How to find a good skipper for your sailboat?
Sailing a yacht comes with many facets. For many, their boat is a refuge to cast off from daily routine ashore, taking the helm in their own hands literally and controlling the sheets. Sailing is an active passion. For others, sailing means stress-free leisure, complete indulgence in luxury or just simply: doing nothing but relishing the joy of being out at sea. For those, a competent, skillful skipper – or boat captain – is a necessity. On larger vessels, a crew is hired to take care of the owners and guests. This article will lead you on a comprehensive journey, helping you decipher the qualities of an exceptional skipper. We'll dive beneath the surface, examining the essential skills, the reliable verification methods, and the tangible outcomes of making the right-or, critically, the wrong-sailboat skipper choice.
When employing a skipper for your sailboat might be a good idea?
Decisions. It's estimated we make upward of 35,000 decisions each day - from the simple ones to the monumental. But out on the open sea, these take on a different weight. They strike a delicate balance between thrill and threat, sculpting the narrative of either an unforgettable voyage or an unnerving ordeal. For beginners, even on mid-sized sailing yachts, this can be a monumental task that is overwhelming at times or intimidating.
Skipper trainings aboard your newly bought sailboat
To start with, a skipper can be a good idea if you are just starting your journey of owning a yacht. Even for sailors who already have a range of experience, mastering a new boat – bigger, more powerful, or complex in its equipment – could be a task too big to take on alone. Professional part-time skippers offer onboard training, focused on manoeuvres, such as safe berthing, sail trim, and standard operations of a boat. This training is tailor-made to fit the needs of your yacht, your home marina, and all the people on board with you. So if you are starting a new chapter of your family on a sailboat, a skipper can help to form a competent crew out of your family. Consider hiring a skipper every time you feel a bit overwhelmed by the size or complexity of your new yacht. Buying a catamaran for the first time is also an occasion when hiring a skipper for onboard training is a good idea. Skipper trainings aboard a new vessel may be facilitated by your local dealer, as he surely knows a roster of reliable, competent professionals. Courses can range from a single day to a full week or more.
Boat deliveries or transfers
Buying your new sailing yacht often involves a brand or manufacturer based outside the UK. Whilst many boat dealers offer boat transport, commissioning and handover at their home bases or at a location of your choice, some owners prefer to take over their brand new sailboats right where the yachts had been built. This is often not a choice driven by the urge to save money on heavy-duty truck transport, but out of curiosity or some form of tradition. Sailing away from the location of the shipyard is a first adventure and highlight with the brand new boat for many owners indeed. That said, this first big voyage back home often involves long-haul sailing and the traversing of challenging waters. Be it the notorious Kiel Canal, the at times storm-battered North Sea if you take over your brand new yacht from our shipyards in Germany, the English Channel or the infamous Bay of Biscay if your choice is a French-made vessel, to Italian or Turkish-made ships which have to sail through the whole Mediterranean, passing the Gibraltar Strait and manage the rugged and windy Portuguese coast. Even a comparatively short delivery route around the waters of the UK can be a huge undertaking for a fresh boat owner.
Part time skippers, or so-called delivery skippers, are a perfect way to welcome a competent, specialized sailor aboard who will help to make this journey happen safely. The big plus: if you and your family join in, you´ll get the sailing training aboard your new boat practically for free. For deliveries, often one single skipper will do the job if owners sail with him. If you don´t want to join, a party of two, when sailing long haul even three, skippers is the minimum. Again, your local dealer is cross-linked with many trustworthy and skillful skippers.
Skippers (and crews) for long trips or sailboat vacations
For sailing trips with a longer duration, you may choose the full program of complete carefree enjoyment. Skippers may be hired to sail your boat for a longer period: this may be your first ocean crossing, from the UK to the Caribbean, for example, or a lush, luxurious vacation zig-zagging the Greek Islands. Often, those trips are multi-week long. Whilst more apparent on chartered sailing yachts of sizes larger than 60 feet, those part-time crews may also be employed to sail your boat so that you, your family, or your onboard guests may enjoy leisure time without any work at all.
Permanent boat captain (and crew) on large sailing yachts
At the pinnacle of skippering stands the large sailing yacht, often a luxury boat larger than 80 feet with a permanent skipper. These yachts are too big to be sailed and maintained by the owners themselves, as this would cost too much time. Permanent skippers – often also called “boat captains” – usually have their cabins with full amenities as they are indeed living aboard the vessel during sailing season. Daily maintenance and cleaning routine make sure that the yacht is constantly kept in a perfect shape, both appearance-wise and from a technical standpoint. Upon notice, skippers will prepare the yacht for the owners to arrive and organize perfect sailing trips for them and their guests. As said, a complete carefree service. On very large vessels, often surplus crew is hired. Such as a ship´s cook, a steward or stewardess, or a deckhand.
No matter which of these types of skipper services you are looking for, central to these stands a commanding presence. On top of knowing the ropes, their expertise is about understanding the nuances of the sea, the vessel, and the ever-changing dynamics of the crew. Hiring a skipper, be it for a 2-day berthing course or the permanent upkeep of your luxury sailing yacht, is a delicate process.
What is the job of a sailboat skipper?
So, is a skipper just a sailor pulling the ropes and making your boat reach its next harbour? Well, the skills needed in a competent boat captain comprise a much wider range indeed. A sailboat skipper stands as the heart and soul of a vessel's operation, marrying a comprehensive toolkit of technical insight with innate leadership abilities. Perhaps the most compelling is the profound wisdom only a seasoned captain offers, enabling the owner to truly relish the journey, assured that every intricate detail is managed with expertise.
At the core of the skipper's responsibilities lies navigation. They are proficient in reading maritime charts, deciphering tidal predictions, and utilising tools like GPS and radar systems. They know the areas sailed in, the intricacies of the bustling commercial traffic of the Channel, for example, or the complexity of the tidal range. Their expertise in meteorology allows them to anticipate weather shifts, interpret intricate forecasts, and adjust routes for the journey's safety and efficiency. They plan ahead, never lose focus on the ship´s journey.
Maintenance, too, falls within this domain: ensuring sails, rigging, and safety gear are in prime condition. If employed, they are managing the crew, delegating tasks, and fostering collaboration also come into play. And when facing unexpected challenges - whether equipment malfunctions, adverse weather, or safety emergencies - the sailboat skipper's seasoned expertise and calm demeanour guide the course, ensuring the safety of all on board. For many, the skipper is a “living boat insurance”, the proverbial safe anchor.
How much does a skipper earn in the UK?
That said, the burning question is now: what does a skipper earn? As with so many aspects of sailing, there is no hard number to convey here. The range of skipper wages greatly varies. When looking to hire a skipper for your sailing boat, it's beneficial first to familiarise yourself with the typical compensation structures. The salary you'll offer will largely depend on various factors. Let´s take a closer look at these – to make it easier, we discuss the full-time boat captain. Likewise, part-time employments will come at less budget needed.
Factors impacting full-time sailboat skipper salaries
Skipper´s experience & qualifications
Naturally, a skipper with more years at sea and higher qualifications might command a higher salary. Someone entry-level might expect an annual pay starting around £25,000 to £30,000. In contrast, seasoned skippers, especially those with specialised certifications or experience on luxury or commercial vessels, can command wages upwards of £50,000 to £60,000. Hiring a skipper on a daily rate-basis may start at £200 plus travel costs and out of pocket expenses, depending on the complexity of the job.
Vessel type & skipper duties
The complexity and size of your sailboat, along with the specific responsibilities you expect from your skipper, will influence their paycheck. For instance, a skipper on a luxury charter might earn more than one on a smaller private vessel. That said, don´t go for a bargain and hire a cheaper skipper to operate a vessel that might overwhelm even his competence.
Skipper contract types
Are you hiring for a full-time, permanent position? Or is it a seasonal or a project contract role? Full-time jobs might offer more stability, but contract roles, especially in high-demand seasons, might have higher daily rates.
Skipper benefits & incentives
Besides the base salary, consider other benefits you might provide, like food and accommodation, health insurance, or bonuses. Such perks can influence the overall compensation package and might make your offer more attractive to potential candidates. Usually, travel costs and out-of-pocket expenses are to be covered by the employer. Tips, often bestowed after a successful sailing trip, are a good way to secure a good skipper for the next project or season.
Sailing location & market demand
The sailing industry can have its booms and lulls, and salary rates can be influenced by demand and supply. Also, specific regions with a more vibrant sailing culture or luxury clientele might have higher average salaries. When hiring a delivery skipper, not only look at offers from the region your journey starts in, but also at skippers from the destination.
How to find the right skipper for your sailing boat
Now that we´ve discussed the pricing for professional skipper services, let´s look at the art of selecting the right skipper for a sailing journey. Because this is much more than simply choosing someone to steer the boat. It's about ensuring the vessel's security, the crew's cohesion, and the overall success of the journey. Think about it like picking the right chef for a high-end restaurant. The ingredients might be of top quality, and the kitchen staff might be eager and ready, but without the right chef to harmonise every element, the outcome can range from a mediocre dish to a potential kitchen disaster.
The stakes are even higher when curating a full crew for your sailing yacht. On top of the voyage's success, the consequences of an ill-chosen sailboat skipper can be dire. Financial setbacks due to poor decisions, safety hazards stemming from inexperience, strained relationships aboard, and lingering negative memories are all too real consequences of not placing the helm in the right hands.
Skills to look out for in a sailboat skipper
As you have proceeded in reading this article up to this point, it is likely you're not a maritime maestro yourself. So, how do you pinpoint excellence in a role you're not profoundly familiar with? Which competencies take precedence, and which skills are indispensable for an unparalleled sailing experience?
Let's delve into the most paramount skills and attributes defining a top-tier sailboat skipper.
A pro skipper´s maritime technical proficiency
Navigational skills
At its core, navigation intertwines science with instinct. Mariners have, for centuries, relied on the heavens, the waters, and the land to guide their way, but modern skippers must balance this ancient knowledge with the latest technological tools and regional, even local, legal implications. Ensure your chosen individual has the:
ability to read and interpret maritime charts.
familiarity with modern navigational tools like GPS, AIR, radar, and of course, the compass.
profound understanding of tides, currents, and celestial navigation – for the region you are sailing in.
Masterful boat handling & maintenance for skippers
Each vessel, whether old or new, possesses its unique characteristics, like people with their distinct personalities. A seasoned sailboat skipper recognises these nuances, ensuring that the boat operates efficiently, safely, and responds predictably in diverse conditions. With this, look for:
skills in mooring, anchoring, and docking.
the ability and enthusiasm to carry out routine checks and maintenance, from sails and rigging to the engine and hull.
the capability of troubleshooting minor onboard issues before they escalate.
an instant drive to discover and get to know your boat´s details
Marine weather forecasting and route planning
An adept skipper possesses a keen sense of meteorology, applying it with precision to make crucial decisions, ensuring safety while maximising the joys of sailing. Ensure the right person can:
interpret meteorological data and understand its implications for the voyage.
adjust routes and plans based on real-time weather changes.
Leadership & interpersonal skills for boat skippers
Primarily, the skipper should have an instant connection to you, the owner: as he is employed by you, his prime objective should be to adhere to your wishes and look for your wellbeing. Beyond that, technical expertise comes into play. A skipper's role also extends to managing a crew's diverse personalities and roles. Effective task delegation ensures that every team member operates at their optimal capacity, while the skipper's ability to resolve conflicts maintains harmony and morale onboard. Quick, informed decision-making is essential, especially in emergencies, and a skipper must always prioritise safety, even when weighing risks against potential rewards. Communication is a cornerstone of this leadership; a competent head provides clear instructions in high-pressure situations and remains open to feedback and concerns from the crew, ensuring everyone feels heard and aligned in their collective mission.
The symbiosis of training and experience
When browsing skippers for hire, ask about their hands-on experiences and challenges faced during real voyages. Inquire about the number of nautical miles they've logged and the variety of conditions they've encountered. Seek out tales of unexpected storms, complex navigational challenges, or interpersonal dynamics on long journeys. These should offer insights into their problem-solving prowess, adaptability, and resilience - qualities that define an exceptional sailboat skipper.
Why? Because academia might teach the principles and theories of sailing, it's often said that the sea is the truest classroom. Formal training lays a strong foundation, introducing skippers to maritime laws, safety protocols, and navigation techniques. Yet, it's the unpredictable nature of the open waters that truly tests, moulds, and refines a leader's abilities.
Verifying a sailboat skipper's qualifications and skills
Now that we've outlined what to look for, the next challenge is discerning if your potential skipper embodies these qualities. It demands a rigorous assessment process, one meticulously designed to unearth their technical abilities, qualifications, and interpersonal prowess. While a skipper for simpler projects and tasks, like a delivery or transfer trip from A to B, may not require the full set, employing a full-time captain or crew for your vessel should be taken very seriously and requires the whole process of assessing the right skipper choice.
This step-by-step guide may serve as a blueprint for you:
1. Certificates & licences review: Begin by checking the skipper's educational and professional qualifications. Ensure they have requisite certificates, like the RYA Yachtmaster or equivalents. Always ask for original documents and verify their validity.
2. In-depth interview: Conduct an interview, either face-to-face or virtually. This is an opportunity to assess their communication skills, gauge their leadership style, and understand their maritime philosophy. Pose scenario-based questions, presenting hypothetical situations they might encounter at sea, to gauge their decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
3. Practical assessment: If feasible, organise a brief sea trial. This hands-on approach allows the skipper to showcase their skills firsthand, be it navigation, anchoring, or general vessel handling.
4. Reference checks: Touch base with their past employers or charter clients. Their insights can shed light not only on the skipper's technical competencies but also on their work ethic and reliability.
5. Crew feedback: Former crew members often provide a unique perspective on a skipper's capabilities, leadership, and interpersonal dynamics. Their feedback can be invaluable, especially for understanding day-to-day operations and crew management.
6. Background and online checks: Run a professional background check for added peace of mind. Additionally, explore their online presence. Websites like LinkedIn or maritime forums might offer testimonials, endorsements, or even insights into their sailing journeys.
7. Medical fitness verification: Ensure the skipper possesses a recent medical certificate. This attests to their physical and mental readiness for sea service, emphasising the importance of health in such a demanding role.
8. Contractual discussion: Once you're nearing a decision, discuss the contract terms, expectations, and responsibilities. This conversation can further confirm alignment in terms of roles, obligations, and remuneration expectations.
9. Trial period: If still in doubt or if you wish to be extra thorough, consider hiring the skipper for a short trial period. This approach allows both parties to evaluate the fit before committing to a long-term agreement.
Use our comprehensive Skipper Verification Checklist to systematically evaluate potential candidates.
Where to find sailboat skippers?
Knowing where to look is a start. Whilst your local dealer may provide with trusted phone numbers or local companies, you may also start with professional maritime associations and organisations, which often have dedicated sections for job postings and crew placements. Specialist websites, like Crewseekers or Yotspot, cater exclusively to maritime roles, ensuring you're accessing a pool of qualified candidates. Don't underestimate the power of networking either; local marinas, yacht clubs, and sailing events can be invaluable hubs for word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, leveraging social media platforms can yield surprising results, allowing you to tap into professional networks and view endorsements. Remember, wherever you search, prioritise venues and places that attract professionals passionate about the maritime world.
Is “hand against bunk” a good alternative for hiring a skipper?
There are many websites and platforms, social media groups and networks where people seek a totally different approach to sailing. This so-called “hand against bunk” or “hand vs. bed”-approach may be an alternative if your budget is strictly limited and you seek the adventure of rather meeting interesting people and having a good time with strangers turning friends, rather than official and professional relations based on contractual employment.
People offering their services on a “hand vs. bunk” usually don´t seek to make money or a living. They hitch a ride on boats, enjoying their pursuit of an adventurous life on the loose, discovering the world on yachts. Usually, these are young people, which doesn´t necessarily mean that they are inexperienced.
For delivery trips or short-term sailing projects, those could indeed be an interesting alternative as you may save the salary, and maybe find an open-minded, fun and motivated person to welcome to your crew. Likewise, as there is virtually no legal or official certification, verifying their qualifications, skills and personal character is of utmost importance.
Hiring a skipper for your sailing boat: the bottom line
Choosing the right skipper is a journey that demands diligence. Take your time, conduct thorough research, and prioritise safety and compatibility. It's essential to ensure that the person guiding your vessel possesses the technical skills and aligns with your vision and values for every voyage. Furthermore, sharing your experiences, listening to the stories of fellow sailors, and tapping into collective wisdom can provide invaluable insights. Remember, this is not a solitary journey; a robust sailing community awaits to guide and support you. Should uncertainties arise or questions linger, your local dealer is an essential resource. Do not hesitate to reach out and engage in the broader dialogue throughout your sailboat buying process.