|
How
to Select the Type of Charter That is Right for You!
Globe
Merchant is unique in that we offer many different types of charters.
It's not always easy to distinguish between the different kinds
of charters and determining which one is right for you. Below
is an outline of the different types of charters.
Bareboat(w/
Skipper)- A
bareboat charter is when you hire a yacht by itself. It is the
same concept as renting a car. You get the yacht(and a skipper
if you like), and can travel to the islands you choose and set
your own itinerary. In most cases your group will be the only
ones on the yacht, but I've set up a page for people who are looking
to share a yacht with other people. Sharing a yacht is advantageous
because you can usually get a larger yacht for the same price
or even less than if you were on it alone.  The
disadvantage is that you will be spending time with people that
you don't know.
The
real advantage of a bareboat is that you have the freedom to set
your itinerary. If you choose to hire a skipper, you will have
the added advantage of a 24 hour guide who has a lot of knowledge
about Greece and can show you(or point you in the right direction
of) places that you would be hardpressed to find on your own.
On the way to the islands you will be learning from the skipper
all about Greece and most of your questions he'll be able to answer.
Keep in mind that he is not trained as a "guide", but
because he has spent so much time there he has acquired a wealth
of information.
The
bareboats will range in size from 30-60 feet and generally run
from Saturday to Saturday. You can charter them one way, but it
usually is a lot more expensive to do it and a lot of times the
companies won't offer the yacht one way since it might be difficult
for them to get it back to it's starting point in time for the
next charter.
If
you choose to hire a skipper, his daily rate is approx. 120-130
Euro per day(depending on the company) and some companies require
you to pay for the skipper's food.
Skipper/Owner-
A Skipper/Owner is very similar to a bareboat with the difference
being that the skipper will come with the yacht. In some cases
there is also a crew included in the rates and some skipper/owners
offer half board(breakfast and lunch). These yachts are generally
over 50 feet in length.
Some
skipper/owners will charter any number of days and start the charter
any day of the week.
Cabin
Charter-
A cabin charter is when you rent a berth(bed) or cabin  on
a larger yacht. The yachts that cabin charter are generally from
50 feet to over 100 feet and hold a minimum of 8-10 people and
a maximum of 50. Normally they offer offer some sort of boarding
program(either all meals or selected meals).
Charter
yachts have a set itinerary and generally visit the more well
known locations. Some of the yachts are motorsailers and some
are motor yachts.
Flotilla-
A flotilla is for someone who has the ability to sail a yacht,
but is not completely confident about sailing in unknown waters.
You will charter a bareboat yacht for it's normal rate and pay
an extra fee to be included in the flotilla.
The
flotilla will have a lead boat with a skipper who will help set
the itinerary and meet with the yachts on a daily basis to orient
them with what to expect on the next leg.
This
is a great way to gain confidence, but has the disadvantage of
taking away your autonomy in that you will have to follow the
itinerary of the group. One way of overcoming that is to sail
with the flotilla for one week and then go off on your own for
the second week.
|
