The IYT Bareboat Skipper course
is a beginner-level captain’s course
designed for those with little or no prior experience who wish to obtain an international skipper license. The IYT Bareboat Skipper Certificate allows you to charter a bareboat yacht without a captain and skipper it yourself for a holiday with family or friends.
Requirements
Previous sea experience is not required.
The candidate must be at least 16 years old.
Applicants must hold a VHF certificate or complete the VHF/SRC course together with the Bareboat Skipper course.
By the end of the course, the candidate must have logged at least 200 nautical miles and a minimum of 10 days at sea.
What’s Included in the Course Price
(Additional expenses for the entire training period are typically about €300, excluding the cost of certificates)

How long does it take and what do you get?
In just 6-10 days, you can obtain your internationally recognized IYT Bareboat Skipper Certificate and legally charter and skipper a yacht worldwide.
• 6 days – for students with a Crew Certificate or prior sailing experience
• 10 days – for students without certificates or previous experience
24 meters
Maximum yacht length you can command - 78 feet / 24 meters long
20 miles
In coastal waters up to 20 miles offshore in good weather
Prices and dates for 2026
IYT Bareboat skipper price in Montenegro, Turkey, France, Spain
- Advance payment: €500
- Full payment: due one month before the practical training date.
- Available dates
- March 21–28 - Turkey, Fethiye
- April 25 – May 2 - Turkey, Fethiye
- April 17–25 - Montenegro, Kotor
- April 25 – May 2 - Montenegro, Kotor
- May 2–9 - France, Toulon
- May 30 – June 6 - Turkey, Fethiye
- October 24–31 - Turkey, Fethiye
IYT Bareboat skipper price in Estonia, Pärnu
- Advance payment: €300
- Full payment: due one month before the practical training date.
- Available dates
- May 19–29
- June 14–24
- July 3–14
- July 16–26
- July 28 – August 7
- August 9–19
- August 30 – September 7
- September 18–28
- October 12–22
Want to obtain an ICC certificate together with your IYT Bareboat Skipper certificate?
At Yacht Challenge, you can complete the IYT Bareboat Skipper course in English, German, Russian, or Estonian.
Training captains is a creative process. We don’t simply ask you to memorize information - we help you understand the principles of navigation, feel confident at the helm, and learn how to make the right decisions in every situation
How to Become a Yacht Skipper and Obtain the IYT Bareboat Skipper Certificate
You choose convenient dates and a location for your practical training together with us..
You receive access to the online theory courses: IYT Bareboat Skipper and IYT VHF Radio Operator.
You study the theory online at your own pace, at any time convenient for you.
You pay the remaining balance one month before the start of the practical training.
• You pass the required theory and practical exams and pay for your IYT Bareboat Skipper and VHF Radio Operator certificates.
• €100 discount on the practical course
Questions?
Frequently asked questions
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our sailing courses and training experience.
Yes. You stay on board the yacht in a shared cabin during the practical training.
Meals, marina fees, fuel, final cleaning, and certificate issuance fees are paid separately.