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Before choosing the perfect yacht for your private cruise, we suggest you consider the following aspects of your holiday and based on the information you provide, our agents will submit a list of recommended yachts and itineraries for you to choose from. As soon as we have discussed the various types of yacht, and the locations, we will send you a selection of available yachts to choose from. Once the selection has been made, and we have found a suitable yacht within your budget, we are ready to prepare your booking.
We consider wise to inform our guests in our web pages with some terms we use in the yachting charter business.
 Charter yacht = Charter yacht is considered according regulations the pleasure vessel -usually known as big yacht- used for hire to and registered in the International Register with conditions of hull length over 24 metres, gross tonnage less than 1000tons, use for int’l and coastal navigation exclusively for charter reasons, qualification for accommodation of not over 12 guests plus crew, appropriate certification class, compliance with technical and other standards according new safety regulations containing technical and other standards. Mega yachts are charter vessels in sizes over 60m that normally obey in regulations of passenger ships and their charter rates exceed the regular prices. In our pages we have a separate category for mega yachts.
 WHICH YACHT? Yacht types = The Displacement or Semi-Displacement yachts yachts tend to be more comfortable and economical than the faster yachts. They will perform better in all weathers and are capable of night-time cruising, saving time. These yachts usually appeal to those who desire the more laidback yachting holiday. The faster, Planning motor yachts will cover more distance in a shorter period of time, allowing you to see more of the cruising area and to enjoy more shore based activities. However, if the weather is not ideal, long distance cruising can be a little uncomfortable.
 The Sailing yachts are perfect for those with a desire for adventure and romance. These yachts are a lot of fun and there is the wonderful advantage of peace and quiet when the engines are turned off as you sail quietly into the sunset. The sailing yacht will not cover as much distance as the motor yachts but the feeling of achievement and adventure cannot be described, only experienced.
 The Motor Sailer yachts are primarily powered by motor and use the sails for auxiliary power, to remind or be guff schooners or in their looks. This type of yacht combines the comfort of the classical sailing yacht with the speed comparable to the displacement motor yacht. These yachts offer more deck space for sunbathing and al fresco dining. They mainly operate in Eastern Mediterranean, Greek islands and Turkish coast.
The Bareboats is a yacht category, motor or sail, to be hired with or without crew, bare-of-crew. Motor bareboats operate in close areas to the base port. Sailing bare-boats are allowed to sail anywhere. The Corporate yachts, or group or mega yachts, are the few yachts in Mediterranean, motor, sail or traditional, that offer accommodation for more than 12 guests, ideal for incentives and events.
Your Guests The size of your party will determine how many staterooms you will need. Afroudakis Yachting tailors trips that suit any size of group, weather you are planning a romantic cruise for two, a group getaway with close friends, or a family adventure of all ages. Our Yachts sleep anywhere from 6 to 12 guests and up to 60 guests in mega motor yachts. They are fully stuffed with up to 60 crew members, including a gourmet chef skilled in the culinary arts of authentic Greek and international cuisine.
The Duration of your Charter Charter yachts are usually available on a weekly or daily basis. However, last minute bookings of less then one week are feasible depending on yacht availability. The length of time you will spend on your charter will also be a consideration as to areas you wish to visit.
The Budget We always dare to ask our associates and our clients what is the budget that we should respect and not exceed. It is essential in our negotiations and practically defines the size and the style of the yacht we may provide for each inquiry, occasionally bigger than initially requested ones.
WHO WILL ARRANGE THE CHARTER? The Yacht Broker = In East Mediterranean has to be a licensed by both National Organization of Tourism and by National Association of Yacht Brokers (HYBA). In West Mediterranean has to be a licensed member by West Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA). A fine yacht Broker may collect special offers because of the volume of charters that provides the yacht owners with. A fine yacht Broker will guarantee the funds security. A fine yacht Broker attends the charter process, protects both the Owner and the Charterer from any failures and ensures a memorable and ultimate successful charter for the Charterer by all parties involved.
WHERE TO GO? Itinerary = Route of the islands the yacht will follow from the port of embarkation till the port of disembarkation. An ideal route can be pre-scheduled for some areas. Some areas are affected by local winds some period of the year. This is why it is wise for you the route to be re-scheduled on embarkation according forecast of the day and Captain’s suggestions.
HOW WE PROCEED? Charter Agreement = MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) = Charter contracts that include all charter terms of agreement. Despite their long pages, they are easy to read and understand, involve all vital clauses about insurance, charter expenses, cancellation terms. These contracts are detailing the yacht, your chosen dates, the cruising area and cost. The Agreements are signed by all parties concerned (Owner, Charterer and Broker). Upon signing this Agreement the first payment, normally 50% of the charter few is due and the balance of the payment is normally due one month prior to the charter commencing.
Together with balance of the charter value another amount is paid as well; the funds to cover the advance provisioning allowance (APA), plus any taxes (where applicable), delivery/redelivery fees. A general guideline often used for estimating the APA is to factor in an additional 25-35% of the base charter rate. Full accounts will be produced by the Captain at the end of the charter and any unused funds will be refunded in full to the Charterer directly. If the funds are not sufficient, the Captain will advise you accordingly.
Contract HYBA= Hellenic Yacht Broker Association Memorandum of Agreement, the Eastern Med Charter contract
Contract MYBA= West Mediterranean Yacht Broker Association Memorandum of Agreement, the Western Med Charter contract
Charter fee = Cost for the hire of the charter yacht including the yacht, the crew & their services, the crew provisioning/laundry/insurance and the passengers insurance. According Greek charter terms, more items like harbor fees in Greece are included. The Charter fee DOES NOT include the APA amount, meaning the fuel consumption for main engines and/or generators, gasoline for the tender, food and beverages, private marina fees including pilotage fees, Corinth Canal fees, tele/fax communications.
VAT = It is the Government tax that varies in Mediterranean countries depending the flag of the yacht. Some ‘commercial registered’ yachts in West Mediterranean are tax free. In Greece VAT is 4,5% for over 2 days charter and 9% at the daily charters.
APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) = Operating expenses paid by the Charterer. A sufficient amount the Charterer pays prior the charter, to cover estimated extra expenses that are not included in the charter cost. These extra expenses are the provisioning for guests, the fuel cost, land arrangements etc. Normally is the 25% of the contract value and all items are detailed in an Addendum attached to the charter contracts giving a full analysis of the costs. Full accounts will be produced by the Captain at the end of the charter on presence of the Broker and any unused funds will be refunded in full to the Charterer directly. If the funds are not sufficient, the Captain will advise you accordingly and bills will be settled upon disembarkation.
Preference Sheet (Questionnaire) = As soon as the agreements have been exchanged, a detailed questionnaire is provided, requesting information on your travel arrangements, special needs, guests likes or dislikes, dietary or medical requirements, special dates, or any other information that you feel we need to know. This preference sheet is vital in order for us to provision the yacht accordingly and make any special arrangements.
Gratuity = A non obligatory fee yet customary and discretional fee to reward the crew, even the unseen persons like engineers, laundress, that have contributed to the success of the charter that is distributed either by the Charterer to each crew member individually or handed by the Captain. This is a 5%-15% of the charter fee always upon the Charterer’s discretion.
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