Q:

What are the most important considerations to select an ideal charter yacht ?

A:

There are many vessels available for charter.  What needs to be taken in consideration are several aspects which will directly influence the satisfactory outcome of such venture or convert it into a nightmare.  No amount of papers and contracts will solve incompetence and absence of operational expertise.  A charterer who seeks the lowest quotes is bound for problems as, unfortunately, yachting is very similar to flying.  Saving few dollars at the risk of spoiling your dream vacation or even create a possible threat to your life, is the initial error many newcomers fall into.  Keep in mind a yacht charter is a sophisticated means of relaxation and must be paid for in proportion to the services you will obtain.

The first questions which must be asked are:  The reputation of the charter outfit, their time in business and the type of yachts employed.  This does not necessarily mean a need to go to the most expensive organization around, but rather one with personality and concern.  People who own the vessels and are concerned with their condition are the ones you want to go with.

Q:

Is there a way how to avoid a mistake in this sense ?

A:

Not really.  Use your common sense and intuition.  Insist on meeting with the captain of the yacht and think if you find him/her interesting enough so as to spend a week in his/her company.  Inquire about their services speaking directly to previous charterers. If the organization has nothing to hide, they will gladly provide you with a list of names you may contact.

Q:

What about a situation where we are not satisfied with the service ?

A:

Our obsession with lawsuits for whatever reason will never solve a bad vacation.  Legal prosecution, in most cases, is completely useless.

It is necessary to remember sailing is a dynamic activity, and a possibility of an injury or an accident is obviously higher then if you stay sitting at home in front of your TV, just dreaming about a charter to Bahamas.  However, it is much, much lower than driving in you car or even crossing a congested highway.  In the end, it depends on your ability and care, and don’t even bother to pin your own incompetence on someone else.  You have signed a full release to that effect, and no organization can work without it.  Yet the rewards obtained from an atypical, even unusual activity, such as yachting, surpass many times over any other adventure you may have tried or heard of.  It is not only the romantic aspects, but mainly the natural surroundings and interesting if somewhat primitive way of life you may conjure as if by magic for yourself and your party.

If your charter does not work out for you due to the deficiency in the chartering services, tell all your friends about it and don’t use it ever again.  If it does not work out due to your lack of expertise, don't ever talk about it again, forget it, and try harder the next time.

If the charter is not to your liking, because of the weather or some problem with the yacht, be fair and judge if it was handled properly in spite of the situation.  Be glad you had a good captain and everything worked out in the end.

Q:

How important is the captain ?

A:

Very !  The captain is the most important part of your adventure.  For he or she will be your guide and protector for some time, and unless you chose an experienced, amicable and above all educated person, your charter might prove to be a major mistake.  The master of the vessel not only takes care of all matters pertaining to the navigation, but solves any and all situations that may arise under way.

Q:

What size can a charter party be ?

A:

This depends entirely on your budget and personal relations.  Since most yachts charter at the same price per day, regardless of how many people accompany you, do not try to satisfy your instinct for saving money by inviting more people than reasonably suitable for the size of the vessel you are looking at.  Always, regardless of cost, chose a larger vessel than you could actually fit in.  True, the cost will be higher, but for the few days of the dream of an absolute paradise you are planning to spend, it is worth it.  Besides, proportionally, the larger vessels are actually less expensive, since many complements are necessary on all of them already.  As an example, a Morgan 41’ is ideal for two couples, acceptable for three.  But no more.  This does not mean she could not accommodate a party of eight.  Or twelve for a party.  A large luxury yacht, like an Irwin 56’, can comfortably accommodate a party of six.  It does not mean twelve or fifteen would not fit, but on a medium or long charter it becomes a real problem.  On a short term charter or a party, the number is only limited by your captain's decision.  And let us not forget the accommodations for the master and the eventual crew, if you are not experienced in yacht handling and will be needing some.

Q:

Apart of the accommodations, what else should one have in mind when choosing the vessel ?

A:

When choosing between boats of different size, apart of the comfort, do not forget that a larger yacht is much more sea-kindly than a small one, and many times it is worth several times over to charter a more expensive vessel just because of this single fact.  While truly bad weather is unlikely, especially in Florida, should you run into a heavy squall, it is a great compensation to feel the yacht of your choice can cope with it easily, instead of jumping up, down and sideways on an economical vessel.

Q:

And speaking of bad weather, what about the safety and seasickness ?

A:

Again, since your life depends on it, it is advisable to make the right choice.  And in general, it is fairly represented by the charter cost.  Do not save on a charter yacht and a good captain, and complain later.  Do not look for deals, but for serious, established organizations.  You are gambling with your life after all.

Seasickness ?  Many landlubbers (and sailors) are terrified of it.  And the truth is, it’s not very agreeable situation, in spite of the fact physicians tell us it’s mostly psychological.  There are several recourses which may help you if you recur to them in time.  Such as pills or patches and others.  If you are overly concerned, talk to your captain.

Principally the danger of being sick occurs on the open ocean, not in bays and sheltered waters.  Once again the importance of a large yacht comes up as a valid defense.  There are two known ways how to cope with it.  Go ahead.  You may either not get sick, or if you do, stick it out.  It will pass.  In the worst case, if you are really paranoid about it, it may be a good solution for example to send the vessel across the Gulf Stream with some of your braver guests and the crew, and fly over, usually to Bimini or Cat Cay, where your yacht will be waiting for you. The cost of the airfare does not amount to much, especially if it saves you from suffering.

Q:

What about the operational condition of the vessel ?

A:

Don’t expect days of a boring stay aboard, rather be prepared for all kinds of situations which may develop, but which will be efficiently dealt with by your captain.  That is partly the adventure you have come looking for, and the sea, invariably, delivers it.  Yachts are subject to incredible stresses and the corroding effects of sea water.  It is impossible to foresee a failure of most of the equipment on board, and that is another reason why an experienced skipper is invaluable.  The question is not the fact something broke down, but rather whether your captain can make it work again.  And a professional captain always can.  They can do it all.

Q:

What are the reservations and payments conditions ?

A:

Most serious operators will require a 50% deposit with your reservation well in advance.  If you have a specific date in mind, don’t delay and pre-reserve your yacht immediately.  All this is normal, and indicates seriousness on both sides.  Charters are payable in full prior to boarding, usually one week or more before the date of embarkation.  This guarantees your date.  Remember charters are as a rule nonrefundable.  When paying with a check, it must clear before the date of the charter, otherwise you will have a problem on your hands that can only be solved with cash. Florida sales tax of 7% is due on all charges.

Q:

What about catering services ?

A:

To cater or not to cater.  That is the question.  The temptation to self-cater is always there, and undoubtedly it will save you a portion of you overall expenses on the trip.  However, and it is recommended you meditate this carefully beforehand, it means a great deal of work, much harder than at your own home.  Especially because people who are not used to continuous sailing get very tired, simply by the motion of the vessel.  If you self-cater, it means you will have to select and buy your provisions, transport them to the harbor, stow them aboard according to instruction of the master.  You will have to keep track where you stowed each item.  You will have to clean, cook, wash, etc. etc. during the entire trip, not only for yourselves, but also for the captain and eventually the crew.

Q:

Do I tip the crew ?

A:

Speaking of the crew, it is common to tip the crew members upon the return, particularly if you were satisfied with their services.  You may give the gratuities to the captain for distribution, or do it personally with each member.

Q:

What about the "hidden expenses" ?

A:

As far as the expenses are concerned, it is important to understand there may be a series of unforeseen extras or additionals, and it is important the charterer is aware of this fact before the trip, not after.  The quote you will receive from the chosen organization should describe clearly what is included in the cost of the charter.  It should also state the possible extra costs, for you to be able to understand what are you getting into.

Apart of the cost of the vessel, the catering services, extra personnel, there is a number of possible additionals. Invariably, you will be billed for all additional time, regardless of the reason, with the exception of some sort of vessel breakdown.  Additional fuel required on the trip, to the one already aboard.  You shall be responsible for such costs as port fees, entry and departure fees, taxes, documentation, customs, fines, damages or losses occurred during the charter, plus all additional time and charges, regardless of the cause or reason, necessary to return to the port of origin.

Q:

What is all this talk about illegal chemical substances ?

A:

What happens, there are very strict laws about any type of illegal substances aboard a vessel.  They go so far, when a casual search of a yacht would reveal one of the guests is in possession of such a substance, the vessel may be actually confiscated by the authorities.  This is one of the reasons every captain is extremely concerned with this difficult issue.  Difficult, because on the other hand it is almost impossible for the captain to go through your personal belongings to verify what you bring aboard.  Perhaps the best way to deal with this problem is to address the issue immediately upon boarding, and assure the master of your compliance.  In case of such occurrence, you would be held responsible and liable for absolutely all costs, fines, and losses.

Q:

In conclusion, how does a charter compare with vacations on land ?

A:

A good charter is a wonderful sample of taste of opulence and luxury.  To live a dream, even if it is a short one, is what the life is all about to many.  Once experienced, it is not unusual people repeatedly return to sail every year.  Usually, they demand the same master they have sailed with before, as a strong bond is frequently established with people who live a different life from most of us.  The peace, the solitude, the privacy you may taste aboard a yacht is something way beyond normal means, even imagination.  It is a dream come true.

This page was last updated:  03/03/03