Le Boat’s New Skipper for Hire Program — What a Great Idea
by Ted Scull
Let’s get underway. A self-drive boat that explores the interlocking waterways of southern France is a most appealing vacation concept. The maps show a network of canals and rivers slicing through the magnificent countryside.
The equivalent for North America has southern Ontario laced with waterways, both natural rivers and canals initially constructed for moving freight and passengers
A Canadian firm – Le Boat (note the French and English!) – provides live-aboard, self-drive boating holidays exploring these scenic waterways. Most of the clientele, even first-time cruisers following Le Boat’s onboard instructors, find the navigation easy. For instance, boats have a steering wheel for left and right turns, and a throttle for forward and reverse motion. Some Le Boat vessels also have bow and/or stern thrusters to make the canal boats easy to maneuver when docking and passing other boats.
However, for some folks, a bit more help and encouragement would be appreciated.
Hence, Le Boat, the leader in private boating vacations in Europe and Canada, announced the launch of its innovative Skipper for Hire program.
“We are finding that 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 nor prior boating experience is required. The Le Boat’s experienced-base teams provide in-depth orientation, safety briefings, and hands-on training to ensure you’re fully prepared,” says Lisa McLean, a LeBoat spokesperson speaking about Le Boat’s New Skipper for Hire program.
That said, Mclean continues: “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 in unfamiliar waters 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.”
For instance, a Skipper for Hire can assist travelers with navigating curves in the rivers, maneuvering safely past oncoming boats, entering lock chambers, and docking along an embankment, when the day is done perhaps between another boat both fore and aft. Sometimes just a foot or two apart.
A Little Help From a Friend
Speaking of a bit of assistance, this all reminds me of an incident when I was 14. A classmate, (Charlie) asked me if I would like to be “his number two” aboard a 14-foot single-masted catboat, I accepted without giving pause.
The next day we moved into position in Nantucket harbor for the first race of the season.
Moments later the Nantucket steamer rounded Brandt Point and aimed straight for its berth. We happened to be in its path and Charlie pushed the tiller as far as it could go, and a sudden gust of wind caused our boat to capsize and dumped us into the water.
The steamer slid by with scores looking down at our plight.
RELATED: Ted recalls his Nantucket steamer days.
Ted and a friend with the Nantucket steamer in the background, a few years before the Charlie incident. * Photo: Ted Scull
Happily, the U.S. Coast Guard base was close by, and its tender maneuvered us to shallow water where we dropped anchor and then waded ashore. The first task was to rid the boat of water, and then to agree that we needed a few lessons to handle the numerous situations that might require immediate action.
Now back to today and those who would like to feel comfortable navigating narrow Ontario waterways and French canals with dozens of other vessels.
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Interested in Le Boat’s New Skipper for Hire Program?
Available exclusively along the picturesque Canal du Midi in France starting in the 2025 season, Le Boat’s Skipper for Hire program is priced at $199 USD per day for travelers to enlist the expertise of a seasoned Le Boat skipper to accompany them for about seven hours on the first full day of their rental.
The appointed skipper (who speaks both English and French) provides guests with hands-on instruction for all aspects of the boat’s operation and navigation.
The goal is for this personalized guidance to build confidence and empower guests to navigate independently for the remainder of their excursion. (Note, Le Boat assumes liability for any accidental damage incurred while the skipper is on board, which Le Boat says, emphasizes the company’s commitment to guest satisfaction and safety.)
If it proves successful, Le Boat plans to expand the program to other cruising grounds in Europe or Canada in future seasons.
For more information about Le Boat’s Skipper for Hire program as well as some early booking offers for the 2025 season, visit Le Boat’s US site or its Canadian one.
RELATED: Judi Cohen reviews her Le Boat experience in Ontario.
RELATED: Robin McKelvie shares his Le Boat adventures on Scotland’s Caledonian Canal.
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HEIDI SARNA
