Our upcoming charter is bareboat with a skipper. On the days where we may be gone exploring on land for most of the day, are there any tips to make sure the skipper has adequate meals? Of course, he/she would be welcome to any of the food onboard. Would it be appropriate to give cash to eat ashore also? On a slightly different note, we will likely take most dinners ashore, skipper included. If there were a night we wanted to have a more private family dinner, what is the most effective way to politely communicate that (and how is the best way provide his meal at the same time)?

I'll let others respond but it sounds like your skipper will get the royal treatment!

Your obligation is to have skipper adequate meals aboard vessel. If skipper decides to eat ashore, it is not your responsibility.
Having said that, giving skipper a "per diem"(or "per meal") option is very generous of you and I am sure it would be appreciated.

In regards to dinners ashore, I would recommend discussing your plans with skipper so he can plan.... For instance, we are planning to eat ashore at Cooper Monday and Leveick Bay Tuesday, and we want you to join us. We planning another dinner ashore Wednesday with family on Virgin Gorda so if you would like to make plans for Wednesday night, but of course there is food aboard (which could be with friends or it could be a relaxing alone on the boat).

I would have boat menu of meals listed so that captain doesn't accidentally use any essential ingredients. Also, most professionals will not hit alcohol hard, but may outline expectations of "We have your first 2 cocktails on our tab"..

If you will do a search, you will find a few (the exceptions) to skippers taking advantage of generosity (bar tabs etc) and likewise a few charterers who left skipper will little to eat.


With what you have laid out, I would concur with Manpot that the skipper will be happy with your royal plans.

I personally can't see having a paid skipper bring friends on board.

I should have been more clearly..... Meet friends ashore or spend time alone aboard... Captains enjoy some down time without charter guest, even when the charter guest are great.

I agree, It would be inappropriate for captain to invite anyone aboard