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What Qualifications Do I Need To Charter a Yacht?

Before you start planning your sailing holiday, it is best to double-check the experience level and qualifications needed to charter a yacht in your chosen destination. Sunsail has put a list of destinations into each level of experience needed depending on the conditions, with level 1 being the easiest and level 3 being the most challenging. Although these sailing levels are for guidance only, they will give you an idea of the conditions, qualifications needed, and key information before you charter a yacht.

Level 1 Sailing Destinations

Sailing Conditions

Level 1 sailing destinations are ideal for beginners. The waters are calm with line-of-sight sailing with the wind at around 5-20 knots. You can island-hop your way around and relax knowing that the mooring options are easier too. In the Mediterranean, the moorings are generally stern-to-mooring, while in the Caribbean, there are buoys.

Sailing Destinations

Qualifications

Med Mooring

Level 2 Sailing Destinations

Sailing Conditions

Level 2 sailing destinations are intermediate-level with a mix of blue water stretches and line-of-sight sailing with the wind at around 10-20 knots. The mooring is mostly anchoring, with protected anchorages, Mediterranean-style anchoring, and/or marina slips.

Sailing Destinations

Qualifications 

Belize

Level 3 Sailing Destinations

Sailing Conditions 

In level 3 sailing destinations, you can expect consistent, stronger trade winds at around 10-25 knots with plenty of blue water sailing to enjoy. The mooring is largely anchoring, and there are some more exposed anchorages with poor anchor holding ground. 

Sailing Destinations 

Qualifications

Additional rules you will need to take into account:
Qualifications
No experience or qualifications? 

If you are eager to charter a yacht, however, don’t have any experience, don’t worry, there are plenty of options and opportunities to learn:

Our holiday planners are always available to help if you need more information on qualifications.

Contributor

Dominique Wright

Plan Your Dream Vacation