The APA Explained: Your Complete Guide
The Advance Provisioning Allowance, universally known as the APA, is one of the most frequently asked-about aspects of yacht chartering. Understanding how it works is essential to planning your charter budget accurately and ensuring there are no surprises.
What Is the APA?
The APA is a cash advance paid to the captain before your charter begins, typically 25–35% of the base charter fee. It serves as a working fund to cover all the variable expenses that arise during your charter. Think of it as your on-board expense account, managed by the captain on your behalf with complete transparency.
What Does the APA Cover?
Fuel: The single largest APA expense, particularly on motor yachts. A 40-metre motor yacht cruising at 12 knots might consume 200–400 litres of diesel per hour. A week's cruising can easily cost €10,000–€30,000 in fuel alone, depending on distances covered and cruising speed.
Food and Beverages: Your charter chef will provision the yacht with the finest ingredients, tailored to your preferences. This includes all meals, snacks, soft drinks, wines, spirits, and cocktails. Expect to spend €150–€500 per person per day on food and beverages, depending on your preferences. Fine wines and vintage champagnes will increase this significantly.
Marina and Port Fees: Berthing in popular marinas during peak season can be surprisingly expensive. A 40-metre yacht in Porto Cervo or Saint-Tropez during August might pay €2,000–€5,000 per night. Anchoring is free in most locations, and experienced captains will balance marina visits with anchorage stops to manage costs.
Shore Excursions and Activities: Restaurant reservations, beach club entry fees, museum visits, guided tours, water sports equipment hire (if not included on the yacht), and any other activities arranged during the charter.
Communications: Satellite phone calls, internet data usage (if not included in the charter fee), and other communication costs.
Laundry and Cleaning: Any shore-side laundry services required during the charter.
How Is the APA Managed?
The captain maintains a detailed log of all APA expenditures throughout the charter. At the end of the charter, you will receive a complete accounting with receipts. If the APA has not been fully spent, the balance is returned to you. If expenses have exceeded the APA, you will be asked to settle the difference.
This system, governed by the MYBA charter contract, ensures complete transparency. You always know exactly where your money has been spent.
Tips for Managing Your APA
1. Discuss preferences upfront: Tell the captain and chef your food and drink preferences, including any special dietary requirements or favourite wines. This helps them provision efficiently.
2. Balance marinas and anchorages: Some of the most beautiful spots are free anchorages. Your captain can suggest itineraries that mix marina nights with anchorage stops.
3. Be clear about activities: If you want to dine ashore every night or hire additional water sports equipment, let the captain know so the APA can be managed accordingly.
4. Ask for updates: Most captains will provide a mid-charter APA update so you can adjust spending for the remainder.
Typical APA Breakdown
For a one-week Mediterranean charter on a 35-metre motor yacht with 8 guests:
| Category | Estimated Cost | % of APA |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | €8,000–€15,000 | 35–40% |
| Food & Beverages | €6,000–€12,000 | 25–35% |
| Marina Fees | €3,000–€8,000 | 15–20% |
| Shore Excursions | €1,000–€3,000 | 5–10% |
| Miscellaneous | €500–€2,000 | 5% |
These are indicative figures — actual costs vary significantly based on destination, season, itinerary, and personal preferences.
