Charter Guide
Frequently asked questions.
A working guide to the essentials of chartering a yacht in Monaco and the Mediterranean. If your question isn't here, please write to us.
What does a yacht-charter concierge do?
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A yacht-charter concierge works between clients and the wider yacht-charter market. Once we understand your dates, guest requirements, style and budget, we research suitable available yachts through established brokers, yacht managers and operators, then present a curated shortlist for you to consider.
How do I find the right yacht?
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Start with a short charter brief describing your dates, guest count, preferred yacht style and approximate budget. From there, a concierge will review options and prepare a personal shortlist. You are welcome to review, compare and adjust before deciding.
How much does a Monaco yacht charter cost?
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Weekly charter rates in the Mediterranean typically start from around €25,000 for smaller day-charter styled yachts, and rise substantially for larger superyachts. The base charter fee excludes running expenses (fuel, food, berthing, taxes). Final rates and terms are confirmed by the yacht's central agent for each specific charter.
What is included in the base charter fee?
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The base fee typically covers the yacht, its crew, insurance and standard maintenance. Fuel, food, beverages, port fees, berthing and other operating expenses are usually covered separately via APA.
What is APA?
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APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) is a working fund the client provides before the charter to cover running expenses — fuel, food, beverages, berthing, transfers and similar. Expenses are accounted for and any unused balance is returned. The percentage varies by yacht, itinerary and season, and the specific charter agreement takes precedence.
Are taxes included?
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VAT and other taxes depend on the flag of the yacht, the itinerary, the cruising region and applicable jurisdiction. Your concierge will confirm the applicable tax treatment for your specific charter before you sign.
Are food and drinks included?
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Food and beverages are usually paid from the APA rather than included in the base fee. The captain and chef can help plan a preference sheet before boarding.
Can I charter a yacht for one day?
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Yes. Day charters from Monaco typically run 8–10 hours and are a popular way to visit Cap Ferrat, the Îles de Lérins or a lunch stop along the Riviera. Rates depend on the yacht, the season and the itinerary.
How far in advance should I enquire?
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For peak weeks (July, August, Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco Yacht Show, Cannes Film Festival) we recommend enquiring several months ahead. Shorter lead times are possible outside those windows.
Can I charter during the Monaco Grand Prix?
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Yes. Grand Prix charters are among our most requested engagements. Availability is very limited and event-week terms differ from regular season. Early planning is essential; harbour berths with visibility of the circuit are subject to confirmation and cannot be guaranteed.
Can I charter during the Monaco Yacht Show?
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Yes. Yachts are frequently chartered during the Yacht Show for accommodation, corporate hosting and client meetings. Event access is separate from the yacht charter; we can advise on both.
Where can I cruise from Monaco?
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From Monaco, popular itineraries include Cap Ferrat, Villefranche, Cannes, the Îles de Lérins and Saint-Tropez along the French Riviera; Portofino, Sanremo and the Ligurian coast on the Italian side; and multi-day passages to Corsica and Sardinia.
How many guests can sleep aboard?
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Under most flag rules, up to twelve guests may sleep aboard a commercially operated yacht at sea. Larger day-guest counts can often be accommodated while alongside; your concierge will confirm what is possible for your chosen yacht.
Can children join a yacht charter?
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Yes. Many yachts welcome children and can prepare cabins, meals and safety arrangements accordingly. Let us know each child's age so we can suggest suitable yachts.
Are pets permitted?
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Some yachts accept well-behaved pets; others do not. Please tell us in advance so we can propose yachts and captains that welcome pets.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
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Yes. Please share allergies and dietary preferences in your charter brief so the chef can plan provisioning and menus with care.
What happens if the weather changes?
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The captain has the final call on routing and departures for the safety of guests and crew. Itineraries can flex to sheltered cruising areas when conditions require.
Can the itinerary change?
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Yes. Once the charter begins, guests and the captain discuss the itinerary daily. Adjustments are common; a well-planned brief simply gives the captain a strong starting point.
Is a professional crew included?
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Every yacht we recommend is fully crewed with a captain, deck team, interior team and, on most yachts, a chef. Additional specialists (dive instructor, spa therapist) can be arranged in advance.
How are gratuities handled?
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Gratuities are customary and paid at the end of the charter. A general guideline is 5–15% of the base charter fee, at your discretion, but the final charter agreement will note the applicable convention.
Can I request water toys?
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Yes. Most yachts carry a well-equipped water-toy locker (paddleboards, seabobs, jet skis, water skis, snorkelling gear). Specialist toys and inflatables can often be added in advance.
Can transfers be arranged?
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Yes. Airport transfers, helicopter transfers where offered, and onward hotel logistics can be coordinated as part of the concierge service.
What information is required to start?
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Preferred dates, approximate guest count and a rough idea of budget are enough to begin a search. More detailed preferences (yacht style, food, water toys, destinations) refine the shortlist significantly.
When is payment required?
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Charter deposits are typically due on signature of the charter agreement, with the balance and APA due before boarding. The specific charter agreement sets the definitive schedule.
What documentation may be required later?
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Once a yacht is confirmed, the captain will request a preference sheet, passport information for all guests, and any dietary or medical notes needed for safe planning.
What is the cancellation policy?
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Cancellation terms are set by the yacht's central agent in the charter agreement. Your concierge will review them with you before you sign.
Is my enquiry confidential?
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Yes. Enquiry information is handled discreetly and is only used to prepare your yacht search, per our Privacy Policy.
Ready to begin
Your charter starts with a conversation.
Share your dates and preferences and receive a curated yacht shortlist prepared by a Monaco-based concierge.