Preparing For Your First Sailing Vacation Charter

By: Charter, Cruising Tips, Destinations

The idea of chartering a boat for a sailing vacation is on your mind so why not just take the plunge and plan that trip? Well, you have a few questions, right?

We have compiled some resources to help you make the decision to charter a boat for a sailing vacation much easier. Take a look, take a class, plan a trip.

You are practically ready to toss the lines!

First, A Few Words of Encouragement:

The Educational Aspect of Chartering
We often say that a great charter experience is truly the reward of a superior sailing education and we believe that’s exactly right. There is nothing better than exploring, with complete confidence, some incredible stunning location from the vantage point that only a sailboat can provide.

Your First Charter – Catamaran or Monohull
It’s a fair question… We’ve seen quite a few monohull purists research the ins and outs of a potential bareboat charter trip on a catamaran and say, “Well, I suppose it wouldn’t be bad to split the cost with three other couples and still have our own private stateroom with a queen- sized bed and a flat screen TV.”

Do You Need Some Instruction?

The Courses To Take:

ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising
Able to skipper a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered keelboat of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions.

ASA 105, Coastal Navigation
Able to apply the navigational theory and practices for safe navigation of a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters.

ASA 114, Cruising Catamaran
Able to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30 to 45 feet in length during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions.

Monohull or Catamaran?

Videos That Might Be Helpful:

Docking Made Easy
This collection of open water drills makes clear the often misunderstood matter of prop walk and prop wash and assigns real-life, hands-on methods that will significantly aid in becoming a proficient and confident helmsman.

The Mainsail
How to put it up, and the things to look for.

Bite-Sized Lessons
We know that learning to sail can be overwhelming and there is a lot to take in. In an effort to help we’ve created a series of “Bite Sized Lessons” taken straight out of our textbooks – Sailing Made Easy and Basic Cruising Made Easy.

Find a School That Charters and Teachers You How to Sail at the Same Time:


Charter Resources

  • Your First Charter Sailing Vacation Today bareboat chartering is the culmination of your sailing education. When you walk across the deck and get your sailing diploma you step on to the metaphorical boat of your future and you can sail it anywhere you want!
  • Charter Sailboat Resources Whether you have just begun to sail and have recently earned your ASA 101 certification or if you have already mastered ASA 114 and are a veteran of bareboat charters this resource should help you.
  • Bareboat Charter in the BVI Getting aboard your bareboat charter is the goal when you get your ASA sailing certifications. Where do you begin? For many, it is a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands.
  • Choosing a Charter Boat Company It’s time for you to set off on your own and explore endless shorelines and secluded coves. You have mapped out your plan and you have reserved your vacation time now all you need is a boat. How do you choose a charter company to rent a boat for a week?
  • Choosing The Right Boat for Your Sailing Charter When you decide to take a sailing vacation aboard a sailing vessel that you will call home for a week or two you’ll be surprised by just how much you think you need.
  • Sailing in Europe? Chartering overseas is on the bucket list of many a sailor, but making it happen comes with a stipulation or two. A sizable number of countries require an International Proficiency Certificate that lets them know the charterer is trained, qualified and prepared to take one of their boats out to sea.

Check out the complete list of ASA Sailing Schools that offer Charter Services

AD: SUNSAIL