When it comes to a bareboat yacht charter, your crew is one of the most important decisions that you’ll make. Your monohull or catamaran might be large, but not when it comes to personal space. That’s why you have to choose who you sail with carefully. Bad choices can hurt your vacation, so here are a few things to consider when choosing a crew for your sailing trip. ‌‌

Do you like similar things?

Sailing is a lot like dating, meaning you have to get along with people. Things like sharing the same interests and a sense of humor go a long way when it comes to on-deck happiness. If every 10 minutes you’re getting into a heated debate, then your crew might have some bad blood on board. Getting along creates camaraderie, which means your crew will have fun together and help out if need be. And besides, who doesn't want to sail with someone who they see as a long-term friend? ‌‌

Do you have similar energy levels? Some people are introverts while others are more extroverted. Not everyone stops to consider how peoples’ energy levels differ. Do you love lying on the beach, nose buried in an NYT best-seller? Or are you all about finding an awesome bar to down some shots and dance the night away? Onboard or ashore, having a crew that shares energy levels will make getting along a much easier task. When thinking about how to charter a yacht, make sure your crew comes to a somewhat agreement with desired activities. ‌‌

Do you have similar views on what cleanliness means? Are you neat or messy? Everyone has different views on cleanliness, but it’s helpful if there is some sort of agreement beforehand. If half your crew wants Marie Kondo neatness and the other half is fine with food all over the place, there might be a clash. Both these types of people can sail, of course, but since there's no maid on deck, they probably shouldn't charter a sailboat together. At least not if everyone wants to stay friends afterward. ‌‌

Will your crew be helpful in stressful situations? Sailing is generally safe. That doesn't mean things don't get a little uncomfortable sometimes. From sudden squalls to tricky docking situations, sometimes the unexpected will come up. Times like these are when you need your guests to step up and be a team —jumping into action and executing your commands (even when emotions could be running a bit high). You need to be a leader and if your crew is resilient, sailing will be much smoother. ‌‌

Are your expectations aligned? Sailing can be pretty glamorous with a luxurious yacht and full lineup of staff on board, but when it comes to bareboat yacht charters, it's usually more like camping than staying at a 5-star resort. Make sure your guests are perfectly clear on this before they show up with their Louis Vuitton suitcases. Set their expectations around comfort, food, and entertainment levels from the beginning. Reality is your friend.  And when you’re looking up how to rent a yacht, you’ll see that onboard conditions range in how glamorous they are. ‌‌

How can your crew manage health and well-being? Is there a doctor onboard? Maybe, but probably not. And based on your destination, quality healthcare may not be easily accessible. Don't be afraid to ask your crew about their current health needs. Do they need to stay in contact with their PCP? Do they have a condition that might need urgent care? And definitely ask if they suffer from seasickness, because that will not be fun if it catches you by surprise. By knowing these things, you can be prepared before your boat charter sails. ‌‌

Conclusion: Take Them For A Test Run Take your crew out for a test run. A great rule to live by -- see if everyone is a good fit before you commit. Take them all out together for a day sail before you invite them for a longer one. If you can remain friends and work well together, great! If there is anyone you'd like to throw overboard at the end of the day, then a weeklong bareboat charter to the Caribbean isn’t a great idea. But if all goes well on your day sail, it's smooth sailing from there.‌