Compare the Options
How we are different...
We're somewhat of an oddity in the yacht charter world.
There are very few other sailing companies who offer a share-a-boat option in Greece/Turkey; even less who make a real effort to "matchmake" their groups, as we do.
For groups looking to charter a whole boat - there are hundreds of other boats/companies offering skippered charters. Are we pretty much the same as everyone else in this market ?
Not really.
We fall somewhere in between bareboat-with-skipper, and the traditional fully crewed yachts. Of course, when you're first researching a trip, you have little idea of what all the many options are - so to help you out, here's a brief summary of the usual yacht charter options.
In Greece & Turkey, the most common option is a bareboat charter. This means you get the "bare" boat - everything else, you supply. Provisions, water, fuel, mooring fees, insurance, local tax, end cleaning- sometimes you even pay extra for an outboard engine! If you don't have a qualified skipper in your group, then you can hire a local freelance guy (which can be rather "pot luck", to say the least). You then get to pay all his expenses, including food and drink. And so the "unpredictable extras" list grows...
The other option is the more upmarket crewed yacht charter, where there is a strict divide between crew and guests, where you expect to be waited on hand and foot (and pay for the privilege).
There are also the Turkish gulets - many of them beautiful wooden boats, and often very reasonable prices. Usually very comfortable and great for motoring around - don't expect any sailing though. The sails are for decoration only!
So where DO we fit in?
None of the usual niches - our Adventure Sailing concept falls somewhere in between bareboat-and-skipper and the traditional fully crewed yachts.
Our trips are active, participatory, "real" sailing adventures. We provide all the ingredients - the food, drink, local knowledge and sailing expertise; all you have to do is turn up and have fun! You won't be stepping on any toes if you want to sail the boat yourself - our skippers will be quite happy to let you do that (or show you how!)They won't dump you and disappear as soon as you get to port; they're still around to introduce you to our local buddies, organise land excursions, or lead you (astray) to to our favourite local watering holes!
If you're with family/a partner and want some personal time to yourselves, that's fine too - our skippers have their own private living space, and no problems with taking a little "downtime" themselves.
Your Floating Home-from-Home
In short, our SeaScape boats are a relaxed, casual atmosphere... like staying with a bunch of good friends. Everything will be there and ready to go; no wasting precious vacation time provisioning/fueling/loading the boat, etc. You want a cold beer? - go to the fridge and grab one! Hungry ? Make a snack - or better still - one for everyone! Your skippers won't run around you like white-shirted servants, but they WILL be there to look after you like visiting relatives - ready, willing and more than able to help you have the best vacation ever!
Take a look at the comparisons
| Inclusions | Bareboat with Skipper | SeaScape | Fully crewed charter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel | No. Refill diesel tanks at end of charter. Allow around 200-250 euros/wk | Standard is 4hrs/day. Extra is charged around 15 euros per hour. | |
| Water | No 20-30 euro per fill. | ||
| Boat insurance | No. Security deposit of 1500-2000 euro or non-returnable insurance 30 euro/day. |
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| Mooring fees | No. Varies hugely from 0-80 euro/night! | ||
| End cleaning | DIY at end of charter or pay up —approx 80-120 euro | ||
| Skipper | 140-160 euros/day. "On duty" time generally considered to be sailing only. Do your own shopping, sightseeing, and make sure you pay for/provide skipper's meals too! | Yes: Our skippers keep the boat well stocked with provisions, tell/show you the coolest local places to go, and are often are the ones to cook up a storm in the galley at times! Your insider connection to the locals and our little SeaScape "family". | Yes: Everything fully catered. Usually an onboard cook who deals with all shopping, cleaning, etc. Skippers are usually familiar with local areas, and can tell you the best places to go. |
| Learn-to-sail? | Sometimes. Depends on the goodwill of the freelance skipper you get. | Informal sailing tips always available! We're more than happy if people want to get involved in sailing the yachts. | Depends on skipper/crew. Guests aren't generally expected to take an active part in the sailing. |
| Provisioning | Yes—for breakfasts, lunches, soft drinks, unlimited help-yourself snacks, fresh fruit, etc | Usually breakfast, lunch, soft drinks and snacks included. | |
| Dinners | No—usually ashore | No—usually ashore.
Dinners onboard possible, cost usually 25-35 euros per person. |
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| Liquor | No. On board drinks at bar prices. | ||
| Cocktail service | No—create your own cocktails! | ||
| Meal service | Everyone helps out | ||
| Cabins | Depends on boat layout | Shared double cabins or bunks | Shared double cabins or bunks |
| Linen | Yes (make your own beds) | Yes—we make 'em the first day; after that, it's up to you! :) | Yes: Mints on turned down sheets |
| Price | Varies according to boat chosen. A 50-55' bareboat yacht varies from 4500-7500 euros/wk. Plus all the extras. | Average $1550/wk or $2495/2wks USD per person. All inclusive, except dinners.
For our whole-boat charter rates, once you add up all the extras for a bareboat-with-skipper, our prices are generally less. Why? We always employ the lastest mobile technology available to communicate with clients; no high maintenance, bulky overheads. We were one of the very first Greek sailing companies on the internet, and that's where our focus remains! |
Varies *hugely* according to yacht. Usually all-inclusive, except dinners, mooring fees and a 4hr limit on motoring time per day.
Generally a great deal more expensive than either bb-with-skipper or our Adventure Sailing. Why? Different, more "old-fashioned" concept of yacht chartering. More crew on board, who will wait on you hand and foot. Most of these yachts also have to pay considerable agent fees; hence their elevated prices. |