We create unforgettable yachting holidays

Welcome to Helm, where your yachting dreams set sail. 
Discover how our seamless booking platform and curated fleet make yacht charters an effortless and unforgettable experience.

How to Book a Yacht Charter

The HELM process, explained

The HELM process, explained

Step 1

Research

You don’t need to know anything about yachts - that’s what we’re here for! Use our intuitive Enquiry Builder to start the process of crafting your ideal charter. Not sure what you want yet? Explore our guides or search through our yacht listings to learn about different charter types, yachts, and destinations, and discover your perfect fit.

Step 2

Refine

After your enquiry, you’ll get assigned a personal charter broker to guide you through every stage. Your HELM broker will explore your preferences and create a curated initial selection of yachts suited to you. HELM brokers have great first-hand knowledge of the entire market, and years of experience selecting the right boat, so you’re in safe hands.

Step 3

Book

Review the boats and tell your broker if any are looking about right, or any on the options, and they’ll be able to make adjustments to make the perfect match, or answer any questions you may have. Once you’re happy, it’s time to book the boat - simply pay the deposit, and our operations team will be in touch to go over the finer details and make sure it’s all smooth sailing. We’re always on call for any questions you have in the run-up to your charter and once you step aboard. Bon voyage!

Research

Research

You don’t need to know anything about yachts - that’s what we’re here for! Use our intuitive Enquiry Builder to start the process of crafting your ideal charter. Not sure what you want yet? Explore our guides or search through our yacht listings to learn about different charter types, yachts, and destinations, and discover your perfect fit.

Refine

Refine

After your enquiry, you’ll get assigned a personal charter broker to guide you through every stage. Your HELM broker will explore your preferences and create a curated initial selection of yachts suited to you. HELM brokers have great first-hand knowledge of the entire market, and years of experience selecting the right boat, so you’re in safe hands.

Book

Book

Review the boats and tell your broker if any are looking about right, or any on the options, and they’ll be able to make adjustments to make the perfect match, or answer any questions you may have. Once you’re happy, it’s time to book the boat - simply pay the deposit, and our operations team will be in touch to go over the finer details and make sure it’s all smooth sailing. We’re always on call for any questions you have in the run-up to your charter and once you step aboard. Bon voyage!

Search for your perfect yacht

Why book with us?

We offer only the finest yachts on the market: the ones we know and trust, that undergo the most rigorous maintenance and have the best-trained crews.

We know your holidays are treasured time, so we’ll strive to make your trip everything you want it to be. Our unique Experience Builder allows us to handpick the destinations, yachts and activities that will best suit your group.

100% impartial advice from your own personal broker

Bespoke holidays built around your requirements

Only the finest yachts

Stunning global destinations

Explore more

Our charter types

Crewed

Crewed

The ultimate luxury experience and the ideal holiday for those who love being on the water but still want a five-star experience.

Skippered

Skippered

Hire a Skipper and relax as a pro takes the wheel. It's a simple and relaxing way to explore a sailing area. Kick back and enjoy a stress-free adventure!

x-46 man laughing at helm

Bareboat

Go your own way and enjoy control over every aspect of your yacht charter. Perfect for experienced sailors.

Crewed

The ultimate luxury experience and the ideal holiday for those who love being on the water but still want a five-star experience.

Skippered

Find out more
Skippered

Hire a Skipper and relax as a pro takes the wheel. It's a simple and relaxing way to explore a sailing area. Kick back and enjoy a stress-free adventure!

x-46 man laughing at helm

Go your own way and enjoy control over every aspect of your yacht charter. Perfect for experienced sailors.

Not sure which one you need?

See charter types

Unforgettable yachting holidays, tailored to you.

Get Started
Booking

Offer selected, booking done. What next?

Thank you for booking your next charter with HELM! We are looking forward to making sure you have an unforgettable experience.

Before your departure, we will send you a few things to prepare for your trip; it may be help with creating your perfect itinerary for a week on the water or making sure your crew have every detail they need.

  • Travel tips
  • Transfers
  • Boarding information
  • Preference sheets
  • Balance payments

Travel tips

Now you have booked it is time to start planning where you would like to go, what you would like to see and what you're looking to experience during your charter.

If you are on a skippered charter, let us know what you're looking for and we can help plan your perfect itinerary, so that when you arrive on board you can let the skipper know the spots you want to see and they will be able to suggest the best spots to meet your requirements.

Similarly with a crewed charter, let your captain know what you are wanting to get from this experience and they will be able to accommodate where possible to ensure the best trip. Check out our top itinerary planning tips to help squeeze the max out of your vacation!

We're Here to Help

If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide. We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.
Contact Us
Check FAQ

Use our Experience Builder and we will be able to suggest the yacht holiday most suited for you. There are three main categories of yachting holidays:

  • Bareboat
  • Skippered (bareboat with a professional captain)
  • Fully crewed

You can see further explanation on each of these options below. If you don’t have sailing experience, then a skippered or crewed option is for you.

  • A bareboat charter is where you rent a fully equipped yacht without a skipper or crew. The yacht is yours for the duration of the charter and has everything you need on board.
  • We can help arrange for the boat to be provisioned before your arrival and any extras you require to be on board.
  • The boat is your responsibility and the itinerary is completely up to you. You will be provided with an area and boat briefing upon check-in, and will have the full support of the local base staff should you have any questions or require assistance during your charter.
  • Yachts available to bareboat charter range from 32ft right up to 60ft, and include a wide variety of monohull sailing boats, motorboats and catamarans from all major shipyards. We've highlighted some of our favourite bareboats here.
  • You will probably need a practical sailing licence, such as RYA Day Skipper, International Certificate of Competence (ICC), or ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising Certificate, along with experience on an equal size boat. In the British Virgin Islands and Thailand, you do not need a licence by law, but will be required to show a sailing resume demonstrating experience of being in charge of an equal size boat. Some charter companies in these regions may also request a formal licence. If you are not sure your licence is suitable, please check with us.
  • In Croatia a VHF (marine radio) licence is also mandatory.
  • A skippered charter means adding a professional skipper to a bareboat arrangement. This is perfect for a first sailing holiday, as you don't need any experience at all.
  • You can also add a skipper if you would just like someone on board with local knowledge and to assist with the sailing.
  • You can be as involved in the sailing of the vessel as you like, and the skipper will be happy to teach you to sail, or allow you to relax and sunbathe.
  • A skipper is hired to make your week as enjoyable as possible; they will have local experience and will be able to make recommendations on where to go and what to see.
  • Prices range from 190 to 200 EUR per day for a skipper, with food extra, and you need to make sure you allocate them a cabin.
  • A crewed charter is a luxurious escape, akin to a 5 star hotel but with a different view every day.
  • A professional captain and crew will pamper you and provide a seamless experience throughout.
  • Your on-board chef will prepare gourmet cuisine, and the crew can assist with reservations at the best onshore restaurants.
  • You will find an amazing selection of facilities, activities and equipment.
  • The experience is uniquely tailored to all of your personal preferences.
  • To find your perfect escape, browse our Crewed Yachts.
  • A hostess can be added to any bareboat or skippered charter
  • They will keep your yacht clean, prepare drinks and snacks, breakfast and lunch, as well as helping with provisioning.
  • A hostess costs 130 – 170 EUR per day + food, depending on destination.