Approximately, ballparking based on anyone's experience, how much can one expect to pay for the services of 1 skipper/captain for a typical $1000-$1500 catamaran rental of 1 to 2 weeks. Anyone with recent experience with this in Italy and Sardinia in particular?

"... recent experience..."

I doubt anyone here has hired a crewed boat in Italy since summer 2019... But a quick google search shows approx. $1,000-1,500/day for a crewed cat that sleeps 4 guests + crew. $2,500/day for one that sleeps 6 guests + crew. A deeper search might find something cheaper depending on the size of boat, level of luxe you're looking for and where the boat is anchored.

https://www.sardiniaboatrentals.com/...art=2021-08-31

Some larger boats here:

https://www.sailo.com/boat-rentals/I...B%5D=catamaran

Thank you, Jean! I have been seeing similar prices for the boat rental. I was wondering about the cost of the skipper him/herself for a week. Based on what I have dug up on the fringes of the internet I saw a quote around 180 Euros per day. A week long trip quickly adds up without a large number of friends to share it with!

Assuming min wage of E1550 for 20 days of 7.5 hours a day the min legal without any insurance or "premium" for competence E80 a day. If they are offering E180 a day I think you are doing well (or paying too little for an incompetent). Skills cost.

AFAIK, all of the rates quoted on the websites in my earlier post include the crew where it's noted in the description. I.e., "crewed" versus "bareboat." Speaking from my limited experience, it's more fun if the boat is crewed.

As Jean said, but sometimes you have the option of just hiring a skipper and doing the sailing yourself. The rate is usually quoted in the site.

Just ask Thuston Howell III

I'm not sure that Sardinian is the place for you if you are asking about a budget.

Marina costs alone, for as size of boat that will be able to accommodate a skipper, will be around e200 a night , I wouldn't suggest chartering without a skipper it's one of the most demanding areas of Europe, low tidal ranges but very active wind systems. However, it is the most stunning sailing area in Europe.

You can't just "do the sailing yourself" without an ICC licence in Europe and areas like Sardinia need a number of years experience.

Greece offers beautiful sailing a free overnight berthing on town quays.