A Beginner’s Guide to Chartering a Yacht

As the pandemic drives a boom in superyacht charters, more people are taking to the water for yacht komodo their first boating experience. But even though chartering some superyachts can cost upwards of a million a week, you don’t need to shell out seven figures for your own yacht vacation.

Wondering what else you need to know before you board for the first time? We turned to yachting industry experts for inside information on how to charter a yacht like a pro: how much it will cost you, where to go, and beyond.

Do I need a charter broker and how do I find one?
It’s a charter broker’s job to match you with the right yacht and crew, then take the lead in planning the entire experience. Professional bodies such as MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association act as a database of industry recognized professionals. But the best source for finding a charter broker is often your own network. “It’s very important to establish a relationship with a charter broker,” says Jacqui Lockhart, a Monaco-based broker at Camper & Nicholsons International. “If possible, seek a friend’s recommendation.

Once you find the right broker, communication with them will be essential. “Take the time to be as detailed as possible with your preferences, such as your dietary requirements, your likes and dislikes and your favorite activities,” says London broker Charles Crane of Edmiston. “This will give us and the crew the best information to make the charter a success and a perfect fit.”

How much should I be prepared to spend?
“The entry point is about $40,000 for a week on an 82-foot-tall yacht that sleeps six,” Lockhart says. What may surprise first-time charterers is that this is not an all-inclusive figure. The fee covers charter, crew, insurance, everything related to the yacht,” Lockhart continues. Anything specifically for the client is extra, including food and beverage, fuel and amenities.

As a rule of thumb, budget an extra 30 percent on top of the base charter amount for these extras, which are paid into a fund called the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). It is also customary to tip the crew between 10 and 20 percent of the charter fee is an indicative figure. There may also be a value added tax (VAT) to pay on the rate. charter, depending on the country of embarkation.