A sailing resume may be requested
Operators often ask where you have sailed, what size boats you have skippered, how recently and in what role. A long list of crew miles is not the same as having been the person responsible for docking, anchoring and navigation.
Certificates vary by destination
An ICC, RYA Day Skipper or Yachtmaster certificate, or an accepted national license may be requested. Some destinations have explicit local requirements. Others leave more discretion to the charter company and insurer.
Catamarans can trigger extra questions
A skipper experienced only on small monohulls may still be asked about multihull experience before receiving a large catamaran. Twin engines make maneuvering different, and beam affects marina handling.
VHF competence may be expected
The skipper should know how to use marine VHF, including distress procedures where applicable. Some countries require an operator certificate for the radio. Charter companies may ask for evidence or simply expect the skipper to understand local communication.
The second skipper can matter
Some operators ask for a second competent adult, especially for larger yachts or more demanding cruising areas. This gives the company confidence that someone else can assist with lines, anchoring or navigation if the main skipper is injured.
Check documents before paying
Send scans of certificates and your sailing resume to the charter company before paying a non-refundable balance. Ask for written confirmation that the documents are accepted for the exact yacht and itinerary.
A checkout can still happen
Even with strong qualifications, the base may conduct a practical briefing or short handling check. If the skipper is clearly uncomfortable, the company may require a local skipper. Treat that as risk management, not an insult to your experience.
Experience should resemble the boat you are renting
A skipper with years on a 25-foot sailing boat may still find a 50-foot catamaran unfamiliar. The larger yacht has more windage, different stopping distance and wider marina requirements. Charter companies therefore care about type and size, not only total years on the water. When writing a sailing résumé, include vessels, lengths, role, cruising areas and recent dates. Honest detail makes approval easier and helps the base decide whether a short familiarization or professional skipper would make the trip safer.
What happens if the company is not satisfied
The operator can refuse to release the yacht bareboat or require a paid skipper, even after the booking has been made, if the contract allows it and the skipper does not demonstrate sufficient competence. That can become an expensive surprise for a group that budgeted on self-operation. Avoid it by sending credentials early and disclosing gaps. If you have strong sailing experience but little close-quarters catamaran handling, saying so before arrival creates time to arrange an instructor or skipper for the first day.
Practical note for Bareboat Charter Qualifications
Bring originals when the operator asks for them. A phone photo may help during pre-approval yet still be insufficient at check-in. Keep copies separately in case luggage is lost, and make sure names on certificates match travel documents closely enough to avoid administrative confusion at the base.
Planning a yachting trip?
Compare flights and travel options for the marina or cruising area you want to explore.
Search flights