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What is a "Bareboat Charter"?

Bareboat has nothing to do with "bare". Our boats are fully equipped, luxurious yachts--generally much nicer than charter boats in the Caribbean. Here's the concept of a “bareboat charter” – a boat rental without captain or crew – is very simple: A family or group of friends makes a reservation for a boat in advance, board the vessel at the designated time and place, receive a thorough check out of equipment and systems, and head to sea. During the charter period, the charterer determines the itinerary, sailing routes, destinations, etc. The charterer also assumes responsibility for the boat during the term of the contract; he or she acts as owner of the yacht.

What experience is required to charter a boat?

Generally, we require that the person chartering the vessel has experience operating a boat of similar size (within three feet), displacement, and rig--if you don't have the experience to charter the boat you would like--we have instructor captains that can upgrade your skills, or offer a full ASA course.. As part of the reservation process we will talk with you about your experience. Our checkouts include a one-on-one chart briefing, full systems checkout, and, if necessary, an underway check out. We want you to feel comfortable handling your yacht.

Do you have captain and crew available?

We have a list of about 12 qualified, experienced captains and crew available from which you can choose should you so desire.These include sailing instructors, Team building captains for Corporate clients and captains that we have worked with for 20 or more years! Many people enjoy the security of having a captain aboard during the first few hours while they get their "sea legs" back. Others like to have that extra person aboard to help out throughout their trip. Whether it's captains, cooks, or a helpful extra hand--we can help--but call as soon as you can to ask for the extra help--the best people are in constant demand.

How do I reserve my charter?

To reserve the yacht of your choice, simply call us at410-263-1818 to confirm availability. We will put a tentative hold on the boat for 7 days. We require a 50% deposit to secure the reservation, which can be paid by cash, check, Mastercard, or Visa. We will send you a complete kit by email. The balance is due forty-five days prior to the charter.

What if I have to cancel my charter?

If the charter is cancelled more than 90 days prior to your departure date, then your deposit if fully refundable. If between 60 days and 89 days prior to the charter start, a fee of $150 will be charged. If the charter is cancelled between 31 days and 59 days prior to the charter’s inception, a cancellation fee of 50% of the offered rate will be charged. If a charter is cancelled 30 days or less prior to departure, there will be no refund. There will be a $50 rescheduling fee if the charterer elects to move the charter in lieu of cancellation; this is acceptable to LGC and subject to availability of another similar yacht and must be more than 15 days prior to departure. No charters will be cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather or rain. However, if a named windstorm occurs rescheduling is permitted at no charge.

What additional costs should I expect?

Additional expenses include fuel, holding tank pump-outs, provisioning, (you can easily do your own provisioning at nearby supermarkets), as well as the security deposit.

State and Entertainment tax is due, and there is a $30/day Damage protection Plan which minimizes your security deposit and reduces your liability 80% or more in the event of an accident.

How do I provision my charter?

We are within a mile of numerous shopping centers that include a supermarket, liquor store, a boating store, a hardware store, a pharmacy, and numerous restaurants. We also offer a provisioning service based on your selection.

Do you have dinghies and linens available?

Yes--our fresh linens are completely sanitized after each charter.. Pillows, blankets and towels are also on-board. We offer free linens to as an exclusive LGC advantage on the BAy, and offer extra linens for a $45 upgrade charge.

Boats with dingies, include the dinghy in the charter. Otherwise, it's possible that we can rent dinghies with outboard motors Please consult your friendly charter reservationist for details.

May I arrive the evening before my charter begins?

Night before boarding (with sleep aboard): As typically scheduled is after 5:00PM. Generally we can be somewhat flexible on this by prior arrangement
Day of charter-as scheduled, typically early morning Special arrangements available by prior arrangemnet.
Check out. Last Day, 5:00PM unless otherwise arranged-special arrangements available for club members.

What Dammage deposit is required?

First of all the boat is fully insured with a deductible equal to 1%-2% of it's value. By definition, under a bare-boat charter contract the charterer assumes all rights and responsibilities of an owner, except for an equity interest. We therefore collect a damage deposit equal to the deductible which is shown on the rate sheet and will appear on the agreement.

We have a " Damage protection Plan" which minimizes your security deposit and reduces your liability 80% or more in the event of an accident. Damage Protection Plan paid (Mandatory). $30/Day, plus $700 cash or check deposit under 40’ or $1,000 40’ or above.

1. For example, under old system on a $450,000  41’ catamaran you would have had to put up, and be responsible for $9,000. Now only responsible for $1,000 and $30/day. On a $200,000 39’ boat you would have had to put up $4,000 and be responsible for that amount, now only put up and be responsible for $700 and $30/day.
2. Charterer still responsible for full amount of deductable or his liability if Insurance company/LGC determines that an event was due to negligence or a default including illegal activity..

ASA is an internationally recognized sailing certification organization. LGC is a certified ASA facility. Generally when you take a ASA course (for Charter ready certification, for instance) your certificate is universally recognized. Also, each level that you complete can be continued at any other authorized facility because of the standardization of the courses and training of the instructors.

What's unique about LGC's program is that we train on luxury, live-aboard boats and you live aboard the boats during your course. With most schools, you stay at a motel, and learn on an older, less up-to-date boat. The cost of taking advantage of our program is about the same or less when you consider the cost of a motel, meals out, etc. Go to our menu above to learn more.

A flotilla charter is an organized cruise with a number of boats with a pre-determined agenda. This is especially benefitical for those with minimum experience or who have just completed the charter ready ASA course.

Generally a captain runs one boat and extra cabins can be chartered by the cabin (you don't have to charter the entire boat!) while the rest of those joining the cruice have the advantage of a professional captain planning, helping navigate to new areas, and answering questions as you go along.

We're always open to your suggestions for the kind of cruise you would like to do--let us know. 410-263-1818

Where are you located?

Our office and our fleet are located on the harbor, in Annapolis, "America's Cruising capital". 2nd and Spa Creek, in front of the Chart House. We have a second facility at Kentmorr Marina on the Eastern Shore.

We also have affiliates, and arrange charters in New England, Florida, the Bahamas and various islands in the Caribbean.

Tell me more about your "Fun Club program".

This is simply a frequent user club that offers free days, discounts, early notice of specials, free bonus coupons and much more. Check it out here.