Yacht charter


Yacht chartering is the practice of renting, or chartering, a sailboat or motor yacht and traveling to various coastal or island destinations.
There are three main kinds of charter: bareboat, skippered and crewed. Bareboat charters require the client to skipper the boat themselves, while skippered charters include both boat and a professional skipper. Crewed charters are staffed by a captain and professional crew that can include chefs, engineers, deckhands, and stewards. Most bareboat charter companies offer basic seamanship courses to prepare clients for handling a boat. These companies may also provide skippered charters, which include a skipper, but no additional crew.

Types

Several factors determine the cost of a yacht charter, including the size of the yacht, its age, the builder, the number of crew, the season, and the cruising region. Charter rates also vary depending on whether it is peak season or off-peak, and certain destinations may be more expensive due to popularity or exclusivity.
The worldwide range of charter prices is estimated to be from around US$1,000 to over US$20,000, depending on the level of luxury and services provided.
For large yachts and superyachts over approximately 150 feet in length, weekly base charter rates typically range from about US$300,000 to more than US$1,000,000, depending on size, amenities, and season.
Advertised weekly charter rates for yachts typically represent only a portion of the overall expenditure. In most cases, the listed price accounts for approximately 60% to 80% of the total cost. Additional charges commonly include the Advance Provisioning Allowance, applicable taxes and value-added tax, crew gratuities, and any delivery or relocation fees required to position the vessel.

Crewed charter

Crewed charter means that the yacht is rented with a full crew. Usually, the crew is based on a specific yacht. A captain, a chef, a deck's hand and a hostess are a typical crew. Image:Jacht motorowy.JPG|right|thumb|Motor yacht at Gdańsk Bay in Poland

Skippered charter

Skippered charter means that the yacht is rented with a professional skipper/captain who is responsible for the manoeuvring of the yacht. In several cases, the skipper is also aided by other crew members. Skippered charter usually is used for yachts which require a skipper/captain with documented special nautical skills and experience. However, skippered charters exist on all types of yachts.

Bareboat charter

A bareboat charter is a form of yacht hire in which the vessel is provided without crew. The charterer navigates and manages the boat, bearing legal and safety responsibility for the voyage. Bareboats commonly range up to about 55 ft; larger, more complex yachts typically require a professional crew.