Crewed charter: what is and is not included in the price

When you compare two charter quotes, the price alone says little. What counts is what is inside it. In general the charter price covers the boat and the crew, while fuel, moorings, food and drinks are generally extra. Let us look at the items one by one.

What is almost always included

• The boat, ready, clean and with its safety equipment.
• The crew: captain or skipper and, depending on the boat, deckhand, stewardess, chef.
• The boat’s insurance.
• Linen: sheets and towels, changed during the week on larger boats.
• On-board equipment listed in the boat’s details: tender, water toys, snorkelling gear, where provided.

What is usually paid separately

• Fuel for the boat, the generator and the tender. It depends on how much you sail: a week at anchor costs much less than a week of long passages.
• Harbour moorings and paid mooring fields.
• Provisions: food and drinks, chosen by you before departure.
• Final cleaning and, on smaller boats, the basic galley kit.
• Local taxes and fees, where applicable, such as access to some marine protected areas.
• The crew tip, optional, at your discretion.

The on-board expenses fund: what the APA is

On larger boats, especially with a MYBA contract, variable expenses are covered by a fund paid in advance together with the balance. It is called the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) and is usually between 25% and 40% of the charter fee, depending on the boat and the itinerary.

The captain uses the APA for fuel, harbours, provisions and anything you request during the week. They keep accounts with receipts, which you can ask to see whenever you like. At the end of the charter any unspent amount is refunded; if you have spent more, the difference is settled.

Private chef: included or not?

It depends on the boat. On superyachts the chef is part of the crew. On catamarans and sailing yachts there is often a stewardess who prepares simple meals, while a chef is added as a service. If food matters to you, our private chef service can be added to almost any boat, including your own.

Extras you can add

Airport transfers, helicopter or private jet, dinners ashore, sports equipment, a photographer, a special evening. Everything is added to the same proposal, with one contract and one point of contact.

How to read a quote, item by item

A good charter quote always states five things: the boat’s name and the dates, the charter fee, what it covers, what remains extra and how it is paid. If any of these is missing, ask for it. Two proposals at the same price can be worth very different amounts: one with chef and fuel included, the other with everything extra.

Pay attention to what is on board too: air conditioning, generator, a tender with an adequate engine, water toys. These are details that change the holiday, and they are not always a given.

Fuel: how much it really counts

It is the most variable item. A sailing yacht or catamaran uses little, because you also sail under canvas and the engines run for only a few hours a day. A motor yacht uses much more, especially at cruising speeds. To keep the cost under control, the captain can propose an itinerary with short passages and more time at anchor.

Frequently asked questions

Is the crew tip compulsory?

No. It is a thank-you at the end of the charter, given to the captain who shares it with the crew. In the Mediterranean it is customary, but you decide the amount.

Can I bring my own wine or products on board?

Usually yes, but it is best to say so beforehand: some boats have rules on service. If there is a chef, everything is agreed in the menu.

Is the APA also paid on small boats?

Generally not. On smaller boats expenses are paid during the week or agreed as a flat rate. The APA is typical of larger yachts and MYBA contracts.