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Coast Charters Basics
This provides a guide to the most common considerations for chartering a luxury yacht. Please allow us the pleasure of assisting you with any questions you may have.
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This is the single most important consideration for the selection of the vessel that will fulfill the objectives of your charter. The following provides a guide to the basic costs and terms of our charters.
Charter Fees – They vary greatly and are largely based on the age of, and demand for, the yachts you’re considering. Basic hi-season charter fees start at $5,000/day ($30,000/week) for a 60' Sunseeker in California; $50,000 per week for a 100’ Mega Yacht in Europe; and can go as high as USD $700,000/week .
Expenses - Be sure to confirm if the pricing for the yacht you’re considering is an “Exclusive” plan or an “Inclusive” plan. “Exclusive” charters do not include expenses for food, beverage, fuel, anchorage, communications, etc. “Inclusive” charters do. Such expenses can add 15-30% to the basic charter fee based on the region, the itinerary, and the composition of your party.
Advance Provisioning Allowance - This will be requested upon reserving an Exclusive charter. This is the money used to buy food, beverages, etc. in preparation for the trip. The charter agency manages this, and a full accounting of all the costs is provided at the end of the trip.
Tips - Reflect your appreciation of the crew. This is up to you and is based on how well you enjoy your charter experience. The customary range (for the entire crew) is from 10 - 20% of the basic charter fee. They are usually given directly to the Captain at the end of the trip in cash rather than by check. When traveling abroad, cash is often held in escrow by the charter agency and distributed upon demand at the conclusion of the voyage.
Payment - Reservations require 50% of the basic fee due upon the signing of the contract, with the balance due before departure. - usually 30 to 45 days before the charter itself.
Refund & Re-Scheduling - The policies vary greatly. In most cases the dates can usually be rescheduled if done far enough in advance, but getting a full refund is unlikely. To wit, we suggest trip insurance, which covers medical emergencies.
We work hard to match your dream charter to a budget that you’re happy with.
Due to US and International regulations, most of our vessels can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests while underway. However, additional guests are allowed for dockside entertainment and receptions while moored. The number of guests, the party’s composition, and your desired activities guide our suggestion of the size and type of yacht to charter. More than 12 underway? Consider a slim list of yachts authorized for larger parties, a tandem charter, or have some of your guests trade places at selected ports.
Great yachts require great crew, and great crews can make the trip so much more enjoyable.
Some crews are great with large groups, some excel with large families. We know how they respond and how they connect with you. A big reason we spend a lot of time asking very specific questions is to learn your needs and personae so we can match them with the abilities and personalities of the right crew.
We take the time to know the yacht and their crew so that you and your guests will have the time of your lives.
You may already have a strong idea of where you want to go, but we can also be a good guide. Our knowledge of the waters and activities in each region allows us to simply explain situations that might affect your decision.
Catalina over Labor Day weekend? Scarcity of protected moorings makes nighttime rocking likely. Caribbean for Christmas week? The strong winds may preclude visits to many ports due to rough weather. Greece for the month of August? Consider September when the weather’s a bit nicer.
Weather – It can never be truly predicted, and we have yet to figure out a way to control it. Our suggestion is to plan your charter ahead of time so we can discuss what to expect for that time of year, and to also plan a contingency itinerary that allows for unsavory weather.
In the end, we try to make sure that your vision of the perfect charter is delivered, rain or shine!
Some parties want to just relax, visit a few coves, and have three good meals a day. Others want to visit every port they can, fish and dive, or make full use of the on-board water toys. Still others want to entertain in high-style. Your vision allows us to determine how the vessel needs to be outfitted, and what type of itinerary will accommodate your needs & desires.
Itineraries - always come with a caveat since they change often during the charter. In reality, most itineraries get tossed pretty early in the trip because the charter party discovers a place they want to stay, feels the pace is more ambitious than anticipated, or simply chooses to do something different. Thus, we work with you to suggest itineraries that can provide a great deal of flexibility.
Food & Entertainment - For many that's the fun part of the trip. Once you've signed your contract, we’ll put you in touch with the captain, chef and/or hospitality manager to determine a menu and style of service. The crew will want to know what special occasions you may be celebrating such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
In short, our charter experience is the entertainment that we sell. Let Coast Charters entertain you with an unforgettable luxury charter of your dreams. (800) 701-2366