What language does the skipper speak?

Generally speaking, the skipper speaks only the local language and English. Even if some skippers have only a very basic command of English, this won’t affect the quality of your vacation at all if the skipper is good, attentive to your needs, and committed to ensuring you have a great time.

Of course, their role is that of a driver, not a “tour guide.”

If you wish, we can ask the charter company to prioritize finding a skipper who speaks your language, but we do not recommend this: in fact, our goal is simply for the charter company to provide you with a good skipper, rather than limiting their options by trying at all costs to assign you a skipper who speaks your language.

Even if your crew doesn’t speak Shakespeare’s language, rest assured: to the best of our recollection, we’ve never received negative feedback from sailors telling us that the language barrier was a problem for the success of the cruise. The sources of dissatisfaction that can arise with skippers almost always involve a lack of sailing experience, anchorage issues, a predetermined sailing itinerary, or personality clashes... But never a language problem.