How to Charter a Yacht

A crewed yacht charter is a private agreement to use a yacht, with its captain and crew, for a defined period and cruising area. A broker works with you to define the brief, shortlist yachts, negotiate terms, prepare the contract and support you until the final APA account is settled after disembarkation.

For peak Mediterranean summer weeks and the Caribbean holiday season, many clients start planning months ahead because the most sought-after yachts are booked early. Shorter notice is sometimes possible, especially outside peak weeks, but choice narrows. There is no fixed rule; your broker can tell you how busy a given week looks.

A clear brief saves time and leads to better options.

The right yacht is the one that fits the group, the itinerary and the style of the week. Layout, deck space, crew experience, chef, tender and toys, and the yacht's cruising area often matter more than length.

No. A larger yacht offers more space and often more crew, but can have fewer anchorage options, higher costs and less intimacy. A well-chosen smaller yacht can be the better week.

Overnight guest numbers are set by the yacht's licence and flag rules, commonly up to twelve on many charter yachts, and are confirmed per yacht. Day guests may be allowed in larger numbers subject to the yacht's limits and local rules. Sleeping berths do not automatically equal permitted guests.

Many yachts welcome children. Ask about safety netting, children's life jackets, nanny cabins, suitable toys and crew experience with families before choosing.

Some owners accept pets, many do not. Pet policy is set by each owner and must be confirmed in writing, along with any local entry rules for animals.

Availability changes quickly and online calendars can be out of date. A yacht is only secured when the charter agreement is signed and the required payment received. Until then, your broker can request an option or hold, which is not a guarantee.

A "from" rate is usually the lowest weekly charter fee in the yacht's published range, often for low season. Peak weeks, holidays, events and specific areas can be higher. It is a starting point for the charter fee only, not a total cost.

The total cost of a charter generally includes the charter fee plus an advance provisioning allowance, applicable VAT or taxes, any delivery or redelivery fees, and an optional crew gratuity. Each yacht's terms define what is included.

The Advance Provisioning Allowance is a sum paid in advance to the captain to cover variable running costs during the charter, such as fuel, food, drinks, port fees and communications, depending on the contract. It is accounted for in detail and any balance is reconciled at the end.

VAT treatment depends on the country, the cruising area, the yacht and the contract. Rates and rules vary and change, so the applicable treatment is confirmed for the specific charter.

If you embark or disembark away from the yacht's base, a delivery or redelivery fee may apply to cover the yacht's positioning. It is quoted per charter.

Payment is usually made in stages set by the contract, typically a first instalment on signing and the balance plus APA before embarkation. Verify bank details with known contacts before paying.

Many crewed charters use a MYBA charter agreement or another recognised form, but MYBA is not always used. Whichever form is used, it sets out fee, payments, cancellation, cruising area, guest numbers and responsibilities, and should be read carefully.

What happens if you cancel, or if the owner cannot deliver the yacht, depends entirely on the contract terms. Ask about cancellation provisions, substitute yachts and travel or charter insurance before signing.

Weather and sea conditions can change plans. The captain may alter the route for safety, and the contract usually explains how weather affects the charter.

You can propose an itinerary and priorities, and the captain will plan around them within the cruising area, distances, weather and local rules. Good itineraries balance time under way with time at anchor.

The captain has final authority on all matters of safety and navigation. That authority protects guests, crew and the yacht.

A preference sheet tells the crew about guests, dietary needs, allergies, favourite food and drinks, activities and celebrations. Complete it a few weeks before embarkation so the crew can provision and plan.

You can usually request specific food, wines and spirits. Availability depends on location and notice, and rare items are best requested early. Costs are generally drawn from the APA.

On arrival the crew welcomes you, gives a safety briefing and shows you the yacht. Check timings, luggage and transfer arrangements in advance; soft luggage is usually preferred.

Days are shaped around your preferences: swimming, toys, shore visits, dining ashore or on board. Let the captain or chief stewardess know if anything should change.

Tenders and toys vary by yacht. Some activities may be restricted by local rules, weather or crew qualifications, and some may carry extra costs.

A gratuity is customary but discretionary, normally given to the captain at the end of the charter for the whole crew. See the tipping guide for how guests usually approach it.

On the last day the yacht returns to the agreed port. Plan onward transfers or private aviation around the agreed disembarkation time.

After or towards the end of the charter, the captain presents an account of APA spending with receipts. Any shortfall is paid by the charterer and any surplus is normally returned, as the contract provides.

The Lund Group Yacht Desk and Charter & Brokerage Desk help define the brief, shortlist yachts, negotiate terms, review the contract and coordinate aviation, villas, security and events, from first enquiry to the final APA reconciliation.