Why a Captain-Only Charter May be Right for You
A Captain-Only yacht charter gives you the freedom to enjoy your sailing vacation with the guidance of an experienced, licensed captain. Your captain handles navigation, anchoring, and safety, while you take care of provisioning, cooking, and onboard housekeeping. It’s the perfect balance for semi-experienced sailors or those who want a more hands-on adventure without the responsibility of skippering solo.
What’s Included
- Licensed captain with extensive local knowledge
- Full access to the yacht and navigation services
- Safety briefing and operational guidance
- Flexible itinerary planning tailored to your preferences
- Basic sailing instruction upon request
Guest Responsibilities
- Unlike a fully crewed or all-inclusive charter, guests on a Captain-Only yacht charter handle:
- Provisioning (food, beverages, snacks)
- Cooking and meal preparation
- Cabin tidying and general cleaning
- Supplying personal towels and toiletries
- Fuel costs and docking fees (unless otherwise agreed)
For charters where all meals and daily service are included, see What’s a Fully Crewed Yacht Charter?
Why Choose a Captain-Only Charter?
1. Perfect for Semi-Experienced Sailors
If you have some sailing knowledge but want the security of a professional captain onboard, this is an excellent option. You can be as hands-on as you’d like, while learning from your captain.
2. More Affordable Than Fully Crewed
Because you handle provisioning and cooking, Captain-Only charters often cost less than fully crewed or all-inclusive options.
3. Access to Local Expertise
Captains bring invaluable insight into hidden anchorages, safe moorings, and the best snorkeling, swimming, and dining spots ashore.
How Does It Compare?
- Captain-Only: Vessel + Captain. Guests manage provisioning, meals, and cleaning.
- Fully Crewed & All-Inclusive: Vessel + Captain + Chef/Steward. Crew handles everything, including meals and daily service.
- Bareboat: Vessel only. Requires proof of sailing experience or certification.
Planning Your Captain-Only Charter
- Share your sailing experience with your broker so we can match you with the right captain and yacht.
- Plan provisioning ahead of time, especially for longer trips.
- Be prepared that captains typically require their own cabin.
- Most captains are happy to offer sailing instruction during your charter.
- Standard gratuity (15–20% of the charter fee) is not included.
Looking for other options? Compare different charter styles:
Looking for a fully crewed experience instead? Explore Fully Crewed Yacht Charters to compare options.
What Is a Fully Crewed Yacht Charter?
APA in Yacht Charters Explained
This charter model requires realistic expectations:
- Someone in your group must enjoy cooking
- Shopping and cleaning take time from relaxation
- Less polished service than fully crewed experience
- Limited to moderate destinations (captain can’t navigate complex provisioning in foreign languages while you’re diving)
Captain-only charters suit:
- Experienced sailors wanting local expertise without full crew
- Budget-conscious groups comfortable with cooking and cleaning
- Families who enjoy working together and shared responsibilities
- Those seeking hands-on sailing experience with professional guidance
- Friends who don’t mind the work and enjoy group meal preparation
Many captain-only charterers appreciate the educational aspect. Professional captains often share knowledge about sailing techniques, navigation, local waters, marine life, and seamanship. It’s like a private sailing course incorporated into your vacation—invaluable for those building sailing experience or considering yacht ownership.
Captain-only charters offer significant savings:
- Lower base charter fee (captain services vs. full crew)
- All expenses separate (fuel, provisions, dockage, etc.)
- You control food and beverage budget completely
- Captain gratuity at week’s end (typically 15% of charter fee)
Total investment is usually 40-60% of comparable fully crewed charter, depending on your provision choices and cruising style.
Since the captain ensures your safe enjoyment, proper care is important:
- Provide three meals daily for the captain
- Include them in grocery provisioning
- When dining ashore, either include captain or leave provisions/funds for their meal
- Some captains cook one or two dinners during the week (discuss in advance)
- Some will help with provisioning runs before you arrive (arrangements vary)
Unlike fully crewed charters, you manage:
- Grocery shopping and provisioning (before or during charter)
- All meal preparation and cooking
- Interior cleaning and housekeeping
- Dishes and galley cleanup
- Laundry if extended charter
- Caring for the captain (they’re part of your group for meals and provisions)
Your captain takes complete responsibility for:
- Navigation and boat handling
- Safety of vessel and passengers
- Route planning and weather monitoring
- All technical and mechanical issues
- Anchoring and docking procedures
- Local knowledge and recommendations
The captain may request assistance with specific tasks—helping raise sails, handling lines during docking, or pulling anchor. These tasks are fully explained and provide wonderful learning opportunities for those interested in sailing and seamanship.
Thank you for the most special trip! Your attention to detail, thoughtfulness, care and attention were unmatched. Everything we hoped for this crew was true and then some! We absolutely loved all of the special spots you took us to. Thank you for sharing the beauty of BVI with us! Each one of you helped to make our trip so special. The Aeolus crew was all it was cracked up to be. You guys are excellent at crafting a perfect experience. We cannot wait to book our next trip with you!
From $84,000/week
Scuba
All InclusiveAll Inclusive
The charter rate shown includes the use of the charter yacht with professional crew and onboard equipment.
Also included are all meals and snacks onboard, all beverages from the yachts fully stocked bar along with tea, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks. All water sport activities provided by the yacht and fuel for both the yacht and tender.
Excluded in the rate are airport transfers, shore activities such as shopping, dining or special off yacht activities, port fees, park permits and fishing permits in certain locations. Any premium liquor, wines and champagne that not normally stocked and excessive alcohol consumption will be an additional charge.
Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 15%-20% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter.
