Yachts & Yachting magazine

Welcome to our annual Charter Guide, aiming to make it easy to plan and enjoy the perfect holiday afloat. We have information for new charterers and those more experienced, we cover destinations all over the world and we talk to some of the leading charter companies, to get the inside line for you on the 2023 season. We also aim to be a publication worth keeping hold of. You may not be chartering this year or next, but if you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, options to ponder as you plan longer-term, the following 35 pages should provide plenty of food for thought. Charter has been booming since travel restrictions were lifted and people grabbed the chance to get afloat in the sun while they could. That looks set to…

Scouring the websites is often the first step you’ll take when considering a charter holiday and there is plenty of information available. Ironically, it is the vast choice that can be bewildering so it is important to think about what you want before you start. If you are a charter first timer or newcomer to sailing, it pays to narrow down the search by understanding your own requirements – such as who you are travelling with, and the type of holiday you all want. You’ll also need to consider the experience you and your group can muster. TYPES OF CHARTER EXPLAINED – WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Bareboat charter means you hire the entire boat and have the freedom to sail anywhere without restrictions. The skipper however, does require relevant qualifications, which…

Deciding on a bareboat or crewed charter holiday is dependent not only on your sailing experience, but also on how much involvement you want. If you and your group have little sailing experience, or you don’t have the relevant qualification to skipper a yacht, then you’ll need to sail with a skipper and/or crew. If you are qualified to skipper a yacht (see information box on page 6) then of course you are free to choose. Even if you are adequately qualified, there are plenty of reasons why you might still prefer a crewed or skippered charter. A skipper bringing local knowledge and boat-handling skills, and a crew handling the catering and other chores, can turn a regular charter holiday into something altogether more luxurious and stress-free. It’s a holiday, after all! BAREBOAT…

The decision to go for a single hull yacht (monohull) or a yacht with two hulls (multihull/catamaran) depends entirely on the type of charter holiday you choose. Generally speaking you’ll find most flotilla fleets are monohulls, while skippered/crewed charters may often involve multihulls. Given the demand to provide the ‘best of both worlds’ in terms of yacht design for the charter sector, there have been some significant recent developments that have resulted in a brand-new hybrid-style of monohull yacht – like the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47. Designed with input from Dream Yacht Charter, the Sun Loft 47 is based on the already successful Sun Odyssey 490. A new style layout below provides space for six double cabins, plus a skipper’s cabin, which makes it ideal for by the cabin or skippered/crewed charter without…

The beautiful Balearics have long been a favoured destination for British holidaymakers, and the islands of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera are at the heart of Spain’s charter industry, with many of the country’s charter companies based there. Located approximately 60 miles from the Spanish mainland, the Balearics are arguably best appreciated by yacht. Away from the bustle and crowds of the main tourist resorts there are literally hundreds of small bays and anchorages to enjoy. It’s not quite the wilderness, as plenty of other boaters will be enjoying the scenery too, but the vibe is one of tranquilty and relaxation. That’s unless you happen to moor in one of Ibiza Town’s marinas, from where you can sample the vibrant nightlife which has made the island (in)famous. Alternatively, find your way to…

There are many wonderful cruising grounds in Italy, but most of the charter activity is in the south, in places like the Tuscan islands of Elba, Capraia, Pianosa, Giglio and Montechristo. Head down to the Bay of Naples and the dazzling islands of Capri and Ischia are a short hop away, as well as the ports of Positano and Sorrento. They’re glamorous but very expensive in high season. The Maddalena Archipelago on Sardinia’s north-east corner offers great coastal sailing and scenic anchorages, while the best areas of Sicily for chartering are the northern coastline and the Aeolian Islands just off it. Don’t ignore the Adriatic, where you can pick up a local charter yacht and enjoy the coastline up as far as Venice and Trieste – experiencing a grand arrival by yacht…