When to book a charter for summer 2027

The short answer: for a crewed charter in July or August it is best to move between October and March. For June and September there is more leeway, but the most sought-after boats are still booked a few months in advance. Below we explain why, and how to plan.

Why summer is booked in winter

Crewed boats are not unlimited. In each area there are only a few vessels of a given type: an 8-guest catamaran with chef in the Aeolian Islands, a 20-metre motor yacht on the Emerald Coast, a sailing yacht with all en-suite cabins on the Amalfi Coast. When an August week is sold, that is it for that boat.

Those who book early get to choose: the boat, the crew, the port of departure, the exact dates. Those who book late make do with what is left. Often a good boat remains, but in another port or with a different departure day from the one they wanted.

The calendar, month by month

• October–December. Owners open the dates for the following season. It is the best time for July and August, especially if you want a specific boat or a week spanning Ferragosto (15 August).
• January–March. Still a good choice in almost every area. For August, the most sought-after vessels start to disappear.
• April–May. For June and September there is still plenty available. For July and August you work with what is still free.
• June onwards. There are opportunities, especially for near-term departures, but you need flexibility on boat, port and dates.

June and September: the months we recommend

Warm water, less crowded bays, quieter harbours and better value for money. In many destinations, from the Emerald Coast to the Cyclades, September is the most beautiful month of the year to be on a boat. If your dates are flexible, it is the smartest choice.

What to prepare before asking for a quote

A little information is enough to receive a concrete proposal:

1. the dates, or at least the week and the duration;
2. how many people, and how many sleep on board;
3. the area you are interested in, even just roughly;
4. the type of boat you prefer, if you have one in mind;
5. the services you want on board, such as a chef or stewardess;
6. an indicative budget, if you like: it helps us propose the right boats straight away.

Does booking early also pay off on price?

Often, yes. Many owners offer better terms to those who confirm well in advance, and in any case booking early means choosing among more boats, so it is easier to find the right balance of space, crew and cost. The proposal always shows what is and is not included, so you can compare different boats on the same basis.

And if the dates change later?

Date-change and cancellation terms are written in the contract, and you receive them before paying the deposit. If you think your dates might change, say so straight away: we will point you to the boats with the most flexible terms.

The hardest weeks to find

Some dates sell out before all the others. The Ferragosto week (mid-August), anywhere in the Mediterranean. The weeks spanning July and August, when almost everyone goes away. The June bank holidays, such as 2 June. And the weeks of major events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix or the classic yacht regattas. If your dates fall here, book even earlier.

The same goes for some boats: large catamarans with identical cabins, very popular with groups of friends, and yachts with chef and stewardess under 25 metres, which combine service and an accessible price.

Flexibility: what saves you money

• The departure day. Many boats depart on Saturdays. If you can leave on a Sunday or a Wednesday, more options open up.
• The port. A boat in a nearby port, an hour’s transfer away, may be free when the one in the main port is not.
• The duration. Sometimes a boat has a gap of five or six days between two full weeks: perfect for those who do not need seven nights.

Frequently asked questions

Can I book without already having exact dates?

You can start from a period, for example the second half of June, and choose the dates among those available. To secure the boat, however, fixed dates written in the contract are needed.

Is it worth waiting for last-minute offers?

For June and September sometimes, if you are flexible on boat and port. For July and August almost never: the best boats are already booked and few alternatives remain.

How long does it take to receive a proposal?

We usually reply the same day. For a proposal with verified boats and availability, one or two days are needed.