Yacht Charter Guide
A Comprehensive Walkthrough Outlining Your Charter In Easy-To-Follow Steps
SELECT YOUR PREFERRED DESTINATION
Whether you have a particular charter destination in mind or are seeking inspiration, our expert brokers are available to guide and advise you on this pivotal initial step in planning your private Yacht Charter experience.
YOUR PREFERENCES
Understanding your needs is essential in creating the ideal yacht charter experience for you. We take into account all aspects such as budget, yacht type, number of guests, onboard amenities, preferred ambiance, activities, even the on-shore excursions to tailor a perfect itinerary to meet your expectations.
FIND THE IDEAL YACHT
Our goal is to provide you with the utmost luxury yacht charter experience, and pairing you with the perfect yacht is a key element. In our charter process, your broker will consider factors like crew, amenities, cruising destinations, and water toys to curate a selection of yachts that meet your preferences.
RESERVE YOUR CHARTER
After confirming your decision to proceed with booking the Charter and selecting your preferred travel dates, a contract will be issued to you. Your dedicated charter consultant will be available to assist you and answer any questions you may have during the entire booking process.
CRAFT YOUR ITINERARY
A yacht charter offers a highly personalized holiday experience. Your designated charter consultant will collaborate with you to design every detail of your itinerary, including daily anchorage locations, dining arrangements, and excursions.
THE CAPTAIN AND THE CREW
Your captain and expertly trained crew will be thoroughly briefed on your preferences and requirements, ensuring that your needs for rest, meals, and activities are anticipated at all times. Every aspect will be meticulously managed to provide you and your guests with the utmost charter experience.
Steps to follow for Chartering a Yacht
Discover new horizons and unparalleled privacy. Embrace the liberty to roam, indulge, and uncover new experiences at your own leisure. Chartering a yacht might not be for everyone, yet for those in pursuit of a vacation that delivers an exceptional ‘wow’ factor, it presents a perfect option.
Equipped with a personal Captain and crew, a yacht charter provides a distinctive and memorable journey. It allows the freedom to navigate from one island to the next, capturing breathtaking vistas and engaging in the pinnacle of global luxury.
Think of it as your own floating high-end hotel, tailor-made to cater to your every desire. Our dedicated Charter Brokers are at your service to meticulously organize every aspect of your voyage, ensuring a singular and unparalleled travel experience for you and your guests.
However, venturing into the realm of luxury yachting requires careful consideration. It’s important to understand what to anticipate to fully capitalize on this exquisite adventure:
1. Is a charter broker necessary?
2. What is the typical cost of chartering a yacht?
3. Selecting the ideal charter yacht
4. Deciding between sailing or motor yachts
5. Top destinations for yacht chartering
6. Guide to chartering with children
7. Tips for chartering with pets
8. Crafting a flawless itinerary for your charter
9. Choosing provisions for your charter, including food and beverages
10. Observing etiquette norms during a charter
11. Overview of the yacht chartering process
1. Is a charter broker necessary?
Taking a yacht charter vacation promises an unparalleled experience, with every detail contributing to the perfection of your trip, from the selection of the yacht to the choice of destinations, the crew onboard, the cuisine, and even the itinerary. Coordinating all these elements to ensure you maximize your charter experience can be overwhelming.
Enter the role of a charter broker.
Charter brokers, with their expertise, worldwide contacts, and in-depth local insights, are instrumental in crafting the ultimate charter experience for you and your guests. They navigate the complexities of choosing the right destination, selecting the ideal yacht, pairing you with a compatible captain and crew, and customizing a unique itinerary tailored to your vacation aspirations.
At Yacht Charter Porto Cervo, our team of charter brokers leverages first-hand insight and extensive experience to guide you in picking the perfect yacht for your chosen destination. With access to an expansive global fleet of over 3,000 charter yachts, the choices may seem endless at first. However, by understanding your specific needs and preferences, we proficiently narrow down the options, helping you secure the yacht that matches your dream vision.
Whether your preferences lean towards yachts with exceptional entertainment facilities, an assortment of water toys and tenders, child-friendly designs, or the very latest in yacht technology, professional charter brokers are your go-to. We have the know-how to recommend yachts that not only meet but exceed your expectations, ensuring you’re paired with the best crews and the most memorable experiences.
In essence, our charter brokers at Yacht Charter Porto Cervo are dedicated to meticulously planning, advising, and realizing the perfect yacht charter for you and your companions. All that’s left for you to do is to pack your bags and step aboard for an impeccably tailored and unforgettable journey.
2. What is the typical cost of chartering a yacht?
The cost to charter a yacht varies widely, influenced by numerous factors including the yacht’s size, age, duration of the charter, time of year, yacht popularity, and the chosen destination.
Additionally, the type of yacht whether it’s a sailing yacht or motor yacht, vintage or new, a large mega yacht accommodating 24 guests or a smaller, more personal vessel for intimate gatherings also plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of your charter experience. For the most precise and tailored cost estimation, consulting with a charter broker is recommended. However, to provide a rough guide, we’ve compiled average weekly pricing details for both motor and sailing yachts, categorized by length, to offer a basic understanding of potential charter costs.
| MOTOR YACHTS | SAILING YACHTS | ||
| 10-20m: 20-30m: 30-40m: 40-50m: 50-60m: 60m+: |
EUR 24.000 EUR 65.000 EUR 103.000 EUR 186.000 EUR 274.000 EUR 729.000 |
20-30m: 30-40m: 40-50m: 50-60m: 60m+: |
EUR 33.000 EUR 64.000 EUR 116.000 EUR 188.000 EUR 303.000 |
2. What is the typical cost of chartering a yacht?
The cost to charter a yacht varies widely, influenced by numerous factors including the yacht’s size, age, duration of the charter, time of year, yacht popularity, and the chosen destination.
Additionally, the type of yacht whether it’s a sailing yacht or motor yacht, vintage or new, a large mega yacht accommodating 24 guests or a smaller, more personal vessel for intimate gatherings also plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of your charter experience. For the most precise and tailored cost estimation, consulting with a charter broker is recommended. However, to provide a rough guide, we’ve compiled average weekly pricing details for both motor and sailing yachts, categorized by length, to offer a basic understanding of potential charter costs.
| MOTOR YACHTS | |
| 10-20m: 20-30m: 30-40m: 40-50m: 50-60m: 60m+: |
EUR 24.000 EUR 65.000 EUR 103.000 EUR 186.000 EUR 274.000 EUR 729.000 |
| SAILING YACHTS | |
| 20-30m: 30-40m: 40-50m: 50-60m: 60m+: |
UR 33.000 EUR 64.000 EUR 116.000 EUR 188.000 EUR 303.000 |
It is essential to understand that there are potential extra expenses in addition to your charter fee. The components included in this base rate could differ depending on the specific yacht, but you may be required to cover the following costs along with the charter rate:
- Value Added Tax (VAT) on the Charter Fee (amount varies based on the cruising location).
- Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA): This fund is for covering operational costs incurred during your charter, such as fuel, berthing fees, customs charges, and food & beverages. The APA typically ranges from 30% to 40% of the charter fee, and any unused balance will be refunded at the end of your trip.
- Fees for shipping/supply agents
- Local taxes
- Delivery charges
- Gratuities, which are subjective and based on personal discretion.
We will inform you of any additional expenses before you choose your yacht, ensuring that you are aware of all potential costs upfront. This transparency helps prevent unwelcome surprises when embarking on your charter vacation.
3. Selecting the ideal charter yacht
Selecting the ideal charter yacht involves considering various factors to match your preferences. Similar to hotels, not every charter yacht will meet all your specific needs. You might desire luxurious décor, lavish interiors, and seclusion, or alternatively, you may prefer a minimalist style that fosters a close connection with the sea. Your ideal yacht could cater to on-deck disco amenities or offer a more secluded and understated setting.
No matter your requirements, there is a yacht perfectly suited to you. Cruise through the Bahamas with its golden coastlines, or explore Mediterranean islands, immersing yourself in charming towns and diverse cuisines. The possibilities are endless.
To ensure you choose the right yacht, we will inquire about your preferences. Where do you wish to sail? How many guests will you have onboard? What amenities are essential for your trip? What is your budget? Providing detailed answers will guide you towards selecting the most suitable yacht for your needs.
The perfect charter yacht for a corporate event varies from one ideal for a small family vacation. Clarifying your intended use of the yacht is crucial.
4. Deciding between sailing or motor yachts
Motor yachts represent the epitome of speed and power, boasting sleek, contemporary designs and generous living spaces. They are equipped with impressive features such as beach clubs, water toys, gyms, and spas, making them an excellent choice for accommodating larger groups or hosting extravagant gatherings embodying luxury in every aspect.
On the other hand, sailing yachts offer a more romantic and traditional yachting experience, allowing you to feel the wind in your hair and the sea spray on your skin. While they may not be as modern, these yachts often provide surprisingly spacious accommodations and are perfect for enthusiasts who have a deep love for the sea. Sailing vessels focus less on extravagant amenities and more on delivering an authentic sailing experience.
No matter what you seek in your charter adventure, we can offer expert guidance tailored to your preferences, assisting you in selecting the ideal yacht to meet your requirements.
5. Top destinations for yacht chartering
As you navigate through the yacht selection process, it is essential to contemplate the specific location and timing of your desired charter.
Perhaps you envision cruising the West Mediterranean during its peak season, indulging in the exploration of hidden coves, savoring Italian wines, and enjoying leisurely paddling in shallow waters. Alternatively, you might be intrigued by the prospect of discovering the myriad remote islands and diverse cultures of Southeast Asia.
It’s worth emphasizing that the cost of your charter is influenced, in part, by the chosen destination, as certain locations are more popular than others, leading to varying expenses such as berthing fees and charter taxes. Moreover, not every location is conducive to chartering, with some having limited dockage areas and challenging access to harbors.
If you have a specific region in mind for your charter adventure, we can provide expert guidance on prime destinations to explore and help you select from the available yachts suitable for your preferred location. We will manage the logistical aspects of your charter in collaboration with the Captain, including outlining the itinerary and determining the stopping points throughout your voyage.
6. Guide to chartering with children
When planning a family yacht charter, it’s essential to prioritize entertainment options for your younger guests. While you may find relaxation and enjoyment in lounging on deck and admiring the stunning views, children typically require more dynamic and adventurous activities to truly enjoy the vacation.
It’s crucial to consider accommodation setups, safety features like nets and gates, the duration of the charter, and child-friendly itineraries to ensure your little ones remain engaged and content throughout the trip. Many modern yachts offer a range of entertainment facilities tailored for children, such as cinema rooms, water toys, inflatables, and even swimming pools, guaranteeing a fun-filled experience for kids. Pairing these amenities with a lively and engaging itinerary will ensure that your children have an unforgettable holiday experience.
Furthermore, selecting the appropriate crew for your charter is key to a successful family experience. Each yacht and crew have specific capabilities and service offerings, so it’s vital to choose a team that is well-equipped to cater to the needs of children. We can assist in selecting the right yacht and crew to meet your family’s requirements, ensuring that guests of all ages have a memorable and enjoyable time aboard the yacht.
7. Tips for chartering with pets
Similarly, some guests wish to bring their four-legged friends with them on their charter experience – and who can blame them? But much like with children, not every yacht is suited to cater for pets, and from health and safety and legal restrictions to yacht owner wishes, there is a lot to consider.
As you can imagine, ensuring the yacht stays in top condition is of paramount importance, so even pet-friendly yachts will expect good behaviour and discipline to avoid any damage.
To help you secure a pet-friendly charter yacht, it is important to discuss this with us in advance so that we can make arrangements and go through the various contractual requirements with you.
8. Crafting a flawless itinerary for your charter
A perfect charter is not complete without a perfect itinerary. From inception to your final destination, your itinerary covers every stopping point on your journey, so you know every step of your adventure and can plan around it.
But not every charter experience is the same. Whilst some guests crave high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled action, others prefer to explore untrodden coastlines and undulating hills.
Whatever your preferences, we will draw on our local knowledge and years of experience to build a custom-made itinerary with the Captain. From where you drop anchor each day to dining, activities and excursions – a yacht charter is the ultimate personalised holiday.
When booking your charter, consider what you would like to see and what you’d like to do. Have you always dreamt of swimming with marine life in crystal clear waters? Or are you more interested in dropping into iconic coastal towns packed with culture and gastronomic delights? Or is exploration in the Northern hemisphere more your thing?
Let us know what you aim to get out of the experience, and we will sort out the rest.
9. Choosing provisions for your charter, including food and beverages
As part of your Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) package, the dedicated chef and crew on board will cater to all your culinary needs. From delightful alfresco dinners and delectable desserts to refreshing tropical cocktails, your chef will customize each day’s menu to suit your specific tastes and dietary restrictions.
Whether you desire an elegant five-course meal or a charming beach picnic during sunset, your chef and crew are committed to crafting a memorable gastronomic journey for you. Should you prefer dining ashore, your charter broker stands ready to recommend and make reservations at top-tier restaurants throughout your charter.
Before embarking on your charter, you can furnish us with a list of preferred food and beverages, enabling your crew to stock up on your favorite drinks and dishes to have readily available during your voyage. This list should also encompass any dietary needs or allergies to facilitate necessary accommodations by your chef.
For further insights on selecting food and beverages for your yacht charter, refer to our guest list.
10. Observing etiquette norms during a charter
Whether embarking on your maiden voyage or as a seasoned charter guest, there exist unspoken guidelines and anticipated behaviors when engaging a yacht charter, encompassing interactions with the Captain and crew, as well as conduct while aboard the vessel.
• Footwear: Typically, shoes designed for onshore use should not be worn on the yacht. Guests can choose to wear soft deck shoes or go barefoot according to personal preference, reserving their regular footwear for excursions off the boat to explore the surrounding coastlines.
• Luggage: It is advisable, whenever possible, to pack belongings in soft luggage bags as these are easier for the crew to manage and stow without occupying excessive space. On certain yachts, storage areas might be restricted, making flexible soft bags a more practical choice over large, rigid suitcases.
• Smoking: As a safety precaution, smoking is generally prohibited inside yachts during charters. However, many vessels permit smoking on deck. To avoid any misunderstandings, it is advisable to confirm the smoking policies with your broker in advance of the charter.
• Gratuity: While customary, determining the crew’s gratuity is at your discretion. A typical suggestion is to tip approximately 10-20% of the charter fee, to be divided evenly among the Captain and crew. However, it is important to note that the anticipated gratuity amount could vary depending on the charter location. Ultimately, the decision on how much gratuity to leave the crew hinges on your personal judgment and overall satisfaction with the experience.
11. Overview of the yacht chartering process
After initiating your inquiry and contacting us to discuss your preferences and requirements, the chartering process gains momentum. We will search our database for yachts that align with your needs and are available for your desired charter dates. You then choose which yacht you wish to charter.
Upon your selection, we will communicate with the yacht owner regarding availability, pricing, and the terms and conditions of the charter. Once both parties agree on all aspects, including the final price, a contract will be issued for your signature, confirming the reservation of the yacht for your vacation. Typically, a 50% deposit of the charter fee is required via wire transfer or credit card upon signing the Charter Agreement. The remaining 50%, along with the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), any applicable taxes, delivery fees, and security deposit, are usually due one month before the charter commences.
Following the completion of contracts and payment of deposits, we will manage concierge arrangements such as creating a detailed itinerary and addressing your food and beverage preferences. Subsequently, you prepare for your trip and eagerly anticipate boarding the yacht to meet your Captain and crew.
For a seamless luxury experience, we can arrange private travel to and from the yacht. Private aviation offers enhanced comfort, privacy, and time efficiency, bypassing the usual hassles associated with commercial airlines. We can provide a private aviation charter service, assisting you in securing a private jet charter for your travel needs as well as a private luxury transfer from and to the airport. For further information on these services please ask us directly.
THE NEXT THRILLING ADVENTURE IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
Explore a world brimming with possibilities, spanning from the enchanting Mediterranean archipelagos to the captivating coastlines of Asia. Our unparalleled team of dedicated brokers stands ready to facilitate your connection with the finest yachts in the most idyllic locations, ensuring an unrivaled charter experience.
Browse through the selection of yachts available for charter. Alternatively, contact our team should you wish to inquire further.