What is Included

All the yachts that we offer for charter are staffed by professional yachtsmen and women: captains, cooks, stewardesses and deckhands. The number of crew per yacht varies from 2/3 up to 24 depending on the size of the yacht. The crew is always of the very best standing, professional and well educated with all necessary qualifications. We take the time to meet with the crews and visit the yachts so that we can recommend their services. The number of crew will vary but is always right for the size and type of yacht, as well as for the number of guests. As the rules governing charter have changed enormously over the past couple of years, you will find that your crew will all have medical, basic-firefighting and many other necessary skills to assure your safety. Yachts are usually equipped with a range of watersports equipment, music systems and TV's/videos. If certain equipment is important for you, check the individual yacht brochures for details. Your broker and/or the crew, will be able to organise extra equipment on board if it is feasible (this will be at your expense).

Motor yachts worldwide and sailing yachts in the Western Mediterranean are chartered under MYBA terms: ie: your charter fee covers the yacht, the crew, the crew's food and insurance. You will have to pay for all expenses over and above that : ie: food, fuel, harbour costs, bar, communications costs and crew gratuities should you wish to leave one. Most sailing yachts when in the Caribbean are chartered under 'Caribbean terms': ie: the charter fee includes hire of the yacht and crew, insurance of the yacht, 3 meals per day and fuel for 4 hours cruising per day; but excludes drinks, satcom / telephone calls and crew gratuities.  Sailing yachts in Turkey usually charter under Eastern Mediterranean terms, which includes breakfast, lunch and fuel for 4 hours cruising are included but dinner, bar, harbour costs and crew gratuity are all extra.

Whichever arrangements are used on your charter, you must settle your account for additional expenses with your captain in cash or travel cheques before leaving at the end of your charter. Your bill will be completely itemised for you and the captain will be pleased to give you an extract of account at any stage during your cruise.

What to Bring

Take soft travel bags rather than rigid suitcases (easier to stow!). Although there will be storage and hanging space, this will be limited so don't bring an excessive amount of luggage. This is unless, of course, you are chartering that 50 or 60 metre yacht, when you can take any amount of clothing that you like - try and remember to keep the stilletos off the teak decks and save some room for all those extra clothes that you will probably buy in Cannes, Monaco, St Tropez and Italy. Sun protection - hats, high protection factor suncream and T-shirts to cover up, the boat will usually have a good supply, but if you have preferred products, it is always better to take your own. Shoes that are easy to slip on and off with a ships deck friendly sole (rubber - not black). A selection of your favourite music even if most Yachts have a good selection. Please note that towels and linen are provided, even on bareboats usually.

Gratuities

You can leave a gratuity for the captain and crew entirely at your own discretion. A gratuity between 5% and 10% of the charter fee is appropriate if the crew give excellent service. However, you are under no obligation to leave a gratuity and the captain and crew will not attempt to solicit a gratuity from you.