Whether you decide to charter a large sailing catamaran for a month, an explorer yacht or the latest superyacht, the following tips will help ensure a smooth and unforgettable yacht charter experience.
Maximise your charter experience: our advice
Plan ahead, benefit from early booking discount
Begin your yacht charter journey by planning well in advance.
Research different charter options, destinations, and yacht models to find the perfect fit for your preferences and budget. By booking early, you have more choice and availability, and you can secure the best deals.
Choose the right yacht…and the right crew
Choosing the right luxury yacht – and the right crew…- is essential to maximize your yacht charter experience. Consider how many guests you plan to have and what kind of trip this is – family, friends, a mixture, or a romantic getaway for two?
Are there any children?
Do the crew speak your language?
Use a charter broker: a charter broker can match you with the right yacht and crew, and take the lead in planning the entire experience based on your needs, preferences and overall budget.
Working with experienced yacht charter experts can greatly simplify the process.
Their knowledge and industry connections can help you find the ideal yacht, negotiate favorable terms, and navigate any complexities involved in the chartering process.
Define your preferences
Clearly communicate your requirements to the charter company: number of cabins, cabin layout, food expectation, points of interest.
Whether you want specific amenities (e.g. internet connection?), water toys (e.g. Seabob, electric scooter…), a certain level of service or type of cuisine, providing these details will help your charter broker match your requirements with the perfect yacht/crew, ensuring a personalised and tailor-made experience that will exceed your expectations.
Your charter broker will send you a Preference Sheet to complete in preparation for your charter.
Consider off-peak seasons
If you have flexibility in your travel dates, consider chartering a yacht during the off-peak seasons.
This not only offers potential cost savings but also provides the opportunity to explore popular destinations without the crowds, allowing for a more exclusive and tranquil experience.
Plan an itinerary but be ready to adapt
Collaborate with your charter broker to create an itinerary that encompasses your preferred destinations, yacht cruising speed, budget and preferate activities. This will help the crew tailor their services to your specific requirements, ensuring a seamless and personalized voyage.
Advice: have an itinerary in place, but understand that it’s a rough guide and should not be set in stone. Depending on the weather conditions, berth availability or new locations that you discover during the course of your trip, be prepared to make changes.
The yacht crew is often experienced and knowledgeable about the local area. They can recommend alternative routes, less crowded anchoring spots, or even new activities you might not have considered.
Avoid common charter mistakes
Absence of pre-charter preparation
Understanding the charter process (contract terms, cancellation policy, booking, expenses, itinerary definition, living on board, tipping…) is essential to get the most out of your luxury experience. It is also important to check the credentials of the operator and to ensure adequate insurance cover (if required).
Tips: read the Guidelines for retail charter brokers edited by the MYBA***
Failure to complete the preferende sheet
Detailed and accurate completion of the Preferences Sheet is key. It’s a blueprint of your wishes and needs that guides the crew in tailoring the service to your needs. Common mistakes, such as leaving sections blank or vague, can result in a substandard charter experience that fails to meet your expectations. This not only affects meal planning, but also the itinerary (berth booking) and activities on board. Completing the Preference Form in full is therefore essential to maximise your charter experience.
Ignoring the charter etiquette
If you are a first-time charter, read our article about Do’s and don’ts: undertsand the charter etiquette to avoid typical “faux pas” such as disrespecting crew members or the yacht itself.
Trying to see absolutely everything: the Stendhal syndrome
Are you familiar with Stendhal’s Syndrome ?****
First time charterers often try to cram too many activities or destinations into their itinerary.
Travelling by yacht takes time and you don’t want to be in a rush. A more relaxed itinerary can allow for unexpected discoveries.
Furthermore, on a Sport yacht, fuel consumption is exponentially proportional to the speed of the yacht…
Related document
- Sample Preference Sheet (PDF format)**
Related articles
- How much does it cost to charter a yacht ?
- How to find the best yacht charter deals and special offers ?
Disclaimer: the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or correctness. Charterers are advised to conduct their own research and adhere to any local regulations and guidelines.
Sources: * Charter-deal.com, May 2023 ** sample Preference Sheet by Charterminute Password: DoC-Charter731 *** Guidelines for retail charter brokers & charter managers, MYBA, January 2019 **** The French writer Stendhal collapsed one day while visiting Florence, overwhelmed by the aesthetic beauty of the Renaissance and exhausted from trying to see it all.
