Sailboat Charter

What is a sailboat charter?

A sailboat charter allows you to rent a fully equipped sailing boat for a set period of time - usually ranging from one to several weeks - to explore coastal or island destinations at your own pace.

Whether you're sailing solo, with a partner, or as a group, chartering a sailboat for your next holiday provides flexible freedom on the open water, without the commitment of boat ownership. You can choose from bareboat charters, skippered charters, or cabin cruises.

Why charter a sailboat?

Chartering a sailboat is one of the most authentic ways to explore the sea. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a complete beginner, a sailboat rental offers the perfect balance of adventure, affordability, and freedom. Compared to catamarans charters, sailboats are often the preferred choice for travelers seeking a hands-on experience, with easier maneuverability, and lower docking fees.

Sailboats offer a more hands-on experience: they’re quicker to tack and easier to manoeuvre with only one hull. There are a variety of destinations suited to those who want a relaxing sail, or a challenging adventure… tell one of our GlobeSailor advisors your level of experience and what you’re looking for, and they’ll help you find the perfect spot to rent a sailboat.

Sailboats are generally the cheapest option for a boat charter, so if you’re looking to keep prices down, they’re a great choice and there’s still an array of thousands of boats to choose from for your next sailing holiday, with or without a skipper.

Top destinations for sailboat charter?

Sailboat charters in The Mediterranean are very popular amongst many sailors. Sailboat charters in Croatia are a favourite with everyone, with the glittering, inviting waters of the Adriatic and the thousands of kilometers of enchanting coastline to navigate.

Sailors travel from all over the globe to discover the beautiful islands and charming culture that this country has to offer. Croatia accounts for 25% of all sailboat charters worldwide.

The next two most popular destinations for sailboats are Greece, which offers calming Aegean waters, ancient ruins and stunning fishing villages, and Italy, with its diverse coastlines and iconic cuisine. Each country accounts for 19% of all sailboat rentals. It is clear that the Mediterranean is the preferred cruising ground for these types of boats.

Areas such as the Caribbean are great for sailing, but are more favoured for catamaran cruises, making up only 2% of sailboat charters.

Depending on what time of year you sail, different destinations will be more preferable if you’re looking for sun and ideal wind conditions. If you prefer to sail during the summer months, we would recommend chartering a sailboat in Europe, whereas if you want to sail in winter, chartering in destinations such as the Pacific Islands, South-East Asia or the British Virgin Islands are preferable. The tropical sun offers perfect sailing conditions between the months of November and April.

There are many other destinations that also offer incredible experiences: a sailboat charter in Spain, with its vibrant culture and stunning Balearic Islands, provides a mix of lively ports and serene anchorages.

Meanwhile, a sailboat charter Italy continues to enchant sailors with its diverse coastlines, from the glamorous Amalfi Coast to the rugged beauty of Sardinia.

Additionally, a sailboat charter in Atlantic France offers a unique sailing adventure, where you can explore the charming harbours of Brittany and enjoy the thrill of navigating the dynamic waters of the Bay of Biscay.

These destinations each offer something unique, ensuring that your sailboat charter is unforgettable, no matter where you choose to explore.

Cabin Charter on a sailboat

If you’re new to sailing or simply want a more relaxed experience, a cabin charter is a great option. Book a private cabin on a shared sailboat, complete with a professional skipper.

Though the majority of our cabin cruises are aboard catamarans or gulets for example, we do have a handful of cabin charter options aboard sailboats.

These are perfect for those who have never sailed before but are looking for a smaller-scale cruise, where you can perhaps learn the basics of navigation from your skipper during the trip, without any of the responsibility or pressure of controlling the boat!

Cabin cruises are great for anyone who just wants to sit back and relax and discover a new corner of the world in a completely unique and memorable way.

For example:

Sailboat charter prices and budget tips

Sailboats are made for sailing, and are often less lavish than other types of boat which makes chartering the cost of renting them generally cheaper.

There are also a variety of smaller sailboats available, which means fuel, docking and general costs will be lower. However, we also have a range of larger sailboats available for charter, of up to 127ft; there is something to suit everybody's requirements and budget.

The most popular chartered sailboats include:

These range between €600 - €4600 to rent a boat for a week, depending on the boat size, location, and season.

Factors that influence costs to charter include:

Optional extras such as skippers, hostess, or provisions.

What to pack for your sailboat charter

If you’ve never been sailing or it’s been a while since your last trip, here are a few reminders and recommendations of what to bring to make sure you’re fully prepared for your charter. It’s best to be fully prepared and fully research navigation routes and weather forecasts before and during your holiday. Don’t hesitate to contact your GlobeSailor advisor at any point for any help organizing or preparing for your cruise.

Firstly, remember there is limited space in cabins, so opt for easily foldable luggage, not rigid suitcases or bags that can’t be compacted once on board.

Secondly, regarding navigation, do not forget bring a cruising guide of the area so you know all your options, and also official charts of your navigation zone.

Sailboats for charter are generally equipped with the necessary guides and maps, but they can be in a foreign language, or damaged.

You don’t want to take any chances and it’s always better to be overprepared, so it is best to bring your own maps and already have a route in mind, which you can then confirm with the base manager according to the local weather upon your arrival.

Do not forget to pack all of your essential documents such as:

Each member of the sailboat crew should bring:

Depending on your destination and the sailing season, do not forget your swimsuit! You’ll also want to make sure you have a stocked first aid kit on board with you.

Fishing enthusiasts might want to bring their own equipment... It is also advisable to bring some good books or magazines to occupy yourself on board in your cabin or on deck in the sun!

Board games and cards are also great for your evenings and aperitifs in the cockpit or in the saloon while others are busy cooking the catch of the day...This list isn’t exhaustive, but it includes some of the essentials to consider packing before embarking on a sailing cruise.