Charter a Boat for a Regatta or Sailing Race

Taking part in a regatta or sailing race is a thrilling experience, whether you are sailing with friends or an experienced crew. But do you need your own sailboat to line up at the start? Not necessarily!

Although few charter companies allow their boats to be used for racing, GlobeSailor works with selected partners who offer this option, subject to specific conditions. From choosing your sailboat to checking insurance, equipment and sailing experience, discover what to consider when chartering a boat for a regatta and prepare for your next race.

What are the requirements for chartering a boat for a regatta?

Chartering a sailboat for a regatta is possible, but the requirements differ from those of a standard cruising charter. Few charter companies permit racing, as it can place greater demands on the boat and involve additional risks.

GlobeSailor assesses each request individually with the charter company, taking into account the chosen sailboat, the planned sailing programme and the skipper’s experience.

Sailing CV: how much experience do you need to charter a boat for racing?

Chartering a boat for a regatta requires sailing experience suited to both the sailboat and the planned programme. The charter company needs to establish whether the skipper can take responsibility for the boat and sail it safely.

The skipper must therefore provide a detailed sailing CV when booking. This allows the charter company to assess their background and determine whether their experience is suitable for the chosen sailboat.

Your sailing CV should include:

• The models and sizes of sailboats you have sailed, along with your specific role on board, such as skipper, watch leader or crew member.
• The number of nautical miles logged.
• Your previous sailing areas and offshore experience.
• Night sailing experience and the weather conditions encountered.
• Participation in regattas or sailing races.
• Any sailing licences, certificates or qualifications held.

A complete sailing CV does not automatically guarantee approval. Each partner sets its own requirements.

Compulsory insurance or a higher security deposit

Taking part in a regatta involves different risks from a leisure cruise. The charter company may therefore require specialist insurance or compulsory cover that costs more than insurance for a standard charter. Depending on the terms offered, a higher security deposit may also be required.

Check the cover provided, any racing exclusions, the insurance excess and the conditions for returning the security deposit. The exact terms vary between partners and contracts.

Which boats can you charter for a regatta?

Your choice of boat depends on the type of event you wish to enter, whether that is an inshore regatta, a fully crewed race or an offshore race. Sailboats have different characteristics and do not all meet the same requirements. It is therefore important to choose a model suited to your sailing programme and the racing conditions.

Sailing yachts for inshore and offshore racing

Some sailboats are particularly valued for their sailing performance, handling and seakeeping. Models such as the First 31.7, Sun Fast 3300 and boats in the Pogo range may suit different racing programmes, depending on their configuration and the event’s requirements.

For crews seeking a performance sailboat, models available to charter through GlobeSailor may include the following, subject to availability with our charter partners:

• First 31.7: A sailboat measuring approximately 9.50 metres, valued for its versatility and suitable for amateur regattas.
• Sun Fast 3300: A modern racer-cruiser designed for performance and particularly suited to sailing with a crew.
• J Boats 80 (J/80): A sporty sailboat for crews looking for hands-on sailing and an exciting experience on the water.
• Pogo 36: A performance sailing yacht suited to a variety of programmes, from coastal sailing to fast cruising.
• Pogo 12.50: A performance-focused model particularly suited to offshore sailing projects.
• First 36: A modern sailboat designed to combine performance with sailing enjoyment.
• First 45: A larger sailboat that may suit certain fully crewed racing programmes.

These models are examples of boats available to charter through our partners. Their availability, equipment and approval for racing must be confirmed when you enquire.

What equipment do you need for a regatta?

A sailboat equipped for cruising does not necessarily have everything needed for racing. Before booking, check what equipment is available on board and allow for any optional extras.

1. Headsails: spinnakers and gennakers

Spinnakers and gennakers can improve a sailboat’s performance on certain points of sail. However, they are not always included in the charter and may be available at an additional cost.

When enquiring about a regatta charter, specify which sails you need. Check their availability and cost, and confirm that the equipment is compatible with the boat and the race rules.

2. Other equipment

Other equipment may also be important, depending on your sailing programme. Consult the event rules to check the applicable requirements, which may cover:

• Deck hardware and fittings.
• Navigation instruments.
• Communications and safety equipment.

Charter a boat for a regatta with GlobeSailor

Contact our experts for help finding a boat suited to your racing plans. When you enquire, include the name of the race, the dates, the planned course, your crew line-up and your preferred boat model. These details will allow us to check with our partners whether a charter is possible under your requested conditions.