10 Things You Must Know Before Chartering A Skippered Yacht in the Mediterranean

1. Fuel Costs Are Not Included

Fuel is not part of the charter fee. The yacht’s fuel tanks will be full on your arrival, and at the end of your charter, your skipper will refill them. You’ll be charged the local cost price, payable by cash or card. Fuel expenses depend on factors such as your itinerary, weather conditions, and generator usage. Your personal broker can provide a rough estimate to help you plan.

2. Your Crew’s Contact Details

Crew contact details will only be shared a few days before your charter begins. This ensures skippers, who handle back-to-back charters, can stay focused on the current clients. However, your broker is available 24/7 before, during and after your charter to answer any questions and provide support whenever needed.

Flexibility is key when planning your itinerary. While your broker will help tailor an itinerary to your preferences, it’s essential to remain open-minded. Weather conditions, boat traffic and the skipper’s safety recommendations may require changes to your plans.

4. Security Deposit & Damage Waiver

A fully refundable security deposit is required upon arrival and will be refunded at the end of your charter, provided there are no damages made by guests. In Greece, many operators also charge a non-refundable damage waiver fee, which reduces your refundable deposit and is typically mandatory.

5. Provisions: How to Organize Your Shopping

You have two options for provisions:

Pre-Order: Complete a preference sheet and we’ll arrange for everything to be delivered to the yacht before your arrival. A small delivery fee usually applies and you’ll need to bring the provisions onboard and store them.

Self-Shop: Arrive early and do your own shopping before the charter. Bring your provisions to the yacht at embarkation.

6. Charter Pack

The Charter Pack is an obligatory extra, which includes essentials like bed linens, towels, toiletries final cleaning and gas for the stove. Some packages may offer additional items, depending on the yacht.

7. Your Crew

The Charter Pack is an obligatory extra, which includes essentials like bed linens, towels, toiletries final cleaning and gas for the stove. Some packages may offer additional items, depending on the yacht.

Hostess: Prepares two home-style meals per day, cleans common areas, and handles provisions shopping.

Cook: Prepares three restaurant-quality meals per day, manages provisions shopping, and keeps the galley clean.

Quick Tip: Most guests opt for the hostess, have breakfast and lunch onboard, then head ashore in the evening for dinner via the dinghy. Meal times are flexible, so you can switch to breakfast and dinner if you prefer—just be sure to inform your hostess at least a day in advance.

8. Responsibility for Crew Meals

You are responsible for providing meals for your crew. You have two options:

Option 1: Provide each crew member with approximately EUR 30 per day to cover their meals.

Option 2: Include the crew in your provisions shopping, and they will prepare extra portions for themselves.

9. Departure Delays Are Common in High Season

Charters usually run from Saturday at 5:00 PM to the following Saturday at 8:00 AM. However, during the high season, departures may be delayed due to heavy marina traffic. It’s common to leave on Sunday morning instead.

Quick Tip: For an additional fee, you can opt for an early 2:00 PM check-in. This helps avoid the crowds and gives you a half-day of extra sailing.

Your yacht must return to the marina by Friday evening before sunset. You can either stay aboard overnight in the marina and disembark at 8:00 AM on Saturday or choose to disembark that evening if you prefer.