A yacht charter isn’t just a holiday, it’s freedom, adventure, and the opportunity to experience the sea on your own terms. Whatever it is that you desire—distinction, tranquility, or a means of reconnecting to the sea, this guide is for you.
What Is a Yacht Charter?
A yacht charter is a contract under which you rent a boat to sail—a monohull sailboat or catamaran—on a short term basis with an optional professional crew. You select your itinerary, length of stay, and inclusions, and the boat takes care of navigation, provisioning, and guest comfort. These are some building blocks to think about:
- Charter length: Warmest holidays are 7 to 14 nights. Week charter will start at approximately $8,000, yacht models, fuel, and minimum provisioning included.
- Yacht model available: Monohulls, catamarans, and motor yachts. Each has their own advantages in sailing, comfort, and sea motion.
- Skipper and hostess amenities: Bareboat charter (you sail), or add skipper and/or hostess for a more enjoyable, stress-free vacation.
Choosing the Right Boat
Your Charter Must-Haves
Upscale tourists between 40–60 prefer high-tech yachts with convenience and capability. When selecting, keep in mind:
- Monohull vs. Catamaran
- A smooth sailboat provides classic sailing, maneuverability, and sophistication.
- Catamaran provides spacious comfort and extra stability—perfect for leisure cruising.
- Cabin configuration and guest capacity
- Typically, charter yachts accommodate 6–12 guests.
- For ultimate comfort, select a configuration to prevent cramped cabins.
- Amenities onboard
- Air conditioning, full galley, and Wi-Fi make life on board convenient.
- Deck lounges and water toys (paddleboards, kayaks) are included in the package.
If you prefer a classic sailing voyage, see our range of a sailboat to rent for ideal monohull options.
Organizing Your Charter Itinerary
Places and Highlights
Selecting where to sail gets the holiday off to a good start. Best charter places are:
- The Mediterranean:
- Greece: Cyclades islands, Aegean blue and old seacoast villages.
- Croatia: Dalmatian coast, old towns such as Dubrovnik and Hvar.
- France: Riviera and Côte d’Azur—elegant harbors greet quaint anchorages.
- The Caribbean:
- Bahamas and US Virgin Islands provide consistent trade winds and secure passages.
Weekly rates and generous anchorages are available in all areas. A 10-night Greek Islands charter can range from $14,000 to $20,000, depending on boat size and season.
Seasonal Timing
- June–August: High season—busy ports, calm seas, plenty of sunshine.
- May & September: Shoulder season—less crowds, reduced rates, still nice conditions.
- October: Good weather and reduced charter rates, although sometimes chilly at nights.
By chartering May–June or September, you normally receive a 10–20% discount on weekly charter prices with comparable weather.
What’s Included & Cost Breakdown
Charter fees usually cover:
- Base charter fee: Yacht accommodation, taxes, berthing, and minimum gear.
- Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA): Typically 25–30% of the charter fee for fuel, provisions (food), port charges, and additional services. Example: A $10,000 charter budget will include about $2,500 for APA.
- Security deposit: Refundable security deposit (usually $1,500–$3,000) to pay for damage or loss incurred during the charter.
There may be other optional fees such as yacht insurance, food and drink packages, and additional entertainment equipment.
Key Steps to Booking Your Yacht
Choose your dates and area – Consider weather, school holidays, and personal schedules.
- Choose your yacht type – Monohull, catamaran, or motor yacht.
- Choose crew inclusion – Bareboat or skippered charter.
- Request a quote – Enter guest number, itinerary preferences, and indicate special requests.
- Lock in your booking – A 30% deposit will usually confirm your booking.
- Finalize your itinerary and provisioning – Select provisioning options, docking nights, and ancillary services.
For a brief overview of our services and booking forms, see our in-house booking page.
Sailing Experience & Safety at Sea
For the more experienced charter clients, we prefer to relax and share memories, however, if you want to sail actively, there are alternatives:
- Skippered charter: A seasoned captain will take charge of all sailing duties.
- Bareboat charter: Suitable if you are certified and confident with handling and in charge.
- Sail instruction add-ons: Develop your skills with the guidance of our instructors.
Safety is paramount. Every charter includes mandatory safety gear: life jackets, satellite communication, digital charts, and emergency beacons.
Onshore Activities & Shore Excursions
Your ashore experience can rejuvenate your yacht holiday:
- Seafood taverna and coastal café lunches.
- Medieval village, Roman ruin, or UNESCO World Heritage Site walks.
- Outdoor activities such as vineyard exploration, coastal promenades, or snorkelling in secluded coves.
The ideal yacht holiday mixes water time with discovery on land.
Why Charter Often?
Short-ship cruises a few times a year have special benefits:
- Seasonal travel: Sail the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean or Indian Ocean in winter.
- Frequent familiarity: Regular return customers know how each ship performs and feel at home aboard.
- Friendship among guests and crew: Charters tend to attract like-repeat sailors and welcoming crews.
Cautious charterers enjoy the benefits of the relaxed rhythm: departures, anchoring, outdoor dining, and relaxing—and again.
Dream Getaway, Made Real
A yacht charter offers a unique chance to disconnect, be surrounded by nature, and immerse oneself in the magic of sailing. With your itinerary customized, timing optimized based on favorable weather, and an experienced crew on call, chartering is seamless.
If you’re sailing into fantasy this season, our monohull yachts, catamarans, and professional captains await your command to guide your course. Set sail today with our expertly curated list of boats to rent and start writing your next sea saga.
Conclusion
By hiring a yacht, you’re spending on memories of comfort, discovery, and eternal beauty. You’ll be going home with sunsets on the sea lingering in your heart, the excitement of undiscovered bays, and the sweetness of living at sea’s pace.
Now it’s your turn: sail away, explore the horizon, and have your next adventures re-map relaxation and adventure.
