Chartering a yacht is a luxury experience that can provide unforgettable moments with family and friends. But for the magic to happen, it’s absolutely crucial to choose your yacht carefully and make the right choices beforehand. So here are our 7 tips for a successful and memorable yacht charter
1. Let your desires guide you to the yacht of your dreams
What better way to relax and enjoy than on a yacht. But before you jump aboard, take the time to identify your needs to make sure you find the perfect yacht for your stay. Here are a few crucial points to consider:
- Passengers: how many will you be? As a general rule, a yacht is limited to a maximum of 12 persons (not including crew). Fortunately, some yachts are exceptions to this rule.
- Type of trip: business, couple, family, friends…
- Number of cabins: the choice is yours! Spacious cabins, various VIP cabins to divide costs, a master suite including an office and dressing room, twin cabins for younger guests, and shower rooms. . . The concept is to choose the yacht that best suits your requirements.
- Dates of stay: yes, that counts too!
- Port of embarkation and disembarkation: where do you want to start and end your trip?
- Airport transfer: if it’s more convenient for you.
Don’t stress about the crew: most yachts have a super-professional crew, with an employee/passenger ratio that’s far more advantageous than on large cruise ships or luxury hotels. Sometimes you may need a small extra team:
- If you’re on an intergenerational trip, make sure the crew is family-friendly. In the absence of any other solution, a nanny is able to take charge of the children and keep them entertained throughout the day.
- Nurses: you never know what might happen!
- Security service: for the more paranoid (or more important) among you.
- Fitness trainer: to keep in shape (especially after all those cocktails).
- Personal assistants: because we deserve the best.
- Therapist/masseur: a little massage on the cruise is a dream come true, isn’t it?
- Extra hostesses: to charm your guests.
- A chef: you’ll be amazed by his culinary creations, from aperitifs to social evenings and BBQs with friends.
And last but not least, think about the equipment that will make your cruise even more awesome. In addition to the classics, why not opt for an elevator, a swimming pool or Jacuzzi, water toys, a gym, a state-of-the-art multimedia system, a cinema room, a wellness area or even a helipad? Should you wish to invite guests aboard your yacht for an aperitif or a feast, please ensure that the common areas are large enough to accommodate all guests.
2. There’s a time for everything: finding the perfect moment to sail a yacht on the Côte d’Azur
There’s no doubt about it, no matter when you sail a yacht on the Côte d’Azur, it’s always exhilarating. But for the ultimate experience, set sail between April and October. The days are getting warmer, the sun is laughing heartily and the Mediterranean Sea is enveloping you in its sapphire-blue jewel case. If you’re dreaming of water sports and enchanting swims, look no further than summer. The good life awaits you, both on the beach and on the deck of your yacht. Don’t forget that the weather isn’t a wild card when it comes to cancelling – a straight flush means the pleasures of a yacht on the Côte d’Azur in sunny weather.
Finding the right moment also means booking early. Carpe diem, of course, but if you want to shape your maritime epic in your own image and reach for the moon in terms of organization, you have to think ahead. The earlier you book, the wider and more attractive the choice of yachts. And if you want the very best, such as a Michelin-starred chef to tantalize your guests’ taste buds, believe us, it’s best not to wait too long to get things up and running.
3. Carefully review your MYBA rental agreement or contract of carriage
Signing the lease can be a tricky business, so keep your eyes open and your pen ready. No doubt your charter manager will present you with a MYBA contract from the famous Worldwide Yachting Association (unless the boat requires a contract of carriage). This contract is packed with essential details:
- 4 major players: owner, charterer, owner’s representative and charter planner,
- A unique serial number to identify the heart of the contract,
- The name of the yacht that will host your escapades,
- Rental dates, those enchanted parentheses,
- Ports of embarkation and disembarkation, beginning and end of the adventure,
- The defined cruising area, your ephemeral playground,
- Detailed costing for peace of mind,
- Usually, the terms of payment call for 50% of the costs to be paid on conclusion of the contract, with the remaining 50% to be paid one month before departure.
Be sure to check that the price quoted includes VAT. In fact, some costs are not included when chartering a yacht, including :
- Fuel consumption, which usually accounts for 30 to 40% of additional costs (the transport contract offers tax-free fuel and a lower VAT rate),
- The pleasures of the table: food and drink,
- The crew’s tip, which varies according to your happiness on board, with a basic cost estimated at 10% of the charter price,
- The local tax is the icing on the cake,
- To avoid drifting, the costs associated with moving the vessel to the desired port must be taken into account.
- APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), a small advance on expenses,
- Finally, the balance of these expenses will be adjusted at the end of your exceptional cruise.
4. Take the time to refine your preference questionnaire
So you want your cruise to be unforgettable? It’s essential to provide your charter manager with detailed information. Once you’ve identified your desires, take the time to fill in the questionnaire that’s being handed to you. Chat with your fellow travelers to make sure there’s something for everyone.
You’ll see questions about your vacation style (sporty, relaxing, adventurous . . . ), your health, what you like (or don’t like) on your plate (allergies, specific diets . . . ). What if you have a special event planned on board or a favorite itinerary? Don’t forget to mention it!
But that’s not all: this questionnaire can even explore gourmet paths, offering you a choice of vintages (wines, Champagne) that tickle your taste buds. . .
Whatever the case may be, all these questions have a single credo: to make your experience sublime.
5. Suitcase: Travel light or pack your entire wardrobe?
So here we come to a divisive subject: how big will your suitcase be for this seafaring adventure? On the one hand, there are those who prefer lightness and comfort, letting their feet breathe with a barefoot protocol throughout the cruise. On the other hand, there are also those who think big and want to pack formal outfits, precious heels and the whole kit and caboodle to set the famous Côte d’Azur clubs alight.
Well, it’s up to you! To each his own. However, if you’re leaning more towards the XXL suitcase option, make sure you include the dressing room box in your list of needs. So that you don’t forget anything and enjoy your stay at sea to the full!
6. Let go and enjoy your fabulous yacht charter
Once all the practicalities have been taken care of, it’s time to relax and enjoy the sumptuous spectacle offered by your yacht. From the blazing sun at sunset over the Mediterranean, to the bustling beaches of Pampelonne, the wild coves of Port-Cros National Park, the enchanting snorkeling between the Lérins Islands and the breathtaking beauty of Corsica and Sardinia… Come on, now’s not the time to be picky: let yourself go, and live this unforgettable yacht charter experience to the full!
Then, if you suddenly feel like exploring a new route, well, no red alert: your captain, always attentive to your every need, will guide you along the waves for a magical sailing experience.
And if you’re wondering who you can count on to make your yacht charter the prologue to a dream voyage, look no further. You can trust the Excellence team! Browsing through our yacht catalog, you’re sure to find the rare gem you’re looking for. What’s more, we’re here to help you make the right choice. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any requests, and let us help you realize your tailor-made adventure on the Côte d’Azur and throughout the Mediterranean.
