Bareboat Yacht Charter Qualifications
"Could have sworn it was there a minute ago..."
Occasionally some of our clients are unsure if they qualify as a bareboat skipper and what the actual requirements are. The truth of the matter is that different operators have different requirements. There are two important things to remember: Safety first; if you have the slightest doubt and if you have never been a skipper on a bareboat before, don’t do it by yourself. Hire a skipper, after all this is your vacation. Second; you don’t need a formal certification such as a captain’s license to bareboat, BUT it certainly helps to have a couple of ASA courses under your belt. Even if you are an experienced boater, the operators need to know that you feel comfortable on a boat of similar size and type, so SIZE MATTERS.
We have put together a compendium or perhaps a “check-list” of questions that will need to be answered on your sailing resume.
1. In what geographical area do you usually sail?
2. What is the largest boat you have SKIPPERED?
3. Number of days experience actually on the water?
4. How recently?
5. How many years have you been actively boating?
6. What boats have you recently skippered? Monohull? Catamaran? Power? Sail?
7. How many times have you:
a) Picked up a mooring
b) Anchored a boat over 30′
c) Docked a boat over 30′
8. Do you have a working knowledge of:
a) Coastal navigation
b) Planning a passage
9. Additional comments that would help.
Feel free to print this questionnaire, write in your responses and email it to us at charters@americanyacht.net or fax it back to us at 786-513-2925. Don’t forget to give us your name and return email so we can respond appropriately. For more information call 305-758-2500.