At Filovent, we offer you the opportunity to rent a boat with a skipper for a serene and unforgettable vacation on the water. Enjoy stress-free sailing and discover exceptional places with experienced skippers. Whether you prefer a catamaran, a sailboat or even a yacht, we have the right offer for every destination and every season. Find out everything you need to know about this unique experience.
What is a skipper?
The skipper is much more than just a boat captain; he is your guide, your driver and your navigation expert. His main mission is to get you safely to your destination. Whether you are sailing a sailboat, a catamaran or a yacht, the skipper is responsible for all the sailing maneuvers,docking and anchorage. However, he does not take care of the household chores on board (neither cooking, cleaning nor tidying up) and needs periods of rest to ensure optimal navigation. You must provide him with one of the cabins and take care of his meals and drinks.
What the skipper is not:
- Sailing instructor: Although he can show you some sailing maneuvers on a catamaran, for example, his role is not to give you sailing lessons.
- Tourist guide: The skipper can recommend unmissable spots in certain destinations, such as coves or neighboring islands, but he is not there to draw up a vacation program or to plan your tourist activities.
Why opt for a yacht charter with a skipper?
- Nautical experience: A professional skipper is essential if you lack experience on the type of boat you are renting, whether it is a catamaran, a sailboat, a motorboat or a yacht. However, with the skipper's agreement, you can participate in navigation and take the helm from time to time if you wish.
- Peace of mind: A professional skipper takes care of all the maneuvers, the anchorage and the surveillance of the boat, allowing you to sail in complete safety throughout the week.
- Maximum safety: The experienced skippers ensure the safety of your crew because they know the sailing area inside out, guaranteeing a smooth and safe cruise.
- Discovery: Take advantage of the skipper's advice every day to discover hidden places, inaccessible coves and the best anchorage spots. Explore magnificent islands and benefit from a personalized sailing itinerary for a unique and memorable experience.
- Comfort and Relaxation: Focus on relaxation and leisure while the skipper takes care of the navigation. Whether you're away for a week or more, having a skipper at your side of the boat allows you to fully enjoy every moment on the water without worrying about the technical aspects of navigation.
Who is a skippered yacht charter for?
- Beginners: For those with no sailing experience who would like to benefit from the expertise of a skipper, yacht charter with a skipper is ideal. Whether you choose a trip around the islands or a tour of the magnificent calanques, you can sail with complete peace of mind.
- Families: For a safe and stress-free vacation, with activities suitable for everyone for a minimum of one week. Imagine discovering a charming port, exploring hidden islands and enjoying comfortable cabins on the side of the boat of spacious catamarans or luxury yachts.
- Groups of friends: To make the most of every day of the trip without worrying about navigation. With a skipper on board, you can relax and sail at any time of the year and discover the coves of France, Greece or Croatia.
- Professional events: Those looking to organize events or seminars on the water will find the optional skippered yacht charter service perfect for memorable experiences. With positive reviews from satisfied customers, this offer is ideal for impressing your guests and colleagues.
How does the skippered charter work?
Yacht charter with a skipper or with a crew?
- Charter with skipper: You can rent a yacht with or without a skipper. The skipper is optional and can be added as an extra to your yacht charter. The skipper will be responsible for navigation, but you remain the charterer of the yacht and responsible for any accidents.
- Charter with crew: You can also opt for a luxury private yacht charter with a full crew, including a captain, hostess, cook, etc. In this situation, the captain assumes all responsibility. You are free of all worries and can fully enjoy your vacation as if you were in a hotel.
How do I book a skipper?
- If the rental company provides skippers: You can add a skipper when booking the boat on Filovent.
- If the rental company does not provide skippers: You will need to go through a skipper agency. We recommend agencies such as Capt'n Boat in France, CaptainsandCrew in Italy and Spain, and Tripulacion.net in Spain. Make sure you make arrangements in advance, as availability may vary.
Damage Waiver
When you hire a skipper as an extra, you must take out damage waiver insurance. You are legally responsible for the boat, and this yacht charter insurance covers you in case of damage.
How much do the services of a skipper cost?
The cost of a skipper is an additional cost to be added to the price of the yacht charter for a week or more. This cost varies from approximately 150 to 300 USD per day. These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the destination, the length of stay and the charter company.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can the skipper be contacted before the cruise?
It is not usually possible to contact the skipper before the charter, as he is assigned at the last moment and his role is limited to navigation during the cruise. However, the base manager can provide you with practical information and answer your questions. Sailing itineraries are often decided on the spot, according to your wishes and the weather conditions.
Is it possible to choose the skipper?
You can express preferences such as a French-speaking or local skipper, but this will depend on availability and cannot be guaranteed. The skipper is an independent service provider and his or her contact details cannot be provided in advance for a yacht charter with skipper.
What language does the skipper speak?
In general, skippers mainly speak the local language and English. We do our best to find a skipper who speaks your language, but this is not always possible. Even if there may be a language barrier, this generally does not have a major impact on the cruise, as the skipper concentrates on navigation.
Where does the skipper sleep?
In most cases, the skipper needs a single or double cabin in which to rest. It is important to provide him with a comfortable space. In summer, he may sometimes choose to sleep outside in order to keep a closer eye on the boat.
How do I pay for the skipper's services?
Payment for the skipper can generally be made on the spot in cash or directly via Filovent, depending on the policy of the rental company. In some cases, you will need to book a skipper via an external platform.
Do I have to tip the skipper?
Tips are appreciated at the end of the cruise, although they are not compulsory. It is recommended that you leave a tip of 10 to 15% of the skipper's remuneration for good service, as this can help to motivate them and guarantee quality service.
What are the classic sources of disappointment when chartering with a skipper?
- A skipper who mainly sails with the engine and not the sails.
- A skipper who imposes his sailing itinerary.
- A skipper who prefers ports to anchorages.
Our advice for a successful trip with a skipper:
- Respect his need for rest: Alternate nights at anchor and in port.
- Be attentive and respectful: Treat the skipper with respect from the start to establish a good relationship.
- Tipping: An appropriate tip shows your appreciation for their work.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 8 199 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Chef (meals not included), Sailor, Engineer, Mechanic, Sailor/Chef (meals not included), Masseuse |
| Average price per week | $12,935 |
| Minimum weekly price | $836 |
| Maximum price per week | $3,370,411 |