities that should not be taken lightly. Not only is he in charge of ensuring the safety of his passengers and crew, but he also plays a crucial role in protecting the marine environment and preserving its natural beauty.

Furthermore, Skipper must have extensive knowledge and experience to navigate the waters confidently and smoothly, as well as to handle any unexpected situations that may arise. He must also be an excellent communicator, able to easily convey important information to his passengers and crew, and be approachable and attentive to their needs.

Overall, being a Skipper is a challenging but rewarding career that demands a range of skills and capabilities. If you are planning a boat trip or thinking of pursuing a career as a boat captain yourself, it’s crucial to understand Skipper’s job and responsibilities fully. Only then can you appreciate just how much he does and how much he can contribute to making your boating experience safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

Read also: Mediterranean Yacht Charters: The Full Price List

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How to Qualify as a Yacht Skipper 2022

You don’t need any qualifications to sail around the United Kingdom. Yes, you heard me correctly, you don’t need to be a qualified skipper to sail in the waters around the United Kingdom.

The catch is: you need your own boat!

If you’re like me, you probably can’t afford to buy and maintain a comfortable modern family-size yacht. The costs don’t stop once you’ve bought a yacht mooring, insurance and maintenance costs keep coming. You have to be a dedicated yachtie to enough use to justify the cost.

A more sensible approach is to charter a yacht when you need it, and to do that you will need to qualify as a skipper.

Lucky for us in the UK we have the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) originally started in 1875 when sailor caps and infeasibly large walrus moustaches were required sailing apparel. The RYA is the national governing body for pretty much every form of water cruising and sail racing.

The RYA has created a series of courses that can take someone that is totally inexperienced to a fully qualified Day Skipper in 2 weeks, although most people do it in a more leisurely way!

The main courses leading to the are:

What can you do with a RYA Day Skipper qualification?

Well, I am glad you asked! The Day Skipper qualification is accepted by most charter companies in the Solent area for sailing around the Solent (in known waters). That’s assuming you did your qualification in the Solent.

But the real bonus is that your new shiny Day Skipper qualification is accepted by pretty much every charter company in the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean is a nice place to practice sailing after qualifying. It is not tidal, so there are no currents or heights of tides to worry about. So you can practice those manoeuvring, anchoring and mooring skills without worrying about the effect of tides. And there are some fantastically beautiful places to sail, the water is warm in Summer, so just jump off the boat to go swimming.

A bonus is that if you hold an RYA Day Skipper certificate, you can also apply for the ICC. It is simply a form to fill in and submit back to the RYA. The ICC or International Certificate of Competence proves the holder is a competent skipper to the internationally agreed standard. It has been adopted by a few countries, including :

• Netherlands
• Switzerland

In all other cases, foreign-flagged boat skippers are required to have the licence required by the vessel’s flag state.

In practice, it is very rare to be asked to produce the ICC, especially on holiday chartered vessels. I’ve sailed in the Mediterranean a few times with no ICC and I’ve never been asked for certificates. I would recommend checking the situation with the charter company before you travel.

Note: Since publication it has come to light that some port authorities in Greece are no longer accepting Day Skipper as a valid sailing qualification. As with most of sailing, conditions change, and regulations change, so it pays to check at the time before you travel.

For more information check the RYA’s site: https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/abroad/icc/evidence-of-competence-abroad

Sailing Qualification Courses

So what are the courses and what do you have to do on the courses?

Sailing Experience

This is not really a course, it is more a weekend of fun on a yacht! It is meant to be a taster for you to discover if you like sailing. You are normally part of a crew of 6 people with a fully qualified training skipper in control. You will learn what the pointy bit and the blunt end of a boat are called, (bow and stern by the way), and lots of other seafaring terms you can impress your friends with! The yacht will probably moor overnight somewhere and you can experience sleeping on the boat and have the delight of being rocked to sleep by the movement of the yacht in the water.

Competent Crew

So, you’ve done the sailing experience weekend and now you have a real taste for the sea. Things are now getting real! The next step is to do the Competent Crew course. This is a 5-day course that teaches you all the essential skills needed to be an active member of the crew. At the end of it, you will be able to tie up a yacht, helm, put sails up, know the difference between tack and gybe, and be able to say ‘arrrgh!’ like a real sailor!

Day Skipper

OMG! Now you are fully committed! This 7-day course is split into two: you spend 2 days in the classroom to learn how to navigate and highway code for the sea, then you spend 5 days sailing yay! You will use all the information you learned in the classroom and put it into practice on the yacht. You will learn and practice all elements of being able to manage a yacht and its crew.

The theory course has two main sections:

• general boat knowledge and navigational equipment
• navigation using charts — plotting a course to steer and estimated position
• knowledge of tides
• weather forecasting
• collision regulations and safety

The practical part of the course is putting what you learnt in the theory into practice:

• Sailing on different points of sail
• Man overboard drill
• Plotting and sailing on a course to steer
• Estimating your position from observations
• Close handling of the boat including mooring

That’s it, after you get your Day Skipper practical certificate you are now able to hire yachts from UK charter companies. The catch is that you can only sail in ‘known waters’, so the waters you have trained in.

The other positive is that you can now hire yachts from most yacht charter companies in the Mediterranean. The reason that you can hire anywhere in the Med and not anywhere in the UK is due to the UK waters being very tidal. The Med isn’t tidal and so is a lot easier to sail. Also, the weather is a lot more consistent in the Med and not as changeable as in the UK.

If you really get hooked and want to sail more and further afield, you can continue and do the Coastal Skipper qualification.

Coastal Skipper

Now you’re getting serious. After getting your Day Skipper and spending some quality time on the water crewing and skippering on yachts (you need about 300 miles, some as skipper), you can take your Coastal Skipper qualification. This is in 2 parts: the first part is the theory course (this can be done online or in the classroom), and the second part is a 5-day practical course.

The theory course has sections on:

• navigation using charts
• estimating tidal streams
• estimating tidal heights
• navigation aids
• passage planning
• meteorology
• protection of the environment

Once you pass your theory test, you can then do the Coastal Skipper practical course and test. This is a 5-day course doing lots of sailing. The instructor does an assessment of your boat handling skills over a series of fairly informal tests.

The things they will have you doing are:-

• Sailing on different points of sail.
• A morning of plotting courses and sailing them, under sail of course!
• An afternoon of Man Overboard drills both under sail and under power
• Mooring a yacht under power in different ways. You will moor the yacht on finger berths forward and reverse. Ferry gliding into a position between 2 other boats.
• Picking up mooring balls under sail
• Plot a whole day’s passage and then sail it. We sailed round the Isle of Wight.

Once you have your Coastal Skipper certificate you can hire a yacht anywhere around the UK. I can tell you there are some amazing places to sail around the UK!

More Advanced Qualifications

The Coastal Skipper qualification is probably the only qualification you need if you want to charter yachts for holiday day cruising in coastal waters anywhere in the world.

You may get ‘bitten by the bug’, and decide to sail on longer passages or maybe cross oceans and do more extreme sailing, or you may want to make a career out of sailing. For this, the RYA provide advanced sailing qualifications leading up to the full Yachtmaster Ocean qualification. Here is a rough breakdown of the quals:

Yachtmaster Coastal

If during your sailing up to now you have developed a taste for more adventurous sailing, you could refine your skills with the more advanced Yachtmaster Coastal qualification. The qualification proves that you are a very capable skipper and can command a yacht on long coastal passages.

Yachtmaster Offshore

From the Yachtmaster Coastal, the next step is the Yachtmaster Offshore qualification, this proves that you can command a yacht on offshore passages of up to 150 miles from a safe harbour.

Yachtmaster Ocean

The last qualification in this programme is the Yachtmaster Ocean qualification. Before you attempt the practical, you will need to complete the compulsory Yachtmaster Ocean Theory course. This qualification proves that you can command a yacht on passages of any length, and on ocean crossings anywhere in the world. This is also a professional qualification, which means with a commercial endorsement you could work professionally within the marine industry as a skipper. So, it could be a career change too!

Where Can You Get Trained

There are over 2400 RYA training centres countrywide in the UK that provide training courses in various formats.

The most usual learning format for practical courses on the boat is: Students share the boat with other students that are at different stages of their sailing experience. Everyone is in the same boat, literally. Everyone wants to learn, so students help and support each other during the course. During the day, students take it, in turn, to prepare lunch for everyone and there is usually the obligatory tea and coffee making. On multi-day courses, students usually sleep on board and have the option of cooking meals on board or going to a nearby pub or restaurant for an evening meal.

When you are just starting your learning path, it is very helpful to have other more experienced crew around you to help and explain things. When you are training to be a Day Skipper it helps to have people at different levels of competence to practice your delegation and people management skills.

A Stage at a Time

There are 3 stages to get to the Day Skipper qualification and I highly recommend doing this one stage at a time, especially if you are not sure it is for you. I tried the Sailing Experience weekend with my 2 sons. One of them was a bit too young and didn’t like it. The eldest went on and did the Competent Crew qualification with me. I then went on to do the Day Skipper qualification on my own. This worked out perfectly for us because we all took the level that we were comfortable with.

Theory Classroom or Online

There are several companies providing online courses for the Day Skipper Theory and the Yachtmaster Theory. These are great, there are lots of videos and examples, and they all provide instructor support via email. These are great if it takes you time to learn and absorb the information. The classroom approach is great if you want to dedicate a short space of focussed time to learning. There is on-hand face-to-face instructor support and it is a great way to get quickly up to speed without the distractions at home. I did the Day Skipper theory as classroom learning, it meant that I could do the theory part and then quickly get out on the water and apply it practically while the information was fresh in my head. It worked out well.

I took the Yachtmaster Theory as an online course and took just over a year to complete it, with all the distractions and demands at home. This also worked out well for me, there is a lot more information to absorb in the Yachtmaster Theory, compared to the Day Skipper Theory. So, it made sense to take time over it and practice really tough subjects like secondary port tide height calculations!

There are a few training centres that provide fast-track courses to Day Skipper. If you are certain that sailing IS for you, then this is the quickest way to get qualified.

Also, it is possible to fast-track training to Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster qualifications. I would not recommend this unless you are aiming to do this professionally. The reason is that it takes time as a skipper of your own yacht to master all the skills of managing a yacht. The level of competence required to pass the higher level qualifications are quite strict, and you may end up spending more time and money on re-sits!

Combined Holiday and Training

There are a few holiday companies that provide RYA standard training courses at destinations in the Mediterranean. This can combine a nice holiday in warm sunny climes and get trained to Skipper a yacht at the same time. What could be better? The only drawback is that the Day Skipper qualification you would get in the Mediterranean would be marked as ‘non-tidal’, which means you wouldn’t be qualified to sail in tidal waters around the UK, for instance, or in the Caribbean. But, you can do extra training and convert to “tidal”, or if all you can imagine is Mediterranean sailing holidays, this is for you!

Where Can You Train

There are many training centres around the UK, too many to cover in this article.

The best way to find a training centre near you is to go to the RYA site and put in your postcode: https://www.rya.org.uk/training/courses/day-skipper-practical-sailing-course-dss

I trained in the Solent, so I am probably biased, but I would say this is probably the best place in the country to train because you can encounter pretty much every type of tide condition and every type of vessel, which is very helpful when you are being supervised. There are also countless harbours, estuaries and bays to visit, so you never get bored.

I would recommend that if you start learning in an area that you stick to that area when you do you further qualifications to Coastal Skipper. The reason is when you are sailing, you get to recognise the landmarks, so it is easier to work out your position. Also, if you are being assessed for your boat handling when you are mooring up in a harbour, it is useful to already be familiar with the features of the harbour.

As my instructor said to me when I passed the Day Skipper qualification, “Well done, now the real learning begins!”. He was right. I have been sailing for nearly ten years, I am still learning and I still make mistakes! People with a lot more experience than I have told me the same thing!

A word of caution: If you are going to hire a yacht as a newly qualified skipper, pick a calm day. The wind and tide around the UK can be pretty unforgiving some days and can be a handful for the most experienced skippers!

…or better still, book a summer holiday in the Mediterranean where there is virtually no tide and do your first skippering there!

For more information about RYA courses, check the RYA website at: https://www.rya.org.uk

For more information about chartering yachts once you’ve qualified, check out my article on yacht charter in the UK: https://blog.sailfinder.org/how-to-bareboat-charter-a-yacht-in-the-uk/

To find yachts to charter in the UK, checkout the search website: https://sailfinder.org it has a searchable list of every charter yacht in the UK.

Good luck and happy sailing!

Ian McLauchlan is a keen amateur sailor and Coastal Skipper, founder of sailfinder.org a charter yacht search site for finding charter yachts, motor boats and RIBs.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Skippering a boat for the first time: steps to success

• Katy Stickland
• September 18, 2020

Skippering a boat for the first time needn't be daunting, as long as you prepare. Matthew Diggle reveals how to make a success of taking charge

New skippers don't need to be at the helm, and giving crew tasks will keep them happy and motivated. Credit: Matthew Diggle

It’s a pity that skippering a boat for the first time can seem so intimidating.

Not much beats the feeling of being in charge of a yacht, deciding where to go, and taking the crew on an adventure.

And there’s a real sense of accomplishment at the end when you bring the crew and boat home safely.

For anyone who is new to sailing or who crews for someone else, following the RYA training path and becoming a Day Skipper is an excellent way of taking your sailing to the next level.

As you gain confidence you can start to charter and explore new cruising grounds. Credit: Matthew Diggle

It shows that you understand the fundamentals and can take on more responsibility when other people feel daunted by the thought of being responsible for a boat and its crew.

With a bit of preparation and planning, skippering is well within most people’s capabilities, especially if you don’t bite off more than you can chew for the first few trips.

Preparation is the key. Simply put, you have to decide where to go, who to go with, and how to get there.

I thought it would be useful to share the lessons I’ve learned when I first started skippering for those considering taking their first steps.

Skippering a crew

Sailing boats are not particularly spacious down below so I generally don’t try to fill every berth onboard.

Even so, it is vital that the crew can get along together and this means that you have to choose who to invite carefully.

This is often a bit of a juggling act, trying to coordinate different people and boat availability, so in the end you’re unlikely to be able to please everyone.

Just offer some reasonable options and hope for the best.

Careful crew selection will contribute to a happy trip for all. Credit: Matthew Diggle

It is also important that people know what to expect, so they don’t sign up thinking that they’ll have a spacious cabin with en-suite facilities when they’ll actually get a space in the shared forepeak in a boat with a single heads.

Similarly, being clear about the nature of the trip – that this is your first time skippering –  will avoid adrenaline-junkies being frustrated by a gentle coastal cruise, or nervous novices being scared rigid during an offshore passage.

When skippering the first few times, it is well worth inviting an experienced and knowledgeable sailor to act as first mate.

But you should choose them wisely as you don’t want anyone who will take over or boss you about if you’re a bit slow working something out, or don’t do things in exactly the way they would.

What you really need is a calm and supportive person who will give you the space to experiment, have a quiet word in your ear if they are concerned that something is wrong, but who is capable of taking over if you are incapacitated in any way.

After all, you have to trust them to come back to pick you up if you have the misfortune to fall in, and you must be confident that they could get the boat and crew to somewhere safe if needed.

A competent first mate will make your life as skipper much less stressful. Credit: Matthew Diggle

In return for the safety and security they provide, you should listen carefully to what they say and pay attention to their skippering advice.

You should also make it clear to the rest of the crew who the first mate is and that they may have to assume command.

It is also sensible to ensure that not all the crew are novices.

Coaching new crew is time-consuming, and sometimes time is in short supply.

It also takes up mental space while your head needs to be concentrating on skippering the boat.

This is especially true when coming into a berth.

Having one or two people capable of handling the fenders and warps will avoid the sort of situation I got into on one of my trips where I didn’t notice the crew were busy trying to remember how to tie the fenders so that when I got the mooring slightly wrong, they didn’t see we were drifting towards another boat and I ended up shouting.

In the end, someone from the other boat pushed us clear, but it definitely wasn’t my finest hour as skipper.

With the crew briefed and kitted up, you’re ready to sail. Credit: Matthew Diggle

I usually send round practical information about arrangements, including advice about what to pack (and what to pack it in), about sharing cabins, what we will do about food, and also some reassuring words about the safety equipment on board.

More experienced crew members will probably already be aware of some or all of these things, but it is a good idea for everyone to have the same information so that there is a common starting point.

But I usually throw an extra sleeping bag in the car and make sure I check everyone’s equipped before setting off, just in case.

Organising a planning meeting, arranging to share lifts to the boat, or making some other excuse to get people together beforehand is a good idea.

The better people know each other, the more smoothly the trip is likely to run.

Encourage people to use email or social media to communicate, but make sure you ask for permission before sharing email addresses or phone numbers.

Keep your first skippering trip in familiar waters

Although it might be tempting to go exploring, you will probably have enough to think about without having to navigate around somewhere entirely new.

Indeed, the Day Skipper qualification says that you are only competent in ‘familiar areas’, but even here you might find yourself sailing from a marina or harbour you’ve not visited before.

If this is the case then do some research to get an idea of what to expect.

Sailing in familiar waters will let you focus on skippering rather than navigating new hazards. Credit: Matthew Diggle

When you pick the boat up, take the opportunity to chat with the charterer and people on other boats nearby to get some local knowledge.

They’re likely to regale you with anecdotes about other visitors who have come to grief in one way or another.

Don’t let these tales put you off, just listen carefully and then you won’t feature in their next story.

Unless you have a particularly trusting boat-owning friend you will probably also need to use your Day Skipper qualification to charter a yacht.

Again, you are better settling for something which is not too adventurous or enormous.

This is not the time to have to deal with something much bigger than you’re used to or with extra sails, rigging, or masts that you’re not accustomed to.

The cost of the trip

One of the first practical aspects of arranging a trip is to sort out the finance.

You will need to cover the cost of the boat, together with mooring and fuel, and then decide whether to include food, meals out, and drinks.

I find that the simplest option is to share all the costs equally, and the first step is to prepare a rough budget so people have an idea of how much the trip is going to cost.

It’s generally better to over-estimate and then give people a small refund, rather than to try to collect an extra few quid from everyone at the end of the trip if, for example, there was a lack of wind and so the fuel costs more than you expected.

You also need to consider what to do about the cost of any damage.

Continues below…

Masterclass: How to lead a happy crew

Toby Heppell gets advice on skippering with friends and family from Pete Goss, Dee Caffari and Conrad Humphreys

Competent Crew: On course for cruising harmony

Katy Stickland joined an RYA Competent Crew course to find out why instruction can make life as a sailing couple…

Night sailing tips for first timers

Cruising after dark doesn't need to be stressful. Toby Heppell shares his tops tips for night sailing

How to raft up safely and securely

James Stevens looks at the seamanship and etiquette needed to raft up and identifies the benefits and pitfalls of coming…

Do you trust everyone to stump up or would it be easier to include insurance in the basic cost of the trip?

You may find that potential crew are rather more enthusiastic about coming on a sailing trip in theory than they are in practice.

Asking them to pay a deposit when booking and the rest closer to departure is a good way of gaining commitment and preventing them from cancelling at the last minute.

Finally, record all expenses and payments so that everyone can check the figures and see that things have been divided up fairly.

This should help prevent disagreements.

There are a number of apps to make both the sums and payment straightforward.

Safety procedures

You are responsible for everyone’s safety and you should take this seriously, but in fact this usually isn’t too onerous if you are sensible and careful.

If you charter a coded vessel in the UK then it will come with a full set of safety equipment appropriate for its cruising limits.

All you will need to do is find where everything is stowed and familiarise yourself with specific details of the lifejackets, jackstays, and so on when you pick the boat up.

Then make sure the crew know how to use it, and do so at the appropriate time.

Brief the crew about safety equipment on board. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

I ask for an emergency contact number for each crew member, and in return let them have details of a shore contact.

I also ask crew members, in confidence, about any medical conditions that might affect them on the trip.

If someone falls ill you don’t want to be scrabbling about trying to find out if they have an inhaler or medication that could help.

Similarly, if you have to hand them over to an ambulance, the medics are likely to ask if they are allergic to common medicines.

There’s no need to share this with anyone beforehand, but I like to leave a copy with the shore contact and let the first mate know where the info is on the boat, just in case it were to be needed.

Catering for your crew

The first step when planning what to eat onboard is to check everyone’s allergies, likes, and dislikes.

With a modicum of thought it is quite feasible to cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, and other diets without making things too complicated.

There’s certainly no excuse for only offering a vegetarian crew member cheese sandwiches for every meal.

Good food on board boosts morale and can be a highlight of the trip. Credit: Matthew Diggle

On short, coastal trips I usually just cater for breakfast and lunch, and aim to eat ashore most evenings.

However, I like to have a simple ‘emergency meal’ on board, such as pasta and a jar of sauce, to make sure we can have a hot meal even if we end up at anchor rather than in a marina as planned.

I find that snacks, fruit, and biscuits are always welcome, and distributing a few chocolate bars can really lift the spirits during a hard slog or a long beat to windward.

Navigating your first trip

Once you’ve selected your crew, booked a boat, and decided on a cruising-ground, it’s time to start on the detailed preparations.

It is worth putting some effort into making the actual trip as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Skippering means you’ll have lots to think about, so take any opportunity to ‘cheat’ by preparing things beforehand.

Your RYA training will have taught you how to work out tidal depths from the tables in an almanac, but why not print out some tidal curves for the time you’re away, in particular for any marinas you’re thinking of visiting?

Planning and navigation software packages can do this well in advance, and you can find information for the next few days online.

After all, you can still do things the traditional way if you want to impress your crew (or just to prove to yourself that you remember how) but if things are going wrong or time is short then having ‘one you prepared earlier’ can be a literal life-saver.

Weather forecasts

Similarly, you can download weather maps and forecasts for the next few days before setting off.

Obviously, things will change so you will have to re-check the forecast every day, but having a feel for the general weather pattern should help you decide whether to turn left or right when you leave the marina on the first day.

Unless you’re feeling particularly masochistic or determined to experience ‘life at an angle’, it’s not very clever to spend the first half of a trip on a hard beat only to find the weather system passes and you spend the second half on a hard beat back again, when setting off in the other direction initially would have resulted in a pleasant cruise, both ways.

Plan a couple of route options in case the weather changes. Credit: Matthew Diggle

Finally, get hold of any information you can about places you might visit or that you might want to have in reserve as bolt-holes.

Printing out some sketch-maps and pilotage notes can help you stay up on deck rather than spending time below checking the charts.

Share your plan with the crew, but make sure everyone knows that you might have to revise it due to things like a change in the weather.

Picking up the boat

Try to pick up the boat before the crew arrives.

Taking the inventory and doing the handover is much easier if the boat is not full of people and all their kit.

Then put the kettle on ready to give the crew a warm welcome.

If you’re parking a car at the marina then it is sensible to leave as much stuff in it as possible, particularly bulky bags and rucksacks.

A set of dry going-home clothes (and shoes) together with a dry towel and a bag for damp kit is a good idea if you think you might arrive back cold and wet on the last day – and if you’re sailing in the UK that is pretty likely!

Briefing your crew

Brief the crew before setting off.

Keep this simple and to the point; you don’t want to worry people, but it is important to point out the key things.

I usually include:

• Lifejackets and tethers
• Fire prevention and extinguishers
• Galley and gas safety
• First-aid kit
• How to turn off autopilot
• Using winches safely
• Starting the engine
• VHF radio and sending a DSC mayday
• Using the heads

Give a briefing that is appropriate for the crew, so you might have to have a couple of different briefings or even give one to the experienced people and get them to brief it on.

It’s a good idea to show people how to use pontoon cleats before setting off, rather than trying to explain this at the end of the day.

Other things about sailing the boat can be introduced gradually over the course of the day.

Consider having simple standing orders to make it clear what’s expected of the crew.

These should include rules about wearing lifejackets and tethers, such as ‘whenever you want to and whenever I tell you to’.

Remember to let your shore contact know when you set off, and also when (and where) you arrive.

Using the RYA SafeTRX app is a great way of ensuring that they are alerted if you’re overdue and it can also produce records of the trip that the crew may find interesting, but do keep your mobile charged during the trip or you might not be able to close the trip when you arrive, leading to possible confusion or concern.

When skippering, try to keep everyone involved in running the boat.

In challenging conditions it may be prudent to limit some tasks to more confident and experienced crew, but don’t let them dominate and hog the helm or other exciting jobs the rest of the time; make sure that everyone gets a turn.

Remember to be positive about everyone’s efforts, patient if you have to explain things, and gentle if you have to correct someone.

After all, they’re here to enjoy themselves and a harsh word may put someone off ever sailing with you again.

If you can, go with the wind when it blows up. Your crew will thank you. Credit: Matthew Diggle

Keep an eye on the crew so you’re aware if anyone is starting to suffer from seasickness or is getting cold, and deal with it before it gets too bad.

I find that putting seasick crew on the helm or persuading them to lie on a bunk with their eyes closed usually helps.

Hot drinks and an offer to pass up warmer clothes will help a cold crew member who is, perhaps, avoiding going below decks.

You are in charge of the boat and part of skippering is to ensure the crew have confidence in you.

So, remain calm at all times, or at least appear calm while you work out what to do next.

Don’t dither, it’s your responsibility when skippering to make decisions and when faced with a choice almost the worst thing you can do is nothing.

On the other hand, don’t be afraid of changing your plans if conditions change.

Don’t sail on regardless, hoping that things will turn out alright; shorten the trip if the crew are struggling, change the destination if the wind shifts.

Final words on first time skippering

Matthew Diggle started sailing after signing up for the 2011-12 Clipper Race. Since then he’s cruised in UK waters and off the Italian and Croatian coast. Credit: Matthew Diggle

It’s always worth having a debrief at the end of the day and of the trip to reflect on what people enjoyed, learned or didn’t understand, and hopefully this will help ensure everyone leaves happy.

As a skipper you are allowed to have fun too, but it is different to going on a trip that someone else has organised.

It may seem hard work and a little daunting to start with, but you’ll get into your stride after only a few trips.

I find it immensely satisfying when crew tell me that they’ve enjoyed a trip, that they’ve learned new skills, and, most of all, that they want to come back.

So why not start planning a trip and gathering a crew now?

First time skippering checklist

• Select crew with similar expectations
• Mix of abilities and experienced first mate
• Set expectations of boat and plans early
• Email joining instructions ahead of time
• Take a spare sleeping bag and waterproofs
• Meet up before the trip if possible
• Share shore contact details for the boat and get emergency contact for each crew

Cruising grounds

• Stick to familiar areas for first-time skippering
• Research new places you want to visit
• Get some local knowledge from charter company or marina
• Charter in an area you know
• Opt for a modest-sized boat that will be easy to sail
• Stick to white sails and don’t worry about spinnakers
• Arrive before the crew to settle in
• Decide what costs you will cover, and what you will split
• Be clear with your crew about how much it will cost
• Include a margin for extra fuel, and refund if possible
• Ask for a deposit so crew commit
• Check the boat has all the necessary safety equipment and where it is
• Brief your crew on safety gear and procedures, above and below decks
• Check if crew are on medication or have medical requirements
• Check and fit lifejackets
• Establish standing orders of when to wear lifejackets, who is in charge, and who first mate is
• Check for crew allergies, likes and dislikes
• Decide if you’re cooking on board or eating ashore
• Have enough for breakfasts, lunches and a back-up meal
• Take plenty of snacks, tea, coffee and milk
• Print out tide times, tidal curves and weather forecasts beforehand
• Plan a couple of route options to cover different weather scenarios
• Aim to make the first sail an easy one
• Prepare pilotage for new places you plan to visit
• Let shore contact know plans/use RYA SafeTRX app
• Share and rotate roles among crew
• Look out for bored, cold or seasick crew
• Distribute snacks and drinks regularly
• Keep an eye on the big picture – passage plan, weather, navigation and safety
• Teach crew if you have time, but don’t be distracted
• Discuss plans, but you make the final decisions
• Debrief at the end of the day and of the trip

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How to become a skipper

So you want to be a yacht skipper.

Many yachting graduates choose to start their careers on smaller yachts where they have the opportunity to refine their sailing skills and develop a great reputation. Being a Flotilla Skipper, Charter Skipper or Delivery Skipper is a great way to start working afloat in an industry you love.

What’s a skipper?

A skipper is a person who has command of a boat or watercraft and is more or less equivalent to a captain in charge of a ship. The skipper may or may not be the owner of the boat.

There are a number of types of different roles including flotilla, charter and delivery skippers.

Flotilla Skipper

What does a flotilla skipper do.

A flotilla skipper is responsible for the running, sailing, maintenance and guest care of a yacht forming part of a holiday flotilla or sometimes the entire group of up to 20 yachts, which form the flotilla.

Flotilla holiday companies often operate in the Mediterranean, you can earn anything between €100 – €250 per week (depending on operator) but can also earn some reasonable tips.

Working as a flotilla skipper is a great way to build on your miles.

Personality traits

You will need to be an outgoing and friendly personality who can accommodate guests at all times. You will need to be organised and efficient to cover all admin and paperwork as well as deliver safety and technical briefings, conduct general maintenance and assist guests with sailing.

Flotilla Skipper Salary

Flotilla holidays companies often operate in the Mediterranean, you can earn anything between €100 – €250 per week (depending on operator) but can also earn reasonable tips.

Flotilla Skipper Jobs

The types of jobs vary on different vessels. Some of your tasks will include but not be limited to:

• De-fouling propellers and replacing anodes before launching
• Checking and replacing all deck fittings where necessary
• Assisting engineers with out-of–water work
• Checking skin fittings
• Replacing running rigging
• Hoisting anchors
• Servicing winches
• Hoisting sails
• Fitting biminis
• Fitting guardrails
• Checking dinghies
• Splicing and whipping ropes

Charter Skipper

What does a charter skipper do.

A Charter Skipper manages and captains a yacht that has been hired out to paying guests. This role typically involves taking command of 35 – 60ft yachts (catamarans are particularly popular) operating in the Mediterranean or Caribbean.

You will have a busy schedule with a high turnover of guests during the season that will want to pack a lot into their 1 or 2-week holiday.

You will need to be an outgoing and friendly personality who is committed to providing the highest level of customer service.

A hard-working attitude is required, as you will be responsible for all aspects of the charter operation from maintenance and passage planning to the general management of the yacht.

Charter Skipper Salary

Charter Skipper salaries range based on experience, position, size of yacht, and type (charter vs private). Here is a simplified break down of monthly skipper crew salaries in dollars:

Charter Skipper Jobs

There are several responsibilities for a charter skipper. These include but not limited to:

• Planning the entire passage to the proposed destination, possibly over a number of days
• Navigating the vessel
• Knowing how to operate and maintain all the equipment on board
• Taking care of the safety of the vessel and the crew
• Management of the vessel in all respects
• It is the responsibility of the skipper to ensure that whatever trip the vessel is making whether for fishing or for holidays, he follows the regulations and maritime laws

Delivery Skipper

What does a delivery skipper do.

A delivery skipper is responsible for the safe journey of a yacht to its new owner or meeting the owner of the boat at a particular destination.

You are your own boss when working as a Delivery Skipper, you don’t have the responsibility of guests but it is up to you to make sure that the boat gets there safely and on time.

Delivery skippers usually work on a freelance basis or for an agency, either way, both will be looking for skilled sailors so your level of qualification and experience on the water will determine how much work you will pick up.

You will need to be a determined and reliable person with a good work ethic. Taking on this type of role means that you will have the benefit of a flexible lifestyle, you could be working for long periods of time followed by long periods of time at home, this role could also take you to any part of the world.

Delivery Skipper Salary

Your travel and food expenses will be paid for while on a delivery, freelance delivery skippers often negotiate their own wage but on average you could expect to be paid between £100 – £140 per day. As a newly qualified Yachtmaster, you will need to build on your miles and experience before taking on the role of skipper.

You can do this by joining a delivery as a crew member (often unpaid).

Delivery Skipper Jobs

• The safe handling and navigation of a vessel
• Ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with Safety and Operating Procedures
• Leading and supervising the regular crew and any relief crew and volunteers
• Looking after the welfare of clients, crew, volunteers, and trainees, including morale and discipline
• Dealing with unexpected issues which might arise, such the need to implement emergency repairs
• Maintaining paperwork
• Being professional, and acting with tact and diplomacy at all times (both on and off the vessel)

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• Exploring the Role of a Skipper in Boating and Sailing

The term " skipper " holds a prominent place in the world of boating and sailing, representing the individual tasked with the operation, navigation, and overall management of a vessel. Whether it's a small boat, a luxurious yacht, or a sailing dinghy, the skipper plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth functioning of the maritime journey.

Boat Skipper and Yacht Skipper:

The title "boat skipper" is a broad term encompassing individuals in charge of various types of boats , while a "yacht skipper" specifically denotes someone overseeing the operations of a yacht. Both positions require a comprehensive understanding of navigation, safety protocols, and the ability to make informed decisions while at sea.

Charter Skipper:

In the realm of chartering, where individuals or groups rent boats for recreational purposes, a charter skipper may be hired. This professional takes the helm for those who may lack the necessary expertise, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all on board.

Sailing Skipper and Skipper 12 Sailing Dinghy:

A "sailing skipper" is someone well-versed in the intricacies of sailing, adept at harnessing the power of the wind to navigate the waters effectively. Meanwhile, a "Skipper 12" refers to a specific type of sailing dinghy , a smaller boat designed for sailing enthusiasts.

Sailing a Yacht for the First Time:

For those embarking on their maiden voyage aboard a yacht, having an experienced skipper on board is often recommended. Navigating a yacht for the first time can be a complex endeavor, and the guidance of a seasoned skipper ensures a smoother introduction to this maritime adventure.

Hiring a Skipper:

Individuals who own boats but lack the necessary skills or time to operate them may opt to hire a skipper. This allows them to enjoy the pleasures of boating without the responsibilities and challenges associated with captaining the vessel.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our  Magazine.

How to Become a Yacht/Boat Skipper:

Aspiring skippers often undergo training and certification processes to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for the role. This may involve learning about navigation, safety procedures, and gaining hands-on experience in boat handling.

Skippers Choice Marine Supply:

In the marine industry, businesses like "Skippers Choice Marine Supply" cater to the needs of skippers and boat enthusiasts, providing a range of products and services to enhance the boating experience.

In conclusion, the term "skipper" encompasses a diverse range of roles in the maritime world, from steering a small boat to captaining a luxurious yacht. Whether hired for a charter, sought for guidance in sailing, or responsible for the day-to-day operation of a vessel, the skipper is a central figure in the world of boating and sailing, ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys on the water.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our  range of charter boats  and head to some of our favourite 

sailing  destinations .

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How to Become a Yacht Week Skipper

Possibly the best job in sailing.

Here at Sailing Virgins, we are often asked about what it takes to become a skipper for The Yacht Week. We should know: all instructors at Sailing Virgins are current or former skippers and/or instructors with The Yacht Week, so we thought we would share some tips. This post introduces The Yacht Week, the Skipper Academy, and gives you the nine steps to make a Yacht Week Skipper.  For a free infographic, click here .

What Is The Yacht Week?

If you are reading this you are probably already aware of The Yacht Week. If not, watch their trailer below. In short, the Yacht Week is a global phenomenon, where people - mostly in their 20s and 30s - become part of sailing events which are staged in six destinations around the world.

If you are into meeting some great people, enjoy partying and like the sound of sailing around the Mediterranean during summer (or any one of half a dozen other locations), check them out.

The Yacht Week Skipper

All Yacht Week skippers must have their RYA Yachtmaster certificate or equivalent. However, the Yachtmaster certificate is only the beginning concerning the Skipper Academy.

For qualifications, the Quarterdeck literature states a Yachtmaster Coastal level is required as a minimum, however, we recommend a Yachtmaster Offshore level, as this will increase your chances of being selected for the Academy and passing.

Besides, the additional miles and experience can come in very handy during a 40 knot squall at 7am when you are effectively single-handing.

The coveted Yacht Week Skipper polo. 

The Quarterdeck Skipper Academy

The Skipper Academy itself is run by Quarterdeck . Quarterdeck is a company related to, but separate from, The Yacht Week. Quarterdeck exists to train skippers in the advanced flotilla methods required by The Yacht Week and other sailing events companies.

The Skipper Academy is a 7-10 day course (current iterations have it at 8 days) covering principally how to deal with paying crews, familiarisation with the sailing routes and how to raft in their various configurations (such as line rafts, tunnel rafts, perfecting med mooring among other skills).

The Skipper Academy itself is widely acknowledged by participants to be one of the best weeks of their lives. It is tough. In any given course the pass rate is around 70-80%. Successful candidates are then invited to work in one of The Yacht Week’s locations, usually starting with Croatia.

Making Yacht Week Skipper In Nine Steps

There are many routes you can take to become a skipper for The Yacht Week. The nine steps below will help you to become not just a skipper for The Yacht Week, but a confident one at that.

1. Basic sailing experience

Budget: $0 - $500

Classic Sailing Virgins Education

Either through sailing with a friend, joining a local community sailing club or a university sailing club. Weekend races, beginner sailing courses, anything that gets you time on the water and on the winches.

Any time spent on a boat is beneficial here, whether it is on a sailing vacation (The Yacht Week included) or just on a lake near your home, on a dinghy. The more time spent here, the merrier.

2. Sailing Theory

This is usually classroom-based learning such as NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master, ASA 103/4, RYA Day Skipper, or online versions of this such as NauticEd.

During this course, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of navigation, weather and boat systems.

The cost of this is in cluded in some intermediate courses such as those offered by Sailing Virgins, and costs $250 - $500 if undertaken separately.

3. Intermediate Sailing Course

Budget: $2,500 - $3,000

This is a 1-2 week duration, live-aboard sailing course where your instructor will impart to you the skills necessary to sail your own boat. Depending on the course you choose, this will count for your miles and variety of experience.

Some intermediate courses (such as the Sailing Virgins Island Adventure Course) will include extras like night passages and sailing between countries.

Sailing Virgins courses are designed for people in their 20s and 30s - Sailing Virgins is the only sailing school in the world to offer this. This makes the week much more social, athletic, and prepares you for some of the techniques assessed during The Skipper Academy.

4. Purchase Sailing Gear

Budget: $1,000 - $2,500

Image thanks Zhik

At this stage, you may look to purchase your own foulweather gear, deckvest, and Personal Locator Beacon. Ideally, you want to be self-reliant, as given you will be sailing on other people’s boats and across oceans, you cannot always vouch that their methods or equipment are up to speed.

You ultimately need to trust your gut before embarking on any long journey. We have known sailors to refuse getting on a boat due to either issues with the skipper or the boat itself. Regardless of boat or skipper issues, when you are on a night watch and it is blowing 40 knots in the middle of an ocean, it is a good feeling to know you have decent equipment.

If you'd like some pointers on what gear to buy, we wrote a blog post on 10 Items Every Skipper Should Own and also 8 Apps Every Sailor Should Have .

When you take your Intermediate Sailing Course with Sailing Virgins, you will receive alumni discounts of up to $1,000 on co-branded Sailing Virgins / Zhik sailing equipment. Zhik is said to produce some of the best performance equipment in sailing, and makes gear for the biggest sailing events such as America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, and Olympic Games/World Cup. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(1817063, '10322372-0bdc-48b3-8c28-fd4040049937', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"});

5. Log Sea Miles

Budget: $500 - $3,000

Cross an ocean or two, sign up for deliveries, the aim is to attain skills through diverse experience. You will sail with fantastic sailors, and possibly terrible ones. The variety is all part of it.

In other words, learning what not to do is as valuable as learning what to do during this stage. When you cross an ocean there is a good chance you will have a variety of conditions, and will be on watches including, as a matter of course, night sailing.

Your aim is to log at least 2,500 miles, with at least four distinct major journeys, sailing with several different skippers, in a variety of areas, sampling a variety of experiences. Here are some ideas on how you can build your sea miles.

If you do your Intermediate Sailing Course with Sailing Virgins, we will share tips with you on how to find the longer passages, what to look out for and how to approach such an adventure. Every January Sailing Virgins also sponsors an alumni “ex-Virgins” sailing week, where students are invited to return to the Caribbbean for a low cost week of sailing and adventure.

6. VHF, First Aid Courses

Budget: $150 - $300

These are prerequisites for the Yachtmaster Oshore course. One tip is to organise this when you book your Yachtmaster course (see below). Some of it can be done online. Many training centres (such as the  Hamble School of Yachting , who we can vouch for) offer these courses as well as the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore preparation course (as described below)

7. RYA Yachtmaster Offshore course

Budget: $1,000 - $3,000

This is a week-long course where you will do five days of “preparation”, followed by two days of examination, carried out by an independent examiner.

The separation of preparer and examiner, the reputation of the non-profit Royal Yachting Association, and the fact that the Yachtmaster scheme was invented by the RYA, mean heading to Southampton (aka “Yachtmaster mecca”) is a valuable part of the process.

For most sailors, whether from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe or the US, sailing is a great sport. For the British, sailing saved their nation on more than one occasion.

Consequently the British have a reverence for sailing that does not really exist in any other culture we are aware of. It is nice to experience this as part of your journey to becoming a professional skipper.   Blue skies and warm waters it isn’t, but well-honed sail training location with a variety of tidal and traffic experiences, it is. 

We recommend Hamble School of Sailing as our favourite in southern England.

Budget: $500 - $1,500

Short for “Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping”, more commonly known as Commercial Endorsement, the STCW is a series of five mini-courses that allows you to work in the industry.

While not mandatory to become a Yacht Week skipper, it will be looked upon favourably when you apply to the Skipper Academy. Plus, STCW-qualified skippers will normally earn a weekly "bonus" for this qualification.

And particularly with the surprisingly realistic firefighting and sea rescue components (among a couple of admittedly boring subjects thrown in) it is a worthwhile learning experience in its own right.

The STCW series of courses can be done in a variety of places, including the UK, USA, Australia and for a low-cost option, the Philippines.

9. Quarterdeck Skipper Academy

Budget: $0 - $1,000

Image thanks Quarterdeck

With the steps outlined above ticked off, you are in a good position to apply for the Quarterdeck Skipper Academy. You may not be accepted to the academy, and even if you are, you may not pass, so a positive outcome to this step is by no means a certainty.

Conducting your Intermediate Sailing Course with Sailing Virgins will give you a much better idea of what Quarterdeck looks for in its candidates and how to optimise your chances of being accepted and passing the Skipper Academy.

How long does it take?

The fastest I have seen the process successfully take was someone dedicating six months of their life to sailing, including sailing in the Mediterranean, an ocean crossing, sailing with instructors for multiple weeks in the Caribbean, then heading to the UK to do their Yachtmaster.

This individual, an athletic, fast learner and already familiar with mechanical systems, later told me that six months felt hellishly fast for what he had achieved.

A normal process for someone taking weeks where they can, is around two years. There is no effective short-cut to this: people who try to override the natural learning curve end up losing confidence at precisely the wrong time.

Should Intermediate Courses be RYA, ASA, IYT, or NauticEd?

Below Yachtmaster Offshore, it really doesn't matter which syllabus you choose. We have written another blog post discussing this in further detail. In short, until you get to Yachtmaster Offshore (which is RYA), concentrate on the testimonials of the sailing school, and in particular what the instructors are like. Here is a blog post giving more detail on choosing a sailing school in the BVI.

What about Zero to Hero?

Some schools offer courses that start with the most basic sailing course, and provide the student with the miles and expertise to pass the yachtmaster exams in one go. These “zero to hero” courses can take between 8-12 weeks, and cost from $6K - $14K. That is, around the same cost as the steps described above if you were to do them individually.

The advantage of such a course is that it is more or less a guarantee that a Yachtmaster certificate will be attained.

However, such courses are looked upon with skepticism in the sailing community, and in the Yacht Week in particular. They tend to provide a “monocultural” experience, without the rich learning that comes through the longer, more peripatetic journey described above.

Becoming a Yacht Week skipper is a great thing to do. As well as being one of the best jobs on the water, the people you meet and the experience you gain whilst being a part of this organisation can set you up for years into the future.

The path described above, with nine steps to achieving Yachtweek Skipper status, is more than the bare minimum, for a reason: you want to be confident in your sailing before you are paid to do it.

Confidence comes with milage and variety. A mix of sailing in your local area, the Caribbean and the UK, decent instruction, plus at least one long journey such as an ocean crossing, should set you up for success.

Sailing Virgins is a Caribbean-based sailing academy for people in their 20s and 30s who wish to level up their sailing game. Check out our Intermediate Sailing Courses and our Island Adventures , both of which can gain you a sailing qualification that is an essential part of your path to becoming a Yacht Week skipper.

Please post any thoughts or questions in the comments below. Enjoy the journey.

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SailingEurope Blog - Sailing, Yacht Charter and Beyond

7 Virtues of a Good Skipper on a Charter Yacht

“Virtues of a good skipper on a charter yacht” is probably the most discussed subject when talking about skippers, their lifestyle, job and responsibilities. It is also a never ending discussion because there is no consensus about what these responsibilities really are. Their ranking is even more difficult to establish.

The following are the virtues that I have compiled from recent discussions:

• Knowledge – in the first place, the knowledge of navigation and seamanship ; a good skipper should know how to steer the charter yacht safely, to predict the weather, to repair certain damage, to maintain and use the gear, to get acquainted with the regulations and to be confident in their knowledge. It is important to know foreign languages as well.
• Organizational skills – good organization is the heart of the safe and pleasant cruising. A good skipper has to harmonize his crew’s wishes and demands with realistic and achievable possibilities.
• Interpersonal skills – most of the time aboard the skipper has to deal with people. At the end of the day, the good skipper is not the one who knows everything about sailing but is grumpy all the time. Instead, the good skipper is the one who manages to make his crew content . The skipper is the one who is responsible for good atmosphere aboard and who has to react without losing control over himself in case of disagreement among the crew members.
• Coolness – the skipper is very often coping with different types of people ’s personalities on one hand, and difficult weather conditions on the other. In both cases their cold-blooded and well-planned decisions can lead to a happy ending.
• Courage – commanding and steering a yacht isn’t a simple thing to do, considering all sorts of danger that might jeopardize the safety onboard. This is why a certain amount of courage is crucial to be a good skipper. By courage I don’t mean the appetite for hazard, of course.
• Wanderlust – being a skipper means constant travelling ; therefore, this job isn’t for sensitive boys and girls.
• Sailing skills – last but not least… This virtue is ranked as the last one with purpose. If one possesses all the other virtues mentioned above, one can make a good skipper even with poor sailing skills. A skipper who works in the charter business should be a good sailor, but it does not mean that good sailors are always good skippers and vice versa. Sport sailing requires a different set of sailing skills when compared to being a skipper on a charter yacht.

This list could be much longer but I think the most important virtues are mentioned. Feel free to take part in the debate and contribute with your own lists and rankings of the most desirable skipper’s virtues.

I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!

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Als Skipper nebenbei auf Törn: Ferien machen, Segeln und dabei noch Geld verdienen?

Koje UND Kohle! Sailactive sucht immer wieder Skipper auf Honorarbasis (EUR 350,- pro Woche plus Reisekosten). Wer hat Lust und Zeit ganz spontan die Sizilien-Törns ab/bis Milazzo (Liparische Inseln) mit Bavaria 50 zwischen dem 6.9. und 4.10.2014 zu übernehmen? SSS wäre von Vorteil. (Zum Angebot auf Facebook: Hier klicken » )

In den Ferien einen schicken Segeltörn in exotischen Revieren fahren und dafür noch bezahlt werden?

Das ist doch eine durchaus verlockende Idee. Doch bevor man sich von solchen Angeboten vorschnell begeistern lässt, sollte man sich die Sache mal in aller Ruhe und gesamthaft durch den Kopf gehen lassen.

Viele Anbieter setzen neben angestellten Skippern immer wieder auf nebenberufliche Miliz-Skipper. Interessant an dem oben zitierten Facebook-Jobangebot ist zunächst die betont lockere Art und Weise der Personalakquise und der für mich auf den ersten Blick lächerlich erscheinende Lohn.

Was muss ich als nebenberuflicher Skipper beachten?

Wenn man sich als nebenberuflicher Schiffsführer für eine Segelschule, eine Eventagentur oder einen anderen Anbieter engagieren lässt, sollte man sich darüber klar sein das es sich eben nicht um einen lockeren Ferientörn handelt.

Je nach Aufgabenstellung übernimmt man wirklich viel Verantwortung für die bis dato unbekannte Crew. Viele Grundsätze, die man vom privaten Urlaubstörn her kennt, gelten als „Miliz-Skipper“ nur bedingt. Als Skipper steht man auf einem solchen Törn nicht nur im Spannungsfeld der Erwartungen der Törn-Teilnehmer, hinzu kommt auch noch die Erwartung des Anbieters, in dessen Namen man den Törn schliesslich fährt. Auf der Homepage des oben erwähnten Anbieters kommt das auch ganz klar zum Ausdruck:

Unsere Skipper .. haben Spaß am Segeln und Interesse an Land und Leuten. Sie bringen weitreichende Erfahrungen, Begeisterung für das Segeln und die Freude an der Weitergabe von Wissen in Ihren Urlaub ein und fahren teilweise schon mehrere Jahre für uns.

Der Miliz-Skipper repräsentiert also im Urlaub auch ein Unternehmen.

Das begründet meiner Meinung nach ein befristetes abhängiges Arbeitsverhältnis: Der Skipper erbringt eine Dienstleistung für ein Unternehmen und wird dafür entlohnt. Die für die Ausübung der Tätigkeit erforderlichen Arbeitsmittel (Boot, Transfer) werden vom Auftraggeber gestellt.

Was sagt der Arbeitgeber des Skippers dazu, dass dieser in seiner Erholungszeit einer bezahlten Nebentätigkeit nachgeht? Im Zweifelsfall kann die Tätigkeit als Skipper durchaus Konsequenzen für den echten Arbeitsplatz haben.

• Fragen Sie also Ihren Arbeitgeber, ob dieser die Nebentätigkeit in Ihren Ferien erlaubt!

Aber auch die persönliche Versicherung muss genau geklärt werden. Nicht nur, dass schnell mal ein kleinerer Unfall passiert ist und die Unfallversicherung bei der Kostenbegleichung plötzlich von einem Arbeitsunfall ausgehen könnte.

Auch die nautischen Zusatzversicherungen gilt es zu überprüfen. Hier ist insbesondere die „Skipper-Haftpflicht“-Versicherung wichtig, die im Schadensfall subsidiär für die Ansprüche eintritt, die von der persönlichen Versicherung nicht gedeckt werden. Denn die von den meisten Hobby-Skippern abgeschlossene Skipper-Haftpflichtversicherung gilt halt eben nicht für Törns die man im Auftrag Dritter durchführt. Hier benötigen Sie ein „Upgrade“ zur Versicherung für Berufsskipper. Und die ist meist deutlich teurer als die Hobby-Variante.

So teuer, dass Sie beim oben angebotenen Törn übrigens schon draufzahlen würden. Denn laut des Veranstalters ist die Versicherung Sache des Skippers:

Einzig eine Skipperhaftpflicht sollte er für sich abschließen, da sie ja personengebunden ist. Zusätzlich gibt es einen Crewvertrag in dem die wichtigsten Sachen geregelt sind.

• Ist ihr Versicherungsschutz Up-To-Date? Berufsskipper-Versicherung, Unfall und Krankenversicherung?

Ein Crew-Vertrag regelt normalerweise die Verbindlichkeiten einer Crew untereinander. Bei einem Törn für einen Veranstalter handelt es sich allerdings zwar um ein gemeinsames Reiseerlebnis, aber nicht um eine Crew. Der Skipper erbringt die Dienstleistung „Segeln“, die „Crew“ macht Urlaub und darf gerne mithelfen. Wenn sie möchte – das finden wir dann auch in den FAQ unseres Anbieters:

Muss ich an Bord mitarbeiten? Grundsätzlich kann der Skipper alle anfallenden seemännischen Arbeiten allein erledigen. Er freut sich allerdings sehr, wenn die Mitsegler mit anpacken.

Wie weit ein Crewvertrag also Bestand hat, zeigt sich wenn ein unzufriedenes oder verletztes „Crew“-Mitglied klagt.

• Wird dem Skipper in Rahmen eine Crewvertrages zusätzliche Verantwortung vom Veranstalter delegiert?

Der Skipper ist aber nicht nur Schiffsführer, sondern unter anderem auch Seelsorger, Psychologe, Teammanager und Mechaniker und vor allem anderen Reiseführer.

Nicht jeder Mensch ist dazu geeignet mit wildfremden Menschen eine Woche in beengten Verhältnissen zusammen zu sein und dabei keine Spannungen in der Gruppe aufkommen zu lassen. Als Skipper muss man genau das: Der neutrale Fels in der Brandung sein, der sicher den Weg zeigt und dabei noch Ferienstimmung aufkommen lässt. Im besten Fall so, dass man als Kunde wieder eine Segelreise bucht.

Aufkommende Spannungen in der Gruppe muss man erkennen und mit Humor ableiten, kleine Schäden am Schiff selbstständig reparieren können und das Segelrevier so gut kennen, dass die Mitreisenden sich jederzeit sicher fühlen.

Selbstverständlich kennt der Skipper auch die „geheimen“ Buchten, die urigen Lokale mit einheimischen Gästen und die schönsten Stellen für den Sonnenuntergang. Abends darf es dann noch gern die eine oder andere Seemannsgeschichte sein, bis der Skipper dann als letzter in die Koje fällt. Die er dann hoffentlich für sich allein hat. Denn nur während der knappen Zeit in der eigenen Kabine kann er seine Verantwortung und seinen Job zumindest teilweise ablegen.

Skippern oder nicht skippern?

Ob man ein solches Angebot also wahrnimmt, hängt schlussendlich von jedem selbst ab. Kommunikative Menschen, die gern eine Gruppe führen und die dazu erforderlichen harten und weichen Skills aufweisen, werden gern nebenberuflich als Skipper unterwegs sein. Wenn dabei das Geld verdienen nicht primär im Fokus steht, sind solche Jobangebote gar nicht schlecht. Auch zum Sammeln von Erfahrungen.

Man sollte sich einfach vorher überlegen, welche Rolle man für ein Unternehmen einzugehen bereit ist, ob die Versicherungen stimmen und ob es im privaten und beruflichen Umfeld keine Probleme damit gibt.

Wenn dann der Lohn für Sie stimmt, ist alles klar: Viel Spass auf dem Teilzeit-Törn!

— Titelbild: © Jeanette Dietl – Fotolia.com

Das könnte Dich auch interessieren

Stimme Dir im wesentlichen zu. Auf der einen Seite ist es eben eine Chance in die Skipper-Verantwortung rein zu wachsen. Deshalb NUR EINE WOCHE, das erste mal. DAS REICHT EINEM DANN **wirklich** Andererseits muss man damit klar kommen, dass man eigentlich ausgenutzt wird. Ich hab’s mal erlebt, da waren alle Kojen ausgebucht (geplant) und ich als Skipper schlief auf der Salonbank. Würd‘ ich heute nicht mehr mit mir machen lassen…

Handbreit, Henrik

Hallo Uwe Das Thema interessiert uns und wir würden gerne mehr darüber erfahren. Ich besitze eine 13m Segelyacht auf dem Lac Leman und wurde angefragt Gruppenausflüge (max. 9 Passagiere) durchzuführen gegen Entgeld. Ich besitze den A und D Schein und 500 Meilen für meinen Hochseeschein. – Was ist in der CH auf Seen dazu nötig/sinnvoll (Ausbildung, Versicherung), wenn ich das gelegentlich tun will – Was ist auf dem Meer nötig/sinnvoll ? – Welche Trickts / Grauzonen gibt es? Grüsse Fanny

Salut Fanny

Tipps zu Grauzonen gibt es von mir leider nicht. Denn damit würde ich mich mitverantwortlich machen für Deine Handlungen, bei denen evtl. jemand zu schaden kommt oder Du schlussendlich wirtschaftlichen Schiffbruch erleidest. Deswegen: Sorry! Bitte halte Dich an die geltenden Vorschriften und dann bist Du und deine Kunden auf der sicheren Seite.

Ob Du gelegentlich oder hauptberuflich gewerblich mit Deinem eigenen Boot unterwegs bist ist leider nebensächlich. Eine gewerbliche Nutzung ist eine gewerbliche Nutzung – auch wenn sie nicht regelmässig auftritt.

Der Hochseeausweis ist auf den Binnengewässern kein anerkannter Komeptenznachweis, um so mehr noch da du ja auch noch in der Ausbildung dazu stehst.

Am besten fragst Du mal in der Gemeindeverwaltung deines Heimathafens oder bei Deinem zuständigen Strassenverkehrs und Schifffahrtsamt nach, was die dazu meinen. Dem Föderalismus gedankt, kann man dir nur dort eine genaue Auskunft geben – jede Gemeinde, jeder Kanton handhabt das anders.

Ich wünsche Dir viel Erfolg 🙂

Viele Grüsse Uwe

ich bin – sagen wir mal – in einer lockeren „Interssengemeinschaft“ und Netztwerk für gewerbliche weltweite Kojencharter. Leider gibt es bei dem sehr speziellen Thema viel Irrglaube.

zum Thema „Skippern“ Bericht oben:

Hier wird von „gewerblichen Skippern“ gesprochen – nicht zu verwechseln mit „Barebootcharter“, bei der der Charterer einen Skipper benennt, der unendgeldlich (auch keine Bordkassenbefreiung) das Schiff führt und verantwortlich ist.

Wenn ein Skipper eine Yacht führt, ist er den regularien des Flaggenstaates unterworfen. Die Regeln jedes Flaggenstaates sind ähnlich.

Für Deutschland (u.evtl. auch anderswo) bedeitet dies, ein Skipper der entlohnt wird, sei es nur freihalten der Bordkasse, fährt gewerblich und braucht entsprechend einen deutschen Schein (YM zählt nicht).

In D ist dies in der Sportschiffahrt nur auf Ausbildungsyachten möglich. Daher seht in den Verträgen z.B: „.. Es wird darauf hingewiesen, dass diese Yachtmitfahrt weder eine Rundreise mit bestimmtem Tagesziel, noch eine Beförderungsleistung ist. Der Mitsegler ist kein Passagier, sondern ein Teil der bordfahrenden Crew und nimmt an einem gemeinsamen Segeltörn teil……“

Sonst wäre es Fahrgastschiffahrt (inD) und ein Kapitän müsste das Schiff führen. Zur allgemeinen Bezahlung: Wir bezahlen nach Qualifikation:

Wir haben unerfahrene SKSler (oder SSSler), bei denen ein Coskipper mitfährt und deren Eignung geprüft wird. Die erhalten natürlich kein Honorar/Entschädigung. Je nach Erfahrung/Projekt und ob es es sich um Haupt- oder Nebeneinkunft handelt gehen die Honorare (mit ggf. Provisionsmodellen) von 0 bis ca. 750 EUR/Törn hoch.

VG aus der Sailing City Kiel 🙂

Bin da drüber gestolpert (ist zwar alt, trotzdem hochaktuell). Der CH-Hochseeschein ist an die Resolution 40 angelehnt, welche die Zertifizierung von Freizeitboot(!)skippern zu standartisieren versucht. Genau wie ein ICC ist der Hochseeschein in keinster Weise ein Schein, welcher zur kommerziellen Seefahrt berechtigt. Die Aufführung eines RYA Yachtmasters als Äquivalent dazu ist demnach auch inkorrekt. Zudem ist letzterer auch nicht automatisch kommerziell nutzbar, sondern erfordert dafür die Erfüllung weitreichender Zusatzbedingungen…

ja, der Artikel ist aus 2014 und erwähnt die Schein-Problematik an sich eigentlich gar nicht, sondern bezieht sich auf mehr oder weniger „weiche“ Faktoren beim Miliz-Skippern. Das ist IMHO heute noch so aktuell wie damals, da braucht es gar kein Update 😉

Aber damals war das ICC noch im Hochseeausweis integriert.

Heute nicht mehr, aber aus anderen Gründen, die ich in einem anderen Artikel schon versucht habe auszuarbeiten:

https://www.segelrevier.ch/seemannsgarn/segelschein-in-der-schweiz-gueltigkeit-in-deutschland/

Die Thematik zwischen kommerzieller Seefahrt, Ausbildung und Freizeitvergnügen ist ein Bereich mit enormer Grauwert-Spannweite. Den möchte ich eigentlich hier an dieser Stelle nicht weiter vertiefen, der Erfahrung nach führt das zu ausufernder Diskussion ohne konkreten Output.

Fakt ist, es wird – mangels Alternativen – gemacht.

Nicht jeder CH-Skipper hat neben dem Hochseeausweis noch einen CE-Endorsed YM oder einen deutschen SKS / SSS vorzuweisen, die nebenbei ebenfalls im jeweiligen Geltungsbereich zu gewerblicher Fahrt berechtigen würden.

Ausbildungstörns für Hochseeausweis-Kandidaten wären so nur für Vereine wie den CCS oder engagierte Privatpersonen, die (auch zufällig) keinen Rappen (!) an den Törns verdienen dürften, möglich. Mit allen Risiken, die so etwas mit sich bringt.

Nur als ergaenzung. Auto fahren und leute fuer geld mitnehmen heisst Taxi, oder Bus dienst und benoetigt eine seperates ausbildung. Beim segelferien ist das nicht anders. Die Sport boots Schein (in der Schweiz B-schein) ist nicht eine berufsschein, und ein segelboot unter Schweizer flagge und mit ein solcher skipper segelt am bestens in eine Graue zone wenn nicht schwarz. Informieren sie sich.

ein Schweizer Hochseeschein ist ein Internationa Certificate of Competence und berechtigt damit genau wie der englische Yachtmaster auch dazu eine Ausbildungs- oder Ferienjacht zu skippern. Aber nicht unter Schweizer Flagge, weil das die CH-Jachtverordnung verbietet. Solltest Du also Anbieter unter einer .ch Adresse aber eigentlich wissen 😉

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Sailing With a Skipper

Apart from choosing your dream destination, a suitable yacht for charter, and the perfect time to go sailing, you also need to decide whether you want to hire a skipper and/or crew.

Chartering a skippered yacht with a professional skipper gives you the advantage of choice. in letting the skipper do the sailing and sit back and relax, or taking an active part and improving your sailing skills. Remember, the skipper’s main duty is to keep you safe and help you have the best holiday possible.

All of our skippers have a lot of experience and knowledge of the sailing area and will make sure you have that perfect holiday – tailored to your needs. A short time before you begin your skippered yacht charter, you will receive contact details from your skipper so you can start planning your dream sailing holiday! The advantages and requirements of a skippered, crewed or bareboat yacht charter are fully explained below.

Skippered, crewed, or bareboat yacht charter?

There are, basically, three main types of yacht charter: bareboat   skippered and crewed

Bareboat Charter

A Bareboat charter means a person, or a group rents a yacht and skippers it. You can only rent a bareboat charter if you have a licensed skipper in your group. When chartering a without skipper and crewless yacht, you have to make sure you have all the other mandatory documents, permits, and licenses proving you are skilled to sail a yacht. Documents that you will need to provide vary depending on your destination of choice. Also, before your bareboat charter, and depending on the destination, you might have to pay a security deposit (or deposit elimination fee) for any possible damage to the yacht.

Skippered Charter

A Skippered charter refers to cases when you hire a skipper alongside renting a boat. However, in this case, you sail with the skipper only and without any additional crew. A skippered yacht charter is the right choice for you, if you do not have the required documents to sail the yacht yourself, would like to sharpen your sailing skills, or you just want to have a laid-back holiday. When you hire a skipper you get a person who not only steers the sailing boat but also knows the area and can give you advice on where to eat, what to buy and see, as well as point you to those perfect hidden coves you would probably miss otherwise. Not having to worry about steering the sailing boat gives you a chance to relax. Ultimately, your skipper is also there to keep you safe! Additionally, the skipper will also have full liability for the boat and you, the customer, do not have to have proven sailing experience. Our skippers will be happy to show you some sailing basics if you are interested. And when you inevitably fall in love with sailing, you can join our sailing school in Croatia . Please keep in mind that you have to provide the skipper’s meals and that the skipper has to have a place to sleep and time to rest.

Crewed Charter

Crewed charter means that you hire a crew to both sail the yacht and prepare meals. This is the type of sailing holiday that is the most relaxing and where you can simply let go and let the crew do all the work. Sailing with our professional staff on board gives an extra flavor to your holiday! Most of our experienced skippers and hostesses have passed Navigare charter school before they are hired. When hiring our skipper for your sailing holiday, you receive the advantage of seeing all the finest bays and the best harbors. To sail with the crew gives you even more choices - you and your friends can actively participate in the sailing or just relax and enjoy. On a crewed charter, our hostesses ensure that all food is purchased, prepare breakfast and lunch, serve snacks and make sure the boat is in good condition. They can also occasionally babysit so that parents may have a children-free dinner! Contact us today to get a current price for hiring a skipper/hostess. Feel free to ask us any additional questions!

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Skipper licenses: what they are

It is not easy for a beginner to understand skipper licenses, why they are needed, and what is behind the mysterious abbreviations like IYT or ISSA. Let’s try to systematize this confusing topic.

Anastasiia Mosina

Read more posts by this author.

All about skipper licenses

A skipper license — do you need it.

This is a reasonable question. Let’s just say that in most countries you need licenses if you charter a yacht. If you own a yacht, then in many cases no one will ask you for a license: you can manage your boat without it, though most likely you will not be able to insure it. In this article, we will consider the first option when you need a license to charter a yacht.

How to get a skipper license

Well, firstly, you need to study. If you studied in a driving school, then you understand the process — there is theory and practice. The situation is similar with yachts, but there are two main approaches. In the first case, you study the theory and all issues related to yachting — from what’s inside a yacht to navigation at sea, usually this happens in your own city with a class schedule several times a week and / or on weekends, which is a big advantage of this training option. Then you need to practice. The practice usually lasts 7-10 days. If you pass it successfully, the instructor will issue you a license. The second approach is usually a two-week intensive course, where the practice begins a few days after you start learning theory and then alternates with the continuation of the theory (often half a day theory, half a day practice). The disadvantage of this approach is the need to learn a huge amount of theoretical material in a very short time, however, you will be able to immediately practice the theory and this is a big advantage.

What kind of skipper licenses are there?

Unfortunately, there are no uniform international sailing licenses, so you need to consider the region in which you plan to sail. However, there are training and licensing systems for skippers that are recognized in most countries of the world, and the International Certificate of Competence, an ICC certificate, is the most common standard.

International systems that are subject to ICC certification are IYT, ISSA, and RYA. Now let’s talk about each of the systems in more detail.

International Yacht Training (IYT) appeared in Canada in 1988. Even though studying is conducted in your native language, you must know the terminology in English. Until 2013, IYT licenses were perpetual. Now, every 5 years you need to update them (the cost of updating is from $ 125). Studying an IYT theory costs between $ 500 and $ 1,300; the practice is about the same price.

The International Sailing School Association (ISSA) appeared earlier — in 1969. ISSA licenses, unlike IYT, are perpetual. Training can also take place in your own language.

Finally, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the oldest international system. The British Royal Yachting Association was founded in 1875. The difference from the previous two systems is that the training is conducted in English. The price of theoretical courses is 500-600 euros.

The categories of licenses

Yacht licenses are somewhat similar to car licenses — there is also a gradation into different categories. However, in practice, it’s more important not what category of license you have, but what your practical experience is and how many miles there are in your logbook.

In fact, Bareboat Skipper (IYT) / Inshore Skipper (ISSA) / Day Skipper (RYA) license may be enough to charter a yacht in Europe. This is the beginner category that gives you the right to sail 20 miles offshore in the daytime in fine weather. In practice, this means that if you, having such a license, sail further than 20 miles and something breaks on your yacht, then the insurance company most likely will not recognize this as an insurance case. Otherwise, until recently, with such licenses, it was possible to charter a yacht anywhere in the world. However, since last year, some countries, such as Greece, began to impose restrictions on the chartering of yachts for skippers with «day licenses».

The next category is the Coastal Skipper / Offshore Skipper . With this category, you can sail at night 60 miles offshore, also in fine weather.

The highest category of yacht skipper is Yachtmaster / Master of Yacht. Having a license of this category, you can go on difficult sailing expeditions, for example, across the Atlantic. This license is the most honorable among yacht owners.

In general, you need to understand that even charter companies will sometimes look at the miles in your logbook, indicating your experience. So, start your logbook as soon as you seriously think about yachting. But most importantly, of course, responsibly approach the choice of training courses. The study system or what abbreviation will be displayed on your license is not so important, it is important who your teacher will be. On our platform, there are only proven schools and courses in which you can not only get the right license but also gain real practical experience.

Photo materials for the article were provided by the «Sila Vetra» sailing school The author of the article: Rodion Karneev, editor: Anastasia Mosina

• Skippered sailing holidays explained
• Sailing Hub
• Charter types

   What is a skippered yacht charter?

Enjoy your yacht charter even more, with a seasoned skipper at the helm!

If you are new to sailing, or if you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride, then hiring a skipper is a great choice. A skippered yacht charter is nothing more than a bareboat charter , just with the addition of a professional skipper. It’s the perfect blend of laid-back luxury.

   Why are skippered sailing holidays a great choice? 

There are so many advantages to skippered yacht charters, that Yacht4Less often advises that even highly adept, certified sailors should have a skipper on board. This helps create a relaxing and luxurious feeling, shifting the worry and responsibility to an experienced professional and allowing you to fully enjoy your holiday! While sailing is an extremely enjoyable experience and provides such a fun and active holiday, it can be nice to take a load off and just enjoy the scenery passing you by.

Skipper's Role Onboard

A friendly and professional skipper will captain your vessel for the duration of the charter. He will take care of all the safety, technical and operational aspects of sailing, and act as a kind of tour guide for you and your loved ones.

The yacht skipper will be your source of local knowledge, as they have sailed these locales extensively and are very personally familiar with the destinations. This is ideal if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Having spent months or years cruising in a particular area, they’ll be well-informed on everything; from the currents, tides, and moorings, to the best restaurants, activities, and sightseeing - you’ll be in good hands.

Your skipper can be as interactive or as unobtrusive as you’d like. As a professional, your skipper is adept at blending into social settings or blending into the scenery.

With the help of a professional skipper, you can let them take the lead or you can work alongside them, learning from them and sharing the sailing duties. This is a great option for newer sailors, as you could essentially have a week-long sailing lesson aboard your very own charter. They’ll show you the ins-and-outs of sailing, and impart plenty of tips and wisdom.

Skippered charters are really popular within the yachting industry and often times clients build an interpersonal relationship with skippers, staying friends for long after a charter has ended. This sort of relationship is great, as you can ask for the same skipper for the next charter, making sure you’ll enjoy the trip.

Planning the Itinerary on a Skippered Yacht Charter

A skipper is a certified, professional sailor that can create comprehensive itineraries, and take you through challenging weather conditions and sailing courses with ease.

On your first day, or prior to arrival, the Skipper will ask about any preferences for the itinerary.

This is a good opportunity to discuss how you envision your charter. Mention details such as any areas you’d like to visit, or places to avoid, or particular instructions.

For example, if you’d like to stay away from heavy crowds, your skipper can plan a custom itinerary around your needs. While itineraries are mapped in advance, that doesn’t mean you have to stick to them!

Even with a planned route, you can still be spontaneous if the mood strikes; your skipper should be open to amending the plans as you go along. It’s important to note that all itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions, as safety is a top priority.

Assisted Sailing

One option that Yacht4Less offers is a package called “assisted sailing.” With this arrangement, you’ll have a skipper for a few hours on the first day, or for one to two days at the beginning of the charter.

This service helps familiarize sailors with the boat and the area, and we recommend it for anyone who feels they need a little refresher course. However, this option has limited availability and is dependant on location.

Normally, Mediterranean charters require hiring a skipper for the full week, even if they are only onboard part of the time, for example, four out of the seven days. Consult with your Yacht4Less charter broker to learn what options are available to you.

   Things to keep in mind when hiring a skipper

When you are chartering with a skipper, there are a few distinctive things you should note about the logistics.

If you have a skipper onboard, you must provide accommodations and provisioning for that individual. When selecting a yacht and planning out your food for the charter, make sure to account for an extra head - this might influence how many cabins you’ll need and what sort of food you buy.

Skipper’s require their own cabin. This can in the form of a bow cabin, but if the boat does not have any bow cabins, then the skipper will have to sleep in a double. Certainly, ask your skipper about any allergies or dietary restrictions when provisioning. A well-stocked yacht will be greatly appreciated. Also - If desired, some people will take their skippers with them when they have land-based meals as well. This is by no means obligatory, but can sometimes be quite enjoyable for the party!

Tipping is another thing that you should plan into your budget. Your destination will determine whether a tip is obligatory or optional. For Caribbean charters, a tip is expected and required. While tipping is not necessary in the Mediterranean, it is always appreciated. If you’re satisfied with your skipper’s service, a tip of 10-20% of the charter cost would be the norm.

Skippers can cost around 150-250 EUR per day, depending on the sailing destination and current price lists. Ask your Yacht4Less charter team about skippered charters in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or Asia Pacific.

When you think about it, a skippered yacht charter is really the best of both worlds. You get all the convenience and luxury of a crewed yacht charter but on a different scale. Skippered charters are great for all sorts of sailors, but at the end of the day - they’re best for those who love sailing and adventuring but also want to relax and slow down.

• Looking for a luxury, 5 star experience on board? Learn more about our Fully Crewed Yacht Charters .
• Traveling solo or with a loved one? Discover our Cabin Charters.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Restaurant-Yacht Chaika

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

Pleasantly surprised, service is good so is the food. Great selection of Fusion food, a mixture of Italian, Japanese, European, Asian etc. A pleasantly nice dining experience, highly recommended, a must try!

Thank you for your feedback and invite you to have lunch or dinner again aboard the ship in an atmosphere of high standards of yacht hospitality.

everything was perfect - the food, the service, the desserts were the best, nice atmosphere and the location - magical

Best food, best view in Moscow. absolutely faultless from arrival to finish. Best risotto i had for many years absolutely perfectly cooked. The view on Ukrainian hotel and the white house by night is amazing

Had to wait for the food for 1.5 hours and then another 20 minutes for the check. Finally called for the manager and he offered... a 10% discount as a compensation. Simply pathetic! The food is mediocre at best. Not bad per se, but one... would expect something better considering the prices. There are many places to eat in area that are much better. Avoid this one at all costs. More

Hello, Alexander Your comment is extremely important for us, thank you a lot for it. We are terribly sorry for your time that you`ve spent waiting your order and we have already taken actions to improve quality of our service and it would be realy... More

Food is very expensive,very pretentious, doesn't worth that money. Portions are very small. We ordered ravioli and there were 4! Four raviolis! For almost 15 euros. Then we asked to bring us dessert menu but nothing, they didn't even bothered, so we payed and left... without dessert. Very poor service for that price. More

This is a very good restaurant. The food is really good, maybe the best in Moscow. The service is also good. The view from the restaurant is great. The prices are very high.

I often visit this restaurant and must say it’s one of the best in Moscow in terms of quality and service. Staff really try hard to make sure that you are happy and satisfied. Customer service is a huge problem in Moscow but Chaika sets... a great example for others in the industry! Food is delicious and the menu has lots of options for everyone! Atmosphere is great and view is beautiful on the embankment. Special thanks to German & Oleg! More

Thank you for your feedback! Again aboard the yacht restaurant "Chaika" in accordance with the high standards of yacht hospitality.

Highly recommended, great location in the city center of Moscow with a superb atmosphere. Too many menu choices, though all delicious!

Thx a lot for your review! We are looking forward to see you in our restaurants.

Visited this lovely restaurant with a friend of mine. It was relaxingly warm August evening - so the place on the river seemed like a good idea. We came quite early and the restaurant was not full. The hostesses kindly offered several places to sit... and we chose to sit on the sofas. We had some wine, which was good. We struggled a bit when deciding about the food as few options (scallops) were not available. Fish on ice on display did not look very fresh. To be honest it was an unusually hot August and it is probably understandable that some see food options were not available. However, we did manage to order something and sat waiting and looking onto the river. My long-legged friend struggled sitting at the low sofa and the manager noticed that, offering as a very good, proper table beside the open window. It was nice touch and I was very pleased by their polite observations and immediate reaction to solve the problem. Food was quite good and presentation was perfect. Perhaps I can something about the food, but 1 visit is not enough to criticize or make a definitive opinion. Overall, quality place, which of course, does not come cheap. I would recommend this restaurant without hesitation. More

Good afternoon! Thank you for your detailed feedback! We are looking forward to seeing you again, we are sure that you will be delighted with our dishes!

I've been here several times during two business trip in Moscow. The overall quality for both service and food is absolutely top-notch, plus the location is very unique.

Hello! Thank you for your feedback! We are looking forward to visiting again!

Located on a boat at Krasnopresenskaya River Bank this 5 Star Restaurant transforms into a party location due to multiple groups hosting events. Impressive wine selection, Asian and European kitchen...

Thx a lot! We are waiting for you!

It is a nice place to gather specially at the lounge The service and staff very good I like the river view The food is almost like all restaurants in Russia they serve different cuisine. Staring Russian appetizer till Asian dishes Presentation and taste amazing... I consider it overpriced little bit More

Good location. Nice views. Good choice of food and drinks. European and Asian menu. Nice service. Pricey enough.

Had a large group dinner here. Food was above average and service quite good. The real attraction is the view of Moscow from the river on a nice night. Great place for a larger group dinner. More

Hello, John We are really pleased by reading that you and your friends were satisfied by our service, client`s experience is the highest value for us. We will be happy to see you again, come and enjoy some new dishes from our chef and nice... More

The luxurious atmosphere of this place, the view and the location make it quite outstanding. We had dinner here with friends and the dishes were amazing, accompanied by a chilled bottle of Chablis, it really made me feel as if it was a part of... the classic Russian movie. More

RESTAURANT-YACHT CHAIKA, Moscow - Presnensky - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

• Service: 4.5
• Atmosphere: 4.5