So you found the perfect yacht for our next vacation. But now is the time to choose a charter itinerary, and there are a couple of things to consider to make sure you get the best possible experience at the best possible price in the best possible conditions.
We asked our charter brokers what factors you should consider.
1. Destination
The destination is of course a crucial factor when planning a charter itinerary.
Evaluate climate trends and also weather forecasts for your trip’s location and dates.
Research points of interest and authentic restaurants where you can discover local foods. Plan activities, such as water sports or local hikes, that match your interests and those of your guests.
Remi van der Deure, Senior Charter Broker in Antibes adds: “Some destinations (the French Riviera, for example) do not require a long cruise between the various hot spots (Monaco-Cannes: 1h/1h30 min. with a motor yacht).“
2. Budget
Before planning your charter itinerary, consider your budget.
How much are you prepared to spend on your trip?
If you are chartering a fast sports yacht, do you have a rough idea of the hourly fuel costs?
On a large sport yacht like the Mangusta 130 this can be very high (1,200 litres per hour at 2 euros).
This will influence your choice of yacht and the duration of your charter.
3. Guests
The number and age of your guests will determine several key factors for your charter: the cabin configuration (including twin, double, and potentially a nanny cabin), the desired onboard amenities (such as a gym, jacuzzi, or spacious dining area), the necessary yacht size, and potentially even the ideal duration of each trip.You will want to ensure that everyone has enough space to feel comfortable on board for the chosen itinerary.
5. Points of interest, activities
Consider what you would like to do on your charter: is it relaxing on a beach or seeing cultural sites? Ensure that the itinerary fits your interests as well as that of your guests.
Some guests want to spend time at anchor relaxing in an unspoilt environment; others want to do some shopping.
6. Style of charter
Decide whether you want a laid-back yachting vacation or one with lots of action. This will decide the proper yacht type and appropriate itinerary that will fit your ideals.
7. Yacht type
A comfortable luxury motorsailer (gulet or similar) will not make the same daily mileage as the fast Italian sports yacht such as a Pershing or Mangusta: with your charter broker, planyour itinerary accordingly.
Taking these various elements in mind, you can develop an ideal charter itinerary-one that fits all of your needs and wants.
By considering these factors, you can plan the perfect charter itinerary that suits your needs and preferences.
8. Charter broker advice
Remi van der Deure, our senior charter broker says, “I once had a first-time charterer who didn’t even take the time to fill out his preference sheet for a large motor yacht in Sardinia. This client ignored all our recommendations and ended up having to pay a hefty fine at customs for not declaring their cash at the airport. Remember, always listen to the advice of your charter broker – we’re here to help you!”
- Flexibility: Be flexible concerning an itinerary of activities. Bookings of a yacht charter are exciting adventure options, but remember, things don’t go as planned at all times. A yacht charter is unpredictable, and things will go awry because of uncontrollable factors such as weather and delays, which won’t be expected. A result of being prepared for any change in plans assures safety and a good experience in the journey.
- Communication: Only good communication will help plan and book the perfect yacht charter holiday. When you are planning your charter holiday, don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand what you want from your charter company.
- Preferences: Whether it be a certain type of cuisine, activity such as water sport or onshore visit, or perhaps an important birthday celebration, whatever your need or want may be, your charter company should be in a position to provide. Of course, the more particular the requests, the better your charter company will be prepared for meeting your expectations. Remember, the more you can relay and communicate with your charter broker, the better your chances of planning and booking the perfect luxury holiday.
Advance booking will provide you with the time needed to make reservations regarding activities and experiences that you want, ensuring you get exactly what you are looking for. This way, you will have ample time doing your research and making up your mind as to which options may prove best for your group. In addition, you’ll find it rather easier to get the best deals this way, and you can be certain of better availability. - Pre-booking: Pre-booking in advance will enable you to book the activities and experiences that you want to ensure you get precisely what you want. You will have ample time to research options and make a decision on which ones will work best for your group. What’s more, it will be easier for you to get the best deals and you can make certain of better availability.
About the author: Remi van der Deure – French Riviera Charter broker.
Hello,
I am the senior Yacht Charter Broker at Charterminute, a well-known yacht charter boutique in Antibes.
I have served in the yacht charter industry for over 15 years and have gained a strong reputation among my clients, as evidenced by consistent 5-star ratings on Google Reviews and TripAdvisor.
My specialty is organizing corporate yacht charters for startups and large companies during popular events like the Cannes Lions Festival, MIPIM, TFWA, and MIPCOM.
I am also proud to be a member of esteemed yacht broker associations, e-MYBA and ECPY, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to providing exceptional yacht charter services and memorable experiences in the French Riviera.
You can contact me directly at +33 (0)662.465.991 or remi@charterminute.com.
