The terms under which crewed yachts are chartered - what's
included in the price, or not - differ from place to place and often depending
on the type of yacht as well. The basic differences in standard charter terms,
any one of which may vary in detail are:
WMT Western Mediterranean Terms, according to MYBA
(Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association)
Included in the charter rate are:
1.Hire of the yacht (use, maintenance, etc.)
2.Crew cost, except food
3.Marine insurance for the yacht, including third party liability
All other operational expenses, such as for fuel (main engines,
outboard engines, jet skis, etc.), food for guests and crew, water,
harbor dues, bar and drinks, telecommunication and taxes are
additional costs payable by the Charterer. These charter terms are
often referred to as "Plus all expenses".
EMT (Eastern Mediterranean Terms, semi-inclusive)
Under these charter terms the above cost (WMT 1 to 3) are included
in the charter rate, as well as:
1.Crew food
2.Fuel and lubrication oil for the generators, and for four hours
use of the main engine(s), per day
3.Harbour and pilot dues (but not any applicable canal dues),
including charges for electricity taken from the shore
4.Water, and cleaning materials.
5.Half board, commonly breakfast & lunch, is sometimes included,
most usually in Turkish vessels
All other operational expenses, such as for food for the guests, bar
and drinks, telecommunication, fuel for the outboard engines and jet
skis etc., as well as and taxes are extras paid by the Charterer.
CT (Caribbean Terms, inclusive)
For sailing yachts, the above costs (WMT 1 to 3 and EMT 1 to 4) as
well as food for the guests (3 meals per day) are included in the
charter rate; so too, very often, is "ship's standard bar" (which
basically means soft drinks, local beer & sometimes table wines).
Dinner and/or lunch on one day per week is sometimes excluded to
give the cook a break. Motor yachts in the Caribbean more usually
employ WMT, certainly when it comes to fuel cost.
All other, personal, operational expenses, such as for bar and
drinks, telecommunication, fuel for outboard engines and jet skis,
etc., as well as mooring fees at "special" marinas and taxes are
paid in addition by the Charterer.
Generally:
◦In all areas of the Western Mediterranean VAT will be payable on
the charter fee of around 20-22% depending on the country.
◦Exceptions: Commercially registered yachts declaring "No VAT"
◦In Greece, VAT is generally levied at 5.5% for charters of more
than a couple of days. Day charter is usually 11%.
It is customary to pay an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) as
deposit for the expected operational expenses well before
commencement of the charter. As a guide, the APA differs according
to the cruising area
◦20-30% of the charter fee under WMT (Western Mediterranean Terms)
◦10-15% of the charter fee under EMT (Eastern Mediterranean Terms)
◦5% of the charter fee under CT (Caribbean Terms, inclusive)
◦The true cost (which to quite some extent depends on the demands of
the guests) for above expenses will be accounted for by the Captain.
At the end of the charter, any excess is refunded, or charged in
addition, as appropriate.
Details are thought to be reliable but are a guide only and not
guaranteed.
