How to Book a Boat? – A Step by Step Guide!

What to Take Into Consideration?

Deciding on a destination for your sailing vacation is just the beginning. There are other factors that will need your attention. For instance,

• what type of charter yacht would you like to sail on?
• How big of a vessel will you need to accommodate your family or guests?
• What types of activities would you like to do once you arrive at your destination?
• What documents or requirements do you need?
• And whether or not you would benefit from a yacht charter broker?

It is important to have the answers to these questions and to know how to book a boat for your sailing vacation. 

Before Choosing a Yacht

Before you choose the boat to sail you to the exotic destination you need to narrow down where you would like to travel. The Leeward Islands are a good choice since they are composed of islands with British, Dutch, and French cultures.

Individual nations also are included in the Leeward Islands contributing to a variety of beaches, history, and food. Having a destination in mind when charting a boat aids in the process of chartering a boat and the type of boat you choose.

Yacht Charter Type

There are several types of chartered yachts available to take you to your sailing destination. Sailboats, catamarans, motorboats, and luxury yachts are all available for charter.

However, how does one decide which to choose? It depends on the type of sailing experience you desire.

If you would enjoy a vacation with viewing the sails flowing in the wind, then a sailboat or catamaran is your vessel of choice.

If you would prefer the thrill of speeding across the water with all of the conveniences of home and someone to wait on you, a motor or luxury yacht would be a good option.

When deciding on a water vessel, take into account the number of guests or family members sailing with you.

Determine if each person will have their own room or if two persons will be bunking together. This information will also help determine the size of the yacht you need to charter.

Charter Broker Services?

To simplify your vacation, use the services of a knowledgeable charter yacht broker. If you dread reading contracts in detail and negotiating with yacht owners, a broker is available to take care of the necessary planning for you.

They are the liaison when dealing with the charter captain, crew, and caterers who will take supply your yacht.

They will assist in creating your itinerary, inspect the yacht, and ensure you have the correct amount of beds to accommodate everyone.

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Charter Agreement

Once you have agreed to the type of chartered boat, destination, dates of use, and cost, the charter broker will compile all of the information into a charter agreement.

Brokers use a universal charter agreement provided by the Worldwide Yachting Association or MYBA. If you do decide to travel to the Caribbean, then the agreement for Caribbean Terms may be used, which varies slightly.

The Payment & APA

After signing the agreement half of the cost of the chartered yacht is generally requested as payment. However, this can be discussed with the broker before signing.

An additional fee, the Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA is included in the charter agreement and includes covering costs of food, fuel, any special equipment requested, and if you desire to have a permanent berth in port.

The charge for the APA is approximately 30% of the cost of your charter. Do be aware mooring and berth fees can vary with the season and according to destination ports.

Finally, the residual amount owed on the yacht charter should be paid at least 30 days before the date of your departure.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I will be more than pleased to answer you as soon as possible.