Multi-family charters of a crewed catamaran cost about the same as a week on a cruise ship—and provide a lot more personalized attention.

These yachts are considered entry-level in the world of yacht charter. They do not have weekly base rates in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many high-quality, crewed catamarans in the BVI have weekly base rates that range from $8,000 to $14,000 depending on the size of the yacht and the number of crew. Even if you add an estimated 15 percent for additional expenses such as food, alcohol, and crew gratuity, the weekly base rates still only range from $9,200 to $16,100.

Two or three couples who are friends and decide to charter together can split these rates equally. Three couples aboard a $12,000-a-week charter yacht, then, are each paying just $4,000. That’s $2,000 per person, all inclusive—meaning all the snorkeling you want, all the sailing you want, and all the food cooked precisely as you personally like it. The per-person price for a multi-family charter is well in line with a high-quality cruise ship or even an inclusive resort that caters to guests seeking a luxury experience.
The only difference is not price; it’s personalization. With yacht charter, it’s just you and your friends on the yacht. You’re not surrounded by thousands of strangers the way you would be aboard a cruise ship or at a resort. And you’re not paying a nickel extra for that privacy.

Even better, with sailing catamarans, you’re almost always receiving an equal experience, too. While some larger yachts have a superior master suite and then other, smaller cabins, many sailing catamarans in the BVI have cabins that are equal or very similar in size and amenities. Nobody will feel as though they got a “lesser” experience for the same vacation investment.

Charter brokers can work with groups of any sizes to book charter yachts in this multi-family way. The split pricing can be written directly into the contract, or a single person can be designated the “lead charterer” and do the organization of funds on your end instead. As with so many things about yacht charter, the preference is yours.

Charter brokers also can talk to you about the cabin arrangements on various boats—say, if one couple is bringing children and another couple is not. Some BVI charter yachts are laid out specifically for these types of groups, allowing the adults some extra privacy and the kids a space that’s sized more for them.

No matter your personal needs, a multi-family charter can be a terrific way to try yacht charter at an affordable price. Just beware: You’re going to see some bigger, fancier boats while you’re there. You just may get hooked and want to charter one of those next.

When chartering a yacht, make sure you'll be able to use the personal watercraft that are included.

What many charter clients don’t know, however, is that in a growing number of locations, the use of personal watercraft is restricted. In some places, it’s illegal to use them at all because they are noisy and can disturb other boaters. In other destinations, the use of personal watercraft is legal, but you must have a license to operate them. Many charter-yacht contracts now include provisions that require charter guests to have licenses before using any personal watercraft onboard.

Charter yacht captains are therefore working on creative solutions for guests who want to ride personal watercraft during their vacations. Some yachts, like the 191-foot Proteksan-Turquoise Baraka, decided to forgo having the toys onboard at all. Instead, the crew works with shore-based companies that bring Jet Skis out to the yacht to collect the guests.

Other charter yachts are becoming certified licensing centers in and of themselves. The 139-foot Alfamarine Lady Feryal is one example. Her crew are certified to teach charter guests the basics and provide licenses so that they can use personal watercraft all week long.

Your best bet if you want to ride personal watercraft during a yacht charter is to first verify through your broker that the toys are legal to use along your scheduled itinerary. Sometimes, they will be legal on some days and not on others, such as when you cruise through the Tobago Cays national park as opposed to other regions in the Grenadines. Your broker and charter yacht captain can let you know how many days of potential Wave Running are in your future, and you can decide at that time whether it’s worth the effort to get a license.

Then, if your charter yacht doesn’t have a licensing center onboard, you can get licensed on your own before the charter begins. You will need to take a Small Powerboat Handling Class, which usually includes about eight hours of classwork, a written exam, and a few hours of on-water practice at docking, turning, running forward and backward, and holding steady against the wind. Local Power Squadrons tend to offer these classes regularly.

Online classes like the one offered through BoatEd.com include everything except the hands-on practice—which, of course, you can get with the yacht’s crew. Deckhands tend to be masters at personal watercraft use, since it is part of their job to teach guests how to use the specific models that each yacht has onboard.

Most classes provide graduates with a Safe Boaters Card that is accepted worldwide, and that never requires a renewal. Fees for the classes can be as low as $30—a worthwhile investment no matter the cost of the charter vacation itself.

Photos: Neil Rabinowitz

Tortola's Cane Garden Bay

Getting to Tortola isn’t quite as easy as getting to St. Thomas, but there are quite a few options. The airport, located on Beef Island off the eastern part of Tortola, isn’t equipped to handle large jet aircraft, but it does have many flights going from and to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Ferries are the primary source of inter-island transportation, and the schedule is chock full between St. Thomas and Tortola. The ferry dock in St. Thomas is a brief taxi ride from the airport, and boats travel between St. Thomas and two locations in Tortola; Sopher’s Hole, on the western end of Tortola, and Road Town, the capital of the BVI, located in the center of Tortola.

The BVI are a British Overseas and European Union Territory, and visitors from the United States must go through customs and immigration. Passports are a must, and you need to build time into your schedule to allow for the sometimes crowded and slow process, especially at the ferry terminals. Once you’ve cleared in, there are many taxis and bus services to carry you to your charter base or marina.

Provisioning in Tortola can be challenging, depending upon where your charter base is located, but it’s not impossible. In West End (Sopher’s Hole), and Nanny Cay, there are small but adequate grocery stores. In Road Town there are two large grocery stores with larger selections and more fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also take advantage of several provisioning companies, which do the shopping for you based on orders placed online or over the telephone. As in the USVI, alcohol is duty-free and inexpensive.

While the restaurant selection on Tortola isn’t as wide and varied as in St. Thomas, there is still a good variety: native cuisine, burger and pizza joints, and slick, high-end places. Scattered throughout the BVI is the chain of Pusser’s (as in the famous rum makers) restaurants, which offer a good basic menu with a variety of island-themed cocktails and good service.

If you’re looking for duty-free shopping, the only real choice is Road Town, which plays host to large cruise ships. Again, while the selection of shops isn’t as large as in St. Thomas, there is still an adequate number to choose from.

Within striking distance of Tortola are the rest of the BVI. Of the 50 islands, fifteen are inhabited. They range in size from the second-largest (Anegada) to the tiny rocks off Fallen Jerusalem. All of them (except for Anegada, which is a low, flat island located to the north) are visible from various parts of Tortola, well within a day’s sail or motor.

The primary islands have overnight moorings and onshore attractions (bars and restaurants): Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Marina Cay, Nanny Cay, Peter Island, Cooper Island, Ginger Island, Norman Island, and Virgin Gorda. The overnight moorings run between $30 and $40 dollars per night. If you prefer the comfort of a mooring to anchoring, getting into harbor in the early to mid-afternoon is a good idea.

The people are, for the most part welcoming and helpful, and Tortola doesn’t suffer from the poor reputation of parts of the USVI. But as in any place where economic disparity is present, precautions should be taken, especially in Road Town. Keep your boat locked when you’re not aboard, and avoid heading into places where you’re the only tourists in sight, especially at night.

Whether multihull like this one or monohull, sailing charters can offer a relaxing way to explore a new location.

Monohull sailboats for large bareboat charter fleets have long been built by companies such as Bavaria, Beneteau, and Jeanneau, and they have been standardized to the point that after you have chartered one, you’ll find that you’re familiar with the sailing, mechanical and electrical systems on any of them. In smaller venues, and in much larger crewed yacht charters, you’ll find quite a bit of variation, but in the first case, the boats will tend to be simpler. And in the latter, you’ll have a professional crew to explain, and maintain, the systems. In any case, improvements in roller-furling headsail systems, and the use of in-mast furling or lazy jacks for mainsails has dramatically simplified sailhandling on virtually all yachts.

Sailing multihulls have rapidly gained popularity in recent years, especially in charter venues such as the Caribbean. They offer wide, stable platforms for crews to enjoy their holidays, and the combination of space and stability makes them attractive to guests who may be uncomfortable in the narrow confines of a monohull, which will heel as it sails into a strong wind.

Multihulls can be built with two hulls (catamarans) or three (trimarans), but the vast majority of charter yachts are of the two-hull variety. These have separated cabins in their two hulls, plus a wide bridgedeck saloon between the hulls, which also often contains the galley. With roller-furling headsails and twin engines, widely separated, one in each hull, they are often easier to maneouvre than monohulls.

Boat over about 47 feet in length are often captained by a professional, as the size of the boats and the loads on the sailing equipment scale up quickly at that point. Space increases quickly with length, as well, and a yacht charter aboard a 50-plus-foot model can be quite luxurious.

The Boston Whaler 370 Outrage is a dual-purpose fishing and family model; it's about as big a center console design as you'll find for fishing.

If your search is for Tarpon, Snook or Redfish in the Florida Keys, you may be looking for a flats boats, approximately 18′ in length. If Yellowfin tuna, Dolphin and Wahoo are what you are looking for, a center console from 20′ – 32′ would be your ideal boat. And if you’re going for Sailfish, White Marlin, or the true sportfisherman’s dream, the Blue Marlin, a Convertible or Sportfisherman in the 30′ – 40′ range with full accommodations is the charter for you.

Unlike their sister charter boats, don’t be surprised if you arrive at a fishing charter boat to find it quite “bare”. These boats are all about the fishing!

Chartering a crewed yacht like this Turkish gulet can be the ultimate relaxation.

Looking for a vacation that combines a private holiday with the freedom to go where you like, when you like, and to do as you please? Yacht charters provide all this, and more.

Imagine a week or more spent exploring out-of-the-way locales that folks in their automobiles will have trouble finding. On top of that, visualize never having to re-pack your suitcase.

Yacht chartering can be luxurious, but it can also be quite cost-effective when compared to the expense and aggravation of owning a boat. It can also compare favorably with the costs of equivalent land-based vacation, since it combines accommodations and transportation into one vessel.

Yachts can also be a perfect platform to entertain clients. Some companies offer yacht charter as a business incentive, instead of a week at a ski resort or hotel.

Whatever charter destination you choose, the type of boat will affect your overall experience. There are two basic types of yachts available for charter: bareboat and crewed. Within each category are choices of power or sail, monohull or catamaran, traditional or modern. You can even select a yacht with a full-service spa.

Photo by Neil Rabinowitz

Many fully crewed yachts are custom or semi-custom designs. But a great number of charter yachts, such as those found in bareboat fleets, will be comfortingly familiar whether you’re sailing them in the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean Sea. And if you want to guarantee familiarity with your charter yacht, you can even look into the benefits of yacht ownership, which can guarantee you a certain number of weeks per year on your boat, or others just like it.

Whatever the boat and wherever you go, a yacht charter vacation is sure to provide memories for a lifetime. We invite you to browse the wide variety of yachts and destinations available through YachtWorldCharters.com, to discover what would suit you best.

Many bareboat charters come with accessories like kayaks, allowing you to explore each harbor. Photo: Neil Rabinowitz

Depending on the charter venue a resume, a careful checkout, and an insurance deposit are all typically required; some level of certification may also be necessary. The charter company may encourage, or require, the skipper to take a professional captain along for a day or two until the charterer is comfortable handling the boat and its systems.

Choose from large companies operating multiple fleets in different parts of the world, all year round, or go with a local outfit that manages a handful of boats in season. Larger companies tend to offer larger boats, typically in the 35 to 50 foot range for sailboats. Smaller companies in more seasonal areas usually offer boats 25 to 40 feet long.

Families can be involved in running a bareboat. Photo: Neil Rabinowitz

Bareboat charter yachts have historically been sailboats, but with the introduction of sailing catamarans, power cats have been growing in popularity.

Crewed charters allow you to set the itinerary but leave the details to others. Photo by Neil Rabinowitz

For many, a crewed yacht charter vacation is the ultimate luxury. You live aboard a large yacht that is the envy of all who see it when you enter a harbour. It’s managed by a skilled crew and your meals, drinks, linens, and more are provided.

It is important to research the working condition of the yacht and the chemistry of the crew. Except on very large yachts, you are still living in relatively close proximity. It pays to work with a knowledgeable and experienced charter broker, so we invite you to browse the wide variety of yachts available through brokers on YachtWorldCharters.com. Let us help you find your perfect charter vacation.

Yacht charter is a great way to explore new places without having to pack another suitcase. Photo by Neil Rabinowitz

The Signature 58 comes with a skipper and chef, for a truly relaxing Tahiti vacation.

The Signature 58 cat will host a party of six in three private cabins with queen-sized beds and en-suite baths. Meals can be taken inside at the crescent-shaped settee or outside in the large aft cockpit and lounge. These meals are prepared by Pauline Barbat, your own chef, who will customize everything to your preferences. There’s no clean up duty either.

Meals can be taken in the large aft cockpit.

You can sunbathe in the trampolines forward or access the clear water from the wide swim platforms aft. The yacht is air-conditioned throughout and offers a TV and DVD player for anyone opting for indoor entertainment. However, if you’re ready to hit the water, you’ll find gear and equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing and fishing. A dinghy with a large outboard even provides waterskiing or wakeboarding for the very active.

A week-long charter starts at $28,000 and the minimum charter length is five days. Didier Alphen, the professional captain, will suggest itineraries based on your interests and sense of adventure, so you can island hop between Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa, or spend the entire time gazing up at the magnificent Bora Bora peak of Otemanu. You can stop and snorkel with manta rays or find a secluded anchorage where no one on a cruise ship will ever be able to visit. There’s just no substitute for the local knowledge that your crew will be able to provide, whether paddling up a lush narrow river, visiting Tahitian religious temples or marae, or getting to know the flora of Tahaa with a pre-arranged private botanical tour.

This indulgent all-inclusive adventure is the ultimate way to enjoy sailing in the many islands of French Polynesia, where the tradewinds always blow and the water is an enticing aquamarine. Best of all, the trip to this remote and exotic locale is only an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles with another 45-minute hop from the city of Papeete to Raiatea.

For more about Tahiti yacht Charter, read Tahiti: Ready for its Closeup

For more details, visit the Moorings website.

The nearby island of Gozo has a delightful marina and is well worth a visit.

Malta has been called the gateway to the Mediterranean, and throughout modern and ancient history, its location has given it great strategic importance. For thousands of years, Malta has been the outpost between the East, Africa and Europe. The Knights of St.John were responsible for the construction of the magnificent bastions that successfully protected Malta from the Turkish invasion of 1565. If Malta had fallen, the Ottoman Empire would have gained a beachhead on which to attack Rome, drastically changing the way Europe is today.

Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, but its people still speak English as a main language, alongside Maltese, which is a fusion of Arabic, Greek, French and Italian. Malta’s location and amenities form an ideal base for cruising in the Mediterranean and further afield through the Greek Islands and Turkey. Besides having excellent marinas, Malta has world-class yacht maintenance facilities and highly experienced maritime engineers.

Restaurants

The quaint cafés and wine bars of Valetta provide stunning vistas of Malta’s Grand Harbour. Some of the best restaurants are tucked away in the back streets. Rampila has an enchanting tunnel dining room with a fully domed 16th Century stone ceiling. The main dining area is complimented by a snug wine bar and a beautiful terrace.

Hidden away in another back street is Cordial Restaurant. The patron is Cyrille Darras, described as one of the best chefs in Malta. The restaurant itself is a simple room with rustic furniture and ornaments, but the cuisine is absolutely fantastic; tournedos rossini, foie gras and chateaubriand are specialties and there is also an extensive array of dishes combining French cuisine with traditional recipes.

With its chic cafes and restaurants, Grand Harbour Marina is arguably the trendiest place to moor in Malta.

Marinas

There are substantial and extensive marina facilities in both Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour for leisure boats of all sizes, including superyachts. There is no large commercial shipping in these locations, as the Malta Freeport is located at Marsaxlokk Bay on the southeastern tip of the island. The island of Gozo also has a delightful marina and is well worth a visit.

Grand Harbour Marina is owned and run by Camper & Nicholsons with marina berths for yachts and superyachts up to 100m. Luxury facilities with well-sheltered moorings make this a very sought-after location. Depth is not an issue and the location offers unrivalled views of Valetta and the 16th Century battlements. With its chic cafes and restaurants, Grand Harbour Marina is arguably the trendiest place to moor in Malta.

The Portomaso Marina in Grand Harbour has three basins. The North Basin handles small craft and water sports vehicles, the South basin accommodates sailing boats up to 16 metres, and the West Basin can moor motor cruisers up to 16 metres. Some larger craft can be accommodated quayside at the inner fairway. Mooring assistance is constantly provided on the quayside and security is present around the whole perimeter.

The 720 berth Msida and Ta’ Xbiex Marina is Malta’s largest pleasure boat marina and can handle yachts of up to 22m in length. It has a convenient central location and is well sheltered from virtually any wind direction. The marina is extremely secure with locking gangways, and there is ample parking. There is no clubhouse or washing room facilities on site, but the neighbouring Royal Malta Yacht Club has fantastic facilities.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club is a private club but it does have reciprocal agreements with a myriad of clubs all over the world. The club moved to its present location in 2009. It is a purpose-built facility with excellent new moorings, a vibrant bar and restaurant, and a terrace with stunning views. There is a dinghy hard stand together with modern washing and changing room facilities.

To describe the Royal Malta Yacht Club as effervescent would be no understatement. This is not a stuffy gentleman’s club but a highly active sports club with an energetic approach. The club host yacht racing all year round but the highlight of the season is the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which is considered one of the most prestigious 600-mile yacht races in the world. This race around Sicily takes place in late October and attracts an international fleet of ocean racing yachts from all over the world. This year’s race was won by a Maltese entry and the victory celebrations were extensive.

Malta is also well known for its scuba diving. The Blue Grotto is especially popular; here a natural systems of caverns mirror the brilliant phosphorescent colours of the underwater flora. The Blue Grotto can be reached by boat from Wied iz-Zurrieq in the south of the island. The scenery around this area is breathtaking; cliffs rise out of the blue Mediterranean and the froth of the waves as they hit the rock face is truly spectacular.

Malta has so much to offer the visitor, but perhaps this little island’s best treasure is one that is often overlooked: the Maltese people. Passionate about their home and energetic and eager to show it off, the people are incredibly enthusiastic and take great pleasure in making sure that visitors to their island leave with a good reason to return.

—Louay Habib