Yacht chartering is one party renting a yacht from another party. Chartering opens up a world of enjoyment, the beauty of nature, the splendor of tropical islands, and the allure of exotic ports. Chartering is your private access to a place where there is turquoise waters, balmy breezes, golden sunlight and clear blue skies. Chartering gives you priceless days of pristine beaches, clean waters and brilliant coral reefs. Chartering is synonymous with fine foods, and exquisite surroundings. It is your private realm into a lifestyle previously exclusive to the wealthy yacht owners and privileged world travelers.

There are three main types of charter yachts; crewed yachts, flotillas and bareboat. Each classification offers a choice of sailing yachts. While there are obvious major differences between each type of charter there are certain similarities between each. There are clients that happily charter a bareboat, crewed yacht or join a flotilla, depending on what their wishes are at a particular time.

A bareboat charter offers the individual the opportunity to enjoy the adventure of a hands-on approach to the entire cruise. Bareboat companies are based in a variety of locations worldwide. The companies make sure each yacht is maintained and fully equipped for cruising. The company will provide pre-charter boat orientations and chart briefings. On a bareboat charter the charter guest is responsible for all aspects of running the yacht, sailing, navigating, anchoring, provisioning, cooking, cleaning and most of all having fun. Optional skipper/guides and cooks can be hired (not to be mistaken for a private crewed yacht). A private Broker like Adventures A.W.A.Y. is there to give independent objective advice and assistance in booking your bareboat vacation.

Crewed yachts are available for charter, which you can include a captain and a cook. The crew who operate these yachts are professionally licensed, highly trained, and experienced in safety, seamanship. The yachts can vary in sizes and you must allot a cabin for both the Captain and Cook, and also their meals for the duration of the Yacht Charter. This is booked for charter through the yacht charter broker who can give you a price breakdown of cost and what is required from you. A crewed yacht offers a private vacation with customized personal attention to each charter guest. Each charter is built around a personal itinerary to islands and anchorages selected by you. A high level of personal service, discretion and security characterizes a crewed yacht charter. A chef dedicated solely to pleasing you, prepares customized menus. The yacht and crew's commitment is aimed towards a high quality of service and attention to your needs.

The ultimate in social sailing and a great option for couples, singles and groups of friends with a taste for adventure. A vacation with a Flotilla is an informal, relaxed and unique experience. This is a vacation with a difference, you get to see and experience a new adventure every day.

Sailing with numerous other yachts, your lead boat will sail with you and provide a flexible itinerary that includes suggested anchorages to visit during the day or to moor for the night, ensuring you see the best of your chosen sailing area.

There is also the option to meet up with the flotilla at agreed destinations for dinner, punch parties, beach picnics and to take part in fun regattas and other social events. Many flotilla enthusiasts say that this is what makes a flotilla trip so special - meeting people with similar interests and sharing the excitement of discovering new sailing areas together.

Some people return year after year to the same sailing area, keeping in touch with flotilla friends and often booking together for future vacations. Others prefer to try a new area each year, and with so many destinations to choose from, there is always somewhere new to discover...

A yacht charter vacation can be arranged in many interesting locations around the world. The main areas are the Caribbean islands, the Mediterranean Sea, Asia, and Africa. Here you will find the largest selection of yachts and a diversity of cruising areas. Other popular areas include Florida and the Bahamas,

The planning process for your charter will help ensure that you achieve the best possible result and will actually extend your enjoyment. Research increases your awareness of the multitude of pleasurable choices, increasing a level of anticipation that begins long before your charter, and extends the pleasure over weeks and months.

The first three important steps in planning a charter -

1. put together the ideas of what you are looking for, at least in general terms, and then

2. call your personal charter broker to discuss your ideas

3. discuss the travel arrangements with your personal charter broker

How many people will be on the charter

Type of yacht- mono-hull or catamaran

Cabin requirements- number of cabins and heads

Make up of your party- couples, family, singles, children

What are you interested in doing or seeing

What is your budget

What time of the year you would like to charter

How long of a trip

Information in Yacht charter guides and throughout many charter websites will help you learn more about where you would like to go. You do not need to become an expert or know everything in detail, you just need a basic outline of what you are looking for.

Discuss these items with your yacht charter broker until you find what is best for you.

When you have selected your yacht, dates and the base you would like to pick up and drop off your charter you then secure the arrangements with the charter agreement and booking deposit. The deposit will confirm your booking, and you will be sent all the information pertaining to your Yacht Charter including the Terms and Conditions, Skippers Resume, Crew List, and personal Insurance.

Charter yacht companies use a charter agreement, this agreement will specify the particulars of the charter, payment schedules, cancellation policies and defines the rights and obligations of all parties in contingencies. Although the charter agreement might seem cumbersome, it is relatively simple especially considering you are taking charge of someone's investment. Make sure with your broker that you understand the terms and provisions of the charter agreement.

Rates for charter yachts may vary according to the season, the number of charter guests, and the area in which the yacht is chartered. Items that are included in the charter rate and items that are additional expenses and fees vary according to the terms of yacht Charter Company.

It is important from the onset to understand the terms and conditions under which charter yachts operate as well as what additional fees and expenses may be incurred on your charter. This will allow you to have a realistic assessment of your budget needs and to compare value when researching your vacation options.

Crewed and bareboat charter yachts include different items in their rate depending on their type, size and the cruising area. The operating expenses (food, fuel, etc.) included or not included are determined by the operating "terms" under which a yacht is chartered. Most sailing yachts do not include Provisioning, Cruising Tax, Yacht Damage Waiver, Fuel, Water, Skipper, and Cook all of this must be taken into consideration as operating expenses.

When chartering a yacht you can Advance Provision. This can be done on line with most large charter companies and prepaid ahead of time. Good food can be as high on the list as good weather when it comes to a charter holiday. It is most important to ensure that you have enough drinking water for you and your crew. Rule of thumb is two liters per person per day. Water in the tanks should not be used.

The majority of bases are situated in marinas well equipped with mini markets, supermarkets and local markets, all within a short distance from your yacht which will be more economical.

Taxes and Harbor Fees - Most countries and island nations impose some type of cruising tax or harbor fees on charter yachts. These expenses are incurred by the charter guest but are usually only a small item in the charter budget. VAT is imposed by European Union nations. VAT can vary between 16% and 20% of the charter fee.

Gratuities - Customary crewed yachts(skipper / cook) gratuity, is based on service you have received and is at your own discretion.

Trip cancellation insurance is available to cover the loss of the charter fee if the charter needs to cancel or curtail for a valid reasons. It is recommended that you consider the merits of cancellation insurance at the time of booking your yacht. Certain benefits may only apply if insurance is purchased at the time of booking.

Liability, personal accident, cancellation, medical and personal effects insurance specific to the charter guest is highly recommended.