Question 1

How much does a superyacht charter cost?

Accepted Answer

Superyacht charter rates vary significantly based on the yacht's size, age, season, and destination. As a general guide, motor yachts from 20–30 metres typically charter from €15,000–€50,000 per week, while yachts from 30–50 metres range from €50,000–€200,000 per week. Superyachts above 50 metres can command weekly rates of €200,000 to over €1,000,000. These rates cover the yacht and crew; additional costs include the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), which typically adds 25–35% to the base charter fee to cover fuel, food, drinks, marina fees, and other running expenses. Our charter team will provide a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your specific requirements.

Question 2

What is the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)?

Accepted Answer

The APA is an industry-standard payment made before your charter begins, typically 25–35% of the base charter fee. It covers all running expenses during your charter: fuel, food and beverages, marina and port fees, shore excursions, water sports equipment hire, and other incidental costs. The captain manages the APA on your behalf and provides a detailed accounting at the end of the charter. Any unused funds are returned to you; if additional expenses are incurred, they are settled at the end of the charter. The APA system, governed by the MYBA charter contract, ensures complete transparency in charter costs.

Question 3

What is included in the charter fee?

Accepted Answer

The base charter fee includes the yacht itself, the professional crew (captain, chef, stewardess/steward, engineers, and deckhands depending on yacht size), all on-board amenities and water toys, bed linens and towels, and basic insurance. The charter fee does not include the APA (fuel, food, drinks, marina fees), crew gratuity (industry standard is 10–20% of the charter fee), transfers to and from the yacht, or any special requests such as floral arrangements, entertainment, or additional equipment hire.

Question 4

How far in advance should I book a charter?

Accepted Answer

For the best selection of yachts and preferred dates, we recommend booking 6–12 months in advance, particularly for peak season charters (July–August in the Mediterranean, December–March in the Caribbean) and event-based charters (Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival). However, last-minute availability can sometimes offer excellent value, and our team monitors the market continuously to identify opportunities. For specific yachts or dates during major events, booking 12–18 months ahead is advisable.

Question 5

What charter contract do you use?

Accepted Answer

Bluebnc Yachting uses the MYBA Charter Agreement, the international gold standard for yacht charter contracts. As MYBA E-Contract subscribers, we use the latest digital version of this widely recognised contract, which provides comprehensive protection for both charterer and owner. The MYBA contract clearly defines the rights and obligations of all parties, payment terms, cancellation policies, and insurance requirements. Our charter team will guide you through every clause to ensure you are fully informed before signing.

Question 6

Is the charter insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All charters arranged through Bluebnc Yachting are fully insured to MYBA standards. Our insurance is provided by Lloyd's of London through Freeboard Maritime, covering comprehensive hull and machinery insurance, Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance, and charter liability coverage. We strongly recommend that charterers also take out personal travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, medical expenses, and personal belongings. Our team can advise on appropriate coverage.

Question 7

What destinations do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Bluebnc Yachting arranges yacht charters across the world's most desirable cruising grounds. Our primary destinations include the Western Mediterranean (Mallorca, Ibiza & Formentera, French Riviera & Monaco, Sardinia & Corsica, Amalfi Coast), Eastern Mediterranean (Greece, Croatia, Turkey), Caribbean (Bahamas, BVI, St. Barths, Grenadines), and emerging destinations including the Maldives, Thailand, Norway, and more. With access to the global Yachtfolio network, we can source yachts in virtually any charter destination worldwide.

Question 8

Can I bring children on a charter?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Family charters are one of our specialities, and many of our yachts are specifically equipped for families with children of all ages. Yachts can be fitted with child-safe railings, baby monitors, high chairs, and age-appropriate water toys. Our crews are experienced in catering to families, preparing child-friendly menus, and organising activities that keep younger guests entertained. We will help you select a yacht and itinerary that perfectly suits your family's needs and ages.

Question 9

What water toys are available?

Accepted Answer

Modern charter yachts carry an impressive array of water toys and equipment. Typical offerings include jet skis, Seabobs (underwater scooters), stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, water skis, wakeboards, inflatable slides and platforms, snorkelling and diving equipment, fishing gear, and powerful tenders for shore excursions. Larger superyachts may also carry e-foils, flyboards, sailing dinghies, and even submarines. Our team will match you with a yacht whose toy inventory suits your interests and activity level.

Question 10

How do I get to the yacht?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate all transfers to ensure a seamless arrival. Depending on your destination, this may include private car transfers from the airport to the marina, helicopter transfers directly to the yacht (available in many Mediterranean and Caribbean locations), or tender pickup from a convenient meeting point. Our team handles all logistics, providing detailed arrival instructions and coordinating with the yacht's crew to ensure everything is prepared for your arrival. We also offer private aviation services through Bluebnc Aviation for clients requiring bespoke air travel arrangements.

Question 11

What is the typical crew gratuity?

Accepted Answer

Crew gratuity is customary in the yacht charter industry and is a direct reflection of the service provided by the crew during your charter. The industry standard is 10–20% of the base charter fee, with 15–20% being typical for excellent service. Gratuity is presented to the captain at the end of the charter, who distributes it among the crew. While gratuity is discretionary, it is an important part of crew compensation and is greatly appreciated. Your charter agent can advise on appropriate amounts based on your specific charter.

Question 12

Can I customise the itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Every Bluebnc charter itinerary is fully bespoke. While we provide suggested itineraries based on our extensive local knowledge, the final route is always tailored to your preferences, interests, and the conditions on the day. Want to spend an extra day at a particular anchorage? Prefer to visit a specific restaurant or beach club? Interested in diving, fishing, or cultural excursions? Your captain and charter team will adjust the itinerary to suit. The beauty of a yacht charter is the freedom to change plans at a moment's notice.

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