Yacht Charter Broker – Should You Use One?

Charter Broker Services

Planning a vacation takes time and research. It is no different when planning a sailing holiday. If you don’t have the time or just don’t want to be bothered with the research, then allow a yacht charter broker to assist with the sailing details.

Just as a vacation planner or travel agent arranges the perfect vacation for your family, the charter broker does the same with your sailing vacation.

However, to choose the best yacht broker you should be aware of their qualifications and what you can expect from their services.

Just as any licensed broker, yacht brokers for charters are required to be a member of at least one or more yachting associations.

When reviewing yacht broker websites look for the:

Worldwide Yachting Association (MYBA)

Charter Broker Association (CYBA).

If chartering a yacht in Florida look for the logo:

FYBA or American Yacht Brokers

(AYBA) for registered yacht brokers.

Choosing members of these associations will ensure you are dealing with reputable, knowledgeable, and qualified yacht charter brokers who have gained admission by complying with the associations’ requirements to provide you with optimum service.

 

Having All Your Questions Answered

To be in compliance with the association charter brokers are required to attend seminars regarding the marine law, destinations, and contracts.

Having this expertise allows the vacationer to have questions answered and receive advice with up to date information.

A yacht broker for charters will guide you through the process of chartering a vessel, work through logistics with you and inspect the yacht and choose a crew to fit your needs and families’ personality.

 Contacting the Skipper by your Own or Use a Charter Broker?

But, you may ask, what is the difference if I use a broker or if I just contact the skipper on my own? Good question! A yacht broker provides unbiased, free information.

They are familiar with the yachts and yacht owners, and can quickly find a yacht for your vacation needs. Dealing with a yacht owner yourself, you are speaking with a person who has a financially vested interest in signing a contract you and may be less than truthful regarding the condition of the boat or crew.

With a charter broker, if there are any troubles regarding the vessel or crew, you have someone to complain to so corrections or a refund can be provided, just as with a travel agency.

If you find you are having a less than enjoyable sailing vacation you only have the skipper/yacht owner to deal with and unless it is stated in the contract, you may be out of the money you spent.

 

Get the Best of Your Charter Broker!

And speaking of money, the price you pay for a charter you personally book can be less or equal to the amount spent when chartering through a yacht broker.

So instead of doing the legwork researching destinations, yachts, and crew, choosing to charter through a knowledgeable yacht broker may be an advantageous choice for your sailing vacation.

After speaking with a yacht broker, all that will be required is to sign the contract and enjoy the trip to your exotic destination.

Did you use a yacht charter broker for your holidays? If so, you are welcome to share your experience in the comments below.