There are 3 main types of yachts available for charter;

  • Crewed
  • Skippered
  • Bareboat

All three have different additional prices on top of the basic charter rate. At Hinde and Kitch we try to be as transparent with all costs up front before you book, to ensure there are no hidden costs further down the line.

For the below examples, we will assume all the charter fees are £10,000.

Close-up view of a relaxation area on the open teak deck on the stern of an expensive huge mega yacht at sunny day, stairs to water, wealth life, lounge chairs. High quality photo

Crewed yachts

Usually with crewed yachts there is are two main additional costs before confirming.

Additional Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) on top of the charter rate. Depending on the yacht this is 25-40% of the charter fee. This money is your total spending for all additional cost that might occur during your charter – marina fees, food, drinks, used fuel, crew tip, etc. Anything that you do not spend during your charter is returned to you at the end of the charter once all expenses have been settled.

VAT, depending on the country, this is an further 12-25% of the charter fee. This can be dependant on he country where the yacht embarks passengers and/or operates. However, if the charter includes time spent in international waters or outside the EU, some jurisdictions allow for a reduced VAT rate or partial exemption based on the proportion of the trip conducted outside their territorial waters.

Additional costs can be relocation fees of the yacht, if you require embarking/disembarking in unusual destinations, one way travel, if you start and finish in different marinas. On charter yachts a crew gratuity is dependent on the level of service you have received. Mediterranean, tips usually range from 5% to 10%, while in the Caribbean, 10% to 15% is more common.

For a £10,000 base rate crewed yacht, the booking fee would be;

  • Charter rate: £10,000
  • APA (40%): £4,000
  • VAT (12%): £1,200
  • Total = £15,200

Skippered yachts

The cost and qualifications of a skipper can vary depending on the country and the skipper’s experience level. Skipper fees typically range from €1,100 to €1,600 per week. In addition, you’ll need to provide them with meals and a dedicated cabin on board. Most skippers are happy to give you and your guests privacy in the evenings by heading ashore to dine and socialise with locals – provided you’re docked at a marina.

When chartering a yacht with a skipper, you are responsible for all food and drink on board. The yacht will be delivered with a full tank of fuel, and you are expected to return it full.

One advantage of skippered charters is that a security deposit is usually not required, as the skipper assumes responsibility for the yacht and any associated risks on your behalf.

For example, on a skippered charter with a base rate of £10,000, your estimated costs would be:

  • Charter rate: £10,000
  • Skipper fee: €1,600
  • Cleaning/transit fee: €500 (subject to supplier)
  • Total: approximately £12,100 + fuel, food, and drink
  • No security deposit required

Bareboat yachts

A bareboat is the cheapest option when chartering a yacht, however this puts all the logistics on to you and additional costs on to you. The main difference between the cost of a bareboat and a skippered yacht is the skipper fee and the security deposit required on bareboat yachts. This cost is frozen on your card and does not leave your account. Once the yacht has been returned in the same condition, it will be released.

  • Charter rate: £10,000
  • Cleaning/transit fee: €500 (depends on supplier)
  • Total; £10,500 + fuel, food and drink
  • Security deposit €2000 (depends on yacht)