Chartering Etiquette

In order to make your charter a success there are a few simple things to remember when on board.

Shoes off 

Whether it is a crewed yacht charter or a bareboat charter, it is customary to be bare foot (or wearing deck shoes or slippers) whilst on board. Heeled shoes, especially high heels, can easily scratch the teak decks and black soled shoes often leave marks. It is therefore best that outside shoes are removed before embarking. We suggest bringing a pair of deck shoes or flip flops to wear on the deck and slippers for the interiors. Some boats may even provide you with slippers. 

Respect for the yacht and its crew 

Despite your yacht being your home for a week, there are rules on how to behave on board. The yachts are maintained to the highest standard, with many requiring significant annual investments to maintain. Guests are expected to treat it, and its crew, with care. Parents must ensure that children know what is expected of them on board. Some yachts will have nanny accommodation if you wish to bring a nanny with you. Please be aware that even though the Crew is there to look after you, they are not expected to baby sit unless this has been agreed in the booking process. 

Crews Quarters 

The crew on board will be working tirelessly to ensure you have an unforgettable charter. They will be welcoming and over the course of the charter you may come to view them as friends. However close you may become; it is still important to ensure that you respect their privacy. The crew will have their quarters that are not to be entered without invitation. The galley is the Chef’s work area and again, please do not enter the galley without invitation. 

Onboard safety 

Once you have embarked you and the other guests will be given a safety briefing. Or for those on a bareboat charter, you will be shown the safety features and equipment when you check in at the base. This briefing will outline what to do in the event of an emergency but also run through specific regulations on board to ensure your charter runs smoothly and everyone is kept safe. Safety regulations may include not having drinks inside cabins, ensuring all port holes are closed when sailing, not running on deck, not throwing anything overboard, making sure that crew members are informed of guests jumping from the boat and ensuring any children are accompanied at all times. 

Please follow the boat’s regulations and bear in mind that the Captain can end the charter at any point if he/she feels the contract is being breached by dangerous behaviour. It should also be noted that the Captain may be forced to bring the boat into harbour if the weather does not permit the yacht to be anchored. This decision is made by the captain and will be made to keep guests safe. There may be a charge (most likely taken from the APA) to cover the harbour costs. 

Handling Complaints 

In the unlikely event of there being an issue on board either with the crew or the boat please let your Captain know as soon as possible.  Let them know your wishes, remarks on service on board, instructions, thoughts or comments. It is much easier if you communicate directly with them than through intermediates, however if you don’t feel comfortable doing this please do reach out to your broker immediately during the charter. Do not worry how they might take possible criticisms; they are trained professionals and would rather hear any criticisms from you in order to correct their mistakes or improve your experience, than from your charter agent after the charter has finished.

Setting your expectations 

When travelling to any new destination it goes without saying that you must always be aware and accepting of different ways of life. Some locations that you may be chartering from, for example the Caribbean, have a much slower way of life compared to western cultures and tend to run on what they call, ‘Island Time’. This means that transfers may not take place at the exact time they say they will or may go a slightly different route than first planned. All of these differences are part of the charm of the countries you are visiting, however, it may be different to what you are used to.