10 essential tips for aspiring luxury yacht charterers

A luxury yacht charter is the most idyllic, personalized holiday you can imagine and as such, planning a charter for the first time can be an exciting yet daunting experience. It is essential that you prepare and prepare adequately to get the most out of your trip, whether you are celebrating a special occasion or on holiday with family and friends, want to sit back and relax on board or go ashore to experience the delights of your chosen destination. …the choice is yours. By following these essential tips, you can navigate the process and create the trip of a lifetime.

Find a good charter broker

The help of a good charter broker cannot be underestimated, so take the time to contact a few and choose someone you feel you can trust with your plans and your money. A good charter broker must be honest, clear and independent and always keep your interests in mind. Anyone can show you great photos, but trustworthy agents can talk you through the options in detail from personal experience.

You must also be open and honest when approaching potential real estate agents. So think carefully in advance about what you are looking for, your budget and how many guests will be on board. An experienced real estate agent will ask a lot of questions so that he understands what is really important to you and your group.

Choose the right yacht

Luxury yachts come in all sizes and styles, from sleek motor yachts to classic sailing ships. Select a yacht that suits your group size and desired comfort level – there is the ideal yacht-crew-destination combination for everyone. A charter broker should offer you a selection of yachts based on the preferences you have already discussed with them. Now is the time to trust their opinion; a good broker will spend time viewing many yachts at yacht shows and meeting captains and crews so that he or she has extensive knowledge of fleets around the world. When you are presented with a shortlist, inquire as to why they have suggested particular yachts and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the smallest details – misunderstandings are best resolved long before you board. In some cases you may need to be flexible, but the better your chosen yacht is, the more you can relax and enjoy your time on board.

One final tip: don’t be put off if an experienced broker recommends an older yacht; many yachts are carefully maintained and regularly renovated to keep them up to date. If you trust your agent, trust their recommendations.

Research your destination

Just as important as the yacht is the destination, and as a novice charterer it is important to think about how you want to spend your time. Many people like the convenience of chartering a private yacht, allowing them to travel between ports and anchorages at their own pace, visiting locations along the way. Others like to cruise with just a few stops and spend as much time on board as possible to take full advantage of the customized service and luxurious amenities. A good charter broker can recommend routes based on your interests; whether that’s history and culture, food and drink, walking and cycling or just watching the world go by from the sundeck.

If you are new to chartering, choosing a destination and route with short sailing times, plenty of places to stop and opportunities to experience the water toys will create lasting memories and begin a love affair with luxury yacht travel. In the Mediterranean, Greece, Corsica and Croatia are fantastic for beginners, while the Caribbean and the Bahamas have an abundance of islands to visit with idyllic shallow anchorages and few restrictions on the use of water toys. It’s important to create a balanced itinerary – remember you’re on holiday, so plan plenty of time to take it easy and have a leisurely lunch!

It’s also important to think about the seasons – high season in the Mediterranean may be low season elsewhere – and travel based on your desires for perfect weather, quieter towns along the way or perfect wind on a sailing trip.

To be flexible

Finding the middle ground between careful planning and embracing spontaneity can be tricky, so it’s important to be flexible. It is often these unplanned moments, recommended by the captain, that make yacht charters unforgettable. One of the benefits of a private charter is that you are not tied to timetables or limited by availability; Within reason, the world is your oyster, so make the most of this unique opportunity.

Book early

Planning and booking early gives you the most choice and options to charter the best yachts with the best crews. Listening to advice and taking enough time to make the right decision will give you peace of mind, especially if the charter marks a special occasion. Securing your favorite yacht well in advance provides flexibility in planning the itinerary. If you have enough time, you and your agent can research activities, attractions, and dining options in your chosen destination, possibly securing reservations for popular restaurants or tickets to certain events.

Understand charter costs, processes and terminology

Planning a yacht charter is an exciting time, but if you’re new to the process it can seem a mind-boggling prospect: a minefield of forms, contracts and terminology. Again, a professional and accredited charter broker is critical and can guide you through the process
protect you against deception or exploitation.

Something important to keep in mind is the cost: the main charter rate covers the costs of the yacht and crew and is usually priced seasonally. Next to the rate you will also see the term ‘plus costs’, which includes all other costs, including APA, taxes, fuel and any delivery costs. The APA is the Advanced Provisioning Allowance, typically 30-35% of the total charter price, which covers food, drink and docking costs. Paid in advance, any unused money will be refunded after charter.

Once a booking has been made, the charter yacht’s central agent will issue a charter agreement to be signed by the charterer and the owner/agent. Your broker will help you with this, but MYBA agreements are industry standards designed to safeguard the interests of all parties involved. The MYBA is the Worldwide Yachting Association whose contracts cover all aspects of the charter, including dates, locations, cancellation policies and insurance provisions.

Familiarize yourself with hunting etiquette

It is important that you understand the rules and regulations of the yacht before boarding. Your broker should provide you with general guidelines and guidelines specific to your charter yacht. Most are for the safety and enjoyment of the guests and for the protection of the crew. Remember that it is their workplace and they have the right to a safe and respectful environment.

The most important things to remember are to listen and follow the instructions of the captain and crew, respect the crew’s boundaries – they will be busy ensuring the success of your charter, do not expect the crew to take care of you and doing absolutely nothing illegal, such as bringing over-the-counter medications on board.

It is customary to tip the crew at the end of your yacht charter and it is generally advised to tip between 5% and 20% of the charter rate depending on the yacht and location. A tip is entirely at the discretion of the charterer and should be considered a reward for excellent service on board.

smart package

When packing for a private yacht charter, keep in mind that many yachts have limited onboard storage space. You may be asked to bring only soft luggage. It’s advisable to pack light based on the itinerary you and your agent have set up. On most yachts the ‘barefoot’ rule applies and shoes with hard or dark soles are not recommended as they can leave unsightly marks on the deck. Sunglasses, hats and sun protection are essential – the sun may be stronger than you are used to and there will be a lot of reflection from the water. Most yachts provide bath and beach towels, slippers, bathrobes and some basic toiletries and medicines.

Communicate openly and honestly

A good charter broker will send you preference forms to complete before your charter, asking questions about the foods you like to eat, what you like to do, how much time you want to spend on shore/use of water toys, etc. Make sure you get these in as much detail as possible as they are an important planning tool for the crew and chef to ensure you enjoy every aspect of your charter. They will plan the onboard amenities based on what you tell them, so don’t ask for something you don’t like or expect things you didn’t ask for – remember that there may not be access to alternative food or drinks along the way. Once on board, communicate openly with the captain and crew about how things are going. Their knowledge will enhance your experience and ensure seamless service.

Have fun and make beautiful memories

Above all, enjoy every moment of your luxury yacht charter. Embrace the breathtaking views, enjoy gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Good trip!

Trina Howes

Trina Howes is president of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld America is a luxury private yacht charter company that creates outstanding vacations with outstanding yachts at great prices – worldwide. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to increase your profile, please contact us.