Things to Consider When Choosing a Yacht Charter

·        Accommodations- It is important that you take into consideration the number of people who will be accompanying you on your yacht charter. You should make sure that there are an adequate number of berths available on the boat to meet the needs of your group.

·        Type of vessel- The type of vessel you will want to charter depends on the experiences you want to have. There are several different types of vessels available: sailboats, catamarans, motorboats, or specialty boats like gullets or traditional sailing ships. Sailboats are smaller and allow for more intimate settings. Catamarans are larger than sailboats and are much more spacious. Motor yachts are significantly larger and can go the farthest when chartering. They also offer the most amenities.

 

·        Activities- Depending on the type of yacht charter you choose, there may be different activities available than just sailing from port to port. Some charters offer many different types of water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, water skiing, or fishing.

 

·        Itinerary- Again, the amount of flexibility you have with your itinerary depends greatly on the type of yacht that you charter. If you go with a bareboat charter, you will most likely be restricted to certain areas, but with most other charters, you have a lot of flexibility with where you go and what ports you can stop at. Yachts can be chartered year-round and worldwide, so your options really are limitless.

 

·        Terms and Conditions- Each company has a different set of terms of conditions, so be sure to read the fine print of your agreement, especially as it relates to cancellation policies. You will also want to be aware of the deposits required for your trip, the refund procedures, and the payment options. Some companies charter their own vessels, while others simply act as agents for other companies.

 

·        Price- Yacht charters can start at only a few thousand dollars a week for a bareboat charter to almost a million dollars a week for a fully-crewed super yacht. Usually the price starts at the bareboat rate and goes up as you add on amenities, such as the skipper and the crew. Other costs include food, insurance, beverages, marina fees, activities and so forth. Be sure you are aware of what is included in your package.