The “base charter rates” differ greatly from yacht to yacht and reflect a variety of factors such as size, year built and amenities. During peak seasons (i.e. July & August / Christmas & New Year) rates are usually higher. Note: Charter agents are compensated for their services by the yacht’s owner, never the charterer.

We recommend booking at least 6 months in advance ~ up to 12 months for high-season, special events or remote destinations. Of course, there are always last-minute opportunities, so don’t ever hesitate to ask!

This depends entirely on your destination (and hemisphere). Yachting’s “summer season” runs from May to October (“high season” being July and August);  the “winter season” runs from November to April.

Although this varies by season (and hemisphere), summertime in the Mediterranean is absolutely sublime. And during the winter, nothing is better than the Bahamas or Caribbean. Of course, many yachts are built to explore all seven seas ~ so destinations like Alaska or Antartica can also provide truly extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, for both new and experienced charterers alike.

Almost all charters are quoted “by the week” ~ but seven to ten days is most common. Of course, you are welcome to charter for longer, and on occasion, less.

Although totally at your discretion, it’s customary to tip 10% to 15% of the base charter fee.  

The base charter rate covers the hire of the yacht and the crew. Provisions and fuel are extra ~ and these are covered by an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA).  

The APA is collected before the charter and managed by the yacht’s captain while underway. The APA is typically based on 30% of the base charter fee. 

(Note: the captain will present a detailed summary of expenditures at the end of your charter and any unspent APA funds are refunded to you.)

There are over 3,000 privately owned charter yachts in the world today ~ from 24m (79ft) to over 136m (446ft) in length ~ each with different accommodations, facilities, toys, etc. 3,000+ yachts also means there are over 3,000 different captains, crews, and chefs; all with their own styles and unique personalities. And never before has there been so many extraordinary charter yacht destinations to choose from!

Socrates taught us to “ask better questions” ~ the most successful charter agents start by asking questions, listening, and then interpreting their clients needs and desires. This is particularly important with first-time charterers. A charter agent then prepares a selection of destinations, yachts, captains & their crews to choose from. Once a section is made, the agent then secures the client’t booking with the yacht’s owner.

The best agents continue to work with the client, captain and other stakeholders before, during and after the charter, making certain everything goes as perfectly as possible!