Yacht Chartering Explained
by Henry Guest., Charter Broker at Burgess
Want to find out how to try the world of yachting? Yacht rental - known in the trade as yacht charter - is the easiest way to dip your toe in the water. The smart move is to work with your advisor to make sure you're taken care of every step of the way.
Where to Start
Everyone's first time aboard a yacht is memorable. The sun, sea, and seven-star service make an unrivaled holiday. It always starts with a conversation between you, your travel advisor, and the yacht team.
From a weekend trip cruising the Italian Riviera to a three-week stint island hopping The Bahamas, the best yachting experiences are those supported by true professionals. As a team, we advise you on the what, where, and how - and provide a joined-up service from your front door to the yacht, the watersports and destinations, the restaurants and on-board chef, and even the wellness spa and activities.
Which Yacht
Superyachts are much like cars in that there is a vast variety offered. To understand your options, start with your requirements for your yacht charter - how many people do you want to bring aboard, where do you want to sail, and what activities are you interested in doing? From sailing to motor, and catamaran to explorer - the yacht's style, size, and capability are primarily dictated by your preferences and bucket list cruising grounds. Our goal is to make your life easier by giving you a short list.
In short: A sailing superyacht is a great way to reduce stress levels and is the most sustainable form of yachting. Motor yachts are floating havens that facilitate relaxation – or high-octane pursuits – while an explorer yacht typically possesses a high bow, a deep draft for transatlantic crossings, and autonomy for long-distance cruising in remote areas.
Your Destination
Selecting your yacht charter destination depends on what time of year you plan on going. This will also influence the yacht you end up chartering, as different yachts are based in different locations and usually move throughout the year. The most common migration is to the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter. However, you will also find yachts cruising the waters of Central and South America, Antarctica, the Pacific Islands, Northern Europe, and even Costa Rica.
What to Expect
If you can dream it, you can experience it on a superyacht charter. The saying 'anything goes' applies, from the style of food and beverage to the pace of life onboard. If you're an early bird who likes to indulge in morning yoga before taking the jet skis out for a spin, so be it. If you prefer to sleep until midday, enjoy an al fresco lunch in private before lounging your way into the early hours, go ahead. A superyacht is a home away from home – the fun doesn't stop until you say so!
Plan Your Trip
Yachting holidays are like no other. Bespoke from beginning to end, you choose the yacht, destination, activities, entertainment, food and drink, plus more. It's best to consult with your advisor who can research every aspect of your vacation and work with the captain to plan an incredible itinerary that takes in top yachting experiences while factoring in your favorite past-times, cuisines, and excursions. Then, all you need to do is choose who to take along for the dream ride.
The Fine Print
Charter rates are quoted per week (seven nights) for the rent of the yacht. For longer charters, the rule is to prorate; however, for shorter charters, the decision lies in the hand of the owner of the vessel. After the availability of your chosen yacht has been verified, you will receive a standard MYBA Charter Agreement for signature. A deposit of 50% of the total charter fee is payable by bank transfer immediately. The balance, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), together with any taxes and any additionally-agreed charges, is payable by bank transfer, usually five weeks before the start of the charter.
Intended to cover the operating expenses, such as fuel, food, drinks, port fees, and ad hoc incidentals, the APA will be given to the captain before the start of your charter and generally amounts to 25-30% of the charter rate. While an up-to-date summary of accounts can be requested at any time during your charter, a complete set of accounts will typically be submitted by your captain at the end of the cruise. If the expenditure exceeds the sum already paid during the charter, additional cash funds will be required at once. Of course, any remaining credit at the end of your charter will be reimbursed to you in full.