About Yacht Chartering

There is nothing like a vacation aboard your own private Charter Yacht! If you have not chartered before, you are about to discover one of the best-kept travel secrets in the world: Chartering your own yacht is better than a vacation at an exclusive island resort. It's better than being on a cruise ship, too. Combining the best of an exclusive resort with the best of a cruise ship with a higher level of personalized service. It's affordable as you want it to be, it's not complicated, you don't have to know anything about boats - and, most important, it's a whole lot of fun!

The Experience

It's like combining the best features of a cruise ship and a luxury resort. You'll travel to a different, unspoiled destination each day with a degree of pampering and personal attention you may not have experienced before. Say good-bye to crowds, waiting in lines, and pre-set itineraries. This is your own private yacht, with a variety of amenities and water sports to enjoy at will, and a launch to take you ashore whenever you please.

Charter Destinations

Worldwide destinations are yours to choose from. Whether your choice is the Bahamas, Caribbean with its warm inviting sun and crystal-clear waters, the Eastern or Western Mediterranean steeped in history and culture, the splendor of the Pacific Northwest or New England, or an exotic destination in the Pacific or Indian Ocean… the
World is Your Playground.

The Yachts

You can choose from sailing yachts, catamarans or mono hulls, motor yachts sized and priced to fit any lifestyle and budget. With hundreds of yachts available to choose from and a wealth of first-hand information to draw upon, your broker will know which yachts are right for your particular needs, whether it be a small intimate vacation for two on a 40-foot sailboat, or a larger group aboard a 300-foot super yacht.

Service

Your professional crew will take care of all the details, so you can relax and unwind. Your personal chef will plan each meal based on your specific requests. Your skipper will personally guide you to your chosen destination, knowing where to find the most secluded beaches, the quietest anchorages or the liveliest evening entertainment.

Activities

Many yachts offer a myriad of water sports. Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, water-skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, windsurfing and jet-skiing are just a few of the many activities you may find at your disposal, and your captain and crew will be well-versed in operating this equipment and can offer instruction on many levels. Activities are not limited to those found afloat, though. You will have ample opportunity to visit ashore to take part in shore side activities as well, just as you would be able to do should you stay in a hotel.

Some Yachting Industry Terminology
Caribbean

High Rates: Winter (December 15 - April 30) Low Rates: Summer (May 1 - December 14)

Mediterranean

High Rates: Summer (July, August, Special Events) Low Rates: Winter (All other months) Nov 1 to June 30 All Inclusive
All inclusive normally means: Captain, professional chef, 3 meals each day with wine, full ships bar (excluding vintage wines, champagne, dockage and communication), water toys and all on deck amenities. Please check with clearing house/Central Agent to confirm rates & availability.

Caribbean Terms All meals included.

Not Included: Bar, Beverages and local Taxes extra (Typical for yachts in St Martin to Grenada.) Plus Expenses / Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) In addition to the charter fee, you will also be asked to pay an APA of 25-30% of the charter fee. This is given to the yacht in cash prior to your charter to allow the captain to buy fuel and provision the yacht as per your demands. At the end of the charter, the captain will produce full accounts of all expenditure. You will either be refunded any money not used or asked to pay any additional costs not covered by the APA.

MYBA Terms

Rate includes: Hire of the vessel, her equipment and insurance; crew wages; crew meals, and ship’s laundry. All other costs are paid by the charterer, such as: delivery / redelivery fees; all fuel costs for the vessel, generators tenders and water-sports equipment; applicable local or national taxes; customs formalities; water and electricity taken ashore; harbor fees (dockage); pilots; applicable diving fees; food and beverages for the charterer’s party; guest laundry; all communications costs for the charter party; and crew gratuity.

Delivery / Redelivery Fee

Fuel and / or overhead charges that may apply to any vessel being chartered beyond their homeport or regular cruising grounds, including one-way repositioning without guests. The fee is identified in the charter agreement.

Charter Party

A contract between a vessel’s owner and the charterer for the use of a vessel for one or more voyages or for a specific period of time. Terms of the Charter Party govern the rights and obligations of each party.

Preference Sheets / Provisioning Sheets

General information sheet for food / beverage likes and dislikes of the charter party.

Crew Gratuity / Crew Tip

Not included in the gross charter fee. Not mandatory however it is customary. Cultural differences cause “customary” tips to range from 10 – 20% of the gross charter fee.