Why do I need a charter broker?
Because our in-depth, knowledge of available boats, itineraries, amenities and activities will benefit you as you convey the requirements of your vacation to us. Best of all, our professional service is available at no cost to you. Since 1981, we have been providing custom yacht vacations on the many excellent sail and power yachts whose owners and crew have become personal friends.

We attend industry charter shows in the Virgin Islands, Caribbean and New England to inspect the charter yachts, interview the owners and crew, and update our knowledge of the sailing areas.

Our office receives the latest information from the yachts, and we communicate with our clients by e-mail, telephone, mail and fax. We keep files of brochures, crew profiles, 'good time' reference letters, sample itineraries and menus for the hundreds of charter yachts sailing worldwide.

How do I book a charter yacht?
First decide if you are considering a bareboat with no captain or provisions, for which you need to have an experienced skipper in your group, or do you want a fully crewed yacht with provisions supplied.  Next, select the yachts that can accommodate your size of group and your budget. Last, contact us and tell us your top three choices (in order of preference) and the dates you prefer, and we will check availability.

Are there minimum or maximum days for a charter?
No. However the average is 7 – 10 days, with subsequent vacations being 14+ days.

How are the charter rates calculated?
All yacht charter rates are calculated on a 24 hour day. So a 7 day charter starting at noon on day #1 and finishing at noon on day #8, is calculated as 7 X 24 hours. You pay for only 7 days, even though it's actually 8 days and 7 nights. That being said, the hourly rate is different for every yacht, depending on size, inclusions, and whether it is crewed or bareboat.

In the Caribbean the summer season may be less expensive than winter. Summer season is May 1st to December 14th. Winter season is December 15th to April 30th. Christmas and New Years usually have an additional fee. Dockage and shore excursions are extra.

What travel documents and identification will I need?
It is always best to travel with a passport (absolutely required for some destinations such as Belize).  For locations that do not require a passport, an original birth certificate and photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) will suffice.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, check with your consulate to determine what travel documents, etc. will be required.  In all cases, it is best to discuss this with your broker.

How and what should I pack?
Storage is always an issue on a boat, so your best bet is soft-sided luggage that can be easily stowed.  Be sure to pack a carry-on bag (check with your airline for size, shape and weight restrictions) that includes valuables, travel documents, medication and bare necessities (tooth brush and swimsuit) in the unlikely event that the arrival of your luggage is delayed.  Choose a sunscreen that is not oily to avoid staining upholstery, sheets and towels.

What clothing will I need?
On board - casual, casual, casual!  Deck shoes, shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, rubber soled sandals, etc.  Hard soled shoes will not be permitted on board.
On land – depending upon your activity, you should dress accordingly.  Comfortable walking shoes are always recommended.  A few of the more formal restaurants require long pants and collared shirts and occasionally a jacket, but "smart casual" is the norm. While in town, plan to wear something over your swimsuit as modesty of tourists is greatly appreciated.  In some areas, both men and women must wear shirts to avoid arrest.

Gratuities are the norm when the service merits it. Remember that your crew work hard to ensure your vacation is a great one. They are your chef, bartender, tour guide, waiter, etc.

Will there be other groups aboard the yacht?
No. On a crewed charter, however there will be the Captain and Chef. When you charter a yacht, it is totally private and only for you and your guests. The same privacy applies to bareboat charters.

What kind of food can we eat?
It's entirely your choice. Local ingredients would be the only limitation. Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as widely appealing menus are available.

Are there any restaurants or shops on the islands?
Yes, many islands have interesting local style shops, restaurants and bars, which people usually sail to in between sailing to uninhabited islands for a nice balance of things to do and see.

Do we need any previous sailing experience?
No, not if it’s a crewed yacht. Your experienced crew will do all the sailing, while you just relax and enjoy the sunshine and scenery. However, you are welcome to join in as much as you like and learn to sail and navigate.
Yes, for bareboat charters. The person chartering a bareboat must have suitable practical experience of coastal sailing and navigation, to match the size and type of yacht they wish to charter.

What navigation and safety gear is on board?
Everything as required by a charter yacht, we only represent boats that meet Coast Guard requirements.

What water activities are available?
Depending upon location, time of year and which yacht you select, there are a variety of activities available such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, a variety of water toys, water skiing, parasailing, wind surfing, jet skis and scuba diving. Some of these activities may be included in the overall cost of your charter while others may be additional. On shore activities can be recommended by your crew, and will vary depending on the destination

Can you recommend any good hotels?
Yes, we can supply details of many hotels, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Where do we go?
The itinerary is based on your preferences of activities. Crews typically know their territory very well and will tailor the cruise to fit your requests.

Are Special Interest Cruises Available?
Yes. There are cruises to meet almost every need. Some of these include: Historical Cruises, Scuba Diving, Learn To Sail, (most smaller yachts are happy to share their knowledge of sailing with you and there will be opportunities to steer the boat and adjust the sails if you want. There are, however, captains that are qualified sailing instructors for those charter guests that are interested in learning more), Captain Only: A few yachts are available with the captain only. The yacht is available with the captain at a lower rate than fully crewed and the charter guest pays all the expenses. These would be provisions (including enough for the Captain), fuel, water, taxes, etc. Also, you prepare the meals and look after your cabins. This might be a good choice for those that want to eat ashore frequently and don't need the personal service that a fully crewed charter includes. Additional special interest cruises include: Honeymoons, Weddings and even Clothing Optional!

Can I search for Discount Airfare and Car Rental through your site?

Yes you can by clicking on the image below: