Charter Advice

This is a series of advance payments you make to secure your booking and cover expenses. Typically it breaks down as follows: Initial Deposit or Advance Payment, Interim Payments (only in certain cases), Final Payment and Advance Purchase Allowance of APA. All these are described in detail on this page.

This is the deposit made before the actual charter period begins. It shows your serious intent to proceed with the charter, acting as a confirmation of your booking and preventing the yacht from being reserved by someone else. The advance payment is set by the Charter company managing the yacht of your choice, typically it ranges between 25% and 50% of the total charter fee.

Depending on the charter company managing the yacht you have chosen additional payments may be required at specified intervals.

The remaining balance is typically due a certain period before the charter begins (usually 30 or 60 days) depending on the terms set by the charter company managing the yacht you have booked. They will send you reminders ahead of the due date so you can have the funds ready.

A charter that involves renting a yacht without a crew, offering freedom, privacy, and lower costs. Ideal for experienced sailors seeking adventure and independence but not recommended or practical for inexperienced sailors and groups travelling with small children.

Includes a crew, minimally a captain, but crew size and service levels vary. This is not a fully crewed luxury charter but may have additional staff like a cook or stewardess. Typically, you can expect to find crewed charters on yachts as from 50 feet (14 meters).

A type of yacht charter where you rent an individual cabin on a yacht, rather than chartering the entire vessel. This means you'll be sharing the yacht with other travellers. Cabin charters typically follow a pre-determined itinerary, allowing you to explore specific destinations but giving no freedom to make changes to the itinerary. The price is usually fixed per cabin, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to chartering an entire yacht.

Your typical, private, crewed yacht rental where you rent the entire yacht for your group and the embarkation (start) and disembarkation (end) port is the same. It distinguishes itself from Cabin charters (renting a single cabin), Specialized charters (e.g., event charters, research charters), Bareboat charters (renting the yacht without a crew) and One Way charters (start and end points are different). Standard Charters are the most common form of yacht charter. Unless specified otherwise the majority of the yachts listed in our database are for Standard Charter.

Offers the luxury of a yachting experience for shorter amount of time than the typical week charter (typically 2 to 5 days). Ideal for those who have time constraints or want to celebrate a special occasion. It’s worth noting that short term charters tend to be more costly on a per day basis and availability is usually limited or even non-existent in high season.

Refers to a charter where the embarkation points (start) and disembarkation point (end) are different. Instead of returning to the same location, you travel from point A to point B. It allows you to explore a wider area without backtracking, but relocation fees apply as the yacht still needs to be repositioned to its home port. One-way charters are particularly popular in destinations with island chains, such as the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.

A sum of money held by the charter company or yacht owner as a form of insurance against potential damages or losses that may occur during your charter. It is designed to encourage charterers to treat the yacht with care. Assuming no damages or losses occur, the safety deposit is fully refunded to the charterer at the end of the charter. The amount varies according to the size and value of the yacht and the charter company’s policies.

The formal process of taking control of your rented yacht. It involves verifying documents and handling payments, checking the boat's condition and equipment, receiving instructions on the yacht's operation, safety, and local sailing area and verifying that all the equipment on board is present. It's a crucial step to ensure a safe and organized charter experience.

The final process of returning the yacht, involving an inspection to assess any damage or missing items. An inventory check ensures all equipment is accounted for, and fuel levels are verified. Finally, paperwork is completed, and the security deposit is returned, minus any deductions for damage, concluding the charter agreement.

The additional costs incurred during a charter, separate from the base rental fee. These include fuel, docking, food, and crew wages. An Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) paid by you ahead of the charter is used to manage these variable expenses. At the end of the charter, any unused APA funds are returned to you.

Means supplying the yacht with all food and drinks needed for the trip. This includes planning menus, purchasing groceries, and accommodating dietary needs. On crewed charters that include a stewardess or cook they handle the logistics and preparation, ensuring guests have a pleasant dining experience onboard.

Harbours fees in yacht charters are charges for using marina or port facilities, including docking and access to amenities. These fees vary based on yacht size, location, and season. They are typically covered by the yacht's operating expenses, often through the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA).

A pre-paid fund provided by the charterer to cover operating expenses during the trip; it is used by the yacht's captain to pay for items such as fuel, food, beverages, and harbour fees. The APA is the convenient and flexible solution to enable guests to tailor their experience while onboard. Any unused portion of the APA is typically refunded to the charterer at the end of the charter.

A standard charter agreement where the base charter fee includes the yacht and crew wages but all other expenses are extra.