Chartering a large yacht can be a complex business. Allowing the experts at Burgess to perfect every detail takes all the worry away. Start with this publication. It is a general introduction to just some of the many fine yachts available for charter. More detailed information and individual colour brochures on these and other superb yachts in our charter portfolio are available on request. If you are uncertain about your charter requirements, our brokers will be delighted to advise you. Similarly, if you wish to check the availability of any given vessel, please contact Burgess. Its specialist brokers are readily on hand to provide every guidance as well as a wealth of discerning expertise.
THE CHARTER AGREEMENT
After the availability of your chosen yacht has been verified, you will receive a standard MYBA Charter Agreement for signature. If your chosen cruising itenerary necessitates embarking or disembarking from a point other than your yacht’s home port, positioning charges (delivery/ redelivery fees) may be required. These charges, if applicable, will be confirmed in advance and affirmed in the Charter Agreement, together with any taxes that may apply.
PAYMENT TERMS
A deposit of 50 per cent of the total charter fee is payable by bank transfer immediately on signature of the MYBA Charter Agreement. The remaining 50 per cent, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance, together with any taxes, delivery/redelivery fees and any additionally agreed charges, is payable by bank transfer five weeks before the commencement of the charter.
OPERATING EXPENSES
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is due at the time of the final charter payment. Under MYBA terms, this sum is usually equivalent to 25 per cent of the total charter fee, but may be 30 per cent in some cases.
Intended to cover the operating expenses of a charter as explained under Charter Terms, such as fuel, food, drinks, port fees and ad hoc incidentals, the APA will be given to the captain before the start of your charter. He will ensure that the yacht is fully fuelled and provisioned when you step on board. While an up-to-date summary of accounts can be requested at any time during your charter, a full set of accounts will normally be submitted by your captain at the end of the cruise. If, during the charter, the expenditure exceeds the sum already paid, additional cash funds will be required at once.
All outstanding bills from the yacht charter should be settled in cash or by bank transfer before your final disembarkation. Of course, any remaining credit at the end of your charter will be reimbursed to you in full. On request, transfer arrangements to and from the yacht can be made by Burgess or by the yacht’s captain, payment for which will be deducted from your APA.
EVERY DETAIL COUNTS
Several weeks before you board your yacht, Burgess will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire describing the preferences and special needs of all the members of your party, such as dietary or medial requirements, details of any allergies, and your sporting or entertainment requests. This will enable Burgess and the crew of your chosen charter yacht to ensure that everything possible is done to make your charter a fabulous experience.
SATELLITE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
Where these are provided please note that service cannot always be guaranteed due to differing signal strengths across the world and satellite receivers vary in capability from one yacht to another. If satellite television is important during your charter, please check with your broker to avoid any disappointment.
INTERNET
There is standard wireless access provided throughout most yachts although in certain areas the service can be limited and cannot be guaranteed. If you anticipate regular use of the internet or require large bandwidths during your charter, please let Burgess know before you board as upgrades may be subject to availability and there is likely to be a charge made to your account according to your requirements.
SMOKING ON BOARD
Smoking is only allowed outside on deck and in the case of some yachts in dedicated outside areas only. Please consult Burgess for verification. For safety reasons, smoking in cabins and staterooms is prohibited on all yachts.
CREW GRATUITIES
Crew gratuities are discretionary, although it is customary for a charterer who has enjoyed the kind and attentive service of an obliging crew to extend a gratuity. Crew gratuities are normally approximately 10 per cent of the charter fee, but can be adjusted up or down according to your level of satisfaction.
The best way to ensure that all crew members receive equal recognition is to entrust the distribution of gratuities to the captain. In this way, inconspicuous crew members such as engineers and culinary staff, who make an important contribution to your enjoyment, will not be overlooked.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT
The recreation equipment listed for the yachts is believed to be correct but cannot be guaranteed as they are liable to change at short notice. Should changes become necessary, the owner of the yacht will make every effort possible to comparably replace the equipment. Personal watercraft (jetskis, waverunners etc) may be restricted in certain cruising areas and guests will also require an appropriate operating licence. Please check with Burgess first for any guidelines or if you have any specific requirements in this regard.
INSURANCE
Burgess strongly recommends charterers take out Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance to protect their investment if unforeseen circumstances prevent or curtail their charter. Additionally, all members of the charter party should be covered by Personal Accident and Medical Insurance, and their personal effects should be insured against theft, loss or damage.
Other forms of insurance, such as Charterer’s Liability may also be prudent. Our brokers will be pleased to assist you with additional advice in this matter.
EXPERT GUIDANCE
Burgess brokers have extensive experience and an unrivalled reputation in chartering yachts of 30 metre (100ft) and above. No other business has the same degree of specialist knowledge or professional commitment. While every effort has been made to present the varied and constantly evolving facets of chartering as simply as possible in this publication, the charter team will be pleased to offer any further clarification if required.