How to Charter a Yacht: The Complete Guide
Planning your yacht charter vacation with SYA, your trusted yacht brokerage, is all about crafting a curated experience that’s perfectly tailored to you. Before we set sail, it’s important to think about a few key details: your ideal destination, the activities you love, and the type of yacht that fits your style. Once you have these essentials lined up, you’re all set to move forward with the next steps of your exciting journey!
What is a Charter Broker?
As your yacht charter broker, we at SYA are committed to finding yachts that perfectly match your specific needs. We will ask you about several important details, including your preferred destination, the type and style of yacht you’re looking for, any special requirements (such as water toys or a particular number of cabins), the duration of your trip, and your budget.
Once we understand your preferences, we will present you with a selection of yachts to choose from. We will then verify the availability of these yachts and help you organise a customised itinerary for your journey.
What is a Charter Seasons?
Yacht charter seasons affect where you can cruise, the weather you will experience, and how much your superyacht charter will cost throughout the year. The global calendar is typically divided into a summer season (Mediterranean and Northern Europe), a winter season (Caribbean, Bahamas, Indian Ocean, Middle East and Asia) and popular shoulder months where rates and availability can be more attractive.
Itineraries
We at SYA tailor each yacht charter itinerary to your specific desires, mapping out the sequence of destinations you will visit during your getaway. Whether you’re looking to unwind on serene, white sandy beaches and secluded coves or you’re eager to dive into the lively atmosphere of bustling beach clubs and upscale restaurants, your itinerary is crafted to include the types of locations and activities you wish to experience.
The initial itinerary is prepared before your vacation begins and remains flexible; it is always weather-dependent and can be amended or adjusted on board in consultation with the captain, who brings advanced local knowledge to enhance your journey.
Charter Agreement
As your yacht charter agency, SYA will assist you in finalizing your charter details. Once you have selected a specific yacht and agreed upon the cost, the next step is to carefully review and sign the charter agreement. This document outlines all key arrangements, including dates, yacht selection, destinations, and associated costs.
This agreement is a formal contract between you, SYA, any stakeholders involved, and the yacht owner. It addresses the legal aspects of your charter, such as cancellation procedures and insurance requirements. While the charter agreements from the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) or the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA) are commonly utilised, other types of contracts may be used depending on the location or the broker’s association membership.
Preference Form
We at SYA ensure that your charter experience is personalised to your exact preferences. To achieve this, we require each guest to complete a preference sheet before the charter. This document is crucial because it collects detailed information on travel arrangements, dietary preferences, allergies, and any medical concerns. It also captures any special requirements, such as birthdays, specific dinner reservations, or planned activities.
This form is vital for allowing the broker, crew, and captain to make the necessary arrangements and order the correct supplies. It also enables the chef to tailor the charter menus to your liking, ensuring that every aspect of your journey meets your expectations.
Costings Explained
A superyacht charter is highly personalised, so understanding how costs are structured is essential before you book. This concise costing guide explains the three main elements of your charter budget: the Charter Rate (the base price to rent the yacht and crew), applicable VAT (Value Added Tax, charged on top of the charter fee depending on the cruising jurisdiction), and the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) for running expenses such as fuel, berthing and provisioning. It is designed to give you clear, transparent expectations so you can plan confidently and focus on enjoying your time on the water.
Charter Rate
Like most holiday bookings a yacht charter is seasonal with a summer and winter seasons and then broken down to high and low season that refers to the peak and low times within the summer and winter season.
The charter season refers only to a period of high-demand charter weeks, not to the full weather calendar. The cost, of course, differs between the high and low seasons, and this cost is referred to as the Charter Rate or base cost. High-season costs for most yachts are higher than low-season costs, especially when linked to a special event such as the Monaco Grand Prix, which may incur an additional fee.
VAT
VAT is added to the Charter Rate and varies by country of embarkation. Additionally, some countries may apply a higher or lower VAT rate if the yacht enters international waters during the charter. SYA is here to support you with any questions or clarifications you might need regarding this or any other aspect of your charter.
- France: 20%
- Italy: 22%
- Spain: 21%
- Greece: 24%
- Montenegro: 0%
- Turkey: 20%
- Croatia: 13%
APA
In addition to the Charter rate and VAT, APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) covers all operational expenses, including fuel, berthing, food, beverages, and transfers. The funds are paid in advance to the captain, who will account for all costs incurred on the client’s behalf. The APA is usually 30% – 35% of the charter fee, or can be higher depending on the amount of cruising (as the cost of fuel will be higher).
Additional costs may apply if requests exceed 30% of the APA, including for expensive champagne or additional services.
Experiences
Superyachts are the ultimate luxury experience that can rival any 5-star hotel. The dedication and personalised service to the client make a superyacht vacation a memorable experience. The Experience can be bespoke to the needs and wants of the client, whether it is for pure indulgence, rest and relaxation, adrenaline-fuelled, or for a great adventure, a superyacht can offer more than expected. Water toys, wellness and fitness, exploration, and culinary delights are just some of the experiences that can be catered for.
Water Toys
The range of water toys available on board superyachts is becoming an essential component, particularly for those planning to holiday with family or a group of friends. These amenities not only enhance your yacht experience but also offer a range of activities suitable for all ages. To ensure that your specific needs are met, it is advisable to consult with a yacht broker. SYA, as a knowledgeable and reliable broker, can provide expert advice on selecting the right water toys and equipment to match your preferences and requirements. Please check with SYA if you want to ensure that the yacht is equipped with specific water toys or equipment.
Well-being and Fitness
The superyacht industry has increasingly embraced well-being and fitness, recognizing that relaxation extends beyond scenic destinations, beautiful beaches, and turquoise seas. Onboard amenities play a crucial role in ensuring a five-star experience, catering to both relaxation and health. On larger yachts, spa facilities are becoming standard, with offerings that typically include saunas, steam rooms, hammams, jacuzzis, and the services of an onboard masseur.
For those seeking a tailored experience that prioritizes both luxury and wellness, consulting with a knowledgeable yacht broker like SYA can be invaluable. SYA can provide expert advice on selecting yachts that feature these sophisticated spa and fitness amenities to enhance your overall experience.
Exploration
For those seeking adventure or a departure from the usual, explorer yachts offer an exceptional experience. The demand for explorer yachts is on the rise, as they enable clients to venture beyond traditional superyacht locales such as the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.
These vessels are equipped for journeying to remote destinations, including the Norwegian Fjords, Antarctica, Iceland, and Northern Patagonia. Aboard these specialized explorer superyachts, guests are supported by highly trained crews and can explore distant seas, encounter diverse wildlife, and witness natural wonders such as icebergs, glaciers, and the northern lights. The unique experiences continue with sightings of remarkable sea life and wildlife, from orcas and walruses to polar bears.
For those interested in these unique, remote voyages, SYA, as a yacht broker, can advise on selecting the right explorer yacht with the amenities and capabilities needed to enhance this thrilling experience.
Culinary Delights
Every superyacht charter includes a personal chef dedicated to meeting all your culinary needs. Chefs craft bespoke menus tailored to each guest’s preferences, as specified in their preference form, while taking dietary needs into account. These skilled culinary professionals are adept at creating tantalizing dishes and make a point of sourcing fresh ingredients from each location visited during the charter, providing an excellent opportunity to savor the local cuisine.
Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood and shellfish locally sourced and prepared to your taste, a beach BBQ featuring local meats and vegetables, elegant party canapes, or a formal dining experience, your onboard chef can accommodate your culinary wishes. For advice on selecting a yacht with exceptional culinary offerings, consider consulting SYA. As an experienced yacht broker, SYA can guide you in choosing a yacht that aligns with your specific gastronomic preferences.
