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The Insiders Guide To Charter

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The Insiders Guide To Charter

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To all future charter guests,

For many, the idea of chartering a luxury private yacht for a holiday or weekend break is something so immersed in mystery it throws up more questions than it answers. However, chartering is the ultimate chance to escape the crowds and share quality time with those you care for in parts of the world few on land even know exist.

Chartering offers up an exclusive world we want you to be able to enjoy. That is why Yachting Partners International (YPI), has created ‘The Insiders Guide To Charter’ – everything you need to know about chartering, from how to choose your yacht to where in the world to go.

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It is my pleasure to share some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from first-time charter guests. Read the Charter F.A.Q (below)

And of course we are available to answer any of your questions on any aspect of charter at any time so please don't hesitate to get in touch.

I look forward to welcoming you on board one of our private yachts one day soon and to helping you enjoy your first foray into a world I know you will never forget.

Happy yachting!

Annemarie Gathercole
Senior Charter Broker

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHARTERING A YACHT AND GOING ON A CRUISE?

A: No matter how luxurious, holidays on a cruise ship involve you sharing a ship and every aspect of life on board with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of strangers. There are numerous restrictions on where you can go, what you can do and when. With private yacht charters the only people on board the yacht are you, your invited guests and the yacht's dedicated crew who are there to serve you throughout your stay. Where the yacht sails and stops, what you eat (and when!) and how you spend your days is entirely up to you.

Note:
When at sea, most private yachts can cruise with a maximum of 12 guests on board in accordance with International Maritime Regulations. However, there are a few exceptions – please ask us for details.

Click here to see examples of yachts now available for charter
 

Q: WHERE ARE THE CHARTER YACHTS?

A: Charter yachts are privately-owned luxury vessels, let out for charter by their owners. As such, they are available for guests in some of the most exclusive and sought-after destinations around the world - places like the Caribbean, the French and Italian Rivieras, the Dalmatian Coast, the Greek Islands, and many other stunning cruising areas. When you charter a private yacht in any of these locations, your captain and crew will take you to places that cruise ships and holiday rentals can’t and don’t ever get to. You’ll have the chance to explore the oceans and the bays, the towns and the islands, the nature and the culture few ever have the opportunity of enjoying.

Click here to see popular Charter destinations


Q: DO I NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT YACHTS?

A: No. All charter yachts come with the owner’s own experienced Captain, crew and chefs who will not only introduce you to all the facilities on board (ranging from Jacuzzis to gymnasiums, saunas to water sports equipment, sundecks to state-of-the-art entertainment systems) but they will also prepare personalised 5-star menus in accordance with your tastes and preferences, they will stock up on your preferred wines and beverages and share their own inside knowledge of the places and locations they know you will want to visit. All you have to do is tell your YPI Charter broker what type of holiday you want and they will prepare a selection of yachts and destinations to perfectly match your requirements.

Click here for a recommended charter itinerary in Corsica and Sardinia


Q: HOW LONG CAN THE CHARTER LAST?

A: Private yachts can be chartered for anything from a few days to a few months – it just depends on availability. The further ahead of time you book your yacht the more likely you are to get the availability you want.


Q: CAN WE BRING CHILDREN? ARE PETS ALLOWED ON BOARD?

A: Whilst some yachts specify that a professional carer will need to be employed by guests, most yachts do welcome children and many have plenty of activities for all ages. Your YPI Charter broker can recommend those yachts best suited to your needs.

For health and safety reasons pets are generally not allowed on private yachts but do ask your YPI Charter broker about yachts that may make exceptions.

Click here for a Bahamas itinerary suitable for families and children


Q: IT ALL SOUNDS VERY BESPOKE. IS IT ALSO VERY EXPENSIVE?

A: A holiday spent on board a private yacht with your very own crew and in the company of those you care for is one of the most rewarding, liberating and discreet  holiday experiences you will ever have. The yachts themselves are some of the world’s finest marine vessels, worth many millions of dollars and fitted only with the most stylish and comfortable furnishings imaginable. Charter rates range from US$ 50,000 to US$ 1,000,000 per week depending on the type and size of the yacht you want. Your YPI Charter broker can guide you on all yachts available that correspond to your own specific needs and requirements.


Q: WHAT WILL MY YPI CHARTER BROKER DO FOR ME?

A: Charter Brokers perform a similar role to that of your specialized travel agent when it comes to luxury private yacht charter. YPI Charter brokers are familiar with all private yachts made available for charter, wherever they are in the world. They can therefore advise on those yachts that best match your needs. Experts at choosing destinations for all types of holiday, YPI Charter brokers can also create exclusive itineraries with you to ensure you get to see and experience all the history, culture and nature that abounds wherever you decide to go.

Based on the type of holiday you would prefer, your broker will put together a selection of yachts to suit your requirements. Once you have chosen the yacht you prefer and decided where and when you want to go, they will draw up the paperwork to secure the booking for you.

Q: HOW DO I BOOK?

As a member of MYBA, the worldwide yachting association that defines and maintains yachting industry standards worldwide, YPI Charter uses the industry’s standard contract which clearly shows and explains details of all aspects of your booking.

Once the booking is confirmed, your broker will advise the crew on board your chosen yacht as to any special requirements you may have with regards to diet, childcare, decor or even interpreter needs. They will also help you organise the best way to reach your yacht.

Thereafter it is just a question of having the time of your life.

And if, for any reason, you find something missing once you are on board, the Captain and your Broker work together to ensure that your expectations are not just met but exceeded.

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Here are just some of the comments YPI Charter clients have emailed or sent to YPI Charter brokers after their first ever charters…


“Whilst it is still fresh in my mind after recently disembarking from Seven Sins, I thought you might appreciate some feedback. The vessel and crew were exceptional and the trip definitely lived up to our expectations. The family had a wonderful holiday and were left with many happy memories.”
M/Y SEVEN SINS, July 2010, Croatia. Family from Australia


“I just want to pass on that Tim and the crew of Valquest have been absolutely superb! They are such an accommodating “can do” crew. Despite the last minute nature of the booking and constant change of plans…Tim made it seem effortless when I know it was not! I am so glad to have had the opportunity to book Valquest and look forward to doing it again.”
M/Y VALQUEST, Guest representative, 2010

"The week on Charisma was fabulous for all eleven of us. Not exactly sure what we will do when we pass 12 people(!) but we'll figure it out when that time hopefully comes. Many thanks for your help and guidance in preparation."
M/Y CHARISMA, US/New York clients. Summer 2008

For more information contact us on +377 99 99 98 60 or charter@ypigroup.com

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