Whether you're a complete novice or an experienced sailor, chartering your own boat offers complete freedom and independence. Here's a straightforward guide that'll make sure you get the best from your charter.
Who, What, Where, When and Why?!
Who
Charter companies vary from huge companies with fleets worldwide to single-boat operations run by one man. Smaller companies may offer flexibility with dates, but the large operators have newer boats and a more reliable back-up service.
What
Luxury charters offer the highest levels of comfort and extravagance. A luxury charter will also include a crew and often a chef to take care of all the meals on board.
Catamarans are another type of yacht, easier than sailboats to handle and often larger in size. Catamarans are the perfect choice for families or large groups.
Why not chose a glamorous powerboat to take in the sights? These are also popular, but you'll need to stay close to the coast.
The first type of yacht many people think of is the sailing boat, but this type of craft does need some know-how to operate.
With any yacht charter, you have the option of hiring a crew to manage the boat for you. If your boating expertise is limited, hiring skipper and a crew may be necessary. But even if you own a similar vessel yourself, why not hire a crew on board anyway so you can sit back and relax.
Where
Yacht charters are available around the globe with the most popular being The Caribbean. Other popular destinations include The Mediterranean, the French Riviera and the Greek isles.
When
An important factor to consider is when you'd like to go. Sounds simple but weather, cost and availability vary depending on the time of year and all need to be factored when choosing your charter destination.
Why
Chartering a yacht is a unique experience for those seeking freedom and exciting adventures. Combining the best of land and water, a yacht charter is a perfect choice for those who enjoy being close to the water.
5 Handy Tips
Selecting a yacht can be an overwhelming experience. To avoid disappointment it is essential to carry out a few simple checks before you book:
1. Research the charter company you plan to use as service levels can differ greatly. Word-of-mouth recommendations and online reviews will help to you make the right choice with your yacht charter company.
2. From luxury yachts to dinghies, you need insurance. Your charter company should discuss this with you.
3. If you intend to operate the yacht yourself, evidence of previous charters is sometimes required. Alternatively you may need to prove that you are a boat owner of a similar size.
4. All charter companies offer different items as standard. Ensure that you know precisely what your charter package consists of. Most important are the "3 liquids" as they are sometimes referred to; ice, fresh water and fuel.
5. Don't be afraid to ask questions! If there is anything you are not sure about, the charter company would prefer you to feel 100% confident before you take their boat out.
But why not start with yacht charters that really are expensive. There's virtually no upper limit to the amount you can spend on these types of vacation. One of the largest mega yachts available for charter, MY Annaliesse will set you back approximately EUR 100,000, and that's for each single day you've booked her. Expenses, fuel amongst others, have to be added to that amount. We have to admit though that Annaliesse is not a standard mega yacht but rather a floating hotel, capable of accommodating up to 36 guests. You will be pampered by a crew of 34, including hairstylists, fitness instructors, some of the best chefs and of course the captain and his crew who safely navigate the vessel in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and many more beautiful places around the world.
Now, Annaliesse is of course an extreme example. Nevertheless she is booked throughout the year. Considerably cheaper is, for exampe, MY Carmen Fontana. This 40 meter / 120 feet long mega yacht is available in the Greek waters from approx. USD12,000 per day. Still a large amount of money for most of us though. However, these yachts are chartered by pop stars, movie stars or other VIP's, who typically do not have serious problems spending such amounts. The alternative, booking a room or suite in a hotel, will often not work for well known people for obvious reasons. On a yacht one can enjoy their holidays in utmost privacy while a professional crew is always available at their service. Whilst enjoying the sun on the aft deck during the day, the crew will sail the yacht to yet another astonishing destination during the night.
As said, USD12,000 per day is an amount most of us are not willing to spend on a vacation. Most people who charter a yacht in the Mediterranean or Caribbean spend amounts like USD1800 per week for, for example, a 36 feet bareboat sailing yacht. A 36 feet sailing yacht for example, is capable of accommodating 6 people. So when you decide to take your friends and split the amount, you will only spend like USD300 per person per week..... Which, in many cases, is cheaper than a hotel room. Add the great views, changing by the day if you decide to do some island hopping, the joy of being on the water and the fun of sailing in the most wonderful places on earth and you know why yacht charters are becoming increasingly popular.
Both Simon White & Marc Onrust are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Simon White has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Boating and Self Improvement and Motivation. You can search for on TheYachtMarket. If you have your own yacht that you're considering chartering out, you can also advertise it on TheYachtMarket.com.. Simon White's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Marc Onrust has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yacht. MarineYacht is a Yacht Charter Agency with offices in The Netherlands. We provide worldwide yacht charters to Dutch and international clients. From bareboat sailing yachts to luxury crewed mega yachts. Contact us for your enquiries at. Marc Onrust's top article generates over 720 views. to your Favourites.