Charter FAQs. Your questions answered.

Charter FAQs

Allowing the experts at Burgess to perfect every detail of your charter takes all the worry away. Start with this website. It is a general introduction to just some of the many superb yachts available for charter. More detailed information on these and other yachts in our charter portfolio are available on request. If you are uncertain about your charter requirements, our brokers will be delighted to advise you. Similarly, if you wish to check the availability of any given vessel, please contact us. Our specialist brokers are readily on hand to provide every guidance as well as a wealth of discerning expertise.
The charter agreement
After the availability of your chosen yacht has been verified, you will receive a standard MYBA Charter Agreement for signature. If your chosen cruising itenerary necessitates embarking or disembarking from a point other than your 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.
Payment terms
A deposit of 50 per cent of the total charter fee is payable by bank transfer immediately on signature of the MYBA Charter Agreement. The remaining 50 per cent, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance, together with any taxes, delivery/redelivery fees and any additionally agreed charges, is payable by bank transfer five weeks before the commencement of the charter.
Operating expenses

The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is due at the time of the final charter payment. Under MYBA terms, this sum is usually equivalent to 30 per cent of the total charter fee, but may be up to 40 per cent in some cases.

Intended to cover the operating expenses of a charter as explained under Charter Terms, such as fuel, food, drinks, port fees and ad hoc incidentals, the APA will be given to the captain before the start of your charter. The Captain will ensure that the yacht is fully fuelled and provisioned when you step on board. While 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 the cruise. If, during the charter, the expenditure exceeds the sum already paid, additional cash funds will be required at once.

All outstanding bills from the yacht charter should be settled in cash or by bank transfer before your final disembarkation. Of course, 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 Burgess or by the yacht’s captain, payment for which will be deducted from your APA.

Every detail counts
Several weeks before you board your yacht, Burgess will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire describing the preferences and special needs of all the members of your party, such as dietary or medial requirements, details of any allergies, and your sporting or entertainment requests. This will enable Burgess and the crew of your chosen charter yacht to ensure that everything possible is done to make your charter a fabulous experience.
Satellite television systems
Where these are provided please note that service cannot always be guaranteed due to differing signal strengths across the world and satellite receivers vary in capability from one yacht to another. If satellite television is important during your charter, please check with your broker to avoid any disappointment.
Internet access
There is standard wireless access provided throughout most yachts although in certain areas the service can be limited and cannot be guaranteed. If you anticipate regular use of the internet or require large bandwidths during your charter, please let Burgess know before you board as upgrades may be subject to availability and there is likely to be a charge made to your account according to your requirements.
Smoking on board
Smoking is only allowed outside on deck and in the case of some yachts in dedicated outside areas only. Please consult Burgess for verification. For safety reasons, smoking in cabins and staterooms is prohibited on all yachts.
Crew gratuities

Crew gratuities 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. Crew gratuities are normally approximately 10 per cent of the charter fee, 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 enjoyment, will not be overlooked.

Recreation equipment
The recreation equipment listed for the yachts is believed to be correct but cannot be guaranteed as they are liable to change at short notice. Should changes become necessary, the owner of the yacht will make every effort possible to comparably replace the equipment. Personal watercraft (jetskis, waverunners etc) may be restricted in certain cruising areas and guests will also require an appropriate operating licence. Please check with Burgess first for any guidelines or if you have any specific requirements in this regard.
Insurance

Burgess strongly recommends 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 you with additional advice in this matter.

Expert guidance
Burgess brokers have extensive experience and an unrivalled reputation in chartering yachts of 30 metre (100ft) and above. No other business has the same degree of specialist knowledge or professional commitment. While every effort has been made to present the varied and constantly evolving facets of chartering as simply as possible in this publication, the charter team will be pleased to offer any further clarification if required.
Charter rates

Charter rates are quoted per week for the hire of the yacht. Charters over seven days are calculated pro-rata against the weekly rate divided by seven and multiplied by the number of charter days. Charters less than seven days usually attract a premium, calculated as the weekly rate divided by six, multiplied by the number of days. Certain yachts will apply a minimum amount of days charter which can be confirmed by the broker.

High season rates usually apply to the most popular charter periods, i.e. July/August and Christmas/New Year, and are also normally applicable to all major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival. Low season rates apply to all other periods (please note low and high season periods may differ for certain locations).

Please note that charter rates shown on the website are believed to be correct but may be subject to change.

Charter terms

Most charter rates that appear in this publication are based on MYBA Terms, 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 and her tenders; local taxes; pilotage; port, harbour and marina dues; customs clearance; water and electricity; personal laundry; all provisions, wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and consumables for the charterer’s party; shoreside excursions, telecommunication and internet 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 MYBA Terms when presenting the relevant yachts. Whilst some yachts are legally permitted to charter in the US, others do not meet with American fiscal requirements and so are not available for charter whilst in US waters. Please enquire for further information on specific yachts.

VAT
Please note that due to European Union tax legislation, Value Added Tax may be charged on the gross Charter Fee and delivery costs for charters taking place in European Union Waters. Local taxes may also apply in other countries and our brokers will provide any prevailing rates according to your chosen cruising destination and itinerary.

Yacht charter destinations

Mediterranean

A yacht charter to the Mediterranean is anything you want it to be. From the Michelin stared restaurants of Naples, to the chic beach clubs, and luxury brands of Monaco and the French Riviera to the laid-back lifestyle, ancient ruins and deserted beaches of Mykonos and Santorini in the Greek islands, you can do it all.

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Greece

An idyllic yacht charter to Greece offers an escape from busy modern life. From the Cyclades to the Ionian Islands, spend lazy days exploring wild landscapes and deserted sandy coves, pretty harbours and white-washed fishing villages.

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Caribbean

The Caribbean has an intoxicating allure for the superyachting crowd. A luxury Caribbean yacht charter offers big blue skies and cooling trade winds for magnificent sailing and island-hopping.

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French Riviera

From Monaco to Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) has long captured the hearts and souls of the yachting crowd.

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Croatia & Montenegro

The coastlines and islands of Croatia and Montenegro offer world-class cruising with historic towns, stunning scenery and pulsating nightlife.

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Mallorca

The star of the Balearics, the island of Mallorca is the perfect yacht rental destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, and lively local scene.

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Italy

More than any other country, Italy encapsulates the variety the Mediterranean has to offer – and there is no better way to experience it than on a luxury Italian yacht charter with Burgess.

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Turkey

From fashionable resorts and modern marinas to heavenly white-sand beaches, secret sailing coves and ancient ruins, many only accessible by sea, the ‘Turquoise Coast’ of Turkey is the Mediterranean at its most exotic.

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Bahamas

With shimmering white beaches fringed with sapphire seas and colourful coral reefs, the 700 or so islands and cays of the Bahamas are perfect for exploring by sea.

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Corsica & Sardinia

A luxury yacht charter to Corsica is an excellent opportunity to explore this lush, mountainous island. Fringed by plunging cliffs and beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Mediterranean, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of the best snorkelling and diving in the area.

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Thailand

Thailand is diverse and exotic, from the isolated beaches and lush forests to cultural shrines and the nine pristine Similan Islands. You'll find jaw-dropping scenery, unforgettable diving and some of the finest beaches in Asia.

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Fiji

Embark on a luxury superyacht charter in Fiji to explore this tropical haven of 333 islands and discover secluded bays and uninhabited islands.

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Corfu

Located at the northern end of the Ionian chain, Corfu is full of charming towns with thriving shops, restaurants and an exuberant nightlife. All of this happily complements the abundance of secluded coves and anchorages enjoyed only by sea.

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British Virgin Islands

A yacht charter to the British Virgin Islands gives you the chance to explore 60 unspoilt volcanic islands. From the main island of Tortola to the smooth granite rocks of Virgin Gorda, or to tiny sandy islets that can be yours alone, with Burgess you’ll have the chance to explore at your leisure.

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Alaska

Enjoy outdoor experiences unlike any other on a yacht charter along this majestic coastline of North America. On a luxury yacht charter in Alaska you will cruise through sheltered waterways, passing national parks, shimmering glaciers and mountain peaks.

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US Virgin Islands

With 500 fish species, 40 corals, abundant wildlife in verdant interiors and stunning beaches, the US Virgin Islands have it all.

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Maldives

It's 99 percent water and one percent land! The Maldives is a magical water kingdom in the Indian Ocean. You will be greeted by white beaches, coral reefs, relaxed bars with sunset views, beach BBQs on uninhabited islands, and gourmet dining.

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Galapagos

Lying 1,000km (600 miles) off the Ecuadorean coast, the Galapagos is a modern garden of Eden and a living laboratory of evolution.

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South East Asia

On a South East Asia yacht charter you can set sail from Thailand’s island of Phuket and cruise out to Phang Nga Bay for sea kayaking or rappelling on limestone cliffs.

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Mykonos

Mykonos is the glamorous epicentre of the Cyclades Islands, and an essential part of any Greek island charter. From beach bars that rival Ibiza to 16th Century windmills, to sophisticated restaurants in the hinterland and tavernas that take no reservations at all – this is the juxtaposition and charm of Mykonos.

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Australia

From dynamic cities and breathtaking unspoilt landscapes to sweeping beaches and stunning coastlines brimming with natural wonders, Australia offers extraordinary experiences.

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Indonesia

Indonesia is the world's last unspoilt paradise, with 17,000 islands across 5,000km between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

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Caribbean - Leeward Islands

Scattered over 150 miles from Anguilla to Dominica, this group of Caribbean islands is fascinatingly diverse. Sailing the Leeward Islands is the perfect way to discover some of the Caribbean’s most notable beaches and adventures.

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New England

New England combines old-world charm and a proud maritime history with the pretty shorelines, picturesque harbours and historic towns and islands of Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine.

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Tahiti

You could spend weeks getting lost in this breath-taking part of the world. Cruising on a yacht in Tahiti allows you to dive vibrant coral reefs with all manner of marine life, snorkel the clearest waters you’ve ever encountered or visit islets with not a soul in sight.

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Red Sea

The east coast of the Red Sea is a pristine wilderness, largely untouched and unexplored. It is a place where you can genuinely escape and make discoveries every day as you cruise your yacht from one secluded turquoise bay to the next, one sandy shored island to another.

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Indian Ocean

With easy sailing distances between the jungle-covered, mountainous main islands and an abundance of opportunities to explore the more remote Outer Islands, an Indian Ocean yacht charter around the Seychelles can be tailor-made for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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Ibiza

Famous as the party playground of the Med, Ibiza is today prized for its impressively varied offering. Any yacht charter in Ibiza will blend the sounds of international DJs in locations like Ibiza town with the tranquillity, bohemian vibe, stylish marinas and wellness scene in the north.

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Phuket

Phuket provides a heady combination of palm-lined white-sand beaches, superb hospitality, land-based fun, exciting activities, cultural wonders and delicious cuisine. With year-round good weather, its rising popularity as a charter destination is no surprise.

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French Polynesia

Explore the islands of French Polynesia on a luxury French Polynesia yacht charter. The islands which are a string of tropical jewels set in the South Pacific, have an abundance of secluded anchorages and some of the most spectacular diving in the world.

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The Balearics

Although famous – or is that infamous? – as the party playground of the Mediterranean, this Spanish archipelago offers so much more.

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Scotland

Imagine cruising amid the wild, romantic beauty of the Western Isles, some of the most stunning, unspoilt scenery Britain has to offer. Dramatic steep scree-sided lochs give way to rolling acres of Scots pine and sunlit golden sand beaches, deserted and inaccessible except by yacht.

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Caribbean - Windward Islands

Explore the bejewelled chain of Caribbean islands that sweeps south from Martinique to Grenada on a luxury Caribbean Windward Islands yacht charter.

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Editorial

Explorer yacht charter: The best places to take a helicopter tour in the world

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Unusual charter destinations in the Mediterranean

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An insider’s guide to a Montenegro yacht charter

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Discover the Gamma destinations to visit on board a superyacht charter

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Yacht charters to the best destinations to free dive with sharks

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A guide to the best cycling destinations accessible by yacht

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