Information

• What is difference between a crewed yacht from shore resorts? The difference is that a crewed yacht allows for absolute privacy in a relaxed atmosphere. The yachts and crews are dedicated only to you and your guests from the moment of boarding. With a private yacht we can simply tailor your vacation wherever whenever.

• Are children welcome on charter? Of course - most charters are organised for great family holidays and we will ensure that the itinerary is suitable for both children and adults. There is plenty to keep children occupied. Watersports, beach games, treasure hunts.And ample supplies of games aboard the yachts. Tailored childrens menus are also available.

But please note that you are held responsibile for their safety and behaviour. Crew on board are responsibile for yacht and navigation.

• Can we be involved in the planning of menus whilst on charter? Virgin Sailing will send you a food preference list before commencement of your charter. Therefore both us and the crew will be familiar with your favorite foods and beverages. All yacht Chefs have wonderful and eclectic menus and will do their upmost to satisfy your requirements.

• What does Virgin Sailing charge for their service? We provide guidance, security, experience and convenience - at no cost to our customers.

• What does the charter fee include? Most yachts in the Caribbean operate on Caribbean Terms Inclusive (CTI) which means that the charter rate includes the hire and insurance of the yacht, crew wages, crew food, ship’s laundry, fuel for cruising per day, harbour dues and three meals per day, and includes soft and alcoholic beverages, but excludes communication costs and local taxes.

Some yachts operate on Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association Terms (MYBA) which means that the charter rate includes the hire and insurance of the yacht, crew food and wages and the ship’s laundry only. All other expenses such as fuel for the main engines, generators and watersports equipment, all running costs, harbour dues, all food, all soft and alcoholic drinks, communication costs, local taxes, crew gratuities etc. are at an additional cost to the Charterer.  

• What is the level of the crew gratuity? Like any gratuity, this is left at the discretion of the customer, however as a guideline, gratuities are normally in the region of 15% of the basic charter fee. This can be paid by travellers cheques, cash,sometimes by credit card or sent by wire transfer at the end of the cruise if you do not wish to travel with large amounts of cash. 

• Does the Yacht have beach towels? All yachts supply linen, towels and some yachts supply sun creams, hairdryers and general toiletries. 

• Does the Yacht have internet connection? In the majority of cases, yes Wi Fi / broadband is now commonplace. Though it is worth checking as this can vary from yacht to yacht.

• Will the crew baby sit children? This is not part of the crews job, though can usually be arranged with prior notice. 

• How difficult is it to get into the major yachting ports in the Mediterranean? (i.e. St Tropez, Porto Cervo, Monaco) Please be aware that during peak season berthing arrangements can be very difficult, especially around the more popular ports. We strongly advise booking well in advance. Nothing is guaranteed and some ports only accept bookings three days before your intended arrival.  

• Can you or the Captain arrange land excursions, tour guides etc? Yes. we can provide information on any cruising area and recommend places of interest. We will also liaise with the Captain prior to embarkation and arrange for excursions ashore. Once on board your Captain will be happy to advise and arrange excursions. 

• Will I be picked up at the airport? Yes, we will arrange for transport and a member of the crew to meet you and take you to the yacht. 

• Can I go scuba diving from the yacht? Some yachts have fully qualified Dive Instructors/Divemasters onboard as part of the crew and carry dive equipment. However in some cases diving is by arrangement with a separately employed local dive company (Rendevouz Diving). If you are qualified be sure to bring your diving certificate with you. If you want to get certified in Scuba Diving, why not complete your theory at home and carry out your open water dives whilst on your sailing vacation.

• Can anyone use the watersports equipment or do we have to be qualified? All the watersports equipment is made available to charter guests and the crew is on hand to assist and teach guests that may be unfamiliar with some of the water toys. However, SCUBA Diving and Waverunner use is generally restricted to guests with appropriate qualifications as this is a legal requirement in most countries.

• Do people get Seasick? Generally no, all yachts especially catamarans are very stable, and the crew will always find that perfect protected anchorage.

• Do charters run from Saturday to Saturday? No charters can start any day of the week and be any period in length. Although most owners will request a period of at least a week during peak season and over Christmas & New Year. 

• Can we get involved with sailing the yacht? All our yachts are fully crewed so there is no need to get involved in the running of the yacht. However, if guests are keen to sail, most crews will be happy to involve you 

• Can you provide a private jet for us? Yes – we can definitely assist with this. Whether it is longer haul or local helicopter transfers.

• How do we find out about our crew? We will send you full details and information of the crew and the Chefs sample menus.

• How much luggage are we allowed? Within the limits of your airline or private jet. We always recommend soft luggage for stowage purposes. If you are vacationing in the Caribbean light attire is recommended.

• What types of bar and wines can we expect? All inclusive yacht charters include a reasonable amount of alcohol aboard inc beers, house spirits and house wines tailored to your tastes. Premium brands are available additionally.

• Deposits Escrow payments transfers credit cards balances? Most charter yachts operate outside the USA. In almost all cases we keep your deposit in an escrow account which is not released to the yacht until just before the charter. All payment transfers are receipted and safe. 

• What is the APA? (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) The APA usual for Med and some Caribbean charters is for extra expenses involved in the provisioning for guests, the fuel cost, land arrangements etc. Normally it is about 25% of the contract value and all items are specified in an Addendum attached to the charter contracts providing breakdown analysis of the costs. Final accounts will be produced by the Captain at the end of the charter on presence of the Broker and any unused funds will be refunded in full to the Charterer directly. If the funds are not sufficient, the Captain will advise you accordingly and bills will be settled upon disembarkation.

• How to book a charter? With guidance and sourcing from ourselves, once you have chosen a yacht, location and dates. We will provisionally reserve the yacht. We will then send you a contract to peruse and complete along with wire transfer details for the required deposit. This is kept safe and secure in the clearing house escrow account. We will then send you confirmation and a preference sheet for you to complete with such items as your favourite foods and beverages and activities. We can assist and organize any travel arrangements, hotels or villas prior or post charter. We can also advise on private air transport.

• Travel Insurance We certainly recommend travel insurance as it can provide you with the best coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage damage, medical evacuation, and much more. www.travelguard.com



Yacht Charter & Sales | Destinations | Dining | Activities