The Inner Dynamics of Sailboat Charters

If you hear the words “sailboat charter”, what comes to your mind? Almost everyone knows what a sailboat is. Most people will picture one of the smaller sailboats with the single or double sail that fits only two to four people on top of it. But, sailboats, like any boats, range in all shapes and sizes and with multiple sails.

The Hull

Sailboats are categorized two ways, either by the hull or by their sail. The hull is the watertight part of the boat, usually the lower part of the boat. Most boats tend to fall into the mono hull category, while the rest are considered multi hull. The mono hull type of boat has a keel, the beam that the boat is built around, which assists with the overall stability of the boat. Catamarans, or multi hull boats, have two hulls that are situated broadly apart, creating the basis for their stability.

The Sails

The sails are categorized with four types. The first is the sloop, the most common sail. This contains a foresail and a main sail. The second sail is the ketch, which is comprised of two masts, the mizzen and the main, with the mizzen being the shorter one. A schooner has at least two masts. The difference between a ketch and a schooner is that the schooner’s second mast is very tall, and sometimes taller than the main mast. The final sail is the catboat, although this one is not as common as the other sails, and it only uses one mast. The catboat is different than the sloop because the mast is placed closer to the bow on the boat. There a variations of these different sails, but for the most part, they are the basis for sailboat sails.

Why a Sailboat Charter?

Sailboat charters, a wonderful way to vacation, are a smaller, more intimate way than yacht charters, to travel to the island life and bask in the sun. With smaller crews, or just a captain, sailboat charters can be rented for a week at a time by a group. Don’t get misled though; these sailboats used specifically for charters are huge! They are not the typical sailboat that people imagine in their mind. Family and friends have the choice to pull together and rent out their own captain, possibly ship crew, and boat for a nominal price. From intimate groups of six to a dozen, fighting the crowd of the large yacht cruise ships has become a thing of the past.

Whether the destination is St. Lucia or the Bahamas, and whether it’s the renewing of your vows or just a much-needed vacation, crewed sailboat charters are an excellent way to go. Soak in the sun on the charter, and then enjoy even more sun when you get to the island of your choice. Once at the destination point, see the sights or window shop. The choices are endless! Heading to the Florida Keys on one of these large sailboats decked out with beds and tables and even food, people are sure to enjoy the freedom of vacationing in the ocean with their friends and family, without the enormous yacht charters.