For many, the world of luxury yachting is seen from the outside looking in, as an aspirational lifestyle reserved for the rich and famous – but don’t let the celebrities of Instagram fool you, as you might be surprised to learn that a yachting holiday is more affordable than you might think and superyacht specialists, West Nautical, are here to debunk this myth.

When a cabin on a luxury cruise liner for two people can cost upwards of £10,000 per person, plus expenses and activities, a luxury yachting holiday starts to become much more cost effective, particularly when shared with a group of eight to 12 friends or family.

Paul Williams, Client Manager said: “With the added benefits of complete privacy, a totally unrestricted itinerary is custom tailored to you and your party, including your own personal chef and dedicated crew to create special memories that will last a lifetime. There is a reason why, once experienced, people return to yacht charter year after year.“

Take a look at selection of comparisons below based on a week-long yachting holiday in a variety of popular locations:

A CATAMARAN IN GREECE

Up to 8 guests

Base (summer) charter fee: €14,350

Plus the VAT (12%) and APA (30%) is a total of €20,377

This would work out at €2,547 per person for one week including expenses.

EXAMPLE YACHT: TWIN PRIDE

A MOTOR YACHT IN THE BALEARICS

Up to 8 guests

Base charter fee: €27,000

Plus the VAT (21%) and APA (30%) is a total of €40,770

This would work out at €5,096.25 per person for one week.

EXAMPLE YACHT: LEIGH

A MOTOR YACHT IN THE CYCLADES, GREECE

Up to 8 guests

Base charter fee: €52,000

Plus the VAT (12%) and the APA (30%) is €79,040

This would work out at €9,880 per person for one week.

EXAMPLE YACHT: KOUKLES

A MOTOR YACHT IN CROATIA FOR BIG GROUPS

Up to 32 guests

Base charter fee: €64,500

Plus the VAT (13%) and APA (35%) is €95,460

This would work out at £2,983 per person for one week.

EXAMPLE YACHT: LUPUS MARE

YACHTING TERMINOLOGY EXPLAINED

Charter Yacht VAT:
Within certain European countries and Caribbean islands, VAT applies if you disembark in their territorial waters. The rate of VAT changes from country to country varying from 0-22% of the contractual charter fee. Some specific itineraries will allow for reductions to be applied to the level of VAT that must be paid.

APA (Advanced Provisional Allowance):

The APA enables charterers to manage their expenses through a clear and traceable arrangement by depositing the estimated expense of fuel, food and dockage fees. Typically, the APA accrues to around 25-35% of the base charter fee. Clients can request an estimated APA amount in advance of the charter. Any unspent APA will be returned at the end of the charter but is usually given to the crew as a gratuity tip.

The Base Charter Fee
The base charter fee covers the cost of hiring the yacht, including the cost of any equipment on board. This fee also covers the cost of wages and food for the yachts crew. The age, size and make of the yacht will all impact the base charter fee, and this can vary widely. Yachts of the same size and make may also differ in price depending on their onboard amenities.

Base charter fees vary between seasons and are typically lower during the low season and higher at peak times. Charter fees are generally higher during special events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the Cannes Film Festival or New Year’s Eve so early planning is advised.

So, while we completely understand that these prices are still high, we hope we’ve managed to show that for those already interested in and partaking in luxury travel and excursions, a yacht charter can often be well within budget.