Do you need a Yacht Charter Crew or not on the yacht?

Do you need a yacht charter Crew or not on the yacht?

You chose a boat to charter with us, you probably even have a skippered license but you are still thinking about whether or not to hire a skipper or a hostess or maybe both on the boat. If you are coming to sail in Croatia, Greece or Italy for the first time, it is a good idea to have a local man on board. Hiring a hostess or a cook is great if you are a truly experienced sailor where he / she could be your local “guide”, let you in on all the excellent places to visit and tips on how to avoid crowds and maybe even give you a hand on board. A skipper is for those people who love to enjoy their vacation and don’t worry about anything.

Given our extensive experience in the boating business and especially in charter of all yachts, we have made excellent acquaintances, partners and friends in the industry at all locations – the best caterers, restaurants, destinations, and of course skippers, cooks, hostesses and other nautical professionals that can help you and offer you the best possible service.

These nautical professionals makes you the difference between a good holiday and an amazing one! They make sure you are safe and enjoying the time of your life on our yachts in Croatia, Greece or Italy.

Skipper

Our skippers are all fully professional sailors with all the necessary sailing certificates and licenses and with many miles under sails. Also all the skippers are all insured so you don’t need to worry about anything. Even if you are an experiences boater, having a skipper on board can be very useful and helpful– skipper will look after all the things that concern the boat in port and at sea, and some of his/her duties may be (but are not limited to):

• check-in and check-out – technical and operational procedures at check-in while you explore the nearby sights or enjoy a delicious meal in a fine restaurant
• a short briefing with your crew to prepare you for your cruise and make a itinerary with the crew
• monitoring weather forecasts and sea conditions and arrange the itinerary
  
• preparing daily sailing routes and suggesting activities in cooperation with the crew
• keeping the boat in excellent working order and the deck clean at all time
• refueling, resupplying water and connecting electricity in the harbors
• handling harbor fees and submitting necessary documents to the authorities
• local guidance – sights, attractions, activities, shops, restaurants, car and motor rentals for the crew if they need ti
• navigating the yacht – while you either sunbathe, read a book or just relax
• sailing “course” – skipper is always ready to share knowledge and explain everything from ropes and navigational equipment to using natural elements to move in the desired direction
• supervising the yacht when at anchor at all time

However, skipper’s responsibilities do not include cooking (although there are some that love to share a recipe or two and are quite skilled in the galley) and dish washing, cleaning the interior, shopping for food and babysitting!

Hostess

A hostess is someone who will do her best to make your vacation more memorable and pleasant with nothing to do then just relax. She is on board to maintain the boat cleanliness, prepare food and clear after meals and to help you to choose the most suitable restaurant for your dinners, give advice on places of interest (guide books do not have so many first-hand information) and also if you are coming with small kind, help you to looking our to them.

Her tasks varyon the number of crew members and usually include (but are not limited to):

• preparing the interior of the boat and checking the galley inventory, cleaning utensils and means, as well as bedding’s for you and the crew
• greeting you upon your arrival and helping you to settle in with your bags
• advising you on provisioning for the charter and payment methods before departure (it is common practice that at least one crew member accompanies the hostess during the first shopping to make joint decisions while choosing the best food for the trip and also help in carrying)
• stowing provisions ready for sea
• daily shopping – getting fresh bread and other necessities and groceries in the marinas
• prepare and serve breakfast and lunch or dinner at the time previously agreed with guests as well as skipper. Other meals can be arranged at additional cost – optional.
• washing up and putting away the dishes after meals and tidying up the salon
• checking and cleaning your showers and heads once a day
• if agreed, the hostess will make your bed in the morning
• baby-sitting service is also a possibility but as this adds to her tasks additional hostess-fee depends on the number of children and the time spent baby-sitting

However, a hostess is not a professional cook and you cannot demand specific sorts of meals (especially not dishes which are specialties of other different foreign countries or dishes that demand extended preparation). The hostess will do her best to provide a diverse Mediterranean menu for all of you, full of local food, rich with fresh vegetables and fruit, sea food and much more.

Your hostess will be get in touch with you several weeks before your holiday to plan the menu according to your preferences that you will provide us.

Marine experience – all our hostesses are marine trained so they can help during dock maneuvers and some sailing activities. When required, the hostess will help the skipper during maneuvers (coming in and out of marinas, dropping anchor, refueling etc.) and then finish her other duties. Remember, safety on any boat always comes first!

A HOSTESS OR A COOK?

What are the main differences between a hostess and a cook? Here is a table to make the decision easier so you can decide by your self;

Tasks	Cook / Chef	Hostess
meal preparation	as many as required	breakfast + one meal
meal types	all types (international, local) even more complicated meals but bearing in mind the galley equipment and conditions on board	usually local and less complicated meals but very tasteful and in accordance with your wishes
cleaning	galley and salon only	the boat’s interior as well as cabins, heads and showers
helping with maneuvers	always a priority	always a priority
baby-sitting	–	available upon request and with a surcharge

 

Bear in mind that

• any crew member needs a separate cabin or berth on board
• you need to provide food for the crew members
• although all our boats are very comfortable, the space on board is limited and cooperation and tolerance is required from all crew members
• all crew members need their daily rest after they have finished with their tasks and duties

Navigating Yacht Charters – The Crew Conundrum

Embarking on a yacht charter is an adventure that promises luxury, freedom, and the allure of the open seas. Yet, one pivotal question looms large when planning your nautical journey: Do you need a crew onboard your yacht? In this extensive guide, we’ll navigate the intricate waters of yacht charters, addressing fundamental questions surrounding the necessity of a crew, the availability of crewed charters, size limitations for crewless yachts, and the dynamics that may arise when sharing living quarters with the crew. Prepare to set sail as we delve into the heart of yacht charter decision-making.

Do I Need a Crew for My Yacht Charter?

The choice to have a crew aboard your yacht charter hinges on several crucial factors. We’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of crewed and crewless charters and how your decision may be influenced by your boating experience, group size, and personal preferences.

Do Yachts Come with a Crew for Charter?

Many yacht charters, particularly in the luxury segment, offer the option of a crewed charter. We’ll delve into the intricacies of chartering with a professional crew, what roles they typically fulfill, and the enhanced experience they bring to your voyage.

What Is the Largest Yacht You Can Charter Without a Crew?

For those who prefer the captain’s seat, there are size limitations to consider when opting for a crewless charter. We’ll outline these restrictions and explore the qualifications, licenses, and responsibilities necessary to operate larger vessels independently.

Navigating Crew Dynamics – Myths and Realities

If you opt for a crewed charter, it’s essential to understand the dynamics between yacht owners and their hired crew. We’ll demystify common misconceptions and delve into the professionalism, etiquette, and boundaries that govern these relationships.

Making the Most of Your Yacht Charter Experience

Whether you choose to charter with or without a crew, there are essential considerations to enhance your yacht charter experience. We’ll discuss topics such as charter planning, safety, maintenance, and the unique joys and responsibilities that come with yacht chartering.

Charting Your Yacht Charter Course

Yacht charters offer a world of possibilities, from the tranquility of crewless independence to the opulence of crewed luxury. Your decision on whether to have a crew aboard ultimately depends on your aspirations, preferences, and understanding of the chartering landscape. As you embark on your yacht charter journey, may this guide empower you to navigate the waters of decision-making with confidence, ensuring that your charter experience is nothing short of spectacular. Bon voyage!

Related reading

Planning your trip? Browse our yacht fleet or check our charter FAQ and request a personalized quote for your dates.

Other guides you might find useful:

• Can I rent a yacht with a skipper and crew in both countries?
• Do I need a sailing license to rent a yacht in Croatia or Greece?
• How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht?

Mediterranean weeks reward shore-side detours — a bottle of Pošip with peka in a Hvar konoba, fresh seafood and Assyrtiko on a Cyclades terrace, or a quick stop in a Sardinian trattoria before the Mistral builds. Each coastline carries its own taste.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a yacht charter on Europe Yachts?

Choose your dates and destination, browse our fleet, and use request a quote to lock in pricing. Our team confirms availability with the agency and emails the booking summary within 24 hours.

Do I need a sailing license?

For most bareboat charters in the Mediterranean you need a recognised skipper certificate (RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or equivalent) plus a VHF licence. If you don’t hold one, we book a professional skipper alongside the boat for the week.

What’s included in the price?

The base charter fee covers the boat, standard equipment, insurance, and final cleaning fee in most cases. Extras such as fuel, port fees, transit log, tourist tax and skipper service are billed separately and explained in the booking summary.

How far in advance should I book?

For peak weeks (mid-July to late August) we recommend booking 6–9 months ahead to lock in the boat and the early-bird discount. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September) usually have availability up to a month before departure.

About this guide

This guide was prepared by the Europe Yachts Charter editorial team — a group of charter brokers and sailors who have been organizing yacht charters in the Mediterranean since 2007. Every itinerary, marina, and pricing range described here reflects current first-hand fleet experience and direct partnership with licensed charter agencies. Last reviewed: May 2026.

If a detail looks out of date, write us at www.europe-yachts.com/contact — we update guides quarterly.