How does booking actually work?

The charter booking process is more straightforward than most people expect — but it does have its own conventions, contracts, and timelines that are worth understanding before you commit.

The MYBA contract

All legitimate charter bookings use the MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) contract — the industry standard for crewed yacht charter worldwide. This is a well-established agreement that clearly defines the rights and obligations of both the charterer (you) and the yacht owner.

Key provisions of the MYBA contract include:

• Charter fee and payment schedule — typically 50% deposit on signing, 50% balance due 4–8 weeks before the charter date.
• APA payment — full APA payment due before embarkation, with reconciliation statement provided at the end of the charter.
• Cancellation terms — tiered cancellation penalties based on how far in advance you cancel. Most charters allow cancellation with partial refund more than 90 days out.
• Delivery and redelivery terms — where and when you embark and disembark, and the condition requirements for the vessel at both points.
• Insurance — the yacht must be fully insured. Your broker should confirm this. You will be liable for any intentional damage, but normal wear and general seaworthiness risks are covered.

What a broker does

A charter broker acts as your agent in the process. They do not charge you directly — their commission (typically 15–20%) is paid by the yacht owner as part of the base rate. You pay the same whether you use a broker or go direct to the owner.

A good broker:

• Understands what you actually want — not just what you asked for
• Has relationships with owners and captains and can give honest assessments of vessels they have personally inspected or used
• Negotiates on your behalf for rates, terms, and itinerary flexibility
• Handles the contract and payment mechanics
• Prepares a preference sheet (food, drink, activities, schedule preferences) that the crew use to plan your charter
• Is available throughout the charter for any issues that arise

The preference sheet is one of the most important parts of the process. It is a detailed document you complete before the charter, covering everything from dietary requirements to whether you prefer loud music or quiet evenings. The captain and chef read it carefully and plan around it.

Timeline: from enquiry to embarkation

Cancellation and insurance

Charter cancellation terms under the MYBA contract are tiered:

• More than 90 days out: typically 25–50% of deposit (12.5–25% of base rate) forfeited.
• 60–90 days out: typically 50% of full charter fee forfeited.
• Less than 60 days out: full charter fee typically forfeited.

Charter cancellation insurance is strongly recommended and widely available. It covers force majeure events (flight cancellations, serious illness) and typically costs 3–7% of the total charter value. Your broker can recommend specialist marine insurers.

What to expect on board

The crew brief you at embarkation: where everything is, safety procedures, how to communicate with the captain and chef. After that, the charter proceeds at your pace.

The chef will typically discuss each day's meals in the morning — or the evening before for the following day. Preferences from the sheet are a starting point; you can adjust at any time.

The best charters involve a genuine relationship with the captain. They know the waters, the anchorages, the local restaurants, and what is worth seeing. Listen to their recommendations.

The MYBA contract is your protection. Read it before signing. If a yacht owner or broker resists using the standard MYBA contract, treat this as a serious warning sign.