A crewed yacht charter proposal usually shows one large number, the weekly rate. The final cost is that number plus several others. Here is what each one is.
The charter fee
The base rate pays for the yacht and its crew for the agreed period. It does not usually include fuel, food, drink, berths or other running costs.
The APA
The Advance Provisioning Allowance is money paid in advance to the captain for running costs: fuel, food and drink, berthing fees and similar expenses. It is not a fee. The captain keeps accounts, and any unused balance is normally returned at the end of the charter; any shortfall is settled before you leave.
A common guide is roughly 20–40% of the charter fee, often lower for sailing yachts and higher for fast motor yachts that burn more fuel. Your proposal should state the figure.
VAT
VAT is charged on the charter fee and its rate depends on where the yacht sails and, in some countries, how long the charter lasts. As a rough guide, charters in France and Italy are generally charged at the standard national rate, while Greece applies different rates depending on the charter's length and nature. Rules change; the rate and its basis should be written into the contract.
The MYBA contract
Many week-long crewed charters in the Mediterranean use the MYBA charter agreement, a standard form produced by the industry association. It sets out the parties, the payment schedule, the APA, cancellation, what happens in bad weather and the yacht's cruising area. Read the cruising area and the cancellation terms with particular care.
Crew gratuity
A gratuity for the crew is customary and is not included in the charter fee. Amounts vary by region and service; many guests budget a percentage of the base rate.
Other lines to look for
- Delivery fees, if the yacht must travel to start your charter elsewhere.
- Special requests: rare wines, water toys, a particular chef.
- Event-week supplements and minimum durations in high season.
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. See French Riviera, Amalfi Coast and Mykonos.