Advice Centre
Our Frequent Asked Questions before chartering a yacht.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Chartering a luxury yacht offers an unparalleled experience that combines indulgence, privacy, and adventure on the high seas. Here are several compelling reasons why chartering a yacht is an exceptional choice:
1. Ultimate Privacy and Freedom:
When you charter a yacht, you're not just renting a vessel; you're securing a private sanctuary on the water. Escape the crowds and enjoy the freedom to explore secluded bays, pristine beaches, and remote islands at your own pace. You have the flexibility to create a tailor-made itinerary that suits your preferences, whether it's a leisurely cruise along the coastline or an island-hopping adventure.
2. Luxurious Accommodations:
Yachts are synonymous with luxury, boasting lavish interiors, state-of-the-art amenities, and personalized service. From opulent cabins to spacious lounges, every inch of a luxury yacht is designed to provide comfort and style. Indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared by professional chefs, unwind in luxurious spa facilities, or simply relax on deck while taking in breathtaking ocean views.
3. Unforgettable Experiences:
A yacht charter opens up a world of possibilities for unforgettable experiences. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, embark on thrilling water sports adventures, or immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of exotic destinations. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, there's something for everyone on a yacht charter.
4. Exclusive Access:
Chartering a yacht grants you access to some of the world's most exclusive destinations and events. Attend prestigious yacht shows, dock at elite marinas, or explore hidden gems that are inaccessible by land. With a yacht as your luxurious floating base, you'll enjoy VIP treatment wherever you go.
5. Personalized Service:
One of the greatest advantages of yacht chartering is the personalized service provided by a professional crew. From expert captains and skilled crew members to attentive stewards and knowledgeable guides, every aspect of your journey is meticulously catered to ensure an exceptional experience. Sit back, relax, and let the dedicated crew take care of every detail, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories.
In summary, chartering a luxury yacht offers the ultimate combination of privacy, luxury, and adventure, making it the perfect choice for discerning travelers seeking a truly exceptional holiday experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, exploring new horizons, or simply indulging in luxury, a yacht charter promises an unforgettable journey beyond compare.
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1. Yacht Charter:
The act of renting or leasing a yacht for a specific period, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks, for recreational purposes. Yacht charters offer individuals or groups the opportunity to experience luxury sailing or cruising without the responsibilities of yacht ownership.
2. Charter Fee:
The cost associated with renting a yacht, which typically includes the use of the vessel, crew services, insurance, and sometimes additional amenities such as food, beverages, fuel, and docking fees. Charter fees vary depending on factors such as the size and type of yacht, destination, duration of charter, and time of year.
3. Bareboat Charter:
A type of yacht charter where the charterer rents the vessel without crew or provisions. In a bareboat charter, the charterer assumes full responsibility for operating the yacht, including navigation, maintenance, and provisioning. This option is suitable for experienced sailors or those with appropriate sailing certifications.
4. Crewed Charter:
A yacht charter where the vessel comes fully equipped with a professional crew, including a captain, deckhands, engineers, chefs, and stewards. Crewed charters offer a luxurious and hassle-free experience, as the crew takes care of all aspects of the voyage, from navigation and safety to hospitality and catering.
5. Skippered Charter:
A variation of crewed charter where the yacht is provided with a professional skipper or captain who is responsible for navigating the vessel. While the charterer may still be involved in sailing activities, the skipper handles the technical aspects of the voyage, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all onboard.
6. Luxury Yacht:
A high-end vessel designed and equipped to provide exceptional comfort, style, and amenities for discerning travelers. Luxury yachts typically feature spacious accommodations, state-of-the-art facilities, gourmet dining options, and a range of recreational activities such as water sports equipment, onboard spas, and entertainment systems.
7. Itinerary:
A planned route or schedule of activities for the duration of the yacht charter. The itinerary may include destinations to visit, anchorages, activities such as snorkeling or sightseeing, and any special events or excursions arranged during the charter period. Itineraries can be customized to suit the preferences and interests of the charter guests.
8. Provisioning:
The process of stocking the yacht with food, beverages, and other supplies for the duration of the charter. Provisioning can be arranged by the charter company or directly by the charterer, and may include options for special dietary requirements, gourmet catering, and fine wines.
9. Dockage Fees:
Charges incurred for docking or mooring the yacht at marinas, ports, or anchorages during the charter period. Dockage fees vary depending on the location, facilities, and services provided by the marina, and are typically included in the overall charter cost or billed separately.
10. Charter Agreement:
A legally binding contract between the charterer and the yacht owner or charter company, outlining the terms and conditions of the yacht charter. The charter agreement specifies details such as the charter dates, charter fee, payment schedule, cancellation policy, responsibilities of both parties, and any additional provisions or special requests. It is essential for both parties to review and agree upon the terms of the charter agreement before the commencement of the charter.
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Using an independent yacht charter brokerage offers several advantages for individuals or groups looking to charter a yacht:
1. Expertise and Knowledge:
Independent yacht charter brokerages specialize in the yacht charter industry, possessing in-depth knowledge of different yachts, destinations, and charter options. Their expertise allows them to provide valuable advice and recommendations tailored to the specific preferences and requirements of clients.
2. Wide Selection of Yachts:
Independent brokerages typically have access to a diverse portfolio of yachts worldwide, ranging from luxury motor yachts and sailing vessels to catamarans and traditional gulets. This extensive selection enables clients to choose the perfect yacht that matches their desired size, style, amenities, and budget.
3. Unbiased Advice and Recommendations:
As independent entities, yacht charter brokerages are not tied to any specific yacht owner or operator. This independence ensures that their recommendations are unbiased and focused solely on finding the best possible yacht and charter experience for their clients, without any conflicts of interest.
4. Negotiating Power and Best Value:
Yacht charter brokerages leverage their industry connections and negotiating skills to secure the most favorable terms and pricing for their clients. They can often negotiate discounts, special offers, and added-value extras on behalf of their clients, maximizing the value of the charter experience.
5. Personalized Service and Support:
Independent brokerages provide personalized assistance and support throughout the entire charter process, from initial inquiries to post-charter follow-up. They act as trusted advisors, helping clients navigate the complexities of yacht chartering, including itinerary planning, yacht selection, provisioning, and logistics.
6. Streamlined Booking Process:
Yacht charter brokerages streamline the booking process by handling all the necessary arrangements and paperwork on behalf of their clients. This includes preparing charter agreements, coordinating payments, arranging travel logistics, and liaising with yacht owners, captains, and crews to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.
7. 24/7 Customer Service:
Many independent brokerages offer round-the-clock customer service and support, ensuring that clients have access to assistance and assistance whenever needed, whether it's during the planning stage, while onboard the yacht, or after the charter has concluded.
In summary, utilizing an independent yacht charter brokerage provides clients with access to expert advice, a wide selection of yachts, unbiased recommendations, negotiating power, personalized service, and streamlined booking processes, ultimately enhancing the overall yacht charter experience and ensuring a memorable and enjoyable journey on the water.
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Bareboat Yacht Charters: The charter fee is the cost of the yacht, including the tax/VAT. There will be obligatory extras added to your charters such as starter packs and/or departure cleaning. You will find these listed as ‘Obligatory extras’. You will also have the option to add any extras such as crew, stand up paddle boards, Wifi, etc. Please note they’re all dependent on the yacht due to different owners having different systems.
Crewed Yacht Charters: The charter fee covers the rental of the yacht, crew salaries, crew meals, and the yacht's laundry, as well as insurance. However, there are additional expenses not included in the quoted fee. These encompass costs like fuel for the engines and generators, water sports equipment, operational expenses, harbor fees, all food and beverages (including soft and alcoholic drinks), communication charges, and local taxes. Rest assured, we maintain transparency regarding these additional charges for your tailored charter experience. All the additional charges, expect local taxes, will be covered by the Advanced Provisions Allowance.
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The 'Advance Provisioning Allowance' (APA) covers additional expenses incurred during the charter. It is typically calculated at 25%-40% of the total charter fee. Prior to the commencement of the charter, the APA is provided to the yacht, enabling the crew to procure specific provisions as per your preferences. This includes the purchase of food and beverages. At the conclusion of the charter, the Captain will furnish you with a detailed breakdown of the APA expenses along with corresponding receipts. Should there be a surplus, it will be promptly refunded. Conversely, if there is a deficit, settlement can be made in cash or, with the Captain's approval, via transfer.
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It's recommended to book your yacht charter as early as possible, especially during peak seasons. This will ensure that you have the widest selection of yachts to choose from and that you can secure your preferred dates.
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It depends whether you are hiring a Skipper or sailing the yacht yourself (bareboat). If you are chartering bareboat, it depends on the location and the size of the yacht. Some countries require a skipper's license, while others only require a sailing resume. It's important to check the regulations of the country you will be sailing in and the requirements of the specific yacht you are chartering.
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RYA Day Skipper Course
ICC (International Certificate of Competence)International
IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)It is essential that you take your original skippers license or certificate with you in the event that the Port Authorities ask you to present it to them. If you do not have an official sailing license, by law the team at base will not be able to allow you to charter without an officially certified skipper onboard
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Most yacht charter companies allow you to bring your own food and drinks on board. Pre-provisioning is also offered with most charter companies, so they can do your food shop before you arrive. However, some may charge a corkage fee for alcoholic beverages. It's important to check with us beforehand to see what the policy is.
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If there is bad weather during your charter, the captain will make a decision on whether it is safe to continue sailing. In some cases, the itinerary may need to be adjusted or the charter may need to be rescheduled. It's important to discuss the charter company's policy on bad weather before booking your charter.
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You can hire a Skipper and/or Hostess on nearly every yacht. A Skipper is approx 1,500 EUR p/w and a Hostess 1,200 EUR p/w. They will sleep onboard (usually require a forepeak cabin & W/C) and you will need to account for the cost of their food for the duration of your charter. Every charter company has slighty different requirements for crew e.g. if their require their own double cabin or just a forepeak cabin, so this is something to take into consideration and to discuss with your Yacht Charter Expert.
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Your crew are there to make your holiday as relaxing and stress-free as possible. They will respect your personal space and have their own cabins to sleep in which are usually at the front of the boat. Our recommendation would be to communicate with your crew your boundaries so that all parties understand each other.
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