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Frequently asked questions

Have Questions About Chartering A Yacht?

We've got answers.

Whether you’re new to yacht charters or a seasoned sailor, we understand that you might have questions about the process, the experience, and everything in between. Here, we provide clear and concise answers to the most common questions we receive, helping you navigate the world of yacht charters with ease and confidence. Explore our FAQs to learn more about chartering a yacht and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with Regency Yacht Charters.

Types of Charter Yachts

Board your own, private charter and experience the spontaneous adventure offered by a catamaran. Enjoy a cat’s stability, easy access for getting in and out of the water and on many newer cats, a flybridge deck to lounge with a view.

New to the marketplace, power cats are growing popularity for the easy access to the water, ability to carry lots of water sports toys and affordability as well as the stability that the two hull design gives.

Monohull yachts offer traditional and sleek designs that perfect for traveling in style. Their deep keels are perfect for deep waters and create an unforgettably smooth sailing experience.

From high-speed and sporty yachts to traditional full-displacement yachts, from production yachts to the most unusual designs that creative minds can imagine, there are power yachts for every vacation style.

Whether you’re flying solo or planning a trip for your family and friends, chartering a megayacht or a super yacht can be one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy your success.

Types of Charter Contracts

In order to book a luxury mega yacht vacation, you must sign a contract with the owner of the yacht. Several standard contracts are regularly used within the crewed yacht charter industry. Our experts at Regency Yacht Charters are trained to navigate them all, including those that are used in the Americas, Europe and worldwide.

Yacht charter contracts can seem complicated, but they have been standardized within the luxury mega yacht and catamaran industry over several decades. Our experts at Regency Yacht Charters are members of the industry’s leading professional organizations and are well-versed in every type of yacht charter contract that is used worldwide. It is our job to represent you—and only you—which we will do with expertise and diligence, just as we have for countless other clients during our many years of booking crewed yacht charter vacations.

Many mega yacht charters are booked using a MYBA contract, which was designed by the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association. Other crewed yacht charters are booked with contracts created by the AYCA, which is the American Yacht Charter Association. Regency is a member of MYBA and Kathleen Mullen is a Past President and current Treasurer of AYCA and a member of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA). CYBA created a new contract in 2020. Others use what is called a bareboat demise contract.

These various luxury yacht charter contracts cover everything from the yacht’s weekly rate to water toys usage to the conduct that is expected of charter clients. Drug use, for instance, is strictly prohibited in ALL charter contracts and can result in the immediate end of a charter with no refund due to the client. Safety too, is covered in these contracts, which state that the captain will work to meet all your desires—but retains the right to make final decisions to ensure the safety of the yacht, crew and guests. You can expect to see clauses that outline the maximum number of people allowed onboard, what happens if there is a breakdown of the yacht’s equipment, and what insurance the owner must have in place.

Mechanics of Booking a Charter

The private yachts Regency books are individually owned and operated. These yachts receive bookings on a continual basis. Once you decide on your yacht, call us to check that the dates you wish to sail are free as there can be a last minute change in the schedule that has not been posted yet on the web site. We can reserve ANY yacht for you. Please ask us if you have heard of a yacht, but don’t see it on our site – we have a tremendous working knowledge of the yachts and their crews.

Once you know your dates are available, you are ready to reserve the yacht. A 50% deposit is required to reserve the yacht for the dates of your choice, less if you are booking more than a year in advance. Please keep in mind that a reservation cannot be confirmed until the 50% deposit has been received along with your signed booking agreement. Your deposit may be made by personal check, certified check, bank wire transfer, or your payments may be made by or charged (maximum value of $25,000) to your Visa, Master Card, or American Express card. Credit card payments require a signed authorization form.

There are 2 main types of charters: Inclusive Charters and Plus All Expenses Charters. They each operate differently so how you communicate to the crew is dependent on which type of charter you choose.

The majority of sailing yachts and some power yachts that base in the Caribbean are offered on an ‘inclusive’ basis. This means that the rates quoted cover yacht, crew, food and beverages (house brands) as well as water sports equipment found on the yacht. Outside of the US & British Virgin Islands, yachts will always charge for beverages as the costs can vary widely. Not included are airfare, transfers, off ship excursions, and extraordinary bar and wine requests. On any charter yacht it is customary to leave a 15% gratuity for the crew scaled up or down based on service. Your crew are on call for you 24/7 and do it with a smile!

Yachts operating in other locations often charge a base rate plus all expenses. You will be asked what food and liquor, flowers, etc. you wish and billed their cost. Generally the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (know as the APA) is estimated at 25-35% of the base rate of the charter fee. The APA is due with the final payment for the crew to prepare for your arrival. This is just like owning the yacht – you are charged the cost of all the ship’s running expenses such as dockage, fuel, water, ice, flowers, food, laundry, etc.

If you have to cancel your charter, the 50% deposit is non-refundable unless the yacht is re-booked for the same dates. If we are able to rebook the dates the deposit will be refunded less any applicable cancellation fees. If only a portion of your dates is rebooked you will be refunded on a prorated basis. Frequently, your entire charter fee is non-refundable if you cancel with 30 days of your charter. We recommend purchase of trip cancellation insurance for the value of your deposit and airfare. Many companies offer this coverage. You should look for coverage that covers you if you have to cancel due to death, illness, or injury of anyone in the group or an immediate family member without pre-existing conditions penalties (in case you already have a medical condition) and extends to weather such as hurricanes as well.

Common Questions

The private yachts Regency books are individually owned and operated. These yachts receive bookings on a continual basis. Once you decide on your yacht, call us to check that the dates you wish to sail are free as there can be a last minute change in the schedule that has not been posted yet on the web site. We can reserve ANY yacht for you. Please ask us if you have heard of a yacht, but don’t see it on our site – we have a tremendous working knowledge of the yachts and their crews.

  • Once you’ve chosen your desired yacht, contact us to verify availability for your preferred dates. Or, contact us to give you options based on your inquiry.
  • A 50% deposit is required to reserve the yacht, with exceptions for bookings made more than a year in advance.
  •  Reservations are confirmed only upon receipt of the deposit and a signed Charter Reservation and Charter Agreement.
  • Deposit payment methods include USD personal or certified checks drawn from a US bank, bank wire transfers, or credit card payments (up to $25,000) with a signed authorization form.
  • Most sailing yachts and some power yachts based in the Caribbean offer “inclusive” rates.
  • Inclusive rates cover the Yacht, Crew, food, beverages (house brands), and water sports equipment onboard.
  • Additional expenses such as airfare, transfers, off-Yacht excursions, food, and extraordinary bar and wine requests are not included.
  • Not included is the customary 15% to 20% gratuity for the Crew, based on service, is recommended.
  • Yachts operating in other locations may charge a base rate plus all expenses.
  • Guests will be billed for requested items such as food, liquor, flowers, etc., in addition to the base rate.
  • An Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA), typically 25-35% of the base rate, covers the ship’s running expenses like dockage, fuel, water, ice, beverages, food, and more.
  • The APA is paid with the final installment to allow the crew to prepare for the charter.
  • Many mega yacht charters use contracts such as the MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) contract or contracts created by the AYCA (American Yacht Charter Association).
  • Regency is a member of MYBA and AYCA, and our experts are well-versed in these contracts.
  • In the Caribbean, the CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association) Charter Agreement is the instrument used. Our Brokers are CYBA members.
  • Other contracts, such as bareboat demise contracts, may also be used in certain situations.
  • These contracts cover various aspects, including the yacht’s weekly rate, where to embark and disembark, the dates of the Charter, usage of water toys, and expected conduct of charter clients among other important Charter details.
  • They strictly prohibit drug use and prioritize safety, granting the Captain the authority to make final decisions for the safety of the yacht, crew, and guests.
  • Clauses typically outline maximum guest capacity, procedures for equipment breakdowns, and required insurance coverage.
  • During an inclusive charter, you’ll typically have two to four crew members: the Captain and the Chef/Host(ess) and possibly a First Mate and Hostess. Yachts over 80ft. have a larger Crew complement.
  • A Crew member may hold SCUBA instructor or Dive Master certification, offering the opportunity for SCUBA diving excursions during your trip. 
  • A Crew member may be a sailing or water sports instructor offering a new set of skills to acquire during your time on board.
  • After booking, communicate your preferences with the crew regarding meal times, dietary restrictions, and any specific requests or dislikes.
  • Ensure any allergies or dietary preferences are shared before the trip for appropriate menu planning.
  • Let them know if you are active or like to be leisurely during your vacations. Any interest in watersports that require special gear should be communicated.
  • Once on board, guests quickly adapt to the natural rhythm of the charter yacht.
  • Crew members become familiar with guest preferences, such as preferred coffee times or shore excursion schedules, and will anticipate your needs.
  • After your Charter, it’s customary to offer a gratuity to the crew based on service satisfaction.
  • Gratuity standards typically range from 5 percent to 10 percent in the Mediterranean and further West and 15 percent to 20 percent in the Caribbean, with higher percentages for exceptional service.
  • If leaving a cash gratuity, it’s appropriate to hand it directly to the captain at the end of the charter. If cash isn’t acceptable, be sure to know what other types of gratuity payments (i.e. Paypal) your Crew accepts before your Charter starts.
  • For itinerary changes, ask your Captain. For questions about Yacht amenity usage, speak to theChef/Stew or Head Stewardess or the Captain.
  • The Captain or First Mateis typically the first point of contact for tender and water-sports toy usage
  • It’s customary to offer a gratuity to the crew at the end of the charter based on service satisfaction.
  • Gratuity standards vary by region, with European standards typically lower (5-10%) and Caribbean standards higher (15-20%).
  • Cash gratuities should be handed directly to the captain, who ensures fair distribution among all crew members.

Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime?

Contact us today to book your dream yacht charter!
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