10 Questions for your Charter Yacht Broker

By Kate Winick

Chartering a yacht can mean an amazing journey, but what questions should you ask your broker to guarantee smooth sailing?

1 What kind of yacht should I charter? Sailboats offer a quieter, more eco-friendly journey while a motor yacht allows more rapid travel—meaning more destinations. Interiors and amenities will also vary.

 

2 Where should we charter and what is the best time of year to cruise there? “Sometimes charterers think they should board in Miami to cruise in the Caribbean, not realizing the distance between these two areas,” says Debra Blackburn of international charter firm Fraser Yachts. Weather can vary greatly in the area you’d like to cruise. The best charter brokers can map out an itinerary with your captain that takes these factors into account.

 

3 When should we book? For peak season in July and August, start looking at least three months prior. For the Christmas to New Year’s period, early to midsummer is best.

 

4 What is the fee structure? Though some charter rates are all-inclusive, the standard is the charter fee plus expenses, meaning food, drinks, fuel, dockage, telephone and computer access, land excursions, airport transfers and other extras. A tip is expected. “We normally suggest between 10 and 15 percent of the fee,” says Blackburn.

 

5 What can I expect from the crew? On small boats, most crew members perform multiple roles. However, don’t expect them to babysit children or care for pets without prior agreement. If you have a particular need that you suspect will require extra work, speak up early.

Interaction with the crew is frequent, so ensure that yours is friendly, discreet and expert. “I always try to recommend yachts whose crew performance I know directly,” says Suzette McLaughlin of Camper & Nicholsons.

 

6 Can I count on you for help during the trip? If something goes wrong on board, you want to know that you can reach your broker. “I always call the yacht the day after guests board to make sure that everyone has settled in, and I recommend that a client contact me if something on board is not meeting their expectations,” says McLaughlin.

 

7 How can I customize my itinerary? The beauty of a charter is that, weather permitting, you can go where you want when you want. Whether you’d prefer to beat dock or anchor during the night—or traveling—and what you’d like to do when you arrive at your destinations are up to you

 

8 How do you handle security threats? “In most areas where yachts are chartered, there is very little concern over security and certainly no piracy threats,” says Blackburn. “Someone from the crew is on watch at all times and many yachts have alarms and cameras watching the exterior decks.” Guns are unwelcome in many charter areas, but some crews carry them nonetheless.

 

9 What insurance will I need? In addition to a charterer’s own umbrella or travel insurance, many brokers recommend trip cancellation insurance and sometimes charterers ’liability. But most yachts cover the charterer for most situations.

 

10 What if I have a health issue on board? All crew have some medical training, but most yachts don’t have a doctor aboard. Many yachts contract with a medical service that allows them access to a doctor 24/7.Some trip insurance covers medevac by helicopter; it’s an option worth considering.

 

For more information, contact Robert Shepherd, Edmiston & Company at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 212.792.5370;

Suzette McLaughlin, Camper& Nicholsons at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 561.655.2121;

or Debra Blackburn, Fraser Yachts at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or954.463.0600.