A bareboat label does not mean every customer can take the vessel. The operator decides what experience, qualifications and briefing are required for the boat and area.
Describe experience honestly
List recent vessel types, lengths, waters, roles and manoeuvres rather than writing only a licence name or number of years. Include the experience of the second competent person if the operator expects one.
- Recent skippering experience
- Comparable catamaran experience
- Navigation and anchoring experience
- Crew experience
Ask how assessment works
Some operators review a sailing résumé before accepting a booking; others include an on-water assessment or require a training skipper. Ask what happens if the handover identifies a gap and whether an additional skipper can be arranged.
Treat local knowledge separately
Experience elsewhere does not replace a local area briefing. Ask about operating limits, radio procedures, anchoring or mooring rules, support contacts and any return-time requirements.
- Operating area
- Handover duration
- Support during charter
- Night-operation limits
Choose the holiday, not the label
If responsibility would dominate the trip, a skippered option may fit better. Compare the total package and the space used by crew before deciding.