Italy Yacht Charter and Boat Rental FAQ - Bareboat Yachts

The joy of a bareboat in Italy

Frequently asked questions about Italy barboat charters:

• I would like to have more information about the region and places to go for a charter in Italy. Can you send me a brochure?
• Can the costs of flights or ferries be included in your offer?
• How do I get from the airport to the yacht charter base?
• Are there any hidden boat rental costs?
• What happens in case of damage or if I am involved in an accident?
• Do I need special licenses to charter a yacht even if I am experienced?
• What provisions do the boats in Italy come with?
• Is the galley fully equipped?
• Bedding and towels?
• Do I have to bring life jackets, especially for the kids?
• Are my young children safe on board?
• Is a dinghy included?
• What are my options when I have technical problems or other difficulties miles away from base?
• What spares are on board?
• Maps and navigation tools?
• Do I have to bring special sailing gear?
• Watersports equipment?
• I don't speak Italian, is this a problem for a charter?
• What happens if we cannot be back at base on time due to weather conditions?
• I am an advanced sailor but do not know the Med. Do you provide me with all the information required to feel safe?
• Can you send me an itinerary and a list of nice restaurants and nightlife options?
• I want to embark/disembark at a different port. Is this possible?
• Do I have to charter weekly, or is a long weekend possible as well?
• Can you book moorings for us at the marinas?
• What happens if there is a medical emergency while on the yacht?
• Are pets allowed on board?
• How do I pay for the charter?

You'll find a guide to the various charter regions in Italy on our site, as well as information about all of our yachts for charter. We do not print glossy brochures to keep costs low and to provide you with regularly updated content. If you have any specific questions, your rep will be able to assist you.

Italy Yacht Charter Guide

No, prices do not include flights or ferry tickets. Convenient, cheap, and easy flights are increasingly available from many destinations throughout Europe to Italy. We can, however, arrange for a driver to meet you at the airport and transfer you to the boat (we will quote you a price for this on request).

Transfer can be organized on request. We'll provide you with the price in advance.

No, our offer shows clearly all extras and options. Your holiday budget needs to allow for food, drink, etc., which is not included. You will need to pay mooring fees in ports, between €30 and €120 /night, depending on the port, season, and size of the yacht. You will pay nothing for anchorage in one of the many secluded bays with easy access to restaurants and bars ashore with your dinghy.

The charter boats are fully insured, and you are responsible for the amount of the security deposit only. Sometimes, there is an optional non-refundable damage deposit insurance (damage waiver) offered instead of a regular security deposit.

In most cases, a RYA or equivalent license is required in Italy as well as a radio license. Send us a copy of yours, and we can get it approved.

Food and beverages are not included in bareboat charters unless you request them. You will normally fill out a preference sheet and pay for this service at base in local currency, or shop for yourselves when you arrive. Fuel and water tanks are full when you embark (make sure you check them), you´ll pay for consumption and need to refill the tanks upon your return.

The kitchen is equipped with an oven, fridge, plates, pans, cutlery, and everything you need to prepare basic meals. If you're an experienced chef, we recommend bringing any items that you can't cook without!

Blankets are provided. Linen is provided as an optional extra (you can bring your own) as well as towels. Sometimes bed linen and towels are included in the price (your rep will make this clear on your proposal), but you should bring beach towels in any case.

Life jackets are provided for all persons on board, including children`s sizes. However, if you have ones that you are comfortable in, you of course can bring them with you.

Children are your responsibility, and adherence to maritime rules and general safety rules, such as wearing life jackets, is important for a safe journey as well as peace of mind. On many boats, a safety net is available on request.

A dinghy is always included with no extra costs. The outboard engine for the tender is usually an extra and costs between € 80 and € 110 / week.

At embarkation, you will receive a mobile emergency number that you can call in case of trouble. Depending on the distance to base, your charter company will either send a specialist or will direct you to someone at the nearest port.

A toolkit, repair kit, and engine spares are provided.

They are included and are a part of the basic equipment of any charter yacht. You, of course, can bring portable GPS equipment/smartphones, to assist you. We`ve included a number of excellent apps, including navigation charts, on our iPhone sailing and yachting app page.

Bring a wind- and water-resistant sailing jacket/pants and boat shoes for the months of April and September/October. Throughout the high season, a windbreaker will normally do.

On request, subject to availability and additional charges.

Not at all. Every charter company can assist you in English. Also, the skippers –being experienced locals- speak English.

You are fully responsible for being back on time. Don't forget that someone else's holiday depends on you. If you are late returning, you must pay a penalty equal to your security deposit plus a fee equal to the daily rate (approx. 20% of the weekly rate). Plan your cruise with ample margin for delays and after checking weather forecasts carefully.

The Mediterranean normally offers pleasant sailing and fairly reliable weather during the high season (June - September). You´ll always be provided with a full briefing at embarkation. In case you don`t feel confident you can hire a skipper for a couple of days.

We have several excellent itineraries for Italy, such as our Sardinia Sailing Itinerary, and are happy to help out at any time. You will also have the option of discussing your itinerary at the base, as they will have suggestions depending on wind and weather conditions. We always recommend flexibility on the itinerary when sailing.

Most charters embark and disembark at the same base. However, many of the charter companies have several bases and allow for a one-way cruise. In this case you can be charged with fees and you might have to disembark one day earlier to provide for the transfer of the yacht back to base.

In high season, nearly all bareboat charters are weekly charters starting on Saturdays. In low and mid-season, you might have the option to book midweek or for a long weekend.

Moorings cannot be booked in advance. The charter company provides you with phone numbers on the boat for you to call or you use the VHF radio.

If you have a medical emergency, contact the emergency services at your base. They will know the best people to call, and can manage everything for you in Italian, which will be more effective and efficient. They will need to know the exact position of your yacht.

Pets are generally not allowed on board unless specifically mentioned in the yacht's policies. Let us know if you need to bring a pet, and we'll do our best to find a pet-friendly yacht company.

Payments are typically made via bank transfer. There will be an initial deposit and then a final payment prior to the charter. In no circumstances will you be allowed to board the boat without having made full payment. We will provide detailed instructions on how to make the payment when you confirm your booking. For more on payments and cancellations, please see our Yacht Charter FAQ.

Italy Yacht Charter Guide