Destinations

Mar 31 2025

Why You Need an SLC to Bareboat Charter in the Mediterranean

So, you’re dreaming of a bareboat sailing charter in the Mediterranean—anchoring in secluded coves, sipping wine in picturesque harbors, and embracing the freedom of sailing a chartered vessel from one sun-drenched paradise to another. Picture yourself cruising along the Amalfi Coast, exploring the hidden gems of the Greek Islands, or dropping anchor in Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian archipelago. But before you hoist the mainsail and set off into the sunset, there’s one crucial thing you need to know: you’ll probably need an SLC (Sailing License and Credentials) to make it happen.

Sailing in Greece — Photo by Matthew Waring on Unsplash

Wait, What’s an SLC?

The SLC is a recognized sailing credential that meets the legal requirements for bareboat charters in many Mediterranean countries, including Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Spain. Essentially, it proves to charter companies (and the local authorities) that you actually know more than just port versus starboard and can safely handle a boat.

Why Can’t I Just Show My Experience?

Unlike some places (looking at you, Caribbean), the Mediterranean is a bit stricter about who they let loose on their waters. Many European countries require a formal license or certification, and your impressive tales of ocean crossings or regatta wins won’t necessarily cut it, and they won’t even accept a USCG Master license. The SLC serves as your golden ticket, verifying that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to skipper a boat without causing an international incident.

Photo by Tanja Cotoaga on Unsplash

How Do You Get an SLC?

The process is pretty straightforward:

Pass a Theory Exam – Brush up on your navigation, rules of the road, and safety knowledge.
Log Your Sailing Experience – You’ll need to show that you’ve got some days/miles under your belt.
Complete an On-the-Water Assessment – A practical, in-person evaluation to prove you can handle a boat like an old salt.

It’s not an insurmountable challenge, and if you’ve been sailing for a while, you’ll likely find it a great way to sharpen your skills and solidify your knowledge.

Is It Really Necessary?

Yes! While some countries may accept ASA or RYA certifications, others specifically require an official license. If you show up without the right paperwork, you might find yourself stuck at the dock, drowning your sorrows in a bottle of local wine instead of enjoying it on deck at anchor.

Anchoring your sailboat off the coast of Italy — Photo by Tanja Cotoaga on Unsplash

Final Thoughts

Getting your SLC isn’t just about satisfying regulations—it’s about ensuring that you’re fully prepared to handle whatever the Mediterranean throws at you. Whether you’re navigating the bustling harbors of Ibiza, weaving through the stunning Balearic Islands, or setting sail for the idyllic turquoise waters of Sardinia, having the right credentials (and the confidence that comes with them) will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

So, if the Mediterranean is calling your name, make sure your paperwork is in order. Trust me, it’ll be worth it when you’re gliding through crystal-clear waters, bound for your next unforgettable anchorage in Santorini, Portofino, or beyond. Now, who’s ready to set sail?

Fair Winds
Captain Jeff Vegas
Watch video testimonials for Captain Jeff Vegas by clicking this link

P.S. You can contact us now to schedule your SLC assessment

Jul 27 2024

Beryl be damned! An update from LTD Sailing: A Chance to Sail and Support Post-Hurricane Relief

Hello sailors! I’m excited to share some important news about Living The Dream Sailing (LTD), a fantastic sailing school I have the pleasure of working with as a freelance instructor. They’ve recently provided an update on their operations and recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl, and there’s a great opportunity for you to get involved while enjoying a sailing adventure.

LTD Sailing: Back in Action

Despite the impact of Hurricane Beryl, LTD Sailing, located in the beautiful Grenadines, is fully operational and ready to welcome sailors. Thankfully, Grenada, where LTD Sailing is based, experienced only minor effects from the storm. The neighboring islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique faced more significant challenges, but the local communities are showing incredible resilience and receiving substantial support from around the world.

Community Resilience and Recovery

The local spirit on Carriacou is truly inspiring. In the midst of the storm’s aftermath, residents were spotted maintaining their optimism and composure. As one local put it, “Can’t let that hurricane bring you down. You gotta keep your head up and stand tall. We are alive and looking good!”

Here’s a quick update on how our neighbors on Carriacou are faring:

Tim’s BBQ, known for its delicious lobster, is offering delivery services and is planning to reopen soon on Anse LaRoche beach. Efforts are underway to assist with the rebuild.
Paradise Beach Club Bar is standing strong and working on rebuilding its dining area. The bar is expected to reopen on September 1st, and owner Allison assures it will be “bigger and better than ever!”
The Slipway is open for business, and Alexis Foods, the main grocery store, was operational just days after the hurricane, with shelves stocked and ready.
Ferry services and the airport are back to normal schedules, ensuring travel and logistics are functioning smoothly.

Your Special Opportunity to Support Recovery

From now until August 12, LTD Sailing is donating 20% of all new bookings to the relief efforts in Carriacou and Petite Martinique. This donation applies to any bookings made for future dates, including 2025! By choosing to sail with LTD Sailing, you’re not only embarking on an unforgettable adventure but also contributing to a vital cause.

Supporting the Community Through Sailing

In addition to this generous donation, LTD Sailing is doubling their fresh food supplies and delivering extra provisions to Carriacou to support local residents. Every course booked helps in this community effort, reflecting the true spirit of sailing and solidarity.

Upcoming Courses

Here are some of the upcoming sailing courses offered by LTD Sailing (2025 is already booking too):

Catamaran Cruise & Learn ASA 103, 104, 114

July
28 – August 3
August
4 – 10
September
5 – 14 (10 days)
15 – 21
22 – 28
October
20 – 26
November
17 – 23 (Women Only)
December
1 – 7
5 – 14 (10 days)

Basic Cruise & Learn ASA 101, 103, 104

September
29 – October 5
October
6 – 12
20 – 26
November
3 – 9 (Women Only)
10 – 16
7 – 16 (10 days)
17 – 23
December
5 – 14 (10 days)

Join the Adventure

If you’re interested in sailing with LTD Sailing and supporting their recovery efforts, or if you have any questions, please contact them directly at info@ltdsailing.com. They’ll be happy to provide more details and assist with your booking. (Be sure to ask them to put you with Captain Vegas for your sailing lessons!)

This is a wonderful chance to experience the beauty of the Caribbean while making a positive impact on the local community. Set sail with me & LTD Sailing and be a part of this meaningful journey!

Fair Winds
Captain Jeff Vegas
Watch video testimonials for Captain Jeff Vegas by clicking this link

May 11 2023

What is the Baja Bash?

You can have a birthday bash, which is a great party on your birthday.
or…
A bully could bash in your face with his fist… that would hurt.

The Baja Bash is the second kind of bash.

Passing El Arco in Cabo San Lucas as we began the Baja Bash

Many consider heading from south San Diego down to Cabo San Lucas by sailboat a fun trip. In fact, they have turned it into a whole cruiser’s rally called the Baja HaHa. Going the other way, however, has been dubbed the Baja Bash. Why? Because the seas are rough, especially in 3 spots. Additionally, the wind and current are on your nose, pretty much the whole time (well the wind the whole time and the current, a lot). I recently completed my first Baja Bash as a delivery Captain, bringing a Hunter 420 north with another Captain, and the owner of the boat.

Often, deliveries are done with two people, however due to the nature of the Bash, the owner decided a third was a really good idea (or maybe his insurance company required three… that is happening more and more often). If you don’t know, a USCG Captain can work up to 12 hours in a day, so a crew of two would meet that requirement, however three experienced sailors made this turbulent excursion manageable.

Timing the weather, we raised anchor from Bahia de Cabo San Lucas as the sun was rising on a Wednesday and headed for what is typically expected to be the second roughest part of the voyage. That first several hours was pretty much what we expected. Our rotation was 3 hours at the helm and 6 hours “off”, so my first attempt to get some rest seemed like trying to fall asleep while riding a bull.

To be fair, it wasn’t actually that rough, but I struggled to find the right comparison and I refused to use AI to help me LOL. I was definitely bashed an inch or two into the air from my bed repeatedly during that time. To make it more interesting, (as if the seas were not enough of a challenge) the autopilot was not working properly and we chose to take advantage of this calmish (compared to usual) weather “window” and hand steer, rather than spending the time to try to repair the AP and miss that “window”, which would have set us back about four days based on the forecast. After two days, we pulled into a bay to repair the AP and rest a little before proceeding.

I’m not going to tell the whole story here, so if you are the type that likes to read part of a book and then skip to the end, you’re gonna like this. At approximately 10 PM on a Friday, the 10th day after waiving goodbye to El Arco, betweeen Playa de los Amantes (Honeymoon Beach) & Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach), we docked in San Diego and enjoyed a real home cooked meal and slept longer than 4 hours in a bed that was on a stable surface.

The safe end of the Baja Bash — Safely at the dock in San Diego after 10 days

In case you’re wondering, I enjoyed the approximately 850-mile voyage. Sure it was challenging, but I was at sea, which is when I am at my happiest. And although conditions were rough, the three of us, and the vessel were safe at all times.

If you want some tips to help you make the Baja Bash a little easier on you and your vessel, I highly recommend this book. If you want to hire a licensed delivery captain to bring your boat up north from anywhere in Mexico, please reach out to me.

Fair Winds,
Captain Jeff