What does the skipper do?
Updated on: 26/05/2025A skipper's job is to navigate the boat and get you safely to your destination. He does household chores household chores. They also need to rest and cannot work 24 hours a day. There are two possible scenarios:
- You rent a boat and add the skipper as an extra: the boat you rent can be rented with or without a skipper. If you hire a skipper, they are responsible for navigation but not necessarily for all accidents. If you hit a log or get a rope caught in the propeller, they will not be held liable. You are the charterer, and therefore responsible for the boat; hiring a skipper is considered hiring a "driver." In this case, bond insurance is mandatory.
- You rent a boat with a crew or by the cabin: the captain is responsible for everything; you don’t have to worry about a thing—it’s just like staying at a hotel.
What the skipper is not:
- a sailing instructor: he can, of course, show you things and have you participate in maneuvers, but his role is not to teach. If you want to learn to sail seriously, we recommend taking a cruising course, for example in the Glénan Islands.
- a tour guide: he will, of course, recommend the best anchorage spots, but he is first and foremost a driver. His role is not to plan your vacation itinerary.
