FAQ

Charter Guide

Straightforward answers to the questions our clients ask most before chartering. Each section below is designed to stand alone as its own guide, while giving you a clear picture of how a superyacht charter works from first enquiry to the end of the journey.

How much does a superyacht charter cost?

A superyacht charter is usually priced by the week, with the rate determined by the yacht's size, age, pedigree, amenities and crew, as well as the season and cruising area.

As a broad guide, Mediterranean crewed yachts can range from around €80,000 a week at the lower end of the superyacht market to well over €1 million for the largest and most sought-after yachts. The exact rate is highly yacht-specific, particularly for larger vessels.

The weekly charter fee is only part of the budget. APA, VAT and crew gratuity are generally additional, and the total cost can be significantly higher than the advertised weekly rate. As a planning guide, allowing a further 30–50% is sensible for many charters, although fuel-intensive itineraries, extensive berthing and other special requirements can take the total higher.

Charter fee
Set by the yacht and charged per week. This covers use of the yacht and her crew.

APA
Typically around 25–35% of the charter fee. This covers variable running costs such as fuel, food, drinks, berthing, port charges and other expenses incurred during the charter.

VAT
The applicable rate depends on the country, yacht and itinerary. VAT is generally charged on the charter fee rather than the APA.

Crew gratuity
At the charterer's discretion, as recognition of the crew's service.

What does the weekly rate include?

Many professional Mediterranean charters use the MYBA Charter Agreement or similar industry-standard terms. Under the MYBA agreement, the charter fee covers use of the yacht and its equipment, the crew's wages and food, insurance and a number of basic onboard costs. Other expenses are paid separately, generally through the APA.

These can include fuel for the yacht, tenders and water toys, food and beverages for the charter party, berthing and harbour charges, communications, personal laundry and special equipment or requests.

The distinction matters because the cost of operating a yacht varies considerably according to how you use her. A week involving long passages and frequent marina berths will generally cost more to run than a week spent cruising short distances and anchoring overnight.

The APA explained

The Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, is an advance payment used to cover the charter's variable running costs. It commonly falls around 25–35% of the charter fee, although the appropriate amount depends on the yacht, itinerary, fuel consumption and the way you plan to spend your time on board. MYBA's own industry research found APA levels of approximately 20–35%.

The APA is normally paid in advance of the charter. The captain manages the fund and keeps a running account of expenditure throughout the week. At the end of the charter, you receive a detailed account: any unused balance is returned, while any shortfall is settled.

VAT on yacht charters

VAT treatment varies according to the country, the yacht's status, the structure of the charter and the itinerary. It is therefore not simply a question of applying the VAT rate of the country where you embark.

As a general guide, current standard or commonly applicable rates include:

Tax rules can change and exceptions apply, so we confirm the exact VAT treatment for the yacht and itinerary before anything is agreed.

Crew gratuity

A gratuity is customary at the end of a charter, but it is always at the charterer's discretion and should never be requested by the crew.

MYBA guidance indicates that brokers generally suggest 5–15% of the gross charter fee where the crew has provided excellent service.

The gratuity is usually given to the captain, who distributes it among the crew.

How far in advance should you book?

For July and August, we recommend beginning the conversation six to twelve months ahead, particularly if you have a specific yacht, destination or date in mind. The most sought-after yachts can become committed well ahead of the summer season.

June and September can offer greater flexibility, while last-minute opportunities sometimes arise when existing plans change.

Major events and peak weeks — including the Monaco Grand Prix and Monaco Yacht Show — should be planned particularly early.

How to choose the right yacht

Start with the people and the journey rather than the yacht.

Many commercially operated charter yachts are licensed for a maximum of 12 guests, so the number of guests, cabin configuration and sleeping arrangements quickly narrow the choice.

From there, consider:

• Motor or sail — motor yachts generally offer greater volume, speed and onboard amenities; sailing yachts provide a quieter, more elemental experience.
• Size and character — larger yachts bring more space, crew and amenities, while smaller yachts can sometimes access more intimate anchorages.
• Families and children — consider cabin arrangements, shaded deck space, safety features and a crew experienced with younger guests.
• Water toys and wellness — tenders, jet skis, Seabobs, beach clubs, gyms, spas and other facilities can shape the experience.
• The itinerary — some yachts are positioned for a particular cruising region, while others move between destinations with the seasons.

We match the yacht to the people and the plan, rather than the other way round.

Crew and service

The crew are central to the charter experience.

A typical superyacht crew includes a captain, chef, interior team, deck crew and engineers. Larger yachts may also carry specialist crew such as a masseuse, dive instructor, nanny or watersports instructor.

Before you board, you complete a preference sheet covering food, drinks, activities, allergies, routines and other preferences. The crew use this to prepare the yacht and tailor the experience before you arrive.

Charter itineraries

An itinerary is a plan, not a timetable.

We agree a route with you and the captain in advance, then adapt it on board according to weather, sea conditions, local events and your preferences. A quiet morning at anchor can become a long lunch ashore; a planned passage can change if conditions suggest a better route.

Our destination guides include suggested one-week itineraries for each region, but every charter is ultimately shaped around the people on board.

And where appropriate, we can combine your time at sea with several days in one of our villas ashore — coordinating the yacht, villa, transfers and timing so the entire journey feels like one considered stay.