Charter Guides: FAQ

Will my charter have to be a week-long?

No, no. Many operators will ask you to charter for a week, usually from Saturday to Saturday, but this is most rigid during high season in the Mediterranean for “sleep aboard” charters. The Caribbean is much more flexible; the minimum charter length is usually five days. Also, there are thousands of Day Charter yachts worldwide that are ideal for a great day out on the water. A bareboat charter in the Mediterranean will always start and finish on a Saturday.

Do I have to tip the captain/crew, and if so, what is the usual amount?

Tipping is strictly voluntary; if you wish to tip the crew if they have been skilled, helpful, gracious, etc-then it is customary to pay 5% to 15% of the total charter sum before you leave the boat on the last day. We typically suggest 5 % to 10% in the Mediterranean and 10% to 15% in the Caribbean. If there are several crew members, just give a tip to the captain and delegate it to the crew for you. Otherwise, there might be disharmony between the crew.

What’s a charter for bareboat?

Bareboat is just a boat that’s rented without a crew, or sometimes a skipper-you’re going to have to skipper and navigate it yourself. Depending on the nation, you will need to demonstrate some form of qualification or previous boating experience, such as reviewing your experience.

You may also add a skipper to your bareboat charter if you do not have the requisite credentials but still want to charter your bareboat.

What is the skipper doing?

A skipper can take care of the boat for you, recommend routes, places to visit, and make your holiday as enjoyable as possible; if you wanted to have a sailing trip on your own but don’t have as much experience as possible, this would be recommended as an option. You’re going to have to figure in the skipper’s going to take up a bed and have to be fed, however!

What’s a charter crew?

A crewed charter is a luxury yacht charter, where a permanent crew takes care of the yacht and the passengers. The crew consists of a captain and an additional qualified crew, including hostesses, deckhands, mechanics, masseuses, and beauticians on certain larger yachts.

Depending on what you need, crewed boats may simply have a skipper and a hostess or a whole team to take care of you during your charter!

If I charter bareboat, do I need certification?

This depends on the nation in which you charter since it varies from one another everywhere. Generally speaking, if you’re chartering a powerboat, you’ll need at least one PB2 (practice), and if you’re chartering a bareboat, you’ll need at least one day of skipper / ICCor ASA 104 or equivalent.

If you have a license from your country, you can usually fill out an ICC application and submit it through your licensing authority (for example, the RYA), and you will receive it. If you are a yacht club member, they should also support you with courses and licenses.

If you rent a sailboat, the answer to this question is more varied. You’ll certainly need a day skipper license in Spain / Greece / Italy / Croatia / Turkey / Thailand. It’s safer to have a license in France and the BVI, but you’ll also be able to take a boat if you can demonstrate expertise and competence. Any documentation of prior charters that you might have would be helpful.

Don’t leave it to chance, however-we’ll check all of your paperwork and credentials before the charter to make sure you can get the cruise!

If you do not qualify for a bareboat charter, we strongly recommend that you still charter but employ a skipper. Most skippers are beautiful and add to your holiday while still letting you relax when you want to!

How do charter brokers get paid-could I get a cheaper boat if I went directly to the boat’s owner or operator?

As an agent, the shipowner or its agent shall pay us a commission on the charter fee to find the client and take care of all queries, paperwork, and payments. Our prices are the same or lower than those provided by the charter operator to the general public and would not usually discount individuals’ prices.

So, the price that we’re offering to you is usually the best price you’ll get. If you’re looking for a discount, ask us, and we’ll see what we can do. We have a lot more power with the owners than a person would have because we do many charters with them and know each operator on a first name basis. We also cover all aspects of the charter company and protect your interests, ensuring that you are in safe hands!

What kind of quality control do you have on your boats-how do I know they’re going to be in good condition?

All charter companies must comply with local maritime laws and regulations. This is your primary defense, and, in most situations, the rules are stringent. In Spain, for example, the Coast Guard routinely reviews ship papers, and there are significant fines if anything is missing.

Both operators are also required to carry insurance by statute. You have the right to see these papers before embarking. Beyond that, we only work with reputable operators who have a track record of performance and satisfied customers. Before working with the operator, they must agree to meet our high customer satisfaction standards and agree to provide boats that are clean and in excellent condition for their age.

Finally, the general rule is that the newer the boat, the better the condition. We have a wide inventory of new vessels, so please let us know if you would like a new model.

Our brokers also go to several charter shows and visit days to review the vessels and meet the crew. They will give you personal reviews on the boats that are right for you. Finally, many of our charter yachts have reviews and ratings from real yacht charter clients. They’re giving you first-hand details about the yachts and crew, and they’re going to make sure they’re going to be awesome!

What are all the secret extras-what am I going to end up paying for?

We are trying to list the costs as fully as possible on the web. However, some of the costs can vary depending on your itinerary and wishes. Here is a general guideline for calculating charter costs.

Sailing boats: the charter charge usually refers to the sail, the full tank of oil and water, the maps, and the dingy/tender. There is usually a charge for linen (if you want it) and almost always a mandatory final cleaning fee, varying from €50 to € 150 depending on the boat’s size. In certain cases, you will even be paid a small sum if you want a dinghy engine. Beyond that, the main costs are provisioning (most can now be done conveniently online and will be on your boat when you arrive) and mooring fees. Depending on your itinerary, we will include estimates of mooring fees.

Motorboats: for small motorboats, fuel would be the biggest additional expense beyond the standard charter charge. We try to mention the fuel consumption per hour for each ship, and a typical charter would burn about 3 hours of fuel per day. Petrol prices are increasing, but the rule of thumb will cost about €1.20 per liter (or about $3.00 per gallon) of petrol. So a boat that burns 40 liters per hour would usually cost €48 per hour to sail, or about €150 per day. Other costs will be mooring charges if you spend the night in a port and any supplies you request. These charges are charged either in cash to the skipper (with his tip) or via the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) system-see below. When you book with us, we will do our best to stipulate any prices, and if you have any questions, we will be happy to provide estimates.

Why are there only 12 people allowed on most boats?

In general, the International Marine Regulation states that, if a vessel holds more than 12 passengers, even if it is used as a private yacht, it is considered a passenger ship and must comply with the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea) laid down by the IMO (International Maritime Organization). This is to ensure the safety of all passengers since it is of the utmost importance.

SOLAS requires adherence to a lengthy list of stringent safety restrictions that are costly to enforce, as expressed in the cost rise for chartering between boats licensed for up to 12 passengers and boats licensed for more than 12 passengers. The additional cost does not make economic sense for many charter yacht owners because all charterers who would have to pay the extra regardless of their party number.

Luckily, we have a good selection of yachts that can work with large groups.

What is the “APA”?

That is the Advance Provisioning Allowance. In essence, the APA establishes a bank account for the Captain of the Boat to be given on your behalf. Key supplies are gasoline, food, drinks, and port charges. Normally, a percentage would be added to the standard charter fee-depending on the type of boat and fuel consumption.

For sailing yachts, 20 to 25 percent, and for motor yachts, 30 to 35 percent are projected to be included. You’ll pay for this with your final charter deposit. The Captain is obliged to hold all receipts and balance your account, and you may verify the amount of expenditure at any point during the charter.

At the end of the charter, the Captain will give you a full account of your expenses, and any sums not used will be refunded to you. There are no APA mark-ups-all funds go directly to the purchase of petrol, food, etc. The APA is a quick and effective way to ensure that the ship is properly fitted, with minimal hassle and easy record keeping.

Please read our page About Mooring Fees, Extras, Insurance, and All Other Fees for a full description of the charter fees.

Once I book a charter, how am I going to pay?

Before payment, we will send you a full yacht charter agreement and the accompanying invoice that clearly indicates the payments due in your charter’s currency.

How can I believe the ship will be there when I arrive and my payments will be made to the owner?

Given that we are an internet-based business, customers sometimes justifiably ask us if we can guarantee them that the money paid to us will go to the shipowner to be no risk in the process. Here’s the assurance that we can give you:

We will pay the operators directly after collecting money from you. We’re not sitting on the money or trying to “invest it” to make money on the float. Normally, the money owed to the charter operator is charged on the same day it is collected from you. That’s why we usually work with bank transfers-they’re both simple and safe.

In summarize-we are in the business of delivering a high-quality charter experience. In part, we have good business relationships, and we are dependable on bringing the money to the operators. We book a few boats a day and have systems to monitor and detect problems before they become a problem. We want your business, and we’re going to earn your trust.

What form and size of the vessel should I choose?

Your choice of the vessel depends entirely on your wishes and desires. Our offer includes the following types of vessels:

Sailing vessels – perfect for both family and active holidays.

Catamarans – very stable and relaxed, ensuring easy sailing.

Gulets – use the strength of the engine and sails to move; leased exclusively to the crew (captain, sailor, chef, hostess)

Motor boats-for speed sailing enthusiasts

Please bear in mind the following details before picking a vessel:

How many people are going to be on board?

Is your community made up of couples who can share the same cabin, or do any crew members need a separate cabin?

Do you prefer comfort, huh?

Do you need a skipper or not? If you need skipper services, please bear in mind that the skipper is sleeping on board as well, so that one of the berths (either in the saloon area or in the cabin) should be reserved for him.

Ship or catamaran sailing?

Your decision depends on your wishes and desires. A Catamaran is an excellent choice for those who do not have sailing experience or feel a little uncomfortable sailing. It has two hulls, making it more stable. Catamarans do not lean more than 5 ° and deliver more luxury, a spacious saloon area and cabins, and a little quicker sailing because they have two engines. Modern catamarans have a shallow configuration to make access to land and bays easier.

How do I book a boat?

You may consult our Contact Center about a vessel’s option – they will prepare a bid for you based on your request. If you choose to pick a vessel on your own, you can do so using our online database system.

After selecting a vessel, we will reserve it for you for a few days, without any obligation, allowing you time to prepare your travel plans (buying airline tickets, etc.) and coordinate everything with your crew members.

The vessel shall be deemed to be booked by you as soon as you pay the first installment, i.e., 30, 40, or 50 percent of the total amount, or the full charter fee for bookings within 60 days of departure. You may either pay by credit card or bank transfer.

Can I charter a boat for less than a week?

Sailing yacht charters usually start and end on Saturdays.

However, if you want to take a few days of off-season sailing trip (October-April), this can be arranged, and the price will be determined based on the number of days spent on board.

During the high season (in June, July, and August, as well as at the beginning of September and the end of May), we can not deviate from our weekly charter scheme (Saturday – Saturday charter), as these are the busiest months for charter companies and the majority of weeks are sold well in advance (therefore, the price is unlikely to be flexible and you will usually be paid for a full week of charts).

Do I need to employ a competent skipper?

If you do not have any sailing experience at all, or if you do not have an officially recognized sailing license, you are obliged to hire a skipper.

What credentials do I need for bareboat charters?

In the case of a bareboat charter (without our skipper), the client skipper must have a certificate of competence to charter a boat. It is also a legal requirement that one crew member is eligible for the VHF station’s service (with a VHF license).

If you are not sure of your certificate’s validity, please verify that it is listed here.

Which licenses would be accepted?

The Croatian authorities shall approve licenses and certificates relating to the Croatian program and containing state verification. The VHF license is also mandatory.

Most RYA licenses are approved (www.rya.org.uk) for sailing in Croatian territorial waters.

Is my bareboat charter license valid?

In case you have some sort of sailing license, please be sure to submit it to us by e-mail to verify its validity with the charter agency and the Croatian authorities before chartering a vessel.

I have a motorboat license; is it valid for sailing yachts as well?

A license issued for sailing motorboats can be recognized as valid if it is specifically stated that it can also be used for sailing boats. Please give us a copy by e-mail to verify its validity with the Croatian authorities.

If the license does not mean that it is approved for sailing vessels, it may be upgraded. For example, licenses issued in Italy can be used either for sailing boats only, or for motor boats only, or for both types of vessels.

I have years of sailing experience, but I do not have a license. What am I going to do?

To hire a yacht in Croatia, a person sailing a ship must be qualified to operate a vessel or a yacht and must have the requisite license by Croatia’s rules and regulations.

The certificate can be obtained in the client’s mother country, in which case the picture of the client, the official stamp, and the state verification must be included. The other option is to examine one of the Croatian port authorities – the certificate will be obtained on the same day. In case you choose to do so, we will gladly help you organize the exam and let you know all the details you need on time ( i.e., the price of the exam and the exact time when and where it takes place).

Are the skipper services included in the price?

The services of the skipper are paid separately from the charter fee. Guests are obliged to pay for them (including the hostess or the cook) and food and drink for the skipper or other crew members.

On gulets, crew costs (captains, sailors, and cooks) are already included in the charter fee.

Mega-yachts and sailing boats longer than certain lengths are chartered exclusively by the crew (provided by the vessel owner), in which case the crew costs are included in the charter fee.

Where is the skipper sleeping?

In most cases, the skipper sleeps in the lounge room. However, it is highly recommended that a larger boat be chartered, and the skipper is equipped with his own cabin. As he is in charge of the day-to-day operation of the yacht and the safety of the people on board, he should be well-rested – apart from that, the guests would have more comfort and a free lounge area to hang out.

Each vessel is registered for a certain number of persons (the law does not allow that number to be exceeded) – if that number does not include a berth in the lounge area, the skipper must have his own cabin.

In addition to the charter fee, are there additional expenses for which I should have a budget?

You have to consider the following when calculating the price of your trip:

• the price of the boat rental (as per offer)
• Compulsory extras (per ship, as specified in the offer)
• Optional extras (if you want them, by sea, as specified in the offer)
• skipper + -1050 EUR per week + food (if needed)
• cook + -1050 per week + food (if you want one)
• the fuel of the boat (depends on how much you spend)
• food and drink (the half board is normally EUR 250 per week per person)
• moorings and marina charges (if you depart, measure 4 nights, around EUR 100 per boat per night)
• (Security Deposit for the ship – you’ll get it back at the end, as mentioned in the offer)

Is there a parking place in the marina?

The marinas have a protected parking area for cars – the price of the parking lot depends on the marina itself and is about €45 per week.

There are ample parking spaces, so there is no need to make reservations. The marine staff takes control of the boats as well as the parking area in the marina.

Where should I be, in the marina or the bay?

If you have enough electricity, water, and food, you can spend the night in one of the many secluded bays along the Adriatic coast. If you use a skipper’s services, you won’t have any problems finding the safest bays because the skippers are well acquainted with the Adriatic region. If you are sailing a vessel on your own, please feel free to contact us for assistance – we will gladly give you our advice on the safe bays in the maritime zone where you are sailing. During your check-in in the marina, you might also ask the charter agency staff for any suggestions.

What currency can I use to pay mooring fees and other expenses?

Please note that all services in Croatia are paid for in Kunas. It is sometimes possible to pay a mooring fee in Euros, but it depends on the marina and reviewed in advance.

You may also use credit cards in restaurants, stores, and supermarkets.

When sailing in the territorial waters of Slovenia, Italy, or Montenegro, the extra costs shall be charged either in Euros or by credit card.

Technical equipment on board, huh?

If you have booked a vessel via our website, please check the additional details on each boat’s vessel equipment in our bid. If you need any more assistance, please contact us, and we will give you a document detailing all the equipment on your chosen boat.

Many of the boats in our deal have protection and navigation equipment, as well as navigation charts.

Is linen, cutlery, etc. onboard?

Bed linen (sheets, blankets, pillows) is provided on each vessel. Just a few charter agencies still have towels, so take your own towels with you (beach towels as well as personal hygiene towels).

The kitchen is fitted with a stove, oven, fridge, sink, kitchen utensils, and cutlery.

Cleaning agents, dishcloths, etc. are not given on board but can be purchased in the marina stores before boarding.

Which places am I supposed to visit?

If you do not know which places to visit, please check some of our suggested routes and details on the vessels’ departure points in our bid. We will also provide you with additional knowledge of cultural sights, beaches, etc.

Kids on board, huh?

Children can sail with you from an early age – there is no age limit; however, their stay on board should be closely supervised by adults. Be sure to choose the safest cabin for the child (e.g., the front cabin) and the place to play (the cockpit is a reasonably safe place). You may also put a safety net on the ships’ sides, and children should wear life jackets by all means. You can carry baby food along since it can’t be found in any store in the marina. You should also consider shorter routes and more regular visits to marinas to provide both protection and comfort.

To join a group?

If you’re interested in joining a party, please visit our Crew Finder forum, where you can train your own crew and arrange a sailing vacation. You can also contact us by email, and we’ll be happy to put you in touch with someone who has requests similar to yours.

When am I expected to return the vessel to the marina?

The vessels will be returned to the base on Friday afternoon/evening with an overnight stay onboard until Saturday morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. when the check-out process is completed. The guests should leave the boat at that time to be cleaned and packed for new guests. The vessel can also be returned to the base on Saturday. Just make sure it is before 8 a.m. so that guests have enough time to fill the tank before leaving the vessel.

Is it possible for some people to leave and others to join the crew on a sailing trip?

Changes to the crew may be made – however, this should be suggested in advance, before embarkation, to make a list of the crew on which the dates of the changes and the details on the persons entering or leaving the crew would be specified. Our guests will receive a blank crew list, which they will fill in with the crew specifics both before and after the change (the change date should also be indicated). The full crew list can be submitted to us via e-mail or fax.

Before taking over the vessel, the charter agent shall provide the guests with a checked list of the crew, both before and after the guests’ adjustment during the sailing trip.

If the crew unexpectedly changes during the cruise without warning, the guests are obligated to call the charter agency to remind them of the change to give them a new checked list of crews. The new list can then be submitted to the guests via fax (anywhere they are at the time).

In the event of a check, the guests must send a new crew list, although they are still obligated to retain the old one.

May I take over the vessel before the time of check-in?

If you arrive before the time agreed to take over the vessel (the check-in normally takes place about 5 pm), let us know the estimated time of your arrival. We will try to arrange with the charter agent to have the vessel shipped to you sooner, which is possible if it is not too busy in the marina at that time. In case you arrive on Friday or earlier and need some assistance in finding the right accommodation, please feel free to contact us.

How do I book and pay for a yacht?

We’ll get in touch with you by phone or email. We’re giving you payment information. With your booking, you pay 50 percent. 8 weeks before embarkation, you can pay the outstanding 50 percent plus additional extras if added. The boarding pass was sent to you at the time you made the payment. This boarding pass is the key to your yacht.

What kind of currency are our prices?

We’re selling in the Euro, please.

What kind of boat license do I need for my trip?

You would need an internationally recognized license (ICC, Radio License, CEVNI) to rent a boat in most countries. In our skipper guide, you will find more detail about the boat license for houseboats or the special documentation needed for charter boats, e.g., in Germany.

Which sailing destination should I choose?

This decision is always up to you and depends on the cultural climate and weather conditions you prefer. Browse our suggested charter destinations to find out more about the various sailing locations.

What time of year do I have to schedule my trip?

The seasons are different all over the world. Find out when it’s best to go by boat to your desired spot. We’re helping you with some of the proposed charter sites.

What equipment do I need?

This question depends on where you’re going, for how long, and who you’re traveling with. Please have a look at our online support checklists.

How much do I have to budget for the trip?

Price is an important factor in the preparation of a sailing trip. You should set a simple budget from the start and provide for any necessary extra costs, such as a deposit, move, marina charge, national park tickets, etc.

What additional costs may I expect from you?

It would help if you took into account arrivals and departures, deposits, taxes, food, and drinks. Costs can also be incurred in the following areas: crew and personnel, laundry, extra excursions, vaccinations, visas, fuel, taxes, and additional port charges, such as parking fees, disposal costs, and the renting of additional equipment.

How do I get a boat offer?

We’re a yacht booking website, not an agency. You can book your boating holidays online. If you cannot locate the available boat for the location and dates you want, of course, we will help you find a charter boat for your yachting holiday.
Please email us with as much information about the charter as possible (including the number of passengers, dates of departure, place of the charter, and type of boat). They will try to respond to your queries within 24 hours.

How am I going to get to my boat?

Depending on your boat’s location, you can fly to the marina by car, train, plane, or ferry. Often charter companies provide a shuttle service that is not usually included in the price of a cruise. We’re pleased to arrange this for you.

What does the charter contract look like, and is insurance included?

Charter contracts vary from one to the next, depending on the circumstances and the charter company. Find out what to expect from you.

Where am I going to park my car when I’m sailing?

Many ports and marinas have parking facilities. You should check what kind of parking they have beforehand to make sure you don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle.

What are the protection laws applicable onboard?

They vary from boat to boat and are dependent on the scale, age, and model of the boat. The boat’s driving force and the area in which you are sailing must also be taken into account. It would help if you asked the shipping provider for a safety briefing.

What happens in the event of an accident?

Call the emergency services for the nation of the waters. You are sailing and follow the emergency protocol immediately.

Am I going to need a Visa?

If you are an EU member, you do not need a visa to travel within the European Union. If you wish to travel outside the EU or are not a resident of the EU, you should consider the entry criteria for your chosen destination at least two months before traveling to allow adequate time to process your documents. Always make sure your passport is valid for a span of six months.

What kind of medical treatment would I need?

Ask your doctor about the required vaccinations and precautions, particularly before you travel to tropical areas. Consult your doctor about six months before departure, as certain vaccines must be given several times. You can take a look at our Medical Criteria section to find out more.

How am I going to treat seasickness?

This uncomfortable experience can be avoided and handled. Find out what to do when you’re suffering from seasickness.

May I take pets onboard?

Ask by phone or email or a nearby charter company if you can carry an animal on board before you arrive. If you don’t ask for permission, they may be more likely to say no, and pet care may be hard to find while you’re gone.

What am I going to pack?

There are a lot of things to pack in addition to simple clothes and hygiene products. Could you have a look at our support checklists?

How do I find out what the weather is going to be like?

Such information can be accessed from several websites. For an overview, see our Weather Forecast section, which includes information on providers and SMS services.

How much is it going to cost to hire a skipper?

The cost of hiring a skipper to take responsibility for the boat depends on the contractor, the location, the boat’s size, and the skipper’s expertise. Usually, a daily or weekly package is decided upon and charged before the excursion. Prices typically range from EUR 120 to EUR 200 per day.

What’s going to happen at the handover?

Upon arrival, you should go to the office where the appropriate person will escort you to your boat. They will clarify relevant rules and procedures for power supply and fuel and wastewater tanks. You can verify that the ship has all the features agreed to in the contract. You can also ensure that all required safety features such as distress signals, safety rafts, maps, and charts are on board. It’s important to make sure that everything is in working order before you start your journey.

What do I do if there’s something wrong with the boat?

Typically the provider can fix any faults instantly. Exceptionally, it should be possible to discuss an alternative or a price cut.

What’s the difference between the harbor and the anchoring place?

The harbor is a safe spot to take a break from sailing. You can find laundry, mending, waste disposal, and filling facilities in the dock. Anchorage is a maneuver where you drop anchor to persevere weather conditions or take to the scenery.

May I anchor somewhere?

Nights at sea build a feeling of adventure and be calmer than those spent in a busy harbor. Be conscious of the weather and sea bed conditions in the area before anchoring. You should have the awareness and experience of anchoring, too. Many sites where anchoring is dangerous will be identified on local maps, including protected areas and shipping lanes.

May I dock anywhere in the harbor?

You should ask in advance of stopping at the port and contact their offices about how to apply and designate a position. The cost depends on the region and the boat’s size and can range from 10 to 150 euros, and you will have to pay extra for electricity.

Where am I going to fill my water tank?

Set or versatile water tanks may be found in ports, and the expense is typically included in the mooring charge. 4 people typically need around 600 liters of water for 7 days at sea to shower, cook, wash and use the toilet. Fixed water tanks can hold between 30 and 700 liters of water, depending on the vessel’s size.

Where am I going to fill my fuel tank?

In the ports, you can fill your fuel tank. Check beforehand if your boat has a portable or permanently mounted fuel tank so that you can check the availability of the fuel you need at the dock.

Where do I have the toilet onboard?

The dumping of water tanks in inland waters is forbidden. Wastewater tank cleaning facilities are affordable and can be offered at most ports and marinas.

Is there a minimum length of the charter?

You can book short trips, but most charters run from Saturday to Saturday. Longer trips would need to be booked well in advance, particularly if you need a specific boat model.

How much does the use of  Yachtco cost?

Yachtco  does not charge you for the site’s use – there are no booking fees – the only costs involved are after the boat has been booked and confirmed.

What are your policies on anonymity, booking, and cancellation?

For full descriptions of the policies, please read our terms and conditions.

Do I need a boat charter license?

A sailing license such as the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or equivalent is required for bareboat charters in all European countries – especially in Croatia and Greece, where the legislation on bareboat sailing is stringent. Other places, such as Thailand or the Bahamas, do not generally require a license but request an indication of sailing experience (Boating Resume) before agreeing to charter bareboat in those waters.

If you are concerned about these criteria, please read our licensing information.
Who can I talk to about any additional inquiries I might have?

What is the minimum charter period, and how are the rates calculated?

Charter rates are quoted every week for yacht hire. Seven days is usually the minimum charter period approved by yachts, but charters can be for any length of less than or more than seven days. Charters for a span of seven days shall be pro-rated against the weekly rate divided by seven and multiplied by the number of charter days.

During low season periods and for several smaller yacht charters of less than seven days, the weekly rate may be divided by six and multiplied by the number of days. The charter begins at noon on the first day and finishes at noon on the last day. For example, a charter contracted to begin at noon on 1 June and end at noon on 8 June constitutes a one-week charter.

A charter day will usually start in the morning and end either late in the afternoon or early in the evening. High season rates shall apply to the most common charter times, i.e., July / August and Christmas / New Year, and are usually applicable to all big events such as the Grand Prix of Monaco and the Cannes Film Festival. Low season rates shall extend to all other periods unless otherwise stipulated. Please note that the quoted charter rates are considered correct but may be subject to adjustment.

What’s the MYBA?

MYBA is the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association and is a global professional trade association established in 1984 by a group of leading yacht brokers to promote professionalism and ethics in the yachting industry in the Mediterranean worldwide.

MYBA only endorses membership of brokerages with an established track record of professional excellence in the yachting industry, providing valuable advantages and protections to customers who want to buy, sell, build or charter a yacht through an MYBA broker. Bluewater is proud to be an MYBA member with an established track record in the yachting industry.

What are the terms of payment for the charter?

A deposit of 50 % of the total charter fee is payable by bank transfer on the Charter Agreement’s signature. This confirms the booking. The remaining 50% plus the Advance Provisioning Allowance, along with any taxes, delivery/delivery costs, and any additional negotiated charges, shall be payable by bank transfer one month before the charter starts.

Do all yachts have children on board?

Most yachts are really accommodating to children, and some have children in mind. However, a few yachts may provide for a minimum age for children and/or require a nanny to be onboard during the charter. The crew is unable to provide child care or babysitting facilities. Please tell your Bluewater broker at the start of planning your charter if there are children at your table.

Will I smoke aboard the yacht?

Smoking is not allowed in most yachts. Please consult us for verification, however, as this policy can differ on some yachts. Smoking in cabins and staterooms is forbidden in all yachts for safety reasons. Some yachts will be permitted to smoke in designated outdoor areas.

How much can I give the crew a tip?

Crew gratuities are voluntary, but it is customary for a charterer who has enjoyed an obliging crew’s kind and attentive service to extend a complimentary service. Crew gratuities are usually 10% of the charter fee in the area but can be adjusted up or down depending on your satisfaction level. The best way to ensure that all crew members earn equal recognition is to entrust the allowances to the captain. In this way, inconspicuous crew members, such as engineers and culinary workers, who make a major contribution to your safety and enjoyment, would not be ignored.

What’s included in the charter rate?

Most of the charter rates quoted are based on the MYBA Terms, which mean that the yacht will be delivered to the charterer in full commission and with all necessary equipment, properly insured for maritime risks, and operated by a crew whose salaries, food, and clothing are to the owner’s account.

All other operating costs are payable by the charterer and include (but are not limited to) the following items: fuel oils and lubricating oils for the yacht, its tenders, and motorized water toys; local taxes; pilotage; port, port and marina dues; customs clearance; water and electricity; personal laundry; all supplies, wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and consumables for the charterer. Please note that a yacht may sometimes give a variation on the terms mentioned above. When presenting the relevant yachts, our brokers will provide full descriptions of any charter terms that differ from the regular MYBA Terms.

What do I need to do to take care of my chosen yacht?

All charters are subject to a fully executed contract, which ensures that once the availability of your chosen yacht has been confirmed, you will obtain a standard MYBA Charter Agreement for signature. If your chosen cruising itinerary includes embarkation or disembarkation from a point other than the yacht’s home port, a positioning charge (delivery/delivery fee) may be required. If applicable, such charges shall be confirmed in advance and confirmed in the Charter Agreement, along with any taxes that may apply.

May I decide the food and wine to be served onboard the yacht?

Well, before you board your yacht, we will ask you to complete a comprehensive questionnaire detailing the interests and special needs of all the members of your group, such as dietary or medical conditions, specifics of any allergies, and requests for sport or entertainment. This will make it easier for us and your chosen yacht crew to ensure that anything possible is done to make your charter a wonderful experience.

Am I covered by the insurance company?

We highly recommend that charterers take out Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance to cover their investment if unexpected events prohibit or restrict their charter. All charter party members should be protected by personal accident and medical insurance, and their personal belongings should be insured against theft, loss, or harm. Other types of insurance, such as the Charterer’s liability, may also be cautious. Our brokers would be happy to assist in implementing any legislation not protected by the basic Charter Agreement.

Am I allowed to use water sports toys and SCUBA equipment for yachts?

A Certificate of Competence is necessary for some countries to engage in water sports activities (jet skis, wave-runners, and other mechanically propelled watercraft). Please remember which members of your party would like to use the motorized water toys of your yacht. If they do not have the appropriate licenses/certificates, we can arrange for the Bluewater instructor to board the yacht during the charter to issue a certificate. Please note that all school fees are for the charterer’s account and that local teachers’ availability can not be guaranteed. There are places where the use of motorized water toys is completely forbidden. Personal watercraft usage is allowed only if the operator has a required license and complies with the local operating regulations. Any liability resulting from non-compliance shall be solely at the expense of the operator. If a yacht has SCUBA equipment on board, it can be used only by qualified divers holding a certified PADI license or equivalent.