A Beginner’s Guide to Yacht Charter

A yacht charter provides a means of enjoying an almost unique kind of vacation. With its help, you’ll be able to explore some of the more remote and captivating corners of the seven seas, from remote beaches to lush, deserted coves. You’ll also be able to tour some of the most spectacular ports in the world – from Monaco to Miami.

Getting the best from a yacht charter, however, means understanding exactly what’s involved in the chartering process, and how you can get the best from it.

Types of Yacht Charters

To begin with, you’ll need an understanding of what’s on offer. Yacht charters come in several different forms.

A bareboat charter will provide the yacht, but not the crew. You’ll have the choice of running the boat yourself, or hiring your own crew to take care of it. A crewed charter, on the other hand, is inclusive. You’ll get both the yacht itself, and the crew.

Finally, for those willing to share the yacht with other people, you can simply charter a cabin. This is great for travelers who’d prefer to split the bill – and who’d like a different social element to their voyage.

Selecting the Right Yacht

There’s also tremendous variety when it comes to the boat itself. Yachts vary in size, features, and cost. You’ll want one that’s large enough to accommodate your entire party, and which provides all of the amenities you’re looking for.

Different yachts are also propelled through different means. You might look for a sailing yacht, which demands more skill, and which tends to be smaller. There are also motor yachts, which are powered by an engine, and catamarans, which comprise two hulls of equal size, sitting on either side of what amounts to a large platform. Different kinds of yacht require vastly different sailing techniques. Thus, you’ll need a crew with the right skillset and experience.

Understanding Costs and Budgeting

Before you book your vacation, you’ll need an idea of how much you’re going to be spending. Fail to budget in advance, and you risk being blindsided by some of the hidden costs.

You’ll need to account for the base charter fee, as well as ongoing costs like fuel and provisions. You’ll also need to pay a fee when you dock at certain ports, and thus it’s worth researching the costs before you arrive. Your crew will also expect a gratuity at the end of the voyage, which is typically around 10% of your total spend.

Necessary Qualifications and Certifications

Before you’re allowed to charter a yacht to run yourself, you’ll need to demonstrate to the company that you know how to sail it. There’s no one way of doing this, and different companies might expect different kinds of proof. Generally speaking, an International Certificate of Competence, will be recognized widely.

Planning Your Itinerary

Part of the joy of a yacht is that it will afford you the ability to be spontaneous. If you’d prefer to spend longer in a given place, or to explore a given island on a whim, then you can do it. However, it’s best to plan a flexible itinerary that can allow you to do all of the things you want to do – whether that means watersports or sightseeing.