Charter Guide
Planning your yacht charter vacation with SYA, your trusted Yacht Charter 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!
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.
Itineraries
As your Yacht Charter Broker, SYA tailors each itinerary to your specific desires, mapping out the sequence of destinations you will visit during your charter. 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 onboard in consultation with the captain, who brings advanced local knowledge to enhance your journey.
Charter Agreement
As your Yacht Charter Broker, 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 the key arrangements, including the dates, yacht selection, destinations, and, of course, the 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
As your Yacht Charter Broker, SYA ensures that your charter experience is personalised to your exact preferences. To achieve this, we require each guest to complete a preference sheet in advance of the charter. This document is crucial as it gathers detailed information about 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.
Costing Guide
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 to only a period of high demand charter weeks versus the actual weather calendar of seasons. The costings of course differ in the high and low season and this cost is referred to as the Charter Rate or base cost. High season costs for most yachts are higher than the costs for low season, especially if it is linked to a special event such as the Monaco Grand Prix that would include an additional fee.
Charter Seasons
In Yacht chartering the summer season normally ranges from April/May to October and include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the America’s and South Pacific. The winter season ranges from November to April that include the Caribbean, British Virgin Islands and Indian Ocean.
Charter Rate
The Charter Rate/Base Costs include the yacht, the crew and the crew expenses and the yacht’s insurance.
TAX
VAT is added to the Charter Rate and varies depending on the 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
On top of the Charter rate and Vat is APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) this expense is to cover all operational expenses that include fuel, berthing, food, beverages and transfers. The money is given in advance to the captain who will account for all costs that are made available to the client. 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 more expensive).
Additional costs could also be added if it exceeds the 30% of the APA in cases of requests for expensive champagne or additional services.
Experiences
Superyachts are the ultimate luxury experience that can rival any 5-start hotel. The dedication and personalised service to the client is what makes a superyacht vacation a memorable experience. The Experience can be bespoke to the needs and wants to 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 the enjoyment of your yacht experience but also provide diverse 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 offer expert advice on the selection of appropriate 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 provide an exceptional experience that meets these needs. 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 and remote voyages, SYA, as a knowledgeable yacht broker, can advise on choosing the right explorer yacht with the amenities and capabilities needed to enhance this thrilling experience.
Culinary Delights
Every superyacht charter comes with a personal chef dedicated to meeting all your culinary desires. Chefs craft bespoke menus tailored to individual preferences as specified in each guest’s preference form, taking dietary needs into account. These skilled culinary professionals are adept at creating tantalizing dishes and make it a point to source 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.
