A yacht broker is an industry expert that simplifies the complexities of contracts, insurance, and logistics. Best of all, brokers do this work for you at no extra cost!
Brokers communicate with the yacht captain and crew to create a bespoke charter itinerary that meets your preferences. This includes a preference sheet that covers dietary and medical needs, cabin arrangements, preferred music and activities, and even service style preferences.
Experience
Yacht brokers are able to craft a vacation experience that matches your desires with the perfect yacht. They have years of experience with crewed yacht charters and will handle all the details from booking a yacht to reviewing contracts and ensuring your trip is a success.
Brokers travel the world visiting charter yachts, attending boat shows and meeting crew to keep up with trends in the industry. They are able to inspect a yacht from the lower deck to the top sun deck and know how to tell whether a yacht is up to the standards that you expect.
And remember, working with a broker doesn’t cost you anything extra as they are paid by the yacht owner.
Knowledge
Charter brokers are on top of a vast array of information, including yacht details and crew, constantly changing worldwide rules and regulations, yacht maintenance, the latest in onboard amenities and more. Full-service brokers attend many charter destinations and yacht shows and regularly cruise on board to inspect from the lowest staterooms to the sun deck.
They can create a bespoke itinerary based on your precise needs and recommend the perfect yacht based on your budget. They also assist with all the logistics, such as contract negotiation and preparation prior to your trip. And they manage all the taxation and legalities. This leaves you free to enjoy your vacation.
Expertise
Yacht brokers are trained to help clients navigate the legalities of a yacht charter. This includes understanding maritime law, ensuring contracts comply with the industry standard and setting up escrow accounts to protect client funds.
They are also knowledgeable about cruising destinations and their optimum yacht charter seasons. They are able to match up the perfect yacht and crew for each charter.
Brokers use effective communication to ensure that family groups get the best crews and disabled charterers are matched with accessible yachts. They are available by phone, email or chat for any last-minute changes to charters. They are able to solve problems quickly and efficiently, such as when a guest wants to add funds to their Advanced Provisioning Account or when the captain needs to contact a medical professional.
Personal Service
Your yacht charter broker will work with you to craft a unique experience that matches your style and dreams. They will guide you through a preference sheet to capture your needs from food, beverages and cabin arrangements, medical requirements, itineraries and dream destinations.
They also liaise with captains and crew to ensure availability, negotiate terms and conditions and contracts on behalf of clients. They also understand the legalities and protect client funds in escrow accounts.
Flexibility
Yacht brokers should be transparent about their fees. They should never charge more than 10% in total commission for a charter booking. Anything above that should be cause for concern.
They travel extensively, visiting yachts and interviewing crews for first-hand knowledge. They also attend industry-only yacht shows to see new onboard amenities and inspect each vessel from the lower decks to the top sundeck.
They also provide a Preference Sheet, asking each client to fill in their arrival details, special food or culinary preferences, medical yacht rental georgia needs, allergies and other important information. This allows the broker to prepare the yacht and crew to meet your exact requirements.
Security
Enhanced security measures include background checks of charter clients, development of contingency plans, and training crew members in safety protocols. Private security teams can also be hired on larger yachts to provide additional heightened level of protection.
Ensure charters are conducted in compliance with local maritime law, including drafting comprehensive charter agreements that set out important details such as liability considerations. Maintain up to date safety standards, including certifications, documentation, and rescue and signaling equipment.
Use a charter broker that is a member of professionally regulated charter organisations such as MYBA, FYBA or CYBA International. This guarantees that they will hold all funds in escrow and act as a buffer should, although rare, issues arise.
