Frequently asked questions:
Everything you need to know about your next yacht charter
1. What is the minimum length of charter and how are the rates calculated?
We provide yacht charters for 4 hours in length, 8 hours in length, and overnight rates. Charters commence from noon onwards on the first day and terminate by noon on the last day, unless otherwise specified. For example, a charter contracted to commence at noon on July 1st and terminate at noon on July 8th constitutes as a one week charter. Generally, high season rates apply to the most popular charter periods; July/August and Christmas/New Year are typically subject to these rates, as well as all US holidays. Low season rates apply to all other periods. Please note: Charter rates quoted on our website and in our Charter Catalogue are up-to-date but may be subject to change.
2. How many passengers are allowed on private charter yachts?
The number of passengers may never exceed 12 on a non-inspected passenger yacht. Also, some smaller yachts (less than 100 gross tons) must be contracted with a bareboat charter agreement as oposed to a standard crewed charter agreement in order to allow more than 6 passengers and up to 12.
3. Is sales tax applicable on the charter fee?
Yes. 7% sales tax is applicable in Miami-Dade County,FL; 6% sales tax applies in Broward County, FL; 4% sales tax in The Bahamas.
4. What is included in the charter rate?
Charter rates for day charters include idle speed fuel, a captain a first mate and sodas & water for the day and crew gratuity of 10% when specified. Port fees may apply if departure is different than yacht home port. In our charter search catalogue, prices are based on FYBA Terms (Florida Yacht Brokers Association), which imply that the yacht will be provided to the Charterer in full commission and with all necessary equipment, properly insured for marine risks and managed by a crew, whose wages, food and clothing are for the owner’s account. All other operating expenses are payable by the charterer and comprise (but are not restricted to) the following items: fuel and lubricating oils for the yacht. Yacht tenders and motorized water toys; local taxes; pilotage; port, harbor and marina dues; customs clearance; water and electricity; personal laundry; all provisions: wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks and consumables for the charterer’s party; telecommunication costs. Please note that, occasionally, a yacht may offer a variation on the terms described above. Our brokers will provide full details of any charter terms that vary from standard FYBA Terms when presenting the relevant yachts.
5. What do I need to do to secure my chosen yacht?
All charters are subject to a fully executed contract, so once the availability for your chosen yacht has been verified, you will receive a standard Charter Agreement for signature. If your chosen cruising itinerary necessitates embarking or disembarking from a point other than the yacht’s home port, positioning charges (delivery/redelivery fees) may be required. These charges, if applicable, will be confirmed in advance and affirmed in the Charter Agreement, together with any taxes that may apply.
6. What are the payment terms for a charter?
A deposit of 50% of the total charter fee is payable by bank transfer on signature of the Charter Agreement. This confirms your booking. The remaining 50%, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) if applicable, together with any taxes, delivery/redelivery fees and any additionally agreed charges, is payable by bank transfer one month before the charter commences.
7. What is APA and how is it calculated?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is due at the time of the final charter payment. Under FYBA Terms, this sum is usually equivalent to 25% of the total charter fee, but may be 30% in some cases. Intended to cover the operating expenses of a charter such as fuel, food, drinks, port fees, and ad hoc incidentals, these funds will be given to the captain before the start of your charter. He will ensure that your yacht is fully fueled and provisioned by the time you step on board. Whilst an up-to-date summary of accounts can be requested at any time during your charter, a full set of accounts will normally be submitted by your captain at the end of your cruise. If, during the charter, the expenditure exceeds the sum already paid, additional cash funds will be required prior to disembarkation. All outstanding bills should be settled in cash before final disembarkation. Any remaining credit at the end of your charter will be reimbursed to you in full. On request, transfer arrangements to and from the yacht can be made by Atlantic Yacht Charters or by your captain, payment for which will be deducted from your APA.
8. Can I specify the food and wine to be served aboard the yacht for a day charter or a term charter?
For a day charter, we encourage you (the charterer) to bring your own prepared food and alcoholic beverages as you board our vessels. Most of our day charter vessels do not own a liquor license, therfore our crew cannot sell or serve liquor. You may serve yourself liquor that you brought onboard. On a term charter, every detail counts and your input is vital to organizing a successful vacation. Several weeks before you board your yacht, we will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire describing your preferences and special needs of all the members of your party, including dietary or medical requirements, details of any allergies, and your sporting or entertainment requests. This will enable us and the crew of your chosen yacht to ensure that everything possible is done to make your charter a fabulous experience.
9. Can I smoke on board the yacht?
Smoking is not permitted inside most yachts. However, please consult us for verification, as this policy may vary on certain yachts. For safety reasons, smoking in cabins and staterooms is prohibited on all yachts but may be permitted in certain designated areas outside.
10. How much should I tip the crew?
Crew gratuities on day charters are discretionary, although it is customary for a charterer who has enjoyed the kind and attentive service of an obliging crew to extend a gratuity between 10%-30%. Crew gratuities are normally in the region of 10% of the charter fee on term charters, but can be adjusted up or down according to your level of satisfaction. The best way to ensure that all crew members receive equal recognition is to entrust the distribution of gratuities to the captain. In this way, inconspicuous crew members such as engineers and culinary staff, who make an important contribution to your safety and enjoyment, will not be overlooked.
11. What about charter cancellation insurance?
We strongly recommend that charterers take out Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance to protect their investment if unforeseen circumstances prevent or curtail their charter. Additionally, all members of the charter party should be covered by Personal Accident and Medical Insurance, and their personal effects should be insured against theft, loss or damage. Other forms of insurance, such as Charterer’s Liability may also be prudent. Our brokers will be pleased to assist with arranging any policy not covered by the basic Charter Agreement.
12. Am I permitted to use the yacht’s water sports toys and SCUBA equipment?
On certain yachts, such as Little Castle, the waverunner is captain operated only and may allow up to two more passengers to ride. In certain countries a Certificate of Competency is required to participate in watersports activities (jet skis, waverunners and other mechanically propelled watercraft). Please consider which members of your party will want to use the yacht’s motorized water toys. Certain areas prohibit the use of motorized water toys altogether. Use of personal watercraft is only permitted subject to the operator having the appropriate license and meeting with local operating regulations. Any liability arising from non-compliance is entirely at the operator’s risk. If the yacht has SCUBA equipment on board, it may only be used by certified divers holding a certified PADl license or equivalent and some yachts stipulate that diving is by rendez-vous with a recognized SCUBA instructor or school.
