How does a private charter with a skipper or hostess work?

Why hire a professional skipper?

If you have no sailing experience with the type of boat you’re interested in, or if you simply want to go on a cruise without having to worry about maneuvering, anchoring, and keeping watch, it’s best to hire a professional skipper. You’re still welcome to take the helm from time to time and get involved in the sailing!

What is the skipper’s role?

A professional skipper is like a driver for a car. They know the area very well, offer advice on the itinerary, and help you discover the best anchorages. However, their role is limited to navigation; they do not cook, clean, or tidy up. You are responsible for their meals and drinks, and you must assign them a cabin (double or forward).

Important: Bond Redemption!

If you hire a skipper, you must purchase a bond waiver. This is because you remain the charterer of the boat and are therefore legally liable for any damage it sustains—much like hiring a driver to operate a rental car. We therefore ask that you purchase a bond waiver to avoid disputes with the skipper in the event of damage. Keep in mind, however, that the bond waiver also covers you for unintentional and accidental damage that may occur on the boat, regardless of the skipper (for example, if a crew member steps on a roof hatch, damages a cushion, clogs the toilet, etc.).

Special requests regarding the skipper

It is possible to request a French-speaking skipper, or a female skipper, or a local skipper, but this cannot be guaranteed and is not part of the boat rental contract. Indeed, the rental company cannot commit to the presence of a specific skipper (due to illness, unavailability, etc.). We can reserve a skipper for you, but by law, the client contracts them directly. Unless otherwise specified, the skipper must be paid on-site in cash. Unless otherwise indicated, the skipper is an independent contractor chosen by the boat owner (not an employee of the boat owner or Filovent).

Contacting the skipper

For a bareboat + skipper charter, it is generally not possible to contact the skipper in advance. The skipper is provided at the time of the charter. He is a driver, not a tour guide. The itinerary can easily be planned on the spot and adjusted during the cruise!

The hostess

What is the hostess’s role?

Generally, the hostess prepares light meals (breakfast and lunch) and handles cleaning the common areas of the boat. Like the skipper, her meals are the client’s responsibility, and she must have a cabin of her own. Note that with some charter companies, the hostess only handles cleaning, in which case a “cook” option is often offered.

Some boat owners offer a “full board” option if you hire a hostess.

Charter with Crew

Most often, you will be required to pay an advance on expenses at the time of booking, known as an APA. An APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) is used to cover the costs of food, fuel, and port fees. It is like a petty cash fund, set at approximately 25% to 30% of the pre-tax rental price. At the end of the trip, the captain will either refund you the unused portion or ask you to pay for the additional expenses incurred.