A Guide To Charter

The first step is to engage a reputable charter broker. A good broker acts as your guide and advocate throughout the entire process. They will ask you about your preferences, including:

• Destination and dates: Where and when do you want to travel? Popular destinations include the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter.
• Number of guests: How many people will be in your party? Most yachts can accommodate 8-12 guests, but some larger yachts can handle more.
• Yacht style: Do you prefer a sleek motor yacht, a classic sailing yacht, or a spacious catamaran?
• Budget: What is your total budget for the charter?

The cost of a yacht charter is broken into two parts:

• The Charter Fee: This is the weekly rate for the yacht and includes the crew’s salaries and yacht insurance.
• The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA): This is a separate payment, typically 25-35% of the charter fee, that covers all the variable expenses during your trip. This includes fuel, food and beverages, docking fees, and any activities you choose. The captain manages the APA, and you will receive a full account of the spending at the end of the charter, with any remaining funds refunded.

A discretionary gratuity for the crew, typically 10-20% of the charter fee, is also customary to show appreciation for their exceptional service.

The main additional cost is the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). This is a fund, usually 25-40% of the base charter fee, that you pay in advance to cover all of the operational expenses during your trip. These expenses include:

• Fuel for the main engines, generators, and water toys (jet skis, tenders, etc.)
• Food and beverages for you and your guests.
• Dockage and mooring fees.
• Local taxes, such as Value Added Tax (VAT), which vary by region.
• Other incidentals, such as special requests, shore excursions, and communications.

At the end of the charter, the captain will provide a detailed account of all expenses. Any unused portion of the APA is refunded to you.

The cost can vary dramatically based on the yacht’s size, age, destination, time of year, and amenities. A general range for a week-long charter could be anywhere from $50,000 for a smaller superyacht to well over $1 million for the most luxurious vessels. Remember that the base fee is just one part of the total cost; you must also factor in the APA and a crew gratuity.

Crew gratuity (tip) is a standard practice in the yachting industry and is a way to show appreciation for the crew’s service. While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended. The typical amount is 15-20% of the base charter fee, given to the captain at the end of the trip to be distributed among the crew

A superyacht comes with a professional crew dedicated to making your trip unforgettable. This typically includes a captain, chef, steward/stewardess, and deckhands. Larger yachts may have additional specialists like a masseuse, personal trainer, or dive instructor. The amenities depend on the specific yacht but can include:

• Water toys: Jet skis, Seabobs, kayaks, paddleboards, wakeboards, and full scuba diving gear.
• Onboard features: Jacuzzis, swimming pools, spas, gyms, cinemas, and helipads.
• Luxury services: A private chef to prepare customized meals, and a steward/stewardess for impeccable service and daily housekeeping.

Most superyacht charters use a standardized contract, with the most common being the MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) Charter Agreement. This legally binding document outlines all the details of your charter, including:

• Charter dates and location.
• The name of the yacht and the head charterer.
• The base charter fee, APA, and other charges.
• Cancellation policies.

The yacht owner is responsible for insuring the vessel, crew, and third-party liabilities. However, as the charterer, you are responsible for damage you or your guests cause to the yacht or its contents. Some owners may require a security deposit. It’s also highly recommended that you consider your own personal travel insurance, including trip cancellation and curtailment coverage, in case of unforeseen events that may affect your trip.