Everything You Need to know about yacht charters 

WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER A YACHT CHARTER? 

Simply stated it’s an exclusive vacation that offers privacy, comfort, and freedom to explore multiple locations with a different view every morning. No other holiday can even come close to offering anything like it. There’s a charter yacht to suit every taste and budget, sailboats and motorboats, from a basic bareboat charter to an ultra luxurious crewed yacht charter where no whim will go unfulfilled. You can go anywhere the ocean can take you with yachts available in every stunning corner across the globe, from the sophistication of the Mediterranean to the laid back charm of the Caribbean and even more remote destinations like the Maldives and the South Pacific.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BAREBOAT AND CREWED YACHT CHARTER?

A bareboat yacht charter gives you the freedom to command of your own vessel; all you need is a little experience and an adventurous spirit. Bareboat’s can be motor or sail, monohull or catamaran, and are available in a wide variety of sizes and models. If you don’t meet the minimum qualifications or would rather not man the yacht yourself, there’s also the option to hire an experienced captain for the duration of your charter. To make your trip even more relaxing and stress free, you can add a hostess to take care of the cleaning, and/or a cook to tend to the galley and prepare delicious meals for your family and friends. 

A crewed yacht charter comes part and parcel with a dedicated professional crew that usually lives onboard. The captain and crew will be briefed on your preferences and ready to meet your every need, so you can relax and soak in the scenery. A crewed yacht charter will also include a chef who tailors the cuisine to meet any dietary needs and desires, making gourmet meals centre stage during your stay. This is the ultimate luxury getaway where the crew stands by to manoeuvre the boat and look after you, but can also step back to allow for peace and privacy. It’s champagne and canapés on arrival, water-sports with instructors, alfresco dining under the shade or under the stars, and so much more…

HOW DOES THE CHEF KNOW OUR LIKES AND DISLIKES?

Your charter broker will consult with you to gather information on the preferences of you and your guests. This usually involves a small amount of question and answer paperwork to gain insight on likes and dislikes, allergies, dietary needs, and the type of cuisine you would like to indulge in on your holiday. All of this can be completed remotely online from the comfort of your home or office. Your broker will coordinate with the crew to make sure all of the information is passed on to the yacht.

WHERE DO I START?

Contact a specialist from our team at Sublime Yachts, who will help you every step of the way from deciding on your budget, to choosing your destination, to narrowing in on your choices to select the perfect yacht for your holiday afloat.   Our bespoke service will create your dream holiday, tailor made for you and your chosen guests.

WHY SHOULD I USE A BROKER WHEN CHARTERING A YACHT?

A charter yacht broker works for you, to learn about your wants and needs and help you choose the best-suited yacht to enjoy with family, friends or business colleagues. A broker has access to hundreds of yachts and will identify options for you according to your time frame and preferences, while also considering the crew, amenities, cruising areas, technology and water toys. At Sublime Yachts, our brokers have inside knowledge from previously working as crew, and can provide some extra insight to truly customise your holiday. We navigate you through the entire process from selecting the perfect yacht to planning the ultimate itinerary.

IS THERE A CONTRACT INVOLVED?

Always, your charter broker will tend to all of the details for signing a contract between you and the Charter Company or owner of the yacht. The contract will cover payment terms, insurance, and cancellation policies along with dates and destinations for your charter.  Your broker will guide you every step of the way and ensure understanding of any unfamiliar terminology, and also keep you up to speed on any pending payment dates or changes in travel restrictions.

WHAT ADDITIONAL COSTS WILL I PAY ON TOP OF THE CHARTER RATE?

Any additional costs will be spelled out long before it’s time to sign a contract. For a bareboat charter you will pay a base rate plus a few extras such as a cleaning fee, fuel, and refundable security deposit. Usually the extras are paid for at the charter base on the day you begin your charter.

A crewed yacht charter starting rate generally includes the yacht and the crew, and depending on the location of the charter, you may incur costs for food, fuel, and dockage. The majority of these costs are often covered by an advanced provisioning allowance, also known as the APA.  This is a percentage of the base charter fee paid in advance, so the crew can provision the yacht on your behalf.  Another additional cost is a gratuity is for the crew, which is customary practice at the end of a charter. 

WHAT SHOULD I THINK ABOUT BEFORE I GET IN TOUCH?

Our Sublime Yachts charter brokers will start with the basic questions such as, when you would like to travel, what destinations you’re interested in, if you would prefer a motor yacht or a sailing yacht, and what kind of budget you have in mind.   From here we will work with you to understand the finer points such as features and décor you might prefer, what onboard activities and shore side excursions appeal to you, and what places you want to experience in your itinerary.  Our specialists know the tiny touches that take a yacht charter from wonderful to truly Sublime.