FAQ
Sabbatical Charter is designed for those who have prior experience with boat chartering and are ready to take the next step toward the cruising lifestyle — without the financial and logistical burden of owning a yacht.
Our clients are adventurers who want to explore the Caribbean at their own pace but prefer to avoid the headaches of:
High costs of buying a yacht
Time-consuming preparations to make a yacht seaworthy
Bureaucracy, insurance, and paperwork
Ongoing maintenance, wintering, and repairs
With Sabbatical Charter, you get the joy of cruising life without the responsibilities of ownership. It’s your chance to enjoy an extended escape, experience freedom on the water, and focus on what really matters — quality time and unforgettable experiences.
If this sounds like you, we’re here to make your sailing dreams a reality.
We are based in Antigua but our sailing routes cover Leeward and Windward Islands.
- The biggest difference is Our pricing model. Unlike other providers, we offer generous rates for long-term charters, making it affordable to experience cruising life for a month or more. While other companies price their weekly charters so high that a month-long rental becomes impractical, we do the opposite — we encourage long-term sailing adventures with rates designed for extended cruising.
Here’s what makes us unique:
Affordable Long-Term Pricing: We offer some of the most competitive rates in the industry for long-term yacht charters. Our pricing is designed to make long-term cruising affordable and realistic — even for those who don’t want the full financial burden of yacht ownership.
Short-Term Pricing with No Compromise: For those looking for a one- or two-week charter, our rates are still competitive with traditional charter companies. The difference? Our yachts are designed for long-term liveaboard comfort, offering more amenities and a better-equipped boat than typical weekly charters.
Liveaboard-Ready Yachts: Our yachts aren’t just “holiday boats” — they are set up for the liveaboard lifestyle, with features that make long-term living on board comfortable, functional, and stress-free.
More than Just a Vacation: With us, you’re not just booking a yacht — you’re booking a chance to live the cruising lifestyle. Whether for a few weeks or a few months, you get to focus on the experience, not the logistics of owning, preparing, and maintaining a boat.
If you’re looking for affordable long-term charters that offer the freedom of liveaboard life — without the complexity of buying a boat — then Sabbatical Charter is the clear choice.
With Sabbatical Charter, you can explore the stunning Leeward and Windward Islands in the Caribbean including Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, Sint Maarten (SXM), Anguilla, and St. Barts. Depending on the length of your charter, you’ll have the flexibility to sail to the BVI (British Virgin Islands) in the north or as far south as Grenada. For returning guests, we may offer the possibility to extend the cruising grounds beyond this range, allowing for even more adventurous and personalized experiences.
To check availability and pricing, simply send us an email. We’ll discuss your preferred charter period, destinations, and any specific requirements you have.
The charter price includes:
Exclusive use of the entire yacht (this is not a cabin-sharing program).
Dinghy and outboard motor.
Bed linens and towels (for all cabins).
Fully equipped kitchen/galley for cooking on board.
Onboard navigation tools and charts.
Safety equipment in accordance with maritime regulations.
Please note that additional costs, such as cruising permits, national park fees, fuel, and provisioning, may apply. More on that below.
While our charters offer unbeatable value, certain costs are not included in the charter price. These may include:
Damage waiver
Refundable security deposit (held and returned after inspection).
Fuel, water, and electricity (as consumed during the trip).
Marina fees or mooring fees (if stopping in ports or marinas outside our base).
Customs, immigration, and cruising permits (depends on the cruising region).
Optional extras (like paddleboards, kayaks, or snorkel gear).
We recommend setting aside a budget for these items, and we’ll be happy to give you an estimate based on your route and plans.
10% deposit at the time of booking.
40% deposit inside 1 month from time of booking
50% final payment due 60 days prior to departure.
Security deposit due 10 days before your charter starts, paid via wire transfer or an online payment service.
For booking more than 12 months in advance, we can add one more step (e.g., 10% at booking, 20% inside 1 month, 20% 6 months before charter starts, and the final 50% deposit 60 days prior to departure).
More than 180 days before departure: Full refund, minus a €200 administration fee.
Between 180 and 120 days: 60% refund.
Between 119 and 60 days: 40% refund.
Less than 60 days: No refund
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen changes.
Yes, we provide Starlink satellite internet on board our yachts. This ensures fast, reliable connectivity no matter where you sail. However, the internet plan is not included in the rental price. We’re happy to advise you on the best plan to suit your specific needs for work, entertainment, or staying connected with loved ones while at sea.
Our yachts are professionally maintained, but in the unlikely event that something breaks, we ask guests to contact us directly for guidance. We will assist in arranging service at the nearest port if repairs are required.
Please note that not all equipment failures are due to normal wear and tear. Some issues may result from negligence, misuse, or poor decision-making, in which case the repair costs will need to be addressed accordingly.
For major issues that affect your ability to continue the voyage, we will do our best to provide compensation for lost sailing days, as outlined in our charter agreement. Our goal is to ensure your journey remains smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
We love helping our clients explore beyond the beaten path! If you’d like to sail to a unique destination, let us know. Depending on the length of your charter and your sailing experience, we may be able to offer extended cruising routes.
Yes, to charter a bareboat charter, you will need to demonstrate your sailing experience. We may ask for:
Sailing resume (detailing your experience and past charters).
Sailing license or certification (like the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or ASA certification).
If you’re new to sailing, you may not yet fully appreciate how Sabbatical Charter stands apart from other charter options. We strongly recommend that you first attend a sailing school and gain some hands-on experience before embarking on the cruising lifestyle.
However, if you’re still passionate about joining us, we can arrange for a professional skipper to accompany you on board for an additional daily fee. This skipper can provide onboard training and guidance as long as needed. For those looking to gain formal skills, there’s also the option for certification while on vacation, giving you the skills and confidence to eventually captain your own voyage.
If you’re rusty, you can also request a checkout skipper for the first day.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on board our boat. This policy helps us maintain the cleanliness and condition of our vessels for all guests.
We accept the following payment methods:
Bank transfer / wire transfer.
Online payment platforms (like Wise.com, to avoid international fees).
Credit cards (Visa & Mastercard) — but note that credit card fees may apply (typically around 3-4%).
We recommend Wise.com for fast, affordable payments.
Here’s a quick packing list and tips:
Soft-sided luggage (suitcases don’t fit well on yachts).
Snorkel and mask (we provide some, but your own is always a good idea).
Sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses).
Light, breathable clothing (it gets warm, especially in the tropics).
Water shoes or boat shoes (non-marking soles).
Travel adapters and chargers (depending on your destinations).
Avoid hard luggage (like rolling suitcases), as storage space is limited.
Yes, but certain destinations require a local fishing permit. If you’d like to fish in the BVI, Grenada, or other areas, let us know in advance so we can help you secure the necessary permit.
Do you offer a Rent-to-Buy option?
Yes, we do! Our Rent-to-Buy option allows you to experience the cruising lifestyle before fully committing to yacht ownership. Here’s how it works:
- Charter the Yacht – Sail for a few weeks or several months with full access to a fully equipped, liveaboard-ready yacht.
- Option to Purchase – If you fall in love with the yacht, you can choose to buy it at the end of the charter.
- Charter Fees Count Toward Purchase – The amount you’ve already paid for the charter is credited toward the purchase price of the yacht.
This unique option gives you the chance to experience ownership without the risks, stress, or upfront costs of buying a boat outright. It’s a smarter, more flexible path to yacht ownership. Sail first, buy later.
