Yachts

What a yacht charter contract covers, and what to ask before you sign

By Tailyr12 November 20262 min read

A yacht hull on rippling brass lines above a contract-like ruled page

The charter is the exciting part. The contract is the part that protects you.

A crewed yacht charter is a contract between you and the yacht's owner or manager, usually arranged through a broker. In the Mediterranean, a standard form published by the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association, known as MYBA, is widely used. Whatever form is used, the questions below apply.

What does a yacht charter contract cover?

Typically:

  • The yacht, dates and cruising area. What you are chartering, when and where.
  • The base rate. The price for the yacht and crew for the period.
  • The APA. The advance provisioning allowance, paid on top of the base rate to cover fuel, food, drink and other running costs.
  • Cancellation and changes. What happens if you or the yacht cancels or changes plans.
  • Security and damages. Whether a deposit is held and for what.
  • Insurance and responsibility. Who is covered for what.

What is an APA?

An APA, or advance provisioning allowance, is a sum paid in advance on top of the charter rate. It is used to pay for fuel, food, drink, marina fees and similar costs during the week. It is commonly a quarter to a third of the base rate in the Mediterranean, though this varies. The crew should account for what was spent, and unspent funds are normally returned.

Gratuity and taxes

A discretionary gratuity for the crew is customary, often 10 to 15 per cent of the charter rate. VAT and local taxes depend on where you cruise. Ask for a line-by-line estimate before you sign.

Questions to ask before you sign

  • What exactly does the base rate include?
  • How is the APA accounted for, and how is unspent APA returned?
  • What are the cancellation and weather policies?
  • What can the itinerary include, and what depends on permits or availability?
  • Who holds the contract, and who is responsible for what?

Where experiences fit

Excursions, experiences and expeditions are usually priced separately from the base rate, so ask for them to be included in your proposal. Our piece on going beyond the deck explains how to plan them.

How Tailyr helps

Tell Tailyr what you want from the week. It turns that into a brief, and you book the charter through Tailyr. The broker contracts the yacht and crew. See our yacht charter page.

This is general information, not legal advice. Take professional advice on contracts before you sign.

Looking for something specific?

Tell Tailyr what you are after and we will find who has it. Introductions are always made with your permission.

Speak to Tailyr →

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