Understanding the different ways to set sail with Filovent
Updated on: 26/05/2025At Filovent, there are 6 ways to go boating: There are 2 main categories:
Bareboat charter (3 options)
Cruise charter (3 options)
BAREBOAT CHARTERS (boat without crew)
Bareboat yacht charter (without a skipper)
You must have the necessary skills to navigate and skipper a boat. Please note that depending on the sailing area—such as in Croatia, where a boat license and VHF certificate are mandatory—or the type of boat you rent—such as Monohulls, catamarans, or power catamarans—the required skills may vary.
charter with a skipper or hostessYou do not need any specific knowledge: you will be the renter and responsible for the boat, but you will entrust it to a skipper, just as you would hire a driver to drive your car. You will leave a security deposit with our rental partner on the day of embarkation. During your trip, if by bad luck you get caught in a drifting net and lose your propeller, our partner will keep all or part of the deposit.
Fortunately, for charters with a skipper, Filovent requires our valued customers to purchase a damage waiver. This significantly reduces your risk. You will lose your deposit, but the insurer will reimburse you for all or part of it. Your risk is virtually zero.
River cruise charter
Anyone can rent a river boat—you just need to be over 18. You don’t need a license or any special skills. It’s the perfect vacation for couples or families to explore heritage sites, local cuisine, vineyards, history, castles, or even attend festivals. You can go for a weekend, a few days, or a week.
At Filovent, we have over 2,000 river boats available to rent in France, Venice, Ireland, Canada—in short, in more than 15 countries.
At Filovent, we have over 2,000 river boats available to rent in France, Venice, Ireland, Canada—in short, in more than 15 countries.
CRUISE CHARTERS
A crewed cruise is the luxury version of a cruise
You board a so-called commercial vessel, meaning you’re essentially on a cruise ship (note: at Filovent, we’re not big fans of cruise ships), and you won’t be responsible for anything. In fact, you won’t pay any deposit upon departure. Generally, crewed boats or yachts are over 22–24 meters in length.
Cabin cruises
You book a cabin foryourself or for two, then set off on a cruise with a skipper and a hostess. Everything is included; it’s just like staying at a hotel. You’ll usually be with other passengers who share this desire for a unique adventure.
The sailing itinerary is perfectly planned, so you’ll see the best spots and the most beaches. You’ll benefit from all our experience in the area you’re visiting.
LaLaBoat
LaLaBoat is a new cruise concept for 140 people spread across approximately 14 sailboats. It features sailing, music, sports, free-time activities, and exclusive evening events. There are four trip formats: Weekend, 4-Day, 5-Day, and Week-Long. We tailor the itinerary, activities, and music to suit different age groups. Departures are therefore organized by age bracket: 18–25, 30–40, and those in their 50s.
SummaryYou can rent with or without a skipper, and you are responsible for the rented boat, just as if you were renting a car or an apartment with a cook.
Or you go on a cruise, in which case you’re not responsible for anything, just as if you were getting into a taxi or checking into a hotel.
