Why yacht vacations are so unique – and also ideal for beginners
Who is a yacht vacation suitable for?
In short: for everyone.
No matter whether you:
- want to discover romantic bays as a couple
- Seeking adventures together as a family
- Plan a special trip with friends
- want to create an unforgettable experience as a team or company
…there is always a suitable offer. Yacht vacations adapt to your needs – not the other way around.
You can easily go on vacation on a yacht – even without any previous experience!
Traveling on a yacht means maximum freedom. Decide anew every day where you want to go: secluded bays, glittering coastal towns, vibrant harbors or quiet fishing villages. You will discover places that remain hidden to many.
A yacht trip connects in a fascinating way:
- Experience nature – you are in the middle of the element of water
- Relaxation – no hustle and bustle, no crowds
- Adventure – every day is different
- Privilege – you travel exceptionally individually
- Community – the Crew grows together
And the amazing thing is: Yacht vacations are as easy to book as a hotel – if you know the right type of yacht charter for you.
The three main forms of yacht charter
So that you can immediately recognize which type of yacht vacation suits your wishes, we present the most important options clearly.
Sailing with a skipper
Your relaxed start without a sailing license
Ideal for:
- Beginners without a sailing license
- Couples, families and groups of friends who do not wish to take on the responsibility of a skipper or do not have the necessary skills
- People who want to relax – and prefer to leave the rest to an experienced skipper
- Anyone who wants to help out and learn to sail at the same time
Definition Skipper:
A skipper is a professional skipper who steers, navigates and moors the yacht safely and bears nautical responsibility.
Your advantage:
You enjoy all the freedom of your own yacht – without having to worry about responsibility and technology. If you wish, the skipper will explain everything to you, let you help with the sailing, or take over everything while you sit back and relax.
➡️ Tip: In a brief preliminary discussion, you can clarify whether the skipper should act more as a trainer, tour guide or quiet professional in the background. This way, your trip will be exactly what you want it to be.
Bareboat charter
Sail yourself (with sailing license and experience)
Ideal for:
- Ambitious sailors
- all those who love maximum freedom
- Teams and groups of friends who want to experience adventures together
Definition Bareboat Charter:
You take over the yacht without an external skipper and manage the ship independently.
Required:
- Coastal license, sailing license (other qualifications may be required depending on the destination)
- basic sailing practice
Why so fascinating:
You determine your route, find your favorite bays, anchor spontaneously or head for lively ports. No other vacation is so individual and independent.
➡️ Tip: Many beginners first complete a skipper training course after obtaining their sailing license or coastal permit – or to refresh their existing knowledge. This training provides additional practice, strengthens their sense of security and prepares them optimally for entering the Bareboat charter business later on, confident and well prepared.
Crewed Charter
All-round service on the water
Ideal for:
- Connoisseurs who want to be pampered in a special way
- Couples, families, corporate events or special occasions
- Guests who appreciate luxury and comfort
What is crewed charter:
A professional skipper and a hostess can be booked in addition to the charter yacht.
What makes a crewed charter so special?
You don’t have to worry about a thing: The kitchen, Service, route planning and organization are all taken care of by the Crew. A vacation like in a boutique villa – only mobile at sea.
How to find the right charter company
for a truly carefree yacht vacation
Choosing the right charter company is crucial to ensuring that your yacht vacation is relaxed, safe and enjoyable. A professional provider not only ensures perfectly maintained yachts, but also clear processes, fair conditions and personal support – the basis for a vacation that is exactly what it should be: carefree, relaxing and safe.
When making your choice, make sure that the company is reputable and of high quality. You should be suspicious of offers with unrealistically high discounts or down payments of more than 50% that are due long before the charter date. Such conditions are often a warning sign.
Trust is created by charter companies that work transparently, offer realistic prices and regularly maintain their fleets. Providers that are part of an established quality association – such as the Nautic Alliance– are particularly recommended.
The Nautic Alliance is an association of renowned yacht charter companies that have to meet strict quality criteria. Members include Pitter Yachtcharter, Sun Charter, Noa Yachting and other long-standing partners with excellent reputations.
One major advantage is that these companies are not anonymous online platforms that simply broker yachts. They know their own boats, the sailing areas and the local people. Their support is based on personal experience, expertise and a genuine love of sailing. This is exactly what makes the difference between a risk and an unforgettably good vacation.
Yacht vacations are much easier than you think
Yachting vacations are not just for professionals. On the contrary: beginners also experience relaxation, adventure and freedom like in no other form of vacation.
Whether with a skipper, later as a Bareboat yourself or luxuriously as a crewed charter – you will always find the right option.
The sea is waiting.
And your place on board is closer than you think.
For beginners:
Skipper training as the ideal next step
After their first cruise, many of our guests develop the desire to steer a yacht themselves. That’s why we offer skipper training courses that perfectly combine theory and practice.
Among other things, you will learn:
- Port maneuvers
- Correct anchoring
- Sail trim
- Navigation and route planning
- Safety maneuvers
- Crew management
Skipper training provides security, routine and self-confidence – ideal for planning your first Bareboat charter later on!
For advanced users:
Regatta experiences for the next level
If you already have experience, you can add an extraordinary highlight to your yachting vacation: taking part in regattas.
The regattas organized by Pitter Yachtcharter – member and booking center of the Nautic Alliance – are popular events that take place annually or alternately every 2 years.
Popular regattas are, for example:
- Croatia Coast Cup – perfect blend of tactics and team spirit
- Offshore Challenge – sporty long-distance experience
- Kornati Cup – one of the most legendary events in Croatia
These regattas are ideal for motivated recreational crews who want to improve their skills, sail sportily and experience unique team moments.
