CHARTER GUIDE
Everything you need to know about chartering.
A yacht charter is a private holiday at sea, designed entirely around you. The yacht is yours, the crew is yours, the itinerary is yours. This guide is here to make the process clear.
The Charter Process
From first conversation to embarkation, the path of a charter follows a familiar rhythm.
01
The Conversation Begins
Every charter starts with a conversation. We listen to what you are imagining: when you want to travel, with whom, what kind of experience you are looking for, and what would make it memorable. From there we begin shaping options.
02
Choosing the Yacht
We present a curated shortlist of yachts that match your party, your aspirations, and your destination. Rather than overwhelming you with the entire market, we narrow to the ones that genuinely fit. Once you have chosen, the yacht is provisionally held while terms are finalised.
03
The MYBA Charter Agreement
Charter contracts in the Mediterranean follow the MYBA standard, the industry framework that protects both owner and charterer. Once signed, the booking is confirmed and the initial payments are processed.
04
Planning Your Experience
Before embarkation, preference sheets cover everything that will shape your time on board: dietary requirements, favourite cuisines and wines, music, activities, and any special occasions. The captain shapes an itinerary around your interests, the chef builds menus around your tastes, and the yacht is provisioned ahead of your arrival.
05
Embarkation
On the day of embarkation, you step aboard the yacht at the agreed point, and the charter begins. From that moment, the rhythm of the trip belongs to you.
Where to Begin
A few considerations worth thinking about before we speak. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out, but these will help shape the conversation.
THE COMPANY
Who is coming with you?
The composition of your party matters. A family with young children has different needs than four couples travelling together, or a group of friends marking a milestone birthday. The number of guests, their relationships, and any specific requirements all shape which yachts will be right.
THE RHYTHM
What kind of holiday do you imagine?
A charter can be many things: serene and quiet, social and lively, active and water sports-led, culinary and contemplative. The yachts we represent each have their own character. Knowing the rhythm you are after helps us find the yacht that fits.
THE DESTINATION
Where do you want to sail?
Greece has many cruising grounds, each with its own personality. The Cyclades for their stark beauty and famous islands; the Ionian for green hills and gentle waters; the Argo-Saronic for easy access from Athens; the Dodecanese for a crossroads of cultures; the Sporades for forested coves. Beyond Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean opens to Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, and further.
THE TIMING
When is the right time to go?
The Greek charter season runs from late April to early October. High season (late June through August) brings warmth, energy, and crowds; the shoulder months (May, early June, September) offer beautiful weather with fewer people and gentler rates. We can guide you on the right timing for the experience you want.
Costs and Fees
A yacht charter has several components. Knowing how they fit together makes budgeting straightforward.
The Charter Fee
The charter fee is the cost of the yacht and her crew for the agreed duration. This includes use of the vessel, all onboard facilities and water toys, and the work of every crew member. Charter fees are typically quoted per week and vary based on the yacht’s size, build year, specification, and reputation.
APA
Advance Provisioning Allowance
Many charters open or close with a stay on land, whether a few nights at a hotel in Athens before embarkation or a week on Mykonos after the yacht returns to port. We coordinate stays at the hotels and villas we know well across Greece, and handle the transfers between them and the yacht.
VAT
Value Added Tax
VAT is applied to Mediterranean charters depending on the cruising waters. In Greece, VAT is currently applied at a reduced charter rate. In Croatia and other neighbouring countries, VAT rates vary. We confirm the applicable rate at the point of quoting.
Delivery Fees
If the yacht needs to be repositioned to or from its homeport for embarkation or disembarkation, delivery fees may apply. These cover the fuel and crew time required for the repositioning, not the charter itinerary itself. We always confirm any delivery fees in advance so there are no surprises.
Gratuities
Crew gratuities are customary at the end of a charter, in recognition of the service provided throughout the week. The MYBA guideline is between 5 and 15 percent of the charter fee, given directly to the captain at the close of the trip and distributed to the crew. The exact amount is at your discretion and should reflect the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few of the questions our charterers often ask us.
How far in advance should I book?
For high season (July and August), six to nine months in advance is recommended for the best yachts. Shoulder season often allows for booking three to six months out. Last-minute charters are sometimes possible, particularly outside peak weeks, and we are happy to explore availability whenever the timing works for you.
What is a typical charter length?
Most yachts require a minimum of six or seven nights, particularly in high season. Ten nights is ideal for properly exploring an island group, and two weeks unlocks the deeper, quieter places that shorter charters cannot reach.
Can children come on board?
Absolutely. Many of the yachts we represent are well suited to families, with stateroom configurations, water toys, and crew experienced with children of all ages. We will help match you with a yacht that fits your family’s specific needs.
Are pets allowed?
Pet policies vary by yacht and owner. Some welcome pets warmly, others do not. If you would like to travel with a pet on board, we will identify yachts where it is welcomed.
What happens if the weather changes the itinerary?
The captain always has the final say on safety and routing. Greek summers are reliably beautiful, but the Meltemi (the northerly summer wind) can occasionally shape an itinerary. The captain will adjust the route to ensure both safety and comfort, while keeping the experience as close to your wishes as possible.
How is the connectivity on board?
Modern yachts are equipped with satellite internet and reliable Wi-Fi across the vessel. While speeds and coverage can vary in remote anchorages, you can generally expect to be connected throughout the charter.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. Onboard chefs are experienced with a wide range of dietary needs, from allergies and intolerances to specific preferences (vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free, and others). All requirements are gathered through the preference sheet ahead of embarkation.
What about special occasions?
Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, and celebrations are often the heart of a charter. The crew is experienced in marking these moments with care, whether that means a private dinner ashore, a surprise cake at sea, or coordinating logistics for guests joining for a day. Let us know in advance and we will make sure it is honoured.
What is the difference between a crewed charter and a bareboat?
A crewed charter includes the captain, crew, and full service. A bareboat is the yacht alone, captained by you or someone in your party. Our work is entirely in the crewed charter space, where the experience is shaped by the people running the yacht.
Can i extend my charter once it has started?
Sometimes, depending on the yacht’s schedule after your charter. If you are enjoying the experience and want to add days, we will explore availability with the captain and owner directly.
BEGIN THE CONVERSATION
A charter begins with
a conversation.
Tell us what you are imagining, and we will shape
something around it.