FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR CREWED YACHT CHARTER – FAQ

WHY SHOULD I WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL BROKER?

An experienced yacht broker is far more than just an intermediary – he is your personal advisor, discreet confidant, and strong partner by your side. Acting independently of ownership interests, he serves solely your best interests, supervises the yacht managers, and ensures your wishes and requirements are fulfilled with the utmost care.

Thanks to his independence, your broker has access to a curated selection of the finest yachts worldwide – with no limitations. His recommendations are based on genuine expertise and an exceptional understanding of the market.

And if something unexpected happens during your journey? You won’t be alone. Executive Yachting is available for you at all times, coordinating discreetly with the owner and handling your concerns with dedication and efficiency – so you can relax and enjoy your experience.

WHO SETS THE CHARTER PRICE?

In professional crewed yacht charter, the price is set by the yacht owner, who is also a transparent contractual party.

Please note: In the Mediterranean, prices are highest during peak season (July and August). The shoulder seasons (May and October) offer more favorable rates—ideal during the October school holidays in Southern Europe.

ARE PRICES THE SAME FROM BROKERS?

Yes, the charter price is the same with all reputable providers, regardless of whether a broker assists you or not.

CONTRACTING PARTIES IN A CHARTER AGREEMENT

A standard charter contract usually involves four parties:

Yacht Owner
Client (Charterer)
Broker
Stakeholder

VAT ON YACHT CHARTERS

VAT varies by country and is applied to the charter fee. Sample rates in the Mediterranean as of 2025:

Greece: 5.2 % –13%
Croatia: 13 %
Italy: 22 %
Balearic Islands (Spain): 21 %
France: 20 %

Caribbean: In the Eastern Caribbean, VAT can often be avoided with correct licensing or route planning. Feel free to contact us about this.

Rest of the world: Please contact us.

CHARTER COST STRUCTURE

MYBA Contract (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association):
Clearly defines the following cost elements:

Charter Fee: Yacht rental including crew, insurance, and water toys
VAT: Country-specific value-added tax
APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance): A pre-paid fund for expenses like food, fuel, port fees, etc.
- Sailing and catamaran yachts: approx. 20 %
- Motor yachts: approx. 40 %
Delivery/Redelivery Fee: If you want an alternative start or end port

CYBA Contract (Caribbean):
All-inclusive approach. Typically includes:

Food
Drinks
Cocktails and wines

Special items like lobster, champagne, and premium wines are extra.

PAYMENT TERMS

MYBA Contract: A deposit amounting to 50% of the charter fee is payable immediately upon signature of the contract. The remaining 50% of the charter fee, together with all applicable additional expenses, is due no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of the yacht charter.

CYBA Contract: A deposit of 50% is payable immediately upon signature of the contract. The balance of 50% is due no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of the yacht charter.

WHEN IS THE BOOKING CONFIRMED?

MYBA Contract: Once all parties have signed the contract.

CYBA Contract: Only after payment is received and the yacht owner countersigns.

BOOKING FLIGHTS & HOTELS

Please only book flights and hotels once the yacht owner has signed the contract and your broker confirms the booking.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend all guests take out travel insurance. Consult a trusted insurance broker for advice.

GUEST PREFERENCES

After signing the contract, you’ll receive a preference sheet to specify your wishes regarding:

Privacy
Meals & drinks
Wines & spirits
Service preferences
Activities & itinerary suggestions

The crew will plan catering and onboard service accordingly. All expenses are transparently settled through the APA.

Important:

Full personal data of all passengers is required (for port authorities).
Some yacht owners set a minimum age for children. Please contact us.

WATERSPORTS & LICENSES

Water toys like jet skis are usually included. Please note: A valid license is required for motorized equipment. Alternatively, a licensed crew member or guide can be added.

EXTERNAL RESERVATIONS

The itinerary may change due to weather. Always coordinate external bookings (e.g., restaurants, moorings, spa, diving) with the captain. Cancellation fees are often high—sometimes the full amount.

LUGGAGE

Pack light, with soft bags. Hard-shell suitcases are difficult to stow unless you book a particularly large yacht.

SHOES ON BOARD

No street shoes are allowed onboard. Only special non-slip boat shoes with light soles are permitted. Think: “easy go, easy flow.”

ITINERARY PLANNING

You set the course within the bounds of weather, sea state, and anchoring conditions. Discuss daily plans flexibly with the captain. Your satisfaction is key for the crew as well (think: gratuity).

TIPPING

Mediterranean: Standard is 5–15% of the charter fee, approx. 10% recommended

Caribbean & USA: 15–20% is expected

REFUND OF APA

Unused APA funds are refunded transparently after the trip via the broker’s account, based on receipts. If the advance is insufficient, extra payments are required on-site.

REPEAT BOOKING DISCOUNT

Some yacht owners offer attractive discounts for repeat bookings. Contact us—we’ll advocate for your interests.

A crewed yacht charter is an exclusive investment – and a matter of trust. Who would you entrust it to?

Thomas Lauber, Founder and CEO of Executive Yachting, has been a member of the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA) since 2010 -the world’s largest association of yacht and charter brokers.

We stand for SWISS values, speak your language, and are available by phone daily until 10:00 PM.