Crewed Yacht Charter vs. Bareboat: Which One Suits You Better?

Sailing is a dream for many sea lovers, but before renting a boat, it’s important to decide whether you want a bareboat charter (without a crew) or a crewed charter (with a captain, chef, or full team). Each option has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on your experience, budget, and desired vacation style.

1. Bareboat Charter – For Independent Sailors

What is a bareboat charter?

A bareboat charter means you rent a boat without a crew—you are the captain and responsible for navigation, maneuvering, and supplies.

✔ Pros:

  • Complete freedom – You choose the route, pace, and anchorage spots.
  • Privacy – No strangers on board.
  • Lower rental cost (but you must account for additional expenses: fuel, food, docking fees).
  • Ideal for experienced sailors who want to test their skills.

✖ Cons:

  • License and experience required
  • Responsibility for safety – You must know how to handle the boat in various weather conditions and are responsible for your crew.
  • Extra tasks – Cooking, cleaning, and logistics are on you.

Who is bareboat ideal for?

  • Experienced sailors with the necessary certifications.
  • Groups of friends or families seeking complete privacy.
  • Those looking for a challenge and adventure at sea.

2. Crewed Charter – Luxury and Relaxation Without Stress

What does a crewed charter include?

Depending on your preferences, you can hire:

  • Just a captain/skipper (price: €200/day for a sailboat, €250/day for a catamaran).
  • A hostess (price: €150/day for a sailboat, €190/day for a catamaran).
  • A full team (skipper, chef, hostess).

✔ Pros:

  • Professional navigation – The captain knows local conditions and ensures safety.
  • Stress-free relaxation – No need to worry about routes, anchoring, or sailing rules.
  • Additional services – A chef prepares gourmet meals, and the hostess takes care of comfort (grocery shopping, cleaning, preparing drinks or snacks).
  • Learning opportunity – The captain can guide you for exams (B, C, or YMA license) or suggest a sailing course.

✖ Cons:

  • Higher costs
    – Crew wages are extra (daily rates + onboard accommodation + meals for the crew).
    – You also pay for: docking (except in Marina Punat), fuel, national park tickets, fishing permits.
  • Less privacy – The crew is present on board, which may not suit everyone.
  • Less flexibility – Although the captain adapts to your wishes, they often make the final decisions.

Who is a crewed charter ideal for?

  • Beginners with no sailing experience.
  • Those who want a luxurious experience without organizational stress.
  • Groups seeking a gourmet experience (with a chef).
  • Business groups or celebrations where a professional approach is key.

3. Our Special Programs – More Ways to Enjoy Sailing

If you’re looking for organized experiences that combine sailing with socializing and discovering the Adriatic’s beauty, we offer:

Conclusion: What to Choose?

  • If you’re experienced and want full control → Bareboat charter.
  • If you want a carefree, relaxed trip → Charter with a captain.
  • If you’re looking for a premium experience → Full crewed charter (captain + chef).

In the end, it all depends on your priorities. A bareboat is an adventure for independent sailors, while a crewed charter is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sea without stress.

⛵ Which option suits you better? If you’re planning a charter, check the rental terms and required certifications. For additional advice, visit Sailboat Rental Punat or explore our organized sailing programs for more unforgettable experiences!

Skipper Hotline Assistance

Dear Sailors, we are happy to announce collaboration between NAS Sailing Center and Skipper Hotline Assistance.

Skipper Hotline Assistance is a service dedicated specifically to beginner and recreational sailors.

It provides expert support, including route planning, real-time guidance, weather alerts, and help with any sailing-related questions while you’re out at the sea.

Whether you need advice on anchoring, docking, or handling unexpected situations, you can call or message your sailing guide who will lead you every step of the way to ensure you safe, easy and comfortable sailing experience.

Call or text experienced local skipper any time you need help or advice https://skipperhotline.eu/

Sailing Route in Croatia – North Adriatic Recommendation (1)

Day 1 (Saturday):
Start your adventure with check-in at Marina Punat in the afternoon. Take your time to stock up on provisions and prepare your boat for departure. For your first evening, sail to Kruščica Bay on Cres Island, a peaceful anchorage perfect for a relaxing first night.

Plavnik

Day 2:
Begin the day with breakfast onboard and a leisurely morning. Sail to Plavnik Island to visit the Love Cave, a unique spot where you can swim, snorkel, and explore a small beach inside the cave. In the afternoon, continue to Meli Bay on the southern part of Cres Island to anchor overnight.

Day 3:
Head towards Ilovik Island and drop anchor in Parzine Bay, known for its stunning sandy beach and turquoise waters. Don’t miss the chance to take a scenic walk along the path leading to the charming village on the opposite side of the island.

Day 4:
Sail to the north side of Dugi Otok and stop at a shipwreck site, an excellent spot for snorkeling and exploring underwater. After this adventure, head to Saharun Bay and secure a buoy for the night. Relax in this iconic location with its crystal-clear waters and sandy seabed, perfect for a peaceful evening.

Sakarun


Day 5:
Spend the morning enjoying Sakarun Bay, taking time to swim and relax. After lunch onboard, sail to Silba Island. Drop anchor and consider visiting the island’s picturesque old village.

Day 6:
Navigate to Rab Island and choose between anchoring in Čifnata Bay or heading to St. Eufemia Bay near Rab Town. The latter offers an opportunity to explore Rab’s historical streets and vibrant atmosphere.

Golden Beach near Punat

Day 7:
Begin your return to Krk Island, stopping for a lunch break at the stunning “Golden Beach” or one of the nearby bays. Aim to arrive back at Marina Punat by late afternoon to prepare for the end of your trip.

Day 8 (Saturday):
Enjoy breakfast at the marina before check-out.

This itinerary offers a mix of secluded anchorages, natural wonders, and charming towns, perfect for a week-long sailing adventure in the North Adriatic!

Electric hybrid sailing catamaran Independent I – the brain of the electric propulsion system

Unlike a classic diesel propulsion system, an electric hybrid propulsion system is made of more components. The engine or engines, a battery, in case of a hybrid, a generator, usually a photovoltaic array, a charger. Then as an additional component, non-essential for the propulsion, is the inverter. All these systems need to be set up correctly and monitored. As our readers will probably know, one of the most esteemed world brands for electrical direct current products and inverters is Victron. We have chosen this system because of it quality, but also wide adoption and modularity. At the center of this multiple devices is the Cerbo GX, a small, dedicated computer that serves as the communication centre. The Cerbo GX has a touch screen, situated at the skippers table, that shows all the relevant parameters.

Through the screen you will be able to monitor the battery state of charge (SOC) expressed in percentages and kwH, the electricity consumption, the power generated by the solar panels, the diesel (generator) and water tank level.
The system will sound an alarm in case of some anomalies in the system, such as low SOC (state of charge), overvoltage and so on and alert us through an online platform.
The system is permanently connected to the Internet when in range of a mobile network. Four your charter trips from Punat, you will have full mobile data coverage in the entire navigation area.
The Cerbo GX has also control over the generator start-stop function, depending on battery SOC, but also on the momentary power consumption. We will have a separate blog on the generator function, when and how it is activated, whether automatically or manually.
The Cerbo GX also monitors the battery temperature, turning on a fan in the battery room to cool them if necessary.
At check-in the, the batteries will be fully charged and the tanks will be full. As in case of diesel boats, always check the state of the tanks and in our case of the battery SOC.
Follow us next week with some information on the batteries.

Sail & Stay in Punat

Exclusive Offer for NAS Sailing Center Cients!

Make your sailing experience even more unforgettable with a comfortable stay at Laguna Apartments – just minutes away from the NAS Sailing Center! 

  • Exclusive discounts of 10% for NAS Sailing Center clients
  • Modern, fully equipped apartments for ultimate relaxation
  • Prime location – close to the sailing school & the Adriatic coast
  • Flexible stays – perfect before, during, or after your course 
  • Facilities for washing and drying sailing clothes
  • Shuttle service to any harbor in Krk (can be used for multi-day-trips and guests, who do not want to sleep onboard)
  • Partner program for family members or partners, who do not study (Yoga, hiking or biking)
  • Save, lockable garage for sailing material or bikes 
  • E-Scooters free of charge for flexibility and movement 
  • Pool for regeneration 
  • Yoga to support flexibility, power and endurance
  • Summer kitchen in cozy atmosphere for exchange with other sailors  
  • Parking possibilities for cars 

Whether you’re here for a license course, maneuvering training or an exciting Adriatic cruise, Laguna Apartments is your home at the sea!

Book now and enjoy special rates – because great sailing deserves great accommodation!

https://www.instagram.com/laguna_punat?igsh=YXVzNW9wbGVta3hl

https://www.lagunapunat.com/en

Electric Hybrid Catamaran INDEPENDENT I – Technical characteristics

Our new electric hybrid sailing catamaran INDEPENDENT I is tailored to assure the most appropriate characteristics for the charter guest. Follow this blog to learn more about its characteristics and the conversion process.

INDEPENDENT I will have two 10.9 kW underwater pod engines each. While fully loaded, the Lagoon 400 S2 will displace approximately 12.5 tons of water, but the engines are sufficient for boats up to 16 tons of displacement. This is due to their high torque of 56 Nm, available from 0 rpm. The engines work at 48V.

The catamaran is equipped with a 44 kWh 48 V battery bank or 920 Ah. The batteries are based on the ultra-safe LiFePo4 technology. While on shore power, on the most common 16 A marina plug, you will be able to charge from 10% to 100% in approximately 11 hours, or the time you usually spend in the marina or on berth during an overnight stay from 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Of course, at check-in, the catamaran will be waiting for you to be fully charged.

You will have at your disposal a powerful 13 kW DC diesel generator. The generator is situated in the engine compartment, carefully isolated. The generator is significantly more silent than the engine it replaces and transfers significantly less vibrations to the hull. We opted for DC generator, the most appropriate option for hybrid propulsion, since the generator is directly feeding the batteries with DC current.

We shall install 2.5 kW of solar panels. INDEPENDENT I will have an exceptionally powerful solar array situated above the dinghy and partly on the roof. The inox frame above the dinghy and the wide roof will allow for the installation of hard solar panels. Hard panels are much more efficient and long-lasting than flexible ones. On some spots, as parts of the roof, we will have installed flexible panels, that can be walked on if needed.

For charging the batteries and feeding the AC system on board, the boat is equipped with a 48/10000 Multiplus II Victron inverter/charger. The Multi can charge up to app 7.2 kW or 140 A when you are on a 32 A shore plug. On the other hand, it can provide up to 10 kW for the AC system, which is more than most apartments have.

The 12 V system has a powerful and long lasting 400 Ah LiFePo4 battery bank.

Follow us next week to learn more about the Venus OS and Cerbo GX, the Victron operating system and computer that coordinate the work of the electric system.

Boat Licence and Exam Options at NAS Sailing Center

NAS Sailing Center offers a range of courses designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and certifications for operating various types of vessels:

  • Yacht Master Category A Course: This 8-day program, in partnership with AdriaLibar Maritime & Yachting Training Centre in Rijeka, includes 5 days of theoretical instruction and 3 days of navigation practice in Punat. Graduates are qualified to command yachts up to 100 GT without restrictions on purpose or navigation area. The course covers topics such as navigation, ship maneuvering, meteorology, maritime law, and maritime English. The total cost is approximately €1,153.10, which includes course fees and examination costs; a mandatory medical examination is also required. Attending a course in Rijeka? For comfortable stays, book your apartment in Rijeka and enjoy a special 20% discount for our NAS partners with the code NAS2025.
  • Boat Leader Licence Category C Course: This 4-day course, also in collaboration with AdriaLibar, consists of 3 days of theoretical classes in Rijeka and 1 day of navigation practice in Punat. It prepares participants to handle boats and yachts up to 30 GT. The curriculum includes navigation, basic motor repair, maritime law, meteorology, first aid, boat maneuvering, collision avoidance, radio communication, and sea safety. The course fee is approximately €535, with additional costs for examinations and a mandatory medical check-up.
  • Boat Leader Licence Category B Course: This course focuses on theoretical knowledge necessary for operating various vessels up to 12 nautical miles from the coast and islands. It covers map reading, navigation lights, collision avoidance, meteorology, knots, maritime rules, and VHF radio communication. Successful candidates can operate passenger boats, cargo and fishing boats, pleasure boats, and yachts up to 30 GT. Additional theoretical classes and examination fees apply.

Each course culminates in an examination at the Harbour Office, leading to certification by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Croatia.

INDEPENDENT I – The new ELECTRIC HYBRID SAILING CATAMARAN at NAS Sailing Center in Punat, Croatia

NAS Sailing Center is pleased to announce a new entry in our fleet for charter season 2025, a Lagoon 400 S2 electric hybrid sailing catamaran.

Together with our new electric hybrid sailing catamaran we also announce this blog. Through this blog you will be able to follow the conversion of the boat to electric hybrid propulsion, learn the technical aspects of the boat, get to know all the advantages of maritime electric propulsion, understand how to use the new engines and electric system and many other things about this topic.

We hope you will join our community of enthusiasts, who understand that sailing, in its essence, is a bond between men and nature. If sail we must, it is our responsibility and duty to do it with the utmost respect for the environment.

The Green transition is a necessity. However, if we are talking about sailing, it is also a pleasure, due to the many advantages that marine electric propulsion offers to recreational sailors.

Take as an example the first big, immediately noticeable, difference between a diesel and an electric engine – there is no noise. Imagine a pristine summer morning. You get up a little earlier than your kids and friends on board. You take a brief swim in the crystal-clear sea. HHHHave your coffee and it is time go, maybe to catch the morning breeze. Instead of waking everybody up by starting two smoky gargling diesels, you simply give a little push to the throttle and glide in complete silence out of the anchorage. When you first try it, until you get used to it, it feels almost surreal. You only hear the water gently flowing on the hull. There are no vibrations reverberating through the saloon, no cups rattling on the table. Your friends, who are on their first sailing trip, sleeping in the back cabin, don’t have to cover their heads with pillows. They just enjoy the gentle lull of small morning waves and the sea flowing under the boat.

Silence is not important only for people, it is also important for fish and other marine creatures. Have you ever tried diving even a little, to hear the noisy hum of an engine that seemed right behind your head, just to surface and see a boat in the distance. Sound propagates through water more than four times faster than through air? What is our pleasure in summer, for the underwater world is a cacophony of hundreds of different noises. If we can help reduce that, we have done something good both for ourselves and for the environment.

Follow us on this blog next week for a technical description of the boat.