Why Charter a Private Yacht?
A private yacht charter offers something no hotel or resort can replicate: the freedom to wake up in a different anchorage every morning, the privacy of your own floating sanctuary, and an intimacy with the sea that fundamentally changes how you experience a destination. Whether you're exploring the Greek islands, the Caribbean, or Croatia's Dalmatian coast, chartering a yacht converts a destination into a genuinely personal journey.
Types of Yacht Charters Explained
- Crewed charter (fully crewed): The yacht comes with a professional captain and crew — typically including a chef, first mate, and deck hands depending on the vessel size. All you do is enjoy. This is the most popular luxury option.
- Bareboat charter: You rent the yacht alone, without crew. Requires a sailing qualification and experience. Suited for accomplished sailors seeking full autonomy.
- Skippered charter: A professional captain is provided, but you handle day-to-day life aboard yourself. A middle ground between bareboat and fully crewed.
- Cabin charter: You rent individual cabins on a shared yacht. A more accessible entry point, though without the exclusivity of a full vessel charter.
Choosing the Right Vessel
Yacht selection is one of the most important decisions in the charter process. The key variables are:
- Size: Measured in feet or metres. A 50-foot sailing yacht suits a group of 4–6 comfortably. For larger parties or greater comfort, 80–120-foot motor yachts or gulets offer more spacious accommodation.
- Sail vs. motor: Sailing yachts are quieter, more romantic, and wind-dependent. Motor yachts cover ground faster, are not weather-dependent, and typically offer more deck space and interior volume.
- Catamaran vs. monohull: Catamarans offer exceptional stability and wide deck space — great for families or guests prone to seasickness. Monohulls are more traditional and manoeuvrable in tight anchorages.
- Amenities: Premium charters may include jet skis, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, dive compressors, and even submersibles.
Understanding the Charter Agreement
Before signing, familiarise yourself with the key components of a yacht charter agreement:
- Charter fee: The base cost of the vessel and crew for the agreed period.
- APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance): Typically 25–35% of the charter fee, held separately to cover fuel, food, harbour fees, and other running costs. Any unspent APA is returned at the end of the trip.
- VAT & taxes: Vary significantly by charter jurisdiction. Mediterranean charters in EU waters are typically subject to VAT.
- Security deposit: Held as a bond against damage, returned after the charter.
The Best Charter Destinations for First-Timers
- Greek Islands: Reliable winds, countless islands, excellent marinas, and world-class cuisine make Greece the global benchmark for sailing holidays.
- British Virgin Islands: Calm, protected waters between islands — ideal for those new to life aboard.
- Croatia (Dalmatian Coast): Stunning scenery, historic coastal towns, crystal waters, and a well-developed charter industry.
- French Polynesia: For the ultimate remote luxury experience — Bora Bora and the Tuamotu atolls are among the world's most spectacular sailing waters.
Working with a Charter Broker
For first-time charterers, engaging a reputable charter broker is strongly recommended. A good broker will match your group size, budget, and preferences to the ideal vessel, negotiate on your behalf, and provide destination expertise and itinerary suggestions. Their fee is typically covered by the charter company rather than charged directly to the client — meaning professional guidance at no additional cost to you.