Compass sailing journey
Bareboat vs Flotilla vs Skippered Charter
Compare responsibility, support and experience expectations for three common charter formats.
Short answer
Bareboat gives your crew operational responsibility; flotilla adds route and destination support while you still skipper your yacht; a skippered charter places an employed skipper in command. The right choice follows your current competence, not the most ambitious label.
How to interpret this guidance
Scope: General recreational charter formats. Contracts and legal responsibilities vary by operator and jurisdiction.
Official or legal requirements
Command, contractual and legal responsibilities vary with the charter arrangement and jurisdiction; the format label alone does not settle them.
Provider policy
The operator defines what flotilla support, skipper duties, handover, route limits and emergency assistance are actually included.
Compass recommendation
Choose the least-supported format that still fits the skipper's recent experience, crew capability and confidence in the area.
Bareboat
Best suited to a skipper and crew who can plan, manoeuvre, berth, manage weather decisions and handle problems without routine support. Operator evidence requirements still apply.
Flotilla and skippered options
Flotilla can reduce route-planning isolation but does not remove your responsibility aboard. A professional skipper provides the greatest operational support and can make a first visit a useful learning experience.
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