Yacht Chartering Frequently Asked Questions, Tips and advice:

As an independent yacht chartering broker CharterWorld can tailor you to the best boat in the best location - all without charge. If the charter yacht exists, and it’s available, we'll organize it for you for the best price, anywhere in the world!  We rely on repeat customers and building relationships and achieve this by providing the best service we can.

How can I find and choose the right yacht charter for me?

Use the CharterWorld yacht charter search function to decide which type of yacht you desire and our location articles to decide where you would like to cruise. You can then request a booking, or contact us, to fine tune your selection and receive yacht chartering advice and any current special deals. Even if you cannot find the yacht charter you require on the online website database we will be able to organize it for you, if it exists and it’s available.

What is the cost of a crewed yacht charter?

The cost of your crewed yacht charter depends on a couple of different things. The larger the yacht and the more crew it uses, generally the more expensive it will be. Newer yachts are often dearer, although this is not always the case as sometimes an older yacht may have been constructed with the best materials and finest attention to detail. Motor or power yachts are usually more expensive than sail boats or yachts by length.

The length of time you charter your yacht, of course, also determines cost. Most yacht charter guests charter for one week or longer. Many yachts offer a discount if the yacht is chartered in week segments, although this is not always the case. We can organize a charter of most lengths. Amenities and activities are usually included in your price (see below). Use our yacht charter search to find the yacht you are seeking. That yacht will usually be priced per week. Contact us for any special requests or special prices as we often have access to prices better than those advertised.

What do I need to pack and bring for the yacht chartering vacation?

As with most holidays or vacations the general rule is: the least baggage you have the better. This truism is no different for yacht chartering vacations or holidays. To help you pack just imagine what it is that you are going to be doing while on your particular charter. Some of the time you may be swimming or sunbathing - other times you might be dinning in a great seafood restaurant. The type of charter and location dictates what is advisable to bring. We can give you advice on what to pack for specific charters.

Some items which are worth considering are: light summer clothing such as shorts, tops, skirts, sun hats or caps, sandals, trainers or sneakers or soft soled athletic shoes, bathing and swim suites and warmer clothing for night wear such as sweatshirt, sweater, windbreaker, jeans, light pants. You may want to go out dinning and socializing in the evening so some more "smart casual" and even formal clothing, such as long pants and collared shirts and maybe a jacket could be a good idea. If you are chartering an adventure yacht charter you will be informed about any specific items needed. Also if you are going to cooler climates remember warmer clothing and a rain-jacket etc.

Remember to bring any personal items such as passports and visas as well as medication or personal sport equipment. Softer luggage is ideal for fitting into cabin lockers and is generally more practical on a yacht.

What type of activities will there be to do on my yacht chartering vacation?

To name a few of the more common activities, there is scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, dinning, night clubbing, tramping, shopping, fishing, sailing - the list goes on depending on your charter location. Use our experience to fit the best type of yacht and location to your desired activities.

What type of amenities will be included?

Usually the amenities included are listed on the charter yacht details page. If you are uncertain as to what amenities a yacht features please contact us to find out. There are many different types of amenities on charter yachts, especially the larger yachts. Amenities can include gyms, scuba, water toys like kayaks and jet skis, and ski boats, and also helicopter and special satellite electronics and computers for business communications. What ever your need you can bet there is a yacht to satisfy you. Let us know and we'll find it.

What will my itinerary include and where can we sail?

This of course depends on the yacht charter in question. As a general rule your itinerary will be based on your interests and requests. The captain and crew will have in-depth knowledge about the area whether at sea or ashore. Your itinerary will be tailored largely to your wishes. If you need more information about your chosen charter location contact us and we will let you know what type of attractions that particular location features.

Can I choose which day of the week I begin and end my yacht charter?

Week-long charters usually begin on a Saturday and finish on the following Saturday. If you wish to charter a yacht on a certain day or require more than seven days or an unusual number of days we will do our best to organize this.

What type of food and drinks will be served onboard?

Talk to us and/or your captain regarding any food and drink preferences. Your menus will be created around your individual food preferences. Professional chefs will be able to prepare food for most appetites and tastes with prior warning of your requirements. With crewed charter yachts alcohol drinks are included. The larger the yacht the higher quality the bar and wine menu will be.

What will the weather be like for my chosen yacht charter?

CharterWorld provides yacht chartering location information such as general expected seasonal weather. If you still have questions or want a more detailed forecast please do not hesitate contacting us for advice.

Are there any dos and don'ts with yacht chartering?

As with any traveling it makes good sense to remember you are visitor in another country or culture. A smile or pleasant greeting with get great results in most areas. Try to avoid being too casually dressed when in town or away from the beach.

You must have a valid passport and the requisite visas and charter agreement forms before leaving on your charter. It is a good idea to carry your important personal documents on you when you leave the charter yacht. Ask the captain and crew advice about what is best.

What if I want to cancel my charter?

The following charges will normally apply from the date we receive your notification:

• More than 70 days before departure - insurance premium and deposit

• Between 40 days and 70 days - insurance premium and 60% of the holiday price

• Between 15 days 39 days - insurance premium and 85% of the holiday price

• Less than 15 days - insurance premium and 100% of the holiday price

If you wish to make changes to the booking after confirmation, we will do all we can to make the necessary arrangements, but we may have to make additional charges.

How are the costs and expenses calculated?

There are two types of rates for crewed yacht charters: either "all-inclusive" or "plus expenses".

All-inclusive generally means everything that is reasonable to include in the base charter rate is included in that rate. As such the yacht, captain, crew, meals, drinks, and use or recreational equipment and amenities will be part of the price. Note that some extras may not be included, such as scuba diving or other special requests for beverages and the like.

‘Plus expenses’ refers to a charter rate which does not include things such as beverages, fuel, communications etc. The captain can keep you up to date with the account throughout the charter and provide you with a final balance at the end. These expenses usually amount to between 25% and 35% of the base charter rate.

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept payment by bank transfer or cheque. We can accept credit cards but these incur 3% to 4% cost.