The Unwritten Rules of Yacht Chartering
While a yacht charter is your private holiday, there are customs and courtesies that enhance the experience for everyone — guests and crew alike. Understanding these unwritten rules ensures a harmonious charter and helps you get the very best from your crew.
Crew Gratuity
Tipping the crew is one of the most frequently asked-about aspects of chartering. Here is what you need to know:
Standard: 10–20% of the base charter fee, with 15–20% being typical for excellent service.
How to give it: Present the gratuity to the captain in cash (euros or dollars) at the end of the charter. The captain distributes it among the crew. Some charterers prefer to give individual tips to crew members who provided exceptional service — this is appreciated but not expected.
When to give less: If the service genuinely fell short of expectations, it is appropriate to adjust the gratuity accordingly and discuss any issues with your charter broker.
Dress Code
Yacht dress codes are generally relaxed during the day and slightly more polished in the evening:
Daytime: Swimwear, cover-ups, shorts, and casual resort wear. Sunscreen is essential — the crew will appreciate you applying it before sitting on upholstered furniture.
Evening: Smart casual is the norm for dinner on board. Think linen trousers, a nice shirt, a summer dress. No need for formal wear unless you are dining ashore at a high-end restaurant.
Shoes: This is the most important rule on any yacht — shoes off when boarding. The teak decks are maintained to perfection, and high heels, hard-soled shoes, and dark-soled shoes can cause damage. Most yachts provide deck shoes or slippers for guests.
Communication with Crew
Preferences sheet: Before your charter, you will receive a detailed preferences sheet asking about dietary requirements, allergies, favourite foods and drinks, activity interests, and any special occasions. Fill this out thoroughly — it is the crew's blueprint for creating your perfect experience.
Direct communication: Do not hesitate to communicate your wishes to the crew during the charter. If you would like breakfast earlier, prefer a different wine, or want to change the itinerary, simply ask. The crew is there to serve you, and they would rather know your preferences than guess.
Privacy: The crew is trained in discretion. They will be attentive when needed and invisible when you want privacy. If you prefer a particular level of service — more formal or more relaxed — communicate this early in the charter.
General Courtesies
Punctuality: If the captain has planned a departure time or a dinner reservation, try to be punctual. Tides, weather windows, and restaurant bookings all have timing implications.
Respect the yacht: Treat the yacht as you would a luxury hotel suite. Report any accidental damage immediately — it is always better to address issues promptly.
Noise: Be mindful of noise levels late at night, particularly in marinas where other yachts are berthed nearby.
Children: Brief children on yacht safety rules before boarding. The crew will help, but parents should ensure children understand the basics: no running on wet decks, always wear life jackets when on tenders, and stay away from the engine room.
