First-Time Yacht Charter: 12 Things Nobody Tells You

Every broker has a version of this conversation. A client calls, excited about their first charter, and within five minutes it becomes clear they have no idea what to expect. Not because they have not done their research, but because the internet is full of glossy marketing and short on practical truth.

This is what MY OCEAN tells every first-time client before they step on board.

1. Pack soft bags, not hard suitcases

Yacht cabins have limited storage. A rigid Rimowa will not fit in the wardrobe or under the bed. Bring a soft duffel or a foldable travel bag that can be stowed flat once unpacked. The crew will unpack for you if you prefer.

2. Shoes come off on board

Dark-soled shoes mark teak decks permanently. The crew will ask you to remove shoes at the passerelle. Bring white-soled deck shoes or go barefoot. Most guests go barefoot within an hour.

3. APA is not an extra charge, it is a running account

The Advance Provisioning Allowance, typically 30 to 40 percent of the charter fee, covers fuel, food, drinks, port fees, and any extras during the trip. It is paid upfront and settled at the end. If you spend less, you get the difference back. If you spend more, you pay the balance. Read our full APA guide for the detail.

4. Crew gratuity is expected

The industry standard is 10 to 20 percent of the charter fee, given in cash to the captain at the end of the trip. The captain distributes it to the crew. In the Mediterranean, 15 percent is typical. In the Caribbean, 20 percent is more common. This is not optional in practice, even though it is technically discretionary. Read our tipping guide for regional norms.

5. The preference sheet matters more than you think

Before the charter, the crew sends a preference sheet asking about food allergies, dietary requirements, drink preferences, activity interests, and sleep habits. Fill it out thoroughly. The chef plans the entire week around it. If you mention you like sushi, expect a sushi night. If you forget to mention a shellfish allergy, expect shellfish.

6. Seasickness is real but manageable

Even experienced sailors get seasick in certain conditions. The captain will adjust the route to avoid rough water, but open crossings are sometimes unavoidable. Bring your preferred remedy. Patches work for most people. The crew will have basic medication on board, but do not rely on it.

7. You need an RYA licence to drive a jet ski in Europe

In France, Spain, Italy, and most of the Mediterranean, you cannot legally drive a jet ski without a licence. The yacht will have jet skis, but if nobody in your group has a licence, the crew will drive for you. Some charter companies offer a one-day course before the trip.

8. Night cruising is restricted in many areas

In parts of France and Italy, yachts cannot cruise at night near the coast due to environmental regulations protecting seagrass beds (Posidonia). The captain plans the itinerary around this. It means you anchor for the night rather than moving between destinations after dark.

9. Port versus anchor is a real trade-off

Staying in a marina gives you access to restaurants, nightlife, and shore power (no generator noise). Anchoring in a bay gives you privacy, swimming, and silence. Most charters alternate between the two. Port fees in places like Saint-Tropez, Portofino, and Mykonos can be significant, and they come out of the APA.

10. The itinerary is flexible, not fixed

You agree a rough route with the captain before the trip, but it changes based on weather, wind, and your mood. If you love a bay, stay another night. If the wind picks up, the captain will suggest a sheltered alternative. The best charters are the ones where you stop planning and start responding to the water.

11. Dress code is simpler than you expect

Daytime is swimwear and cover-ups. Evening is smart casual. You do not need formal wear unless you plan to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in port. One pair of nice trousers and a linen shirt is enough for most evenings.

12. Your broker is your advocate, not a salesperson

A good broker works for you, not the yacht owner. They negotiate the rate, check the crew references, handle the contract, manage the APA, and intervene if anything goes wrong during the trip. If you do not have a broker, you are negotiating blind. Talk to MY OCEAN before you book.

Ready to plan your first charter?

MY OCEAN has arranged over 2,000 charters. We know what first-time clients need to hear, and we know what they need to experience. Start here or get in touch.