There is an old saying in my circle: “If it flies, floats, or… well, let’s just say ‘dates’, you are better off renting it.”
I have friends who bought 100-foot Azimuts. They spent $10 million on the hull, another $1 million a year on crew and docking, and they use it for maybe three weeks in August. That is a terrible return on capital.
The “Smart Money” doesn’t buy the boat. The Smart Money charters the boat.
Chartering allows you to change your view every morning, swap the Italian Riviera for the Exumas, and walk away the second something breaks. But if you have never booked a heavy charter before, you are going to get eaten alive by the brokers.
Here is the 72-hour protocol for booking a yacht in the Med without looking like a tourist.
Key Takeaways: The Charter Rules
- The “APA” Trap: The price you see online is not the price you pay. Factor in the 30% “Advance Provisioning Allowance.”
- Crew is King: A bad captain ruins a good boat. Always interview the captain before signing.
- The Route: Don’t try to do Amalfi and Sardinia in one week. You’ll spend the whole trip burning fuel (and money) at sea.
1. Understanding the Bill (The “Plus Plus”)
When you see a yacht listed for €50,000 per week, that is just the “Base Charter Fee.” That gets you the boat and the crew. It does not get you fuel, food, or dockage.
You will be asked for an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). This is usually 30% of the charter fee, paid upfront. This covers your fuel, your rib-eye steaks, and that vintage Dom Pérignon you requested.
The Pro Move: Ask the captain for a daily spending report. If you don’t spend it all, you get the cash back at the end. If you overspend… well, hopefully, your crypto portfolio is having a good week.
2. Picking the Right Vessel
Size matters, but layout matters more.
A 40-meter sailing yacht feels romantic, but it heels over (tilts) when moving. Unless your guests are sailors, they will be spilling their martinis.
For a “Gentleman’s Trip,” look for a Displacement Hull motor yacht. They are slow, stable, and wide. They sit in the water like a luxury hotel. Look for a boat with “Zero Speed Stabilizers” (fins that stop the boat from rocking while at anchor). Trust me, your stomach will thank you after the third night of tequila.
3. The Tipping Etiquette
This is where the nouveau riche embarrass themselves.
The crew works 18-hour days to make sure your glass is never empty. The standard tip in the Mediterranean is 10% to 15% of the Base Charter Fee.
Do not hand cash to individual stewardesses. Put the cash in an envelope and hand it to the Captain on the final day on the gangway. He distributes it. It is classy, discreet, and expected.
I’m Planning My July Route.
Writing this has me missing the salt air. I’m currently looking at charts for the Amalfi Coast for a July trip.
I’m trying to decide between Positano and Capri for the first night. Come look at the maps with me—I could use a second opinion on the itinerary.
[BUTTON: Plan the Trip with Elena Live] (Link to your Cam Landing Page)
FAQ: Yacht Charters
Do I need a license to charter? No. You are hiring a fully crewed vessel. The Captain drives; you drink. If you want to drive the jet skis, however, you might need a PWC license depending on local laws (especially in France).
Can I bring guests back to the boat? Technically, yes, it’s your boat for the week. But be respectful. The Captain has the final say on safety. If you bring back 20 people for an after-party at 3 AM, expect a hefty cleaning bill from your APA.
What happens if the weather is bad? The Captain is God. If he says the seas are too rough to leave port, you stay in port. This is why “dockage fees” can rack up. Use the downtime to explore the local town (or the local wine list).
