“For many of our new customers, captaining a boat themselves is a new experience. All our boats are easy to drive, and no boat license or prior boating experience is required. The Le Boat experienced base teams provide in-depth orientation, safety briefings, and hands-on training to ensure you’re fully prepared,” says Lisa McLean, Long Haul Marketing Manager for Le Boat.
Committed to making boating accessible, Le Boat’s fleet is designed for ease of use and comfort. Each boat comes equipped with a steering wheel for directional control, a throttle for speed adjustments, and, in the Comfort Plus, Premier, and Luxury categories, bow and/or stern thrusters for easier maneuverability.
“Many of our North American guests have expressed interest in having a skipper available as the idea of piloting a boat for the first time can be daunting. In response to this feedback, our Skipper for Hire program aims to enhance the boating experience and provide unparalleled support to our valued guests,” Lisa McLean continues. “Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cruiser, our skilled skippers are dedicated to helping our customers feel more confident and ensure their journey is stress-free and enjoyable.”
Starting in the 2025 season, this new service will be available exclusively along the scenic Canal du Midi in France. For just US$199 per day, travelers can hire an experienced Le Boat skipper to join them on their first day of cruising. During this day, the skipper provides hands-on training in boat operation, navigation, and lock maneuvering, building guests’ confidence to manage the rest of their journey independently.
The skipper will spend approximately seven hours with guests on their first full day, beginning at 9:00 AM after a detailed pre-departure briefing. Skippers bring their own meals and refreshments and disembark at a convenient location by day’s end. Le Boat covers any accidental damage during the skipper’s tenure, ensuring a worry-free experience for guests.
The Skipper for Hire service is exclusively available for 2025 departures along the Canal du Midi, with skippers based in Castelnaudary, Carcassonne (Trèbes), Homps, and Port Cassafières. They are fluent in both English and French, catering to a wide range of travelers. Given the limited availability, early booking is advised. If the program proves successful, Le Boat plans to extend it to other European and Canadian waterways in future seasons.
Additional Reasons to Book Early for the 2025 Cruising Season:
- 2025 Early Booking Special: Visit Le Boat’s website for early booking deals and savings on budget, comfort, and Comfort Plus boat rentals across Europe. The Horizon Fleet is available for travel in Canada, France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany. Book by September 1, 2024.
- 2025 Lowest Price Guarantee: Book your 2025 boat rental vacation in Europe or Canada with confidence. If prices drop after booking, Le Boat will refund the difference, guaranteeing the lowest price up to 90 days before departure.
Le Boat is the leading provider of inland water boating vacations in Europe and Canada, with over 55 years of experience, expertise, and cherished memories.
Tags: Lisa McLean, Le Boat, skipper
