Gone are the days when yachting was a rich person’s hobby. Now, it’s accessible to everyone with average means. It is a popular activity that allows you to relax completely and take a short vacation whenever you want. If you are considering it, you should read on to know everything you need to know before planning a yacht charter vacation.
How to
Charter a Yacht
Chartering a
yacht is not as simple as picking a stateroom on a cruise ship. You need the
help of an expert charter yacht broker who will find your perfect vessel from
the scores of options available across the globe.
When planning a
charter vacation, the first step is to decide where you want to sail first.
Then your broker can see which charter options are available according to your
specifications and schedule.
Do You Need
Crew?
Another vital
component of a yacht charter vacation is to decide whether you need crew or
not. The crew usually includes a captain, chef, engineer, stewardess, mates,
deckhands, and others. If you choose to have a crew, it means that they will
take care of the vessel while you just relax. In contrast, if you don’t hire a
crew, you will need to operate and manage the vessel.
Will Your
Destination Matter?
When planning a
yacht charter vacation, you also need to ensure that you have a destination in
mind. It will also help you avoid paying for a boat in Canada year-round. When
you have a destination in mind, you can spend a one-time amount on vacation in Southern
France or Monaco. You can also choose a remote destination and pay the fare
to and from it. It will be more expensive than picking a popular destination
but will probably be worth it if you are an avid explorer.
Should You
Buy a Yacht?
When thinking of
a yacht charter vacation or vacations, you should consider whether you want to
own a yacht or not. Owning a yacht gives you total control over your vacations
and allows you to escape on a whim. It also serves as a status symbol and can
impress people you want to impress. However, you should know that owning a
yacht can be costly as you don’t just pay at the time of purchase. You also
need to cover mooring fees and maintenance and repair costs.
Should You Consider
a Used Yacht?
To avoid too
much expense, you can buy a used yacht wherein you can pay as little as a few
hundred thousand dollars and buy a superyacht that costs tens of millions. A
broker will help you find a second-hand yacht that fits your needs and budget.
You can pick a
boat that is around ten years old, and the previous owner has maintained it
well. You can get the vessel inspected by a nautical marine engineer to confirm
that you are getting the best deal and are investing your money wisely.
Sources:
https://www.travelandleisure.com/cruises/guide-to-yacht-and-boat-charters
https://archive.macleans.ca/article/1953/10/1/everybody-wants-to-own-a-yacht
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/globe-wealth/article-a-yacht-may-not-be-the-best-financial-investment-but-it-comes-with/