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Our Charter guide is designed to help you to organize your boating vacation. Whether you are a talented seafarer or this is your first cruising trip, our yacht charter guide is intended to help you get the most out of your experience all the way.

WHAT ARE YACHT CHARTERS?

The name details it fairly well. You charter a yacht for a designated amount of time. People choose yacht charters for many different reasons and special occasions. Weddings, bachelor or bachelorette parties, family reunions, milestone birthdays, or simply just for having a vacation that goes beyond ordinary for an extraordinarily luxurious time. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy yacht life without the expense of owning one yourself.

 

Yacht charters come in a variety of sizes and feature different luxuries. There are yacht charters for quick trips or ones better suited for longer voyages. Most yacht charter companies have fantastic packages to meet your style and vacation budget, plus you can choose your ports of departure and arrival. Unlike a cruise ship, a yacht charter gives you personalized and customized service that goes at your pace.

WHY RESERVE A YACHT CHARTER?

When you book a yacht charter, you have the freedom and comfort to explore anywhere you want to go in style. What sets it apart from a cruise line is that you can customize your experience, even while in the middle of your adventure. So if there’s a last-minute change in your plans and you decide you want to include another destination on the way, you can do it. If you’re having fun in a particular destination, you can extend your stay there without a hassle.

 

You can also stay on your yacht charter and live the good life at sea. Watch the sun rise and set while enjoying all the little luxuries on board. You’re in charge of your trip, which is a great feeling. You get to explore on your terms!

 

Additionally, yacht charters allow you to make your vacation your way. You can fill it with action-packed activities or something more tranquil. You can make it romantic or take along the entire family. There are also options for every budget. You don’t need to be rich or famous to enjoy a yacht charter. In fact, for large groups, it’s incredibly economical compared to other types of vacations. If everyone splits the cost, it becomes as affordable as any land-based vacation yet you get to see more of the world and experience it the way you have always dreamed.

 

Hop islands, stretch out your sea legs on land for a beach picnic or discover what a night out in your port of call is like. There are so many things to explore when you charter a yacht, and you’re not limited or confined in any way. Change your mind if you wish on a moment’s whim. That’s the best luxury of a yacht charter, one that will bring you the absolute best trip of your life!

 

Yacht charters give you a private place to call your own when you’re sailing the seas. The deck of your yacht is yours and yours alone where you can watch the sun rising in the morning while having gourmet coffee surrounded by the peaceful solitude of the sea and its many creatures. If you’re the kind of person that wants to feel like you have the world to yourself and truly get away from it all, the privacy you find on board a yacht charter is unlike any other. You can fully stock up your vessel and never need to see anyone but your crew. If you’re experienced with boats, you can even command your yacht charter and feel like you have the whole world to yourself. Yacht charters with full crews still feel very private. Staff is well-trained to provide privacy and be as nonintrusive as possible.

 

On board a yacht charter, you’ll get some of the best gourmets to eat around. Ask, and you shall receive! A private chef cooks what you want and serves you with a dazzling view of the ocean. Spectacular wines and divine meals make for a sublime experience. Prefer to do your cooking? A butler will ensure you have a stocked pantry when you set sail so you can cook anything you desire.

 

The possibilities on board a yacht charter are genuinely endless. You can choose classic sailing yachts, a high-performance yacht, one with a full crew, or bareboat. You’re in control, and that’s a glorious feeling at sea!

WHAT DO YACHT CHARTERS INCLUDE?

Much of what is included depends on what type of yacht you charter. If you choose a sailing yacht that has little space, you’ll only have the basic items. Luxury yachts though have full crews, epicurean meals, and incredible entertainment. You may find satellite TV and snorkeling and diving equipment too. Some have Jacuzzis on deck, high-speed internet, luxury bedding, and all those little luxurious touches that will exceed your expectations before you can even ask.

HOW DO I PLAN MY YACHT CHARTER?

Chartering a yacht might seem intimidating since there are many terms you may not understand, particularly if you’ve never really been on a boat before. However, with great service, you’ll find the process is just as simple as booking a luxury hotel anywhere else in the world. In fact, it’s a lot easier because the yacht broker will make all the arrangements at no charge to you. Charter guides help you organize your yacht charter vacation to help you get the most out of your sailing experience at every turn.

 

It helps to tell the broker for your yacht charter as much about what you desire in your vacation as possible so they can give you the best recommendations. They’re likely to ask you questions like these to help determine the best fit for you and your travel companions to make your experience beyond extraordinary:

 

  • Do you want a motor, sail, classic, or modern yacht?

  • Do you have a budget in mind?

  • What is the reason you’re chartering a yacht? For a vacation, event, business, or family gathering?

  • How many guests will be joining you? How many cabins will you need?

  • Are any children going along?

  • Where will you fly into?

  • Are there any specific sites you want to see?

  • Which dates do you desire?

  • How long do you intend to sail?

  • Are there any events you’d like to see?

  • Do you have any equipment needs such as communications, entertainment, or water sports?

  • Will you be hosting any events or gatherings on board like a dinner party or cocktail party?

  • Are there any special accommodations you need?

 

By providing as many details as you can to the yacht broker, they will better be able to match you with a yacht that meets your needs.

 

Reserve Early

For your yacht charter, you should plan well in advance to reserve it. Most people reserve their yacht charter anywhere from six months or more in advance. For example, if you’re considering a summer sail through the Mediterranean, you should start discussing it with a yacht broker in November and then solidify your plans no later than the end of January.

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Have Fun With It!

Planning your yacht charter vacation should be fun because it is! You should learn a bit about the types of yachts that are available and see which ones appeal to you most. You should also learn what costs are typically associated with each of them. Once you have a general idea, find a broker for your yacht charter. They are expertly trained to provide you with exceptional service. You can find one online that will send you brochures to view for 4 to 5 choices that meet your specifications.

 

This is where you get to dream about the perfect yacht charter vacation and ask all the questions you have. You want to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want, and your yacht broker will do everything to ensure it. They can even visit the yacht, talk to the crew directly, and plan your itinerary down to the letter. Don’t be afraid to get all the details. A good yacht broker will stop at nothing to make sure you have everything as you wish.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH YACHT CHARTER IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Once you decide which type of yacht is the best fit for you regarding size and budget, you should consider the packages that are available to you. Here is an overview of each to help you best determine the right one:

 

Flotilla Sailing

This is an excellent way to get into yacht charters, particularly if you are more independent-minded. The flotilla will usually consist of 8 to 10 boats. One is the designated lead boat that has a skipper, engineer, and hostess. The skipper will ensure that the guests aboard all the other boats in your flotilla have the right skills to navigate and handle the boat and is there to lend a hand when needed. The engineer helps keep the boats in working condition and makes any necessary repairs. Moreover, the hostess organizes everything you need from social events to meals out at your destinations, even a party on your last night aboard. This gives you independence while giving you others to interact with and professional guidance if and when you should need it just seconds away.

 

Skippered Charter

If you don’t have much sailing experience or you don’t want to be in charge of navigating the boat, you can choose one with a skipper. You’ll have to take on the duties of the crew, but the skipper has the bulk of the responsibility. This gives you plenty of power to have your say while getting the chance to relax more when needed.

 

Crewed Charter

Don’t want to worry about a thing? You’ll get the skipper, a crew, and a personal chef. It’s more expensive since it includes the wages the crew earns and the boat will be more significant to accommodate everyone, but it’s undoubtedly the most luxurious way to sail. You won’t get a hands-on sailing experience with this style but if you don’t know anything about sailing and don’t want to learn, relax, kick back and enjoy drifting in the lap of luxury. Your yacht charter broker can tell you all about your crew too and help find one that matches your needs for your travels.

 

Bareboat Charter

If you can sail on your own, this is the best option. You’ll get your yacht charter, sit through a briefing and then off you go on your own. This is not for novices though. If you’ve never even been on a boat, you’ll lack the experience it takes to sail through rougher waters. You must at the very least possess basic knowledge of navigation and seamanship. If you do, you will find this independent way of chartering a yacht most blissful.

 

Corporate Sailing

You can also find a corporate charter. That means the boat is chartered by a company and is used for employee incentives, entertaining clients, or team building. These kinds of boats always come armed with a skipper and crew, providing the maximum luxury.

TYPES OF YACHTS

In the world of motor yachts, they tend to be categorized by length. Usually, they span 30, 40, and 50 meters. Cabin number is another factor as is manufacturer like Sunseeker, Benetti, Rodriguez, or Dubois for example. They are also categorized by propulsion type of either sail or motor. When you see “S/Y” it denotes “Sailing Yacht” while “M/Y” denotes “Motor Yacht.” Every manufacturer has their style too. Rodriguez makes the ultra-sleep Mangusta while Benetti tends to have that classic look.

 

Size matters too as that usually tells you how many people can be accommodated. For a super-luxury yacht, it will generally have three decks of cabins to host both guests and crew. In order from bottom to top, a luxury yacht will have a lower deck, main deck, upper deck, and then a sun deck. Your choice of the yacht is important for creating the experiences you want to have while aboard your yacht charter. Knowing the basic terms is important so you can make the right decisions. Even if you’ve already decided that you have zero sailing experience and want a crewed charter, basic knowledge of terminology will ensure you’re getting exactly as you desire.

 

Many first-timers are often surprised to find that a yacht is defined as a sailing or power vessel that is used for pleasure or cruising or even racing. The term “yacht” doesn’t mean that it is outfitted with luxury accommodations throughout or a crew on board. Racing yachts are completely barebones, only having the minimum of accommodations for the racing crew.

 

For many of the yacht charters available, they are often in the superyacht category, which means they span over 24 meters, or 78 feet, in length and can carry many guests. These also have luxury amenities. A mega yacht is an even larger superyacht that is over 80 meters or 260 feet in length. This would be the pinnacle of luxury. When it comes to chartering a yacht, yacht charters are run as a profitable business and can be owned privately or corporately.

 

With luxury yacht charters, there are various types. Sailing, motor, gullet, and catamaran can then be divided into their little subcategories. If you want high-speed performance, or want to explore and adventure, tell your yacht broker so you can charter the right vessel for your needs.

 

Motor Yacht Charter

By and large, motor yachts are the most commonly available and most popular when it comes to luxury yacht chartering. They have more space and come in a variety of sizes and shapes though the monohull design is the most popular. These usually contain a variety of luxurious amenities like a Jacuzzi or even a swimming pool, entertainment systems, and an array of toys like jet skis, for example, depending on the size of the yacht and the available storage.

 

Sailing Yacht Charter

Sailing yachts are propelled by wind power, though most do come with a low-power engine when needed should conditions become too calm or tight maneuvering is necessary at difficult anchorages. It’s a bit romantic like in the olden days, though it contains many modern luxuries. Sailing yachts do have less interior space than a motor yacht of comparable size, but it brings you closer to that authentic sailing experience. These sailing yachts are further divided into classes that differentiate them regarding power, performance, and rigging.

 

Classic Sailing Yachts

These give you the traditional look of sailing yachts from the days of yesteryear. True sailors can greatly appreciate it. If you are a sailing enthusiast that wants to experience a vintage yachting experience, there is nothing better than chartering a classic sailing yacht. The interiors though have been redesigned for higher standards, so luxury is still yours within, aptly melding the old world of sailing with the newer, more modern boats.

 

Luxury Gullet

The classic wooden yacht known as a gullet is usually built on the southwestern coast of Turkey in Bodrum or Marmaris. They average in size from 20 to 30 meters in lengths and typically contain 4 to 8 cabins. These are generally used for private charter in other countries. If you’re interested in finding and booking a gullet on a private charter, you should educate yourself about the different categories of each one and how to prepare for them before embarking on one for a sailing adventure. You’ll find gullets in Italy, Turkey, Croatia, and Greece. Sometimes they do look very similar yet have a large difference in price between them. This is why you should know what the differences are, lest you say it doesn’t matter to you. Gullets come in 3 categories: standard, deluxe, and luxury.

 

Luxury Catamaran

Catamarans come in sail and power versions, but both generally have the same layouts. These are quite a bit different than the traditional monohull design. Catamarans have two hulls that are joined by a rectangular deck. The hulls, which are also called pontoons, are big enough to accommodate full-sized cabins and bathrooms. In the deck area, it’s large enough for a big master cabin, a galley, and saloon. Although the styling is different, these are very well-built and have tasteful touches throughout just like the monohull yachts.

 

Catamarans have plenty of benefits and are a great choice even if it’s your first yacht charter. There’s more space than a monohull of similar length. It’s also more stable and stays steady at sea. Less water is needed to sail in, making it easier to get closer to shore. Also, because of the two hulls full of cabins and large deck spaces, catamarans can carry more people. Additionally, the space between the hulls at the front usually has a net stretching across which makes for a perfect perch to lay upon and enjoy the lulling waves. Because they have two pontoons, these catamarans do not heel over, making them as steady as any other ship at sea.

 

Explorer or Expedition Yachts

Explorer yachts are built or converted to handle long distance cruising in remote areas. These are great for exploring with extended family, partaking in big game fishing, remote diving expeditions, or the simple desire to expand your cruising arena. It’s very efficient in design, similar to a motor yacht, but the increase of space allows for more outdoor living. It’s built for more endurance and comfort, ideal for those that want to see more of the world through sailing but without being subjected to overcrowded ports and marinas. If you wish to explore more isolated places, this is the ideal choice.

 

Open Yachts

Take cruising to the next level with an open yacht. The open motor means that smaller yachts can get up to speed at 36 knots while keeping the ride smooth. They’re sleek and perfectly aerodynamic, ideal for sports and fishing. It’s more than a speed boat though. You get all the luxury of a yacht with rich, elegantly-appointed interiors and gobs of deck space to entertain and lounge in. Open yachts make it easier to enjoy water sports like diving, paddle boarding, and fishing while having all the comfort and luxury you desire. It’s the best of both worlds for those that seek an active vacation yet don’t want to rough it.

 

Sport Fishing Yachts

If you want performance as well as practicality, sport fisher yachts are ideal for those seeking vacations where game fishing is the name of the game. For serious fisherman or a weekend with the family that yields a big catch fit for dinner, sportfishing yachts are speedy, comfortable, stable, and reliable. There are plenty of opportunities in the waters involved in offshore sportfishing that will give you a wonderful time. No experience is needed, and beginners can handle this journey. Loaded with all the equipment you need for sports fishing including outriggers and livewells, you can make the catch of a lifetime. Plus, fishing towers help you get a perch from above so you can spot those large schools of fish and plot your next big catch.

CHARTER LOCATIONS

Any sea is a great place for chartering your superyacht. Mostly the standard areas are around the western portion of the Mediterranean. Typical starting points are the famed French Riviera where you’ll find ports of calls like Cannes, St. Tropez, Antibes, or Monaco. The stunning Italian Riviera is popular as well, along with Sardinia and Corsica.

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For those that seek to enjoy the Italian vibe, Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Capri are perfect. Off to the west, Spanish destinations like the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Barcelona, Costa del Sol, and Ibiza are splendid choices. Take in Greek history and hospitality with a yacht charter that begins in the Greek islands where the culture, food, and tranquil beauty will stun you. Croatia is another trending destination in the Mediterranean, mostly untrampled by tourists as of yet, with hundreds of secluded islands brimming with incredible beauty.

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For a tropical getaway, chartering a superyacht in the Caribbean or the Bahamas is also sublime. Whether you choose Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Barth’s or Barbados, you’ll find that laid-back luxury and island charm to indulge in. Interestingly, many exotic locations are also in high demand. Alaska Wildlife Adventures, the Great Barrier Reef, the Galapagos, Patagonia, and Antarctica are all on the extreme end but will give you the yacht charter vacation of a lifetime. Ask your broker about creating an itinerary for you in one of these splendid locales!

CHARTER COSTS

When you book a yacht charter, you pay a general fee which is for the rental of the boat as well as the services of your crew during the agreed upon charter period. Food, drink, and fuel will all cost extra unless it is written otherwise. There are also mooring fees, plus any fees for scuba diving, usage of water toys, and special communications you arrange such as high-speed internet. To make this process simpler and establish trust, the industry created the APA or Advance Provisioning Allowance system. This means the operator of the charter estimates the expenses depending on the itinerary, which is usually around 20 to 30% of the fee of the charter, that you’ll pay up front.

 

The fee is used to create a bank account that the captain uses to make expenditures for you, all with complete and accurate records. Once your yacht charter ends, you will receive a refund of the difference if there is any or will need to pay more if your end falls short of what you spent. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is common practice in the world of super yachting. Generally, you’ll tip anywhere from 5 to 20% of the charter price using a sliding scale, also contingent upon your crew’s service. The general way it works is that you’ll have to pay half of the charter fee upon signing for your reservation. The other half must be paid 30 days before you set sail. If you don’t make the appropriate payments, you will not get to embark on your yacht charter journey.

MUST I KNOW HOW TO SAIL OR ANYTHING ABOUT IT FIRST?

For anyone that wants to rent a sailing yacht where they’d need to sail themselves, you must know a bit about sailing. You can have someone on board that can teach you, but it will be best if you take a sailing class or two before you try out being a sailor yourself. This way, you’ll have more confidence in the water.

IS THERE A CERTAIN BOAT LICENCE THAT I NEED?

When going for licensing, you should take courses supported by Canadian and American Coast Guards. They often offer courses with other groups. You’ll want Coast Guard Auxiliary courses. At the bare minimum, the captain should have OUPV for US waters. Smaller cruisers should take a navigation course if they plan to be at the helm. Practice makes perfect for handling any scenario that could arise. This is extremely important if you wish to go without a crew. In the high seas, there are no specific certification requirements that would stop you from going though you should always follow the rules and exercise the courtesies at sea.

 

Near shore, you are subject to the rules of the government of the country in which waters you’re in. If you are living in the US, Canada, or Europe, you must meet particular requirements, especially if your yacht size and passenger and crew list are higher.

In most European countries, for both inland and coastal waters, you should get an ICC or an International Certificate of Competence. It’s required in the Mediterranean too. It proves that you’ve had formal training and have the proper skills to handle your vessel in international waters. That includes first aid as well as VHF radio operating qualifications. You can easily find these by searching “International Yacht Training Worldwide” or looking up the “Royal Yachting Association” online which gives you access from anywhere, though do know that it will take you some time to earn your certifications.

 

In the waters of the following UNECE countries, the ICC is formally accepted under Resolution 14 & 40:

Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Croatia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Netherlands, Romania, Poland, Serbia, Switzerland, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. The ICC has no jurisdiction or acceptance in Moldova, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Serbia, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Sweden, and the United States.

Should you wish to sail on Europe’s inland waterways, you may need to complete the CEVNI exam to show your knowledge of the rules and regulations there. Caribbean waters require ICC or IYT Worldwide qualifications. Seychelles and most of Southeast Asia are the same when it comes for larger cruisers.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

After booking, you’ll likely be asked to fill out a passenger list. This will ask you things about your likes and dislikes, allergies, and special needs, as well as for your guests coming along with you. It will also ask about your desired destinations and your requests for provisions. You should make sure to fill them out as soon as you can so that your yacht broker can ensure your needs are met, and your expectations are exceeded.

 

Most superyachts use a contract by MYBA, the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association, designed to keep charter terms standard while protecting both you and the owner of the boat charter. It has standard lingo about protections and escalation clauses in case problems are encountered. You should request one from your broker before signing so you can get to know the terms and conditions that apply.

 

Once you have booked and signed the papers, you are in a legally-bound contract. You are required by law to pay the entire sum due for your charter whether you go or not. There are very rare exceptions where you may be able to cancel though money might not be refunded unless the yacht can be chartered by someone else. It is for this reason that purchasing insurance against cancellation might be in your best interest.

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