When I think back on my bareboat chartering experiences, certain comparisons naturally come to mind. Compared with the boats of yesteryear, modern charter boats are marvels of design and engineering, with best-in-class comfort and convenience. These vessels, especially the popular catamarans, have spacious staterooms, fully equipped galleys and luxurious furnishings. Features such as air conditioning, watermakers and efficient refrigeration are now standard, ensuring a consistent level of comfort anywhere you book.
The guest experience is king, often as important as the destination itself. This trend has raised the bar for charter operators around the globe to meet customers’ high expectations. Peter Jones, broker at Voyage Charters, says that just five years ago, his company was renting out boats with manual pump toilets and no air conditioning. Today, the fleet includes the luxurious Voyage 590, which won Cruising World’s 2022 Boat of the Year. It has six guest staterooms with en suite heads and state-of-the-art accoutrements.
Cool. But beyond the plush interiors and deluxe amenities remains the broader appeal of chartering—the escape itself. Bareboat chartering isn’t only about the boat; it’s about the adventure. Each trip is a chance to discover hidden coves, vibrant marine life, uninhabited islands and more. The thrill of plotting your own course with two or 10 of your best mates can turn a vacation into memories of a lifetime.
Charter is also about embracing the unexpected. Three years ago, with some friends and my wife, I chartered a nifty new power cat with all the bells and whistles in the British Virgin Islands. Sure, because of the pandemic, ours was a vastly different experience from the typical BVI charter. We couldn’t have cared less. We dived the RMS Rhone wreck, sipped Painkillers opposite a plexiglass shield at the Soggy Dollar Bar, explored the stunning Baths on Virgin Gorda, and danced with waves of colorful fish around the reefs of Anegada. Despite the travel hassles, the freedom of cruising in such a beautiful place made it all worthwhile. The boat was perfect, the memories unforgettable.
Earlier this year, I joined a rally in the Leeward Islands aboard a scaled-down sailing charter catamaran. We discovered stunning new-to-me destinations, including Orient Bay, Anse Marcel and Ile Fourchue.
Mother Nature got in on the action, giving us a rare ridge of high pressure that completely stole our breeze, but the adventure became more than just sailing. It was about the camaraderie, the beautiful anchorages and the simple joy of being on the water. Our boat, even with its modest mainsail and self-tacking jib, provided the perfect vessel for this laid-back expedition, proving that sometimes the best adventure is found in the journey itself.
Even the most experienced charterers can face unexpected challenges. Just last month, a reader shared a story of chartering off Florida’s Gulf Coast. Despite having more than 30 years of sailing and chartering in his wake, his carefully planned itinerary was disrupted by equipment failures and unexpected weather conditions.
A tropical storm brought high winds, heavy rain and lightning, testing the crew’s resilience and adaptability. His experience highlights the importance of flexibility and preparedness in chartering. It also stresses value in the option of hiring a professional captain, especially in unfamiliar waters, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
To me, always, the joys of chartering far outweigh any difficulties. It offers the chance to explore new destinations, try different boats and create unforgettable memories.
If you’re a current subscriber, as you read through our August 2024 Charter Special issue, you’ll find stories and insights from fellow sailors who have embraced these comforts and thrills. I hope it all inspires you to book your own charter adventure.
No charter is perfect, nor is any one charter experience the same. That’s the whole point. Dive in. The water’s fine. —Andrew Parkinson, editor-in-chief
