CHARTERING A YACHT FOR THE FIRST TIME: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Renting a villa or booking a hotel is fairly intuitive. For a first yacht charter, things can seem a little less straightforward. Which type of yacht should you choose? How long should you go for? What does the advertised price actually include? Who makes up the crew? How are meals organised? Can you decide on the itinerary? What should you arrange before boarding?

In reality, once you understand how it works, the principle is quite simple: you define how you would like to spend your time at sea, and the yacht, crew and itinerary are organised around your stay. A half day off Cannes, a weekend with friends, a week with family in the Cyclades or several weeks exploring the Mediterranean. A charter can take many different forms.

Here is what you should know before planning yours.

WHAT IS A YACHT CHARTER?

A yacht charter is the private hire of a yacht for a defined period. During that time, the yacht is reserved for your group and, when it is crewed, the crew takes care of its operation and service on board.

Unlike a traditional cruise, you do not share the yacht with other travellers or follow a group itinerary. The experience is organised around you.

Depending on the yacht and destination, a charter can last a few hours, a day, several days, a week or longer. It could be a family holiday, a few days with friends, a day at sea during a stay on the French Riviera or a private or professional event.

And you do not need any previous yachting experience to organise your first charter.

1. START WITH THE EXPERIENCE, NOT THE YACHT

This is probably the most important advice for a first charter. It can be tempting to start by looking through dozens of yacht photographs and choosing the one you find most beautiful. But the yacht that suits you depends above all on what you want to do with it.

Before beginning your search, ask yourself a few simple questions. How many people will be on board? How long would you like to travel? Where would you like to cruise? How do you imagine spending your days? What matters most to you: generous outdoor spaces, plenty of water toys, ambitious cuisine, stability at sea, privacy or the ability to entertain?

A good brief does not necessarily sound like: “I am looking for a 30 metre yacht.” It might instead begin with: “We are two families with four children. We want a week in Greece, plenty of time for swimming, most lunches on board and several islands without spending our days cruising.”

That second description already gives you the foundations for a real search.

2. MOTOR YACHT, SAILING YACHT OR CATAMARAN?

There is no single type of yacht suited to every charter.

MOTOR YACHT

A motor yacht is particularly suited to trips where you want to combine comfort on board with relatively fast travel between destinations. It generally allows you to cover greater distances and can be especially appealing in a destination such as the French Riviera, where you may want to combine anchorages, towns and different stops along the coast.

Depending on its size and layout, it can also offer a variety of distinct spaces, from an aft deck and flybridge to a sun deck, salons, beach club and different areas for relaxing.

SAILING YACHT

A sailing yacht offers a different relationship with travel. Here, sailing can become an integral part of the experience rather than simply a way of reaching the next destination. It is particularly suited to those drawn to sailing itself and to a different rhythm at sea.

CATAMARAN

A catamaran is particularly appealing for its volume, generous living spaces and close connection to the water. It can be especially enjoyable for families and groups of friends who want to spend plenty of time at anchor, swim and make the most of water activities.

It is also very common in destinations that lend themselves to island hopping.

For a first charter, however, you do not necessarily need to know which type is right for you. Explain how you want to experience the journey. The right type of yacht can follow from there.

3. HOW LONG SHOULD YOU CHARTER FOR?

A common assumption is that a yacht charter automatically means a full week. That is not necessarily the case.

A HALF DAY OR A FULL DAY

This is an excellent way to discover yachting for the first time. You could board in the morning, head to an anchorage, have lunch on board, enjoy the sea and return at the end of the day. This format also works particularly well for a birthday, a day with friends, a professional event or simply as a break during a holiday on land.

TWO OR THREE DAYS

A short charter already gives you the opportunity to spend one or several nights on board and discover different stops along the way. It can be a good option when the yacht is part of a wider trip.

ONE WEEK

This is probably the format that allows you to truly settle into the rhythm of a charter. You have enough time to change destinations, spend days at anchor, dine ashore and adapt your plans without trying to fill every hour.

SEVERAL WEEKS

For those who want the yacht to become their main holiday setting, several weeks allow for much longer itineraries and, above all, a different pace of travel.

The right duration is therefore not the longest possible. It is the one that corresponds to how you want to use the yacht during your stay.

4. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION?

Some regions are particularly well suited to charter because they allow you to combine cruising, anchorages and life ashore.

The French Riviera, for example, makes it easy to travel from Saint Tropez to Cannes, Antibes, Villefranche sur Mer or Monaco, with numerous opportunities to anchor between destinations.

The Cyclades offer a different experience. The journey is more naturally built from island to island, with Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos, Sifnos and Milos offering different possibilities for an itinerary.

The Amalfi Coast combines time at sea with the pleasures of life ashore, between Capri, Positano and the different stops along the coast.

The choice therefore depends as much on the atmosphere you are looking for as on geography. If you enjoy going ashore, dining out and combining time at sea with nightlife, some destinations will be better suited to you. If you are mainly looking for anchorages, swimming and long days on board, other regions may make more sense.

And if you do not know where you want to go, that is not a problem. A travel period, a number of days and a few indications of what you enjoy are often enough to start considering different possibilities.

5. CAN YOU CHOOSE YOUR ITINERARY?

Yes, but a charter itinerary is not a fixed programme. You can naturally indicate the destinations you would like to discover and build a route with your broker and captain.

Weather and cruising conditions remain important, however. The captain is responsible for the safety of the yacht, passengers and crew. It may therefore be necessary to change a stop, move to a different anchorage or adapt the route.

It is better to think of the itinerary as a direction for the journey rather than a succession of appointments that cannot be changed.

This flexibility can also become one of the pleasures of chartering. A particularly beautiful bay may make you want to stay for a few extra hours. A recommendation from the captain may lead you to a stop you had not considered. A lunch planned ashore may become a long afternoon at anchor.

Not everything needs to be decided before departure.

6. WHO WILL BE ON BOARD WITH YOU?

On a crewed yacht, the crew is an integral part of the experience. Its composition naturally depends on the size of the yacht.

The captain is responsible for the yacht, navigation and safety. The deck crew takes care of areas such as manoeuvres, exterior maintenance, tenders and water activities. The interior team looks after service and life inside the yacht. The chef prepares meals according to the preferences communicated before the charter.

On larger yachts, these teams can naturally include more members and more specialised roles.

The crew also knows the yacht very well and often knows the region in which it operates. It can therefore play a valuable role throughout your stay, from finding an anchorage to organising an activity, adapting lunch or recommending a place to visit.

7. HOW ARE MEALS ORGANISED?

Before departure, you will generally be asked to communicate your preferences. This is often referred to as the preference sheet.

It allows you to specify your eating habits, allergies or intolerances, foods you like or dislike, preferred drinks, children's preferences, how you like to take your meals and any particular requests.

You do not need to decide exactly what you will eat every Tuesday at 1 pm. The purpose is rather to help the chef and crew understand your habits and prepare the yacht accordingly.

You may prefer simple breakfasts and a more elaborate dinner. You may prefer light lunches when at anchor. You may want plenty of local produce. You may also plan several meals ashore.

This level of personalisation is one of the things that distinguishes a yacht charter from a traditional hotel stay.

8. WHAT ABOUT DRINKS?

The same principle applies. Water, soft drinks, wine, champagne, spirits, coffee and specific beverages can be arranged before boarding according to your preferences and the terms of the charter.

The benefit of communicating this information in advance is simple: when you step aboard, the yacht is already prepared for your stay.

It is also why it is worth taking the time to complete the requested information carefully rather than treating it as a formality.

9. WHAT IS THE APA?

This is probably one of the terms that raises the most questions for first time charterers.

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. It is an advance intended to cover certain variable expenses related to your stay.

Depending on the contract and the yacht, this may include fuel, provisioning, drinks, certain port or marina fees and other expenses specifically incurred for your charter.

The amount is generally paid before departure and managed throughout the stay. At the end of the charter, the expenses are accounted for. Any unused balance is returned, while any additional amount due must be settled.

The APA is therefore not simply an additional flat fee added to the charter price. It is a provision for expenses that vary according to how you use the yacht.

A charter involving a great deal of cruising and nights in port will naturally generate different expenses from a stay spent mainly at anchor.

When comparing yachts, it is therefore essential to understand what is included in the quoted price and what is not.

10. WHAT DOES THE CHARTER PRICE ACTUALLY INCLUDE?

There is no single answer that applies to every yacht and every destination.

The advertised rate generally covers the yacht and its crew, but the exact terms depend on the contract. Certain expenses may be charged separately or covered through the APA. Applicable taxes can also vary depending on the cruising area and the terms of the charter.

It is therefore important not to compare two yachts simply by looking at their weekly rate.

To understand what the stay will actually cost, you need to consider the charter budget as a whole. This is also one of the broker's roles: explaining the structure of the price clearly before you commit.

11. SHOULD YOU TIP THE CREW?

Tipping is common practice in chartering, but customs can vary depending on the region and circumstances.

It is generally given at the end of the stay and handed to the captain to distribute among the crew.

Rather than treating a figure found online as an absolute rule, it is better to ask your broker about the customs that apply to your charter and cruising area.

The important point for a first charter is simply to include it in your budget planning so that it does not come as a surprise at the end of the stay.

12. WATER TOYS: WHAT IS ACTUALLY ON BOARD?

For some people, water toys are secondary. For others, they can almost determine the choice of yacht.

Seabobs, paddle boards, kayaks, snorkelling equipment, jet skis, wakeboards, diving equipment and inflatables are just some of the possibilities, depending on the yacht.

If water activities are an important part of your holiday, mention this from the beginning of your search.

A yacht with a particularly enjoyable beach club, a large bathing platform and the equipment you are interested in may be much better suited to you than a slightly larger yacht that is less focused on life in the water.

Some activities and equipment may also be subject to specific conditions, particularly depending on local regulations. Again, it is better to clarify your expectations before booking.

13. CAN YOU ORGANISE AN EVENT ON BOARD?

Yes, depending on the yacht, its capacity and the applicable regulations.

A charter does not necessarily mean going away for a week. A yacht can also host a birthday, a special lunch, a private reception, a corporate event or a day with colleagues.

In this case, the search changes.

The number of people present during the day may become more important than the number of cabins. Reception areas, outdoor decks, catering, transfers and the constraints linked to the location of the event become priorities.

It is therefore important to mention from the outset that you are planning an event.

Your broker can then direct the search towards yachts that are suitable for the number of guests and the format you have in mind.

14. CAN YOU CHARTER WITH CHILDREN?

Of course. For many families, a yacht can offer a particularly enjoyable way to travel together. But the yacht needs to be chosen accordingly.

The children's ages, deck layout, stairs, railings, access to the water, connecting or nearby cabins, stability and available activities can all become important criteria.

A spectacular yacht for a group of adults is not necessarily the yacht you would choose for a family with young children.

The crew should also know the composition of the group before arrival.

The more precise the information provided to your broker, the more relevant the selection can be.

15. WHAT IF SOMEONE IS PRONE TO SEASICKNESS?

Simply mention it.

The size of the yacht, its behaviour at sea and the presence of stabilisation systems can all form part of the selection criteria. The itinerary and weather conditions also play an important role.

Some people who are concerned about seasickness assume they will never be able to enjoy a charter. In reality, the choice of yacht, itinerary and cruising conditions can have a significant impact on the experience.

If it is a concern for anyone in your group, it is better to discuss it before choosing the yacht rather than afterwards.

16. WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK?

Usually, less than you might think.

Life on board is relatively informal during the day. Swimwear, lightweight clothing, sunglasses, a hat and sun protection are often the essentials. Naturally, bring suitable outfits for the restaurants or evenings ashore you are planning.

As for footwear, yachts have their own rules to protect decks and interiors. Your crew or broker can tell you what is required on board.

And above all, choose soft luggage. A large hard suitcase is much less practical to store in a cabin than a bag that can be folded away once empty.

17. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD YOU BOOK?

This depends greatly on the period, destination and type of yacht you are looking for.

For a week in high season in a highly sought after destination, starting early naturally gives you more choice. This is particularly true if you have very specific requirements: fixed dates, several cabins, a recent yacht, specific equipment or a particularly popular destination.

On the other hand, some charters can be arranged with much less notice when availability allows.

There is therefore no universal booking period. But if your dates are already fixed, there is rarely an advantage in deliberately waiting before beginning your search.

18. HOW DOES THE BOOKING PROCESS ACTUALLY WORK?

Although every project is different, the process generally follows a fairly simple structure.

You begin by sharing your dates, destination, number of guests, budget and main

expectations. The broker then searches for available yachts that may suit your project and presents you with a selection.

Once you have chosen your yacht, the terms are confirmed and the charter contract is established.

The preparation of the stay then begins: preference sheet, itinerary, provisioning, transfers, activities and any particular requests.

Then you step aboard.

From that moment, the captain and crew take over the day to day operation of the yacht, while your broker remains your point of contact for the charter.

19. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE BETWEEN SEVERAL YACHTS?

When three or four options match your budget and dates, do not necessarily try to determine which one is objectively the best.

Ask yourself which one is the best fit for your group.

If you are travelling with children who will spend their days in the water, the aft platform and water toys may be decisive. If you are travelling as several couples, the quality and balance of the cabins may matter more. If you plan to entertain, look closely at the social spaces. If you want to visit several destinations, the yacht's performance becomes more important.

If you expect to spend most of your time at anchor, outdoor spaces may take priority.

And look at the crew as well. On a charter, you are not simply spending several days on a yacht. You are also spending several days with the people who operate it. The quality of the crew can have a significant impact on the experience.

20. YOUR FIRST CHARTER DOES NOT NEED TO BE PERFECTLY PLANNED

This may be the final thing to know before setting off.

It is useful to prepare your stay. It is useful to communicate your habits, preferences and the things that matter to you. But you do not need to plan every hour.

Part of the pleasure comes precisely from the freedom that a yacht offers.

Staying longer in a bay because nobody wants to leave. Having lunch on board instead of at the restaurant you had planned. Taking out the water toys. Slightly changing the itinerary. Asking the captain where to go the following day.

The yacht allows you to avoid turning your holiday into a programme that needs to be followed.

WHAT BUDGET SHOULD YOU EXPECT FOR A FIRST CHARTER?

There is no single “price of a charter”.

The budget depends on the yacht, its size, age, level of service, season, destination, duration and the expenses associated with your itinerary.

This is why starting a search based solely on a budget can sometimes be difficult.

Conversely, providing a range allows your broker to immediately understand which category of yachts to explore and avoid presenting options that do not fit your project.

And when defining that budget, think about the overall cost rather than just the yacht's advertised rate.

The broker's role also includes helping you understand these different costs before booking.

THE ROLE OF A YACHT BROKER

For a first charter, the number of possibilities can quickly become overwhelming.

Hundreds of yachts may appear to suit a destination. Prices are not always presented in the same way. Two yachts of similar size can offer completely different experiences. The broker's role is to reduce this complexity.

They begin by understanding your project, search for available yachts, communicate with their representatives, compare the options and help you make your choice.

But the work does not stop at the booking. It also involves coordinating the information required to prepare the charter and acting as the link between the different parties until departure.

A good charter therefore does not begin with a list of yachts.

It begins with a clear understanding of what you want to do once you are on board.