This season there is an incredible range of beautifully designed and built luxury sailing yachts now available for charter vacations around the world, and particularly in the superyacht hot spot the Mediterranean. A list of smaller Mediterranean sailing yachts can be viewed here and you can browse the largest super sailing yachts here. The Mediterranean is hands down the most chartered area. Within the Med', destinations like the French and Italian Rivieras, Sardinia, The Balearic Islands in Spain, Croatia and Greece continually remain at the top of the list for those favoured by luxury yacht owners and vacationers alike. .
For one reason or another certain yachts are more popular this year. Taste varies but generally if the yacht is new, stylish, has a proven crew, and offers good value then it be coveted and booked out early in the season. Charter brokers recommendations also increase a charter yacht's popularity as these are based on past performance and feedback. Also brokers often visit the yacht, meet the crew and judge it's condition before offering their advice. Charter yacht popularity is constantly evolving, but here is a selection of yachts we have found to be .
Sometimes luxury yachts offer discounted prices in the Mediterranean when, for instance, they have availability in shoulder season or they have a last minute cancellation. Most specials are not advertised because the client ends up getting the discounted rate after successful negotiation by their charter broker. Nevertheless, have a look at the Mediterranean boats on special in just in case there is a boat which looks just right for you and you family and friends. As the largest and most popular yacht holiday destination, there are usually a good number of specials available as advertised on our Med' .
There are a number of yacht events in the Med this year where you can charter a yacht for the event. The Monaco Grand Prix is popular as certain yachts are able to be moored track-side for the best view if the race. Later in the year the Monaco Yacht Show certainly bears a worthy mention. Down the French Riviera coast a little we also have a couple of notable events in Cannes, namely the Cannes Film Festival and MIPIM. St Tropez hosts some important sailing yacht racing events. Sardinia also host an important yacht racing regatta called the superyacht cup. There are various boat shows in the Mediterranean such as the Barcelona Charter Show. Here are .
Endorsements and positive feedback from clients is one of the most important measures of how good a yacht, crew, charter broker and destination really is. Accordingly, we gather feedback from all the clients that are interested in providing it so that we can can use this wealth of real experience to constantly assess the quality of the superyachts and crews that we offer, as well as our own performance. Combined with brokers visiting the boats and crew, this is one crucial way we can recommend the best yachts each year. If you would like to see some of this client feedback .
Mediterranean yachting holiday locations are unequaled in their natural beauty, cultural heritage, passion, glamour and style. There was a time when the Mediterranean was the center of the known and civilized world and for private yacht charter vacations, to an extent, it still is. Today, the clear azure waters of the Mediterranean maintain a cachet of culture, history, sophistication, luxury yachts and stunning beauty, all with an endearing reputation of unrestrained energy.
The sunny Mediterranean is often conveniently split into two main areas - The Western Mediterranean and the Eastern Mediterranean . Both parts are culturally unique, yet both are lipped with stunning beaches, hidden coves, majestic ports and luxury yachts. Yachts of all sizes and shapes grace the Mediterranean, some are large motor yachts, some are sleek sailing yachts, some performance orientated and others of a more comfortable cruising style. This fabled area provides the untamed extravagance of the French Riviera , the gravity-defying architecture of the Italian coasts, the unaffected charms of Croatia, the fragrant orange groves of Spain , the exotic lure of Turkey and Greece , the birthplace of civilization.
"There was a time when the Mediterranean was the center of the known and civilized world and for private yacht charter vacations, to an extent, it still is."
The Mediterranean charter area takes in the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Aegean and Adriatic seas. It includes the austere and striking islands of Sardinia , Corsica , the Balearics and Malta . Some of the most famous private yacht charter spots include Monaco , Nice , Cannes , St Tropez , Capri , Portofino , Amalfi , Positano, Porto Cervo, Palma de Mallorca , Valencia , Barcelona, Dalmatians, Corfu, Mykonos, Piraeus, Bodrum and Marmaris, to name a few. And some of the charter boat countries bordering the Mediterranean include France , Spain , Italy, Croatia , and Greece .
Possibly the most sought after yacht vacation ground in the Mediterranean, the in Southern , is the playground of the world's rich and famous and it’s the domain of magnificent superyachts and mega yachts. The luxury charter Mecca of the Cote d'Azur runs from St Tropez, to the Italian border. It is composed of 100 miles of possibly the most extravagant and exclusive waterfront in the world including the famous ports of Monaco, Cap Dail, Ville Franche, Cap Ferrat, Nice, Antibes, Golfe Juan and Cannes. Along the French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) there are over 30 harbours and more than 3000 restaurants to visit. |
The coast, like the French coast, also attracts luxury yachts of the highest quality. A short sail from the endearing chaos of Naples, Italy, can find you at the famously chic Isle of Capri, or the stunning Amalfi Coast. Italy's other yachting highlights include the islands of Ischia, Elba and Ponza, the quaint fishing village of Portofino, the buried city of Pompeii and the prestigious Costa Smeralda of . |
With typical Mediterranean charm, warm days and clear blue skies, has grown from strength to strength as a luxury coastal destination in the last decade. It is now one of the very top yachting destinations by popularity. Boasting many national parks and UNESCO World Heritage zones, there are so many fantastic places to see along the Croatia and Montenegro coastlines in the eastern Adriatic sea. Spots worth mentioning include Brac, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, Mljet, Vinisce and Trogir. With over a thousand islands, calm winds and turquoise waters, the Dalmatian Islands will make an unforgettable yacht charter holiday. Likewise is a current favourite with it's mix of wonderful historic villages, large dramatic mountains and superb superyacht marinas. |
The of have recently become one of Europe's favourite private yacht playgrounds. The constant sunshine, clear blue waters and rugged landscape are steeped in an energetic culture comprised of both old and new. The history is prevalent in Gothic castles, museums and ancient cobbled streets, whilst the famous Spanish nightlife, lives on in tapas bars, nightclubs and port side cafes. A sailing holiday in The Balearics will allow you to experience more than the average mainland holidaymaker could even imagine. |
, Turkey and Croatia are situated in the Eastern Mediterranean with centuries of history, culture and mythology. The Aegean and Mediterranean seas between Greece and Turkey were once touched by the Carians, Lycians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. The turquoise waters are scattered with sheltered bays, ancient ruins and archaeological sites including Greek cities, sunken Roman harbours and Crusader castles. Greece has such a wealth of culture, history and intrigue. The natural beauty of these great holiday areas is equally enchanting. On your Greece yacht charter vacation you will be greeted with the warm, colourful vista of traditional waterfront villages, as you approach from the sparkling blue sea. |
provides a very rich and ancient history and culture as well as the fascinating Erupting Aeolian Volcanic Islands. There is much to see but also much to experience in the form of amazing southern Italian food and the warm Italian people and culture. Being an island, there is no better way to travel than by yacht. Another Island is . Here a private holiday will take you through years of history, openly displayed as part of the charm, from the moment you arrive in the superyacht filled Valetta Harbour. In Malta the past is mixed with the present in a passionate display of life and culture. Malta is more than just a historical gem though; it's also an outstanding sailing destination with warm sunshine and clear blue skies from April to October. |
was once touched by the Carians, Lycians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. You too can sail upon ancient ruins an archaeological sites including old Greek cities, sunken Roman harbours and Crusader castles. Turkey offers more coastline than any other country in the Mediterranean and one of the most photographed beaches in the Med is Oludeniz or Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, water-sports and among the best places in the world to para-glide. |
The Med' has a huge variation and diversity with respect to what to see and do and experience culturally. There is any number of possible routes you can take on your yacht so we typically customise these to suit you and your particular interests and requests. Bespoke individualized charter itineraries aside, we also publish some general itineraries to give you inspiration. Here are a few examples of Mediterranean yacht charter itineraries: , , , , , , - you can see the rest of the general list of Mediterranean yacht charter Itineraries or request your own personal bespoke Mediterranean yacht charter Itinerary . |
and also writes about the Mediterranean . Matha discusses the trending charter hot spots and Croatian bars and clubs . Colin covers Croatian Gulets and Sally takes a look at Turkey . For all the broker advice articles click . |
One of the best charter vacation ‘life hacks’ is booking your vacation during the off season, especially in the Med' where there is strong demand for the best yachts in the best locations. Off or Shoulder season Mediterranean yacht charters can give the best of both worlds: both lower price and quiet serenity. Many specials are during the off season - see the yacht specials available . If you are looking to avoid the crowds and the highest charter rates try a shoulder season yacht charter. It can cost much less and you get the beaches to yourself. Your flights will also be cheaper along with transfers hotels and resorts. More about . |
This is the best of the best - the top ten of superyachts and superyacht charter. Whether its the largest yachts, the best destinations, the largest swimming pools, the most famous yachts, the most expensive, the best water toys selection or simply an expert charter broker recommending the best value charter yachts available, this is where we rank, judge and mark luxury yachts and luxury yacht charters. View examples of . |
CharterWorld is a specialist charter company with all the yachts in the Mediterranean at the best price. With the industry’s top professional yacht brokers and every yacht in all the Mediterranean available you will be well served. If there is a boat or cruising area in the Mediterranean, or elsewhere, that you are interested in which is not covered here, please contact us and we will provide you with that information personally and free of charge.
See The Yachts & Specials Below or View all the yachts for charter in the Mediterranean here
Dear Chelsea, Everything was great, the Itinerary was amazing, we really enjoy all the places we visited. The crew was really nice, and we had a great time in the Mediterranean. Steve is a great Captain and would definitely charter again with him. I think our friend also rented a boat from you after I recommend he speak with you for a Charter in Greece. Please send the remaining money to Steve account as a tip for all of the crew. Thank you for everything; we had a great time, and best regards. - Chartered a motor yacht in the Mediterranean.
In close proximity to the Mediterranean are a number of exciting sailing destination.
Romea | from eur€ 1,100,000/wk.
The mediterranean yacht charter specials, 5% discount location: east mediterranean.
Special rate location: greece.
Special offer location: west mediterranean.
Special offer location: croatia.
Special discounted rate location: east mediterranean.
10% discount location: greece.
Charter yacht disclaimer.
This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.
I lived ‘below deck’ on a luxury yacht — here’s what you need to know.
Tahiti, St. Thomas and the French Riviera — I’ve yachted in all of these exotic locales, albeit from the comfort of my couch. And, millions of Americans are in the same boat.
In 2013, “Below Deck,” introduced the masses to the most glamorous mode of traveling: yachting. Since then, it’s become a Bravo mainstay with Season 9 of “Below Deck Mediterranean’’ premiering in June.
But how real is the reality show? I spent five nights on a yacht in Croatia to find out.
My suitcase wasn’t bursting with Benjamins. An agency at your final destination provides cash for the crew’s tip money. While you’re expected to tip $30,000 for a two-night cruise on “Below Deck,” in real life you only have to tip 10% to 15% of your charter fee. That’s about $10,000 for a two-night cruise on a 180-foot charter yacht like Mustique (from $250,000 a week), which stars in the new season.
According to Zvonimir Androić, president of the yacht charter company Via Croatia, more often than not, the tip comes from what’s left over after provisioning.
So, shun the Dom Pérignon and skip the beluga caviar, and you’ll have money to spare.
In real life, “Below Deck’s” favorite commercial-break cliff-hanger isn’t nearly as dramatic. Docking in our yacht, Via Croatia’s five-cabin, 100-foot Adriatic Escape (from $52,800 a week), was breezy.
I asked the crew if they hated setting up the slide — a tortuous, Herculean task if you believe what you see on TV.
“It’s not that bad,” a twentysomething Croatian deckhand, as cute as his on-screen counterparts, told me. “That said, we’re definitely not sad if you don’t ask for it.”
Despite being served meat on more than one occasion, my vegetarian co-guests on board weren’t divas when it came to cuisine — a major source of chef-related stress on the show.
Tantrums aren’t the norm Barbie Pascual, the “Below Deck” stewardess famous for putting up with former “RHONY” star Jill Zarin’s demands for the perfect Diet Coke in the “Real Housewives of Grenada” episode, tells me. “Guests know they are being filmed so their reactions are more extreme than they’d be if the cameras weren’t around,” she says.
Pascual’s biggest tip for first-time yachters? Don’t go skinny dipping, like they do on the show, after dark.
“People forget about currents, sharks, etc.,” she says. “Jumping in the water should always be with the captain’s consent!”
Our humorless Croatian yacht captain was a far cry from “Below Deck Mediterranean’s” affable Captain Sandy Yawn. I think we only saw him twice over the course of four days, and he definitely didn’t join us for dinner.
That was fine by us because the stews and deckhands were always handy with anything we needed — including at chat.
“No” is a word you’ll never hear on a yacht, unless there is a safety issue, Pascual says.
While we didn’t ask our crew to do a striptease or decorate for ‘70s night (two recurring requests on the show), out-there demands aren’t out of the question, as long as you’re willing to pay for it.
For example, Via Croatia is currently retrofitting one of its multimillion-dollar superyachts for an upcoming charter booked by a multigenerational Jewish family from Florida.
“In addition to paying the charter fee, the client is literally buying everything new: pots, pans, silverware, et cetera,” said Androić. “They’re even spending $30,000 on a new tender for the elderly mother-in-law.”
Now, I’m no reality show producer, but a picky primary trying to keep his wife, her elderly mom and their kosher kids happy at sea has the makings of an Emmy Award-winning episode.
Charters are cheapest at the beginning and end of a destination’s season. Via Croatia’s yuppiest yacht, the 160-foot, 12-cabin Agape Rose , fetches $200,000 a week in July and August. But it’s just $164,000 a week in April and October. Divide that by 24 of your closest friends and family and it’s just $6,800 a person.
If that’s still too much, consider booking a yacht club suite on one of MSC Cruises ’ Mediterranean voyages.
Sure, you’ll be on a cruise liner, but for $1,659 a person you’ll be treated to seven nights of private butler service with a private pool and restaurant that the pleb passengers don’t even know exists.
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August 26, 2024
For less than the cost of a big-ship cruise, a private boat charter reveals the real Caribbean.
Bill Newcott
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I am splayed in an oversized bean bag on the top deck of the 62-foot catamaran Dream Baliceaux , watching a torrent of stars spill behind the five peaks of a Caribbean island called Île Fourchue.
Off in the darkness, the chihuahua-like barks of nesting brown boobies float on the still tropical air from nearby Petite Islette.
As the boat softly rises and falls, its twin hulls slapped softly by the rippled waters of this protected bay, I spot near the horizon the profile of an enormous cruise ship. Most likely, it’s one of those seagoing behemoths with four-story water slides and on-board surfing and conga lines and more people than a small city, setting course for a teeming tourist destination where straw hats and plaster coconut trees line the shop shelves and dockside hucksters wave Happy Hour flyers like they’re the national flag.
I sigh. “Those poor wretches,” I mutter.
Here’s a hypothetical question for you:
Would you rather book a four-night, 3,000-passenger Bahamas cruise with an inside cabin and a TV screen for a porthole — or, for about the same amount of money, embark on a seven-night Caribbean voyage aboard a catamaran yacht with eight fellow travelers, all meals locally sourced by a private chef and every night spent bobbing in a secluded bay under the Milky Way?
Yeah, I know. I kinda loaded the second half of that question. But that’s the not-so-daunting dilemma I faced this past summer, weighing my options as I planned a tropical trip for two.
When most people think about yacht charters, they imagine being handed the keys to a private boat and told, “You’re on your own. See you in a week. Don’t scratch the paint.” But an increasing number of travel companies are offering fully crewed private yacht trips on set itineraries; trips that offer all the romance of a high seas adventure while requiring little more than the ability to pack some t-shirts and a couple of spare bathing suits.
Most importantly, such trips are remarkably affordable. If you can gather together enough friends and loved ones to fill five or six double cabins, companies like Boats at Sea and Virgin Island Sailing will send you off in the Caribbean with a captain and chef for prices starting between $1,500 and $3,000 per person, including just about everything. Prices can vary by destination, but even in the Mediterranean and South Pacific, private yachting gives ocean liners a run for their money.
For this trip, I’ve opted for a booking on Dream Yacht sailing vacations, which doesn’t require you to fill out the passenger list on your own: For a cabin that starts at about $1,300 per person (even less for last-minute fares), I’ve booked a week-long cruise for two out of St. Martin in the Leeward Islands, and the company has filled the rest of the cabins with similarly adventurous travelers.
Of course, “adventure” is in the eye of the beholder: The air-conditioned cabins on this boat have queen beds with private baths and showers. Because the cabins are located in the twin pontoons of the catamaran, your window is right above water level, which gives you a pretty cool view of the passing sea. But you’ll want to spend most of your travel days up top, feeling the breeze and watching the gulls swoop in and out of the catamaran’s draft.
If you feel the urge to get moving, you can always launch yourself in the boat’s tandem kayak or paddleboard, or dive off the back using the provided snorkel gear.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are all prepared by a chef, and the cost includes a cocktail each evening (if you want more alcohol on the trip, you can arrange that ahead of time).
And you don’t have to wait your turn to disembark.
It is a 25-minute ride from the brand-new Princess Juliana International Airport on the island of Sint Maarten (“The Dutch Side”) to Grande Case, St. Martin (“The French Side” of the same island), the location of the private harbor where Dream Yacht has its Leeward Islands base.
Dream Baliceaux, typical of the catamarans used on these trips, is a Lagoon 620-style cat, a 62-foot-long craft that sleeps 12 in six staterooms (plus crew quarters). The cabins are roughly the same size as you’ll find on much bigger ships, and there’s plenty of elbow room above deck, in the couch-lined, air-conditioned “saloon” (which also contains the boat’s enormous kitchen, realm of the full-time chef). Toward the back of the main deck is a covered dining area with a long table and stairs leading down to the water.
Up top is the flybridge, where the captain navigates and the rest of us lounge on cushioned benches and, in a shallow well up front, those bean bag chairs, keeping an eye out for dolphins and flying fish.
Our Skipper, David, welcomes us aboard. A native of the French maritime city of La Rochelle, he’s been a sailor all his life, as evidenced in his permanent tan and the way he scrambles from deck to deck along the ship’s exterior, not bothering with inconveniences like stairs and ladders.
Our chef is Nathalie, not a lifelong seafaring woman, but one with a miraculous way of crafting gourmet meals from whatever happens to be available in our ports of call. Whether she’s placing before us a steaming plate of ratatouille, curried chicken, mussels in wine sauce, Greek phyllo meat pie or, astonishingly, 15 different kinds of pizza (and desserts like chocolate brownies with vanilla sauce and pineapple upside-down cake), halfway through the trip I begin to suspect there are DoorDash dinghies pulling up amidship with deliveries each day.
By our second day on the catamaran, the rhythms of shipboard life have already begun to take shape: The sun filtering through our drawn shades leads to a slow-motion, yawning emergence from our cabin. Breakfast is already being made, and the low morning sunlight is angling off the water of our protected cove and into the dining area.
When we’re good and ready, we either dip into the warm, turquoise water off the back deck or accept a lift ashore from David, piloting a small inflatable boat. It is summer, off-season in the Caribbean, so we pretty much have the bays and the beaches to ourselves.
By late morning we’re back on board for lunch, after which Nathalie throws some bread off the back of the boat. Almost immediately, it is being devoured by a fish I immediately identify as a shark.
“That’s not a shark,” David corrects me. “That’s a remora.”
He’s right, of course, and I feel humbled; a city boy trying to identify wildlife.
“We do get sharks,” he adds. “If we throw chicken overboard. Then it’s….”
He starts waving his arms, snarling and gnashing his teeth.
“Like that,” he says. I wish I could witness it in person, but David’s reenactment is almost as good.
David revs up the cat’s engines, setting course for our next island destination. From St. Martin we plow east through whitecapped seas to a low-lying sand spit called Île Tintamarre, also known as Flat Island.
From a 1,000-foot-long cruise ship, spots like this are little more than blips on the bridge radar, largely interchangeable and easily ignored. From catamaran level, though, each Caribbean island becomes a realm unto itself. Île Tintamarre is an arc of sand interrupted by occasional deposits of rock and coral (the remnants of an old quarry lay inland). It’s a classic desert island, anything but deserted: Sit still long enough and you’ll glimpse hummingbirds flitting by from one tropical flowering tree to the next, and over the water you’ll spot sleek red-billed tropicbirds — their long, slender tails causing them to resemble kites as much as critters — diving for squid.
Here, time is measured more by the position of the sun than by smart watches. As dusk approaches, Nathalie summons us to the long table for the dinner she has prepared while we were playing. The sky turns purple, then gray, then black, a galaxy of stars winking to life. Across the bay, white lights perched atop the masts of the four or five other catamarans near us sway to and fro, resembling shooting stars that never burn out.
The up-close progression of unexpectedly varied islands continues through the week. Pushing south, what first appears to be a succession of five peaked islands turns out to be one continuous 300-foot-high range on a single sickle-shaped landmass — Île Fourchue . From the island’s beach, we pick out a narrow, stony path that leads to a saddle between two of the highest summits, the cactus-lined route guarded by enormous iguanas, positioned on rocky outcrops like scaled gargoyles.
We find a bench-like rock and face the setting sun. A half-mile or so away, a troupe of teenagers — residents of a nearby tropical sleepaway camp — have scaled the island’s highest peak and are perched on top; chattering ants on a sugarloaf.
From where we are sitting, the sun is setting out of sight, behind that sugarloaf of a mountain. But we’re not planning to linger, anyway — because the tropical sun plunges straight down into the sea, the period between dusk and darkness is notoriously short. We’d best head back down to the beach before the night hides our path completely.
But as we go, one last look: The rugged landscape plunging into a purple sea; scattered piles of clouds echoing the thrusting pillars of island rock. And swaying calmly in the bay, Dream Baliceaux, our floating home, patiently waiting.
Our southernmost stop is the large island of Saint Barthélemy, more widely known as St. Bart’s — named rather presumptuously by Christoper Columbus for his younger brother.
Our first overnight stop there is Colombier Beach , on the island’s north side. The place seems remote and untouched, except for an intriguingly incongruent, low-slung stone structure on a bluff overlooking the beach.
“The Rockefellers built that,” says David. “But now it’s a ruin.”
It was David Rockefeller, grandson of John D., who, along with his wife, Peggy, built the place in the late 1950s. It was a marvel of architecture at the time, with separate living and dining rooms linked by stone pathways and punctuated by flowing water and banana trees.
Hurricanes reduced the place to ruin, but a commodities broker recently bought it for $136 million.
“I guess they’ll fix it up,” says David with a shrug. “We’ll see.”
I nod in agreement. The Caribbean is littered with grandiose plans that fell victim to the realities of economics and tropical storms.
The one major town of our trip is Gustavia , on the west side of St. Bart’s. As we cruise into port, we find a handful of yachts in the harbor. “In January,” says David, waving his hand as arrive, “there are hundreds of boats here.”
Indeed, St. Barts in season is a tropical red carpet, walked regularly by the likes of Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani, Jon Bon Jovi, Jeff Bezos, Jason Statham, and Orlando Bloom. But today, in midsummer, Gustavia is all ours: We browse the shops, eat at an open café, sit in a cool pew at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church (1855), and climb a steep stairway to Fort Karl , built by the Swedes when all of Europe seemed to consider the Caribbean its branch office.
From St. Martin to this point, we’ve been making short island hops, never sailing more than an hour or so each day, and always under motor power, due to the prevailing wind direction. But now it’s time to return to our home port. That will involve a healthy 20-mile sprint across open sea.
And for the first time on our journey, David hoists Dream Baliceaux ’s sails.
Like a large dog pulling at its leash, the southerly wind tugs at Dream Baliceaux, sending us northward in a lurch. The sails, previously wound tightly at the base of their masts, billow exultantly, as if released from a shroud.
I sit on the flybridge, half-watching David at the wheel, shamelessly enthralled in the age-old arts of the sea; half-mesmerized by the sheer force of nature catapulting us forward, feeling an ageless kinship to the pioneering sailors of Mesopotamia and, yes, those self-styled European hero/explorers, expanding the margins of their monarchs, wreaking cultural havoc while fancying themselves doing God’s work.
If I had any hair left, it would be flying in that salty Caribbean air. In the corner of one eye, do I catch a glimpse of a cruise ship, steaming to its next “Duty Free Rum Sale” port?
We are leaving it in our wake.
IF YOU GO: As with most cruises, you’ll need to arrange your own flights to the airport closest to the ship (most companies will arrange ground transportation for additional cost). Tips, local destination fees, and most alcoholic drinks are extra.
Travelers should note that, because yacht plumbing is delicate and the nearest plumber can sometimes be miles away by boat, absolutely no tissue can be flushed in the onboard restrooms. This means, yes, absolutely no tissue — which must instead be placed in bathroom trash cans the crew empties each day. Sounds dicey but, trust me, you somehow get used to it almost immediately.
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Aug 22, 2024
Michael Shapiro
Aug 13, 2024
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Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez soaking up the sun. Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian's wedding . Beyoncé's carefree jump into the ocean.
One of these images is likely what comes to mind when you hear the word "superyacht," a phrase generally used to describe a yacht over 80 feet in length.
While ultra-luxurious vessels are associated with all things carefree, tragic events such as the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht off the coast of Sicily on Monday is a reminder that yachting is a pastime with unique risks and nuances. It's unclear what the protocols were on the Bayesian.
For those keen on the idea of chartering a superyacht, captain Kelly Gordon, 42, told Business Insider there are a number of important factors to consider before hopping on board.
Gordon fell in love with yachting after she stepped aboard a yacht for the first time in her mid-20s.
Hellbent on reaching captain level, Gordon quickly worked her way up the chain of command. She's spent most of her time sailing the Bahamas and the Caribbean and is now based in Florida, where she works as a captain on a 108-foot-long privately owned vessel.
Gordon, who has over 12,600 followers on Instagram , shares three factors to keep in mind before boarding a chartered superyacht.
One of the most important things to do when chartering a superyacht is to work with a charter broker, Gordon says.
"The charter manager's job is to No. 1: find you a safe boat," Gordon said, adding that in her experience, "Not all programs put safety as high up on the list as it should be."
She also likes to equate charter brokers to Realtors in that they take on the role of finding you the best option for your taste.
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"You find one that you gel with really well and has a good reputation, and then you discuss with them what your budget is, where you want to go, what your activity levels are, what your personalities are like," Gordon said.
Pairing clients with a crew that aligns with their characteristics is a huge part of a charter broker's job, Gordon said.
"If you think about it, you're living with that crew for 24/7, around the clock," she said. "You're not going put someone that just wants to sit and read books all day with a crew that's extremely active."
Charter brokers also help match clients with a competent crew that prioritizes safety.
"I don't know that many people realize just how much their life is in our hands when we cast those lines and we go to sea," Gordon said.
Part of that is having a safety briefing, which Gordon carries out every time she welcomes clients onto a chartered vessel before leaving a dock.
A thorough safety briefing includes informing clients about the location of safety equipment and lifejackets and the procedures for events such as a fire, a person falling overboard, or the boat sinking.
"You should have a safety briefing, and if you don't get one, you should ask for one," Gordon said.
The process, she added, can be different on privately owned yachts, where passengers may be familiar with the vessel.
The Bayesian is a private yacht owned by tech tycoon Mike Lynch; it's not yet known what kind of safety protocols staff and guests were trained on.
"A lot of charter guests think when they go to sleep, the crew goes to sleep," Gordon said.
But that shouldn't be the case, she added. "You want to be on a boat knowing that someone's up, because if the weather changes or the anchor starts to drag, you need somebody that's up and ready to go and get everybody else to handle it."
Among the biggest weather risks are tornados, which can be extremely difficult to predict and prepare for whether you're on land or at sea.
"I'm from the Midwest, where tornados pop up," Gordon said. "It's hard to see a tornado coming, and if you do see it coming, the tornado goes where it wants to go."
Most often, that leaves people near the weather event with just minutes to ready themselves, which is even trickier "in the middle of the night."
While rapid changes in weather are tough to contend with, Gordon recommends researching the areas you are sailing in beforehand, like you would when visiting a new country.
"It's no different than if you're going on vacation on land," she said. "You want to know where you're going. Don't put that just all on the crew."
While the research doesn't have to be as extensive as the crew should be doing, it's important to still be "responsible for your own self as well as your family and your guests."
Explore the pros and cons of private jet charter vs. fractional jet ownership., kasia szwed-carlson.
Optimize your private jet experience by choosing the solution best for you. [Credit: CanvaPro]
In the world of luxury travel, private jet charters and fractional jet ownerships offer two convenient, yet vastly different private aviation experiences.
For the individuals who prioritize convenience, cost-effectiveness, and personalized travel experiences, a private flight may just be the ideal option to get you to your next business meeting or luxury vacation.
Let’s compare these two private flight options and explore which one may satisfy your unique travel needs.
Chartering a private jet is the process of renting an aircraft for private use.
This option provides travelers with the flexibility to choose their aircraft, travel dates/times, as well as their preferred airports to fly in and out of. Companies such as Trilogy Aviation , Flexjet, and NetJets, offer private jet charter services , providing a tailored and convenient travel solution to their travelers.
Private jet charters offer a myriad of benefits, making them an attractive option for those seeking flexibility and convenience in their travel plans.
While private jet charters offer numerous advantages, there are several disadvantages to consider as well:
Fractional ownership , like a timeshare, refers to the practice of purchasing a share in an aircraft, giving individuals partial ownership and access to the plane for a specified number of hours or days per year.
This shared ownership model distributes the expenses of owning a private jet, such as maintenance, insurance, and crew salaries, among multiple owners, making it a more cost-effective option for frequent flyers who need regular access to private air travel.
A fractional share offers several compelling advantages:
While fractional programs offer numerous advantages, there are several drawbacks to consider as well:
The choice between private jet charter and fractional jet ownership ultimately hinges on a traveler’s flight frequency, budget, and desired level of control over the aircraft. Let’s look at which option may better suit your needs:
No significant up-front investment; hourly rates and per-flight costs are high | Significant up-front investment for a share of the jet, including ongoing monthly costs; hourly rates and per-flight costs are high | |
Ability to book flights on short notice; short-term commitment | Limited to a share of the aircraft with set allocation hours; long-term commitment | |
Access to a wide variety of special, midsize aircraft | Limited to the use of a specific aircraft type or selection of aircraft | |
High degree of flexibility | Limited to preset scheduling windows | |
Charter company is responsible for maintaining the aircraft | Owners are responsible for maintaining the aircraft |
When deciding between private jet charter and fractional jet ownership options, several key factors come into play that can significantly influence the best choice for an individual or business:
In an increasingly globalized world where time is of the essence, having access to private air travel can be a game-changer for both individuals and businesses.
Comparing private jet charter and fractional jet ownership is crucial because each option offers distinct advantages that cater to different travel needs and financial situations.
While private jet charters offer unparalleled flexibility and short-term solutions, fractional ownership provides guaranteed availability and potential cost savings for frequent, long-haul flyers. Optimize your private jet experience by choosing the travel solution that best aligns with your personal or business objectives.
Is it better to own a private jet or charter?
The decision to own vs. charter a private jet comes down to several factors, such as annual flight hours, desired level of control, budgetary constraints, travel patterns, etc. It is up to each individual or business to evaluate these factors and make the most economical decision for their needs.
Is fractional ownership of a plane worth it?
Fractional ownership of a plane can be a worthwhile investment for those who frequently travel by private jet but do not want the full responsibility and cost of owning an aircraft. By purchasing a share of an aircraft, fractional owners gain access to the plane for a certain number of hours or trips per year, spreading out the cost among multiple owners.
What is the difference between a private jet card and fractional ownership?
Private jet card programs are pre-paid memberships that provide access to a fleet of aircraft at a predetermined rate, typically measured in hours of flight time. Fractional ownership programs involve purchasing a share of an aircraft, which can range from 1/16th to 1/2 of the plane, granting co-ownership along with a proportional share of the aircraft's operating costs and depreciation.
What is the difference between fractional ownership and charter?
Fractional ownership involves purchasing a share of an aircraft, which grants the owner a certain number of flight hours per year, while also sharing the costs of maintenance, crew, and other operational expenses with other co-owners. Chartering a plane involves renting an entire aircraft for a specific trip, offering flexibility without the long-term financial commitment required by fractional ownership.
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PORTICELLO, Sicily — Divers recovered four bodies Wednesday from inside a superyacht that sank in a sudden storm off Sicily , Salvatore Cocina, director of the island's Civil Protection Agency, confirmed to NBC News.
Cocina later confirmed to Sky News that a fifth body had been found and was being brought to shore. One passenger remains missing.
The identities of the bodies were not immediately released. Their recovery follows a dayslong search in the deep waters off Italy where British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and several others were believed to be trapped in the hull. Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived.
The rest had been missing since early Monday, when the Bayesian was caught in the storm anchored off the coast of Porticello, a village near the Sicilian capital city, Palermo.
The body of the ship’s cook, identified as Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian Antiguan national, was recovered Monday.
On Wednesday, NBC News witnessed what appeared to be at least three body bags being lifted from fire department boats after they pulled into port at Porticello. It was unclear whose bodies they were. Some were later transferred to ambulances and driven away from the dock.
Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda, are also missing.
The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was among the survivors rescued by a nearby vessel after they got into a lifeboat.
Built by the Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered yacht could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist boating sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters.
Regularly described in U.K. media as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” Lynch was acquitted of fraud by a San Francisco jury this year, stemming from the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011.
The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who brought Bloomer, who testified in his defense, and Morvillo, one of his U.S. lawyers, on the trip.
Lynch's co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain was not aboard the Bayesian, but in what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a car struck and killed him Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.
Claudio Lavanga and Claudia Rizzo reported from Porticello. Henry Austin reported from London.
Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.
Claudia Rizzo is an Italy based journalist.
Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.
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Additional Charter Cost FAQs. What are standard private charter yacht prices? There are a number of factors that affect charter yacht pricing. However, on average, a week-long private yacht charter costs anywhere from $10,000 on luxurious sailing yachts and catamarans, and up to $150,000 for superyachts.
Prices can be lower than this, of course, and up to the $1 million a week mark for truly luxurious superyachts. In which case, you could be looking at an average cost to charter a yacht in Greece somewhere closer to $100,000 per week as a starting charter fee with all extras added on top of this.".
For private crewed yacht charters, rates are generally thought to start around $10,000 but lower prices can be found, albeit on smaller boats. A three-cabin catamaran can be chartered for a seven ...
A plus-expenses private yacht charter includes the cost of the yacht, captain and crew. Other expenses such as meals, fees and fuel are billed separately, in advance or at the end of your charter. Costs of a private yacht charter. While the cost of a private yacht charter can seem high at first. However, if you divide up the cost between ...
This usually amounts to roughly 50 - 55% of the base price of the yacht charter cost. This would mean that a private charter yacht in Greece with a base price of $100,000 for the week will cost $155,000 in total. This article will help explain the yacht provisioning rates more . Depending on the above factors, you can usually charter a ...
Yacht charter costs vary based on several elements: the yacht type, destination, local taxes, dates and the age of the yacht. Yacht charter prices span a broad spectrum. For instance, smaller sailing yachts and catamarans may start at around $10,000 per week, whereas more luxurious motor superyachts can exceed $100,000 per week.
The base charter fee in essence refers to the hire cost of the yacht itself, with all equipment in working order in addition to the cost of food and wages for the crew during the entirety of the charter. This is essentially all the base charter fee covers with additional expenses often applicable on top. The base charter fee will vary from one ...
The charter's length, the yacht's size, and the passenger total are often the biggest factors, however. Consider a yacht in Miami that lists at $2,100 for an eight-hour day. Once you add fuel costs, dockage fees, and the captain's gratuity, the total is about $3,300. Since the yacht accommodates 12 people, that's $275 per person.
Understanding the additional fees associated with yacht chartering is crucial for budgeting effectively. These fees can significantly impact the total cost of your charter: Fuel: Yachts consume fuel, even sailing yachts, and you may be responsible for covering these costs. Fuel expenses can vary depending on the yacht's size, distance ...
Depending on the details of your yacht charter, you will need to add between 30% and 100% on top of the base fee to have the total cost of your rental. Here is an idea of the ranges you can expect for the yacht charter base fees: Motor Yachts - Sailing Yachts under 50ft: €4 000 - €15 000 / week. Motor Yacht - Sailing Yachts between ...
The Moorings offers a range of options to help you create a one-of-a-kind group charter experience. Completely customizable with five or more yachts, a group charter can be organized to your needs with the help of our dedicated Groups & Incentives team. Select your desired destination and dates, then choose from bareboat, crewed or power yacht ...
September 20, 2023. Exploring the open waters on a private yacht offers unparalleled luxury and freedom. The cost of chartering a yacht varies based on factors like yacht size, destination, and duration. Beyond expenses, understanding the elements influencing pricing can help in making an informed decision for your dream yachting experience.
The Cost to Charter a Yacht by Trip Length. The length of your trip also affects the cost to charter a yacht. For example, the base price of the Lotus charter mentioned above is $796, which includes two hours of sailing. If you want to sail for three hours, the price will increase by half to $1,194, and go up accordingly for every hour you add on.
A week-long private yacht charter can cost anywhere from $18,000 for smaller sailing boats to over $3,000,000 for luxury yachts, with rates influenced by the factors mentioned above. The cost can also be affected by the type of charter contract, the role of the captain, and any additional expenses such as food, fuel, and other extras.
To get a better idea on how much it costs to charter a yacht, and get your "all inclusive" price, we recommend adding 50 - 55% of the base rate. In this example, a base price of $100,000 a week yacht charter will end up costing you around $150,000 total.
Alaska small ship cruises or Galapagos cruises are more remote and have more complicated operational logistics and thus will cost more. For instance, in Belize you can book a yacht charter for as little as $400 per person per night whereas a private cruise in the Galapagos will start at about $600 per person per night and go up from there.
Fuel. Mooring balls and docking fees. Crew gratuity. Water toys. Transfer fees. Overall, the cost to charter a yacht is comparable to many other vacation options but delivers so much more—like the freedom to follow your own island-hopping schedule and explore some of the world's most stunning destinations at your own pace.
Private yacht charter prices vary sigificantly, based on the size of the yacht, the type of yacht, how many crew, and where the yacht is cruising. There are also high and low season rates. We only arrange fully crewed luxury yacht charters, and for all bookings the yacht charter price, "charter fee", includes the cost of the yacht, the crew ...
A private yacht charter can cost anywhere from $2,500 per person per week to $50,000 per person per week. Bottom line - it can be as affordable or as grand luxe as you choose. And as long as you let us choose the right yacht and crew for your expectations, it doesn't matter how much you spend - the results are the same.
Private Boat Charter | A Guide to Luxury Costs. Private Boat Charter | A Guide to Luxury Costs delves into private boat charters. This page emphasizes the personalized and tailored experiences charters offer. Examine the advantages of chartering your private yacht and the diverse range of vessels available, in addition to private boat rental ...
All The Boat Charters In One Place: 3000+ Motor Yacht Charters & Sailing Yachts For Hire - Latest: 2021/2022 Yacht Rental Special Prices - Private Yacht Charter Guides - Expert Luxury Yacht Charter Broker Itinerary - Mega Yacht Charter Pics & Video - Superyacht Charter News - The crewed luxury yacht charter company.
The cost of a yacht charter in the Mediterranean with Northrop & Johnson starts at about $50,000 per week and will include the charter yacht and crew. You will then be charged for additional costs, including fuel, provisions, marina fees, and other expenses in your advanced provisioning allowance (APA). For larger and newer superyachts, you can ...
Mediterranean yacht charter prices vary according to the size, style and age of the yacht. Our luxury superyacht charter yachts rent from 30,000 Euro to over 1,000,000 per week, plus expenses, in the form of an advanced provisioning allowance (APA). Conversely, smaller 'all inclusive' type vacations cost between Euro 15,000 to 50,000 per week.
Charters are cheapest at the beginning and end of a destination's season. Via Croatia's yuppiest yacht, the 160-foot, 12-cabin Agape Rose, fetches $200,000 a week in July and August. But it ...
For less than the cost of a big-ship cruise, a private boat charter reveals the real Caribbean. Skip to Search Skip to Content Skip to Footer. Visit Us on Facebook (opens new window) ... When most people think about yacht charters, they imagine being handed the keys to a private boat and told, "You're on your own. See you in a week.
The Bayesian is a private yacht owned by tech tycoon Mike Lynch; it's not yet known what kind of safety protocols staff and guests were trained on. Advertisement Make sure there's a member of the ...
Bayesian was a flybridge sloop designed by Ron Holland [2] and built with a 56 m (184 ft) aluminium hull and a single-masted cutter rig.The 75 m (246 ft) aluminium mast was at the time of construction the world's tallest. The yacht had a lifting keel, allowing its draft to be reduced from 10 m to 4 m. [8] It was one of a number of similar vessels from the same designer and shipyard and was one ...
Compare private jet charter vs. fractional ownership. Discover the pros, cons, and which option fits best for high-net-worth individuals who value flexibility and convenience in 2024.
Built by the Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered yacht could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist boating sites.
Built in 2008, the 56-meter (184-foot) yacht was manufactured by Italian company Perini Navi, Reuters reported. According to the Associated Press, the boat has been available for charter for ...