What's Included in a Crewed Yacht Charter? Complete MYBA Cost Breakdown for 2026
When people ask what's included in a yacht charter, they're asking about money. The charter fee is the base number, but the actual cost includes VAT on the charter fee (rates vary by country: 5-24%), the APA (typically 25-35%), delivery charges if the yacht needs repositioning (plus VAT), and crew gratuity (10-20% customary).
A €100,000 charter realistically costs €145,000-185,000 depending on your itinerary, spending patterns, yacht positioning, and applicable VAT rates.
The MYBA Charter Agreement (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association, now MYBA 2025 version) defines exactly which costs fall into each category. Understanding this structure before you book lets you budget accurately and avoid any confusion about what you're actually paying for.
What the Charter Fee Actually Covers Under MYBA 2025
The charter fee is your baseline cost. On a typical €100,000 weekly charter, here's exactly what you're buying:
The Yacht and Equipment
The vessel delivered in full working condition per MYBA Clause 3. This includes:
All permanently installed equipment: navigation systems (radar, GPS, chartplotter), safety equipment (life rafts, EPIRBs, fire suppression), standard water toys (typically included: paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, a tender,..)
The yacht must meet MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) or equivalent flag state requirements
Current safety certification and commercial registration
What this doesn't include: Additional water toys not included in the yacht's specifications or requiring special setup, or any equipment specifically excluded in Appendix 1 of your MYBA contract.
The Crew (Wages, Training, Certification)
Full crew salaries for your charter period. Crew size depends on yacht length:
60-80ft: Usually 2-4 crew (Captain, Chef, Deckhand, Stewardess)
80-100ft: Typically 4-5 crew (Captain, Chef, Deckhand, Stewardess x2)
100-130ft: Usually 5-6 crew (Captain, Chef, Chief Stewardess, Deckhand, Stewardess, sometimes Engineer)
130ft+: 6-8+ crew depending on complexity
All crew hold required certifications: STCW-95 (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping), medical certificates, and specialized training (PADI for diving, RYA for water sports instruction).
Crew uniforms and crew provisions (their food) are included in the charter fee per MYBA standard.
Insurance Coverage (Hull, P&I, Crew Liability)
Your charter fee includes:
Hull and machinery insurance covering the vessel
P&I (Protection and Indemnity) covering third-party liability
Crew medical and repatriation coverage
Charter guest liability insurance (typically €2-5M coverage)
It is always advised for charter guests to have additional personal travel insurance.
Consumable Stores (Engine Room, Deck, Galley Basics)
MYBA Clause 5 specifies "basic consumable stores" include:
Engine room: oils, lubricants, filters, coolants
Deck: cleaning supplies, maintenance items, dock lines, fenders
Galley: basic cooking supplies (olive oil, salt, spices), cleaning supplies
Guest areas: toiletries, beach towels, standard amenities
Ship's linens and towel laundering is included.
What this doesn't cover: Your actual food and drinks. That comes from the APA.
Local Taxes and Permits
Regional cruising taxes and permits are typically included in the charter fee or handled separately before departure. These are usually fixed costs, not variable APA expenses. On some occasions, special permits are required for certain itineraries, in which case the APA would cover them.
VAT on Yacht Charters: Rates by Country
VAT applies to the charter fee and is due alongside your final payment (typically 30 days before charter). Rates vary significantly by country and charter conditions.
Greece: Anywhere from 5.2% to 24% depending on yacht type, size and flag.
Croatia: 13% on charter fee
Spain/Balearics: 21% on charter fee (no reduction for international waters)
France/French Riviera: 20% on charter fee for charters starting in French waters
Italy: 22% on charter fee
Turkey: 0% VAT for foreign-flagged commercial vessels with proper licensing
Montenegro: 0% VAT on charters
VAT also applies to delivery/redelivery fees in most jurisdictions at the same rate as the charter fee.
Important: Your broker will specify the exact VAT rate applicable to your specific charter based on yacht flag, embarkation point, and itinerary. If you’d like to read more, see this 2026 breakdown of the VAT rates
Read our 2026 VAT Guide for Global Yacht Charters here
The APA: How Operating Costs Work in Real Numbers
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance is typically 25-35% of the charter fee. This percentage varies by region and yacht type:
Greece: Usually 30-35%
Croatia: Typically 25-30% (shorter distances, lower marina fees)
Spain/Balearics: Usually 30-35% (expensive marinas, high provisioning costs)
French Riviera: Often 35-40% (Monaco pricing, expensive everything)
Caribbean winter: Typically 25-30% (fuel costs higher, but more anchoring - typically using all-in CYBA contract formulas here)
Fuel Consumption: Real Numbers by Yacht Type
Motor Yachts (at typical cruising speeds):
Azimut 80 (82ft): ~450L/hour at 22 knots cruise, ~200L/hour at 12 knots economy
Sunseeker 86 (86ft): ~500L/hour at 20-23 knots cruise, ~75L/hour at 11 knots economy
Sunreef 80 Power (78ft catamaran): ~80L/hour at 10 knots cruise
Princess 30M (98ft): ~300L/hour at 12 knots, ~450L/hour at 16 knots
Benetti 100 (100ft): ~400L/hour at 12 knots, ~600L/hour at 16 knots
Sailing Catamarans (Under Motor):
Lagoon 620 (62ft): ~40L/hour at 8 knots
Sunreef 80 (78ft): ~60L/hour at 8 knots
Oyster 885 (88ft): ~80L/hour at 9 knots
Current Mediterranean diesel prices (January 2026): €1.60-2.10/liter depending on port.
Important: Motor yacht fuel consumption varies dramatically with speed. The Sunseeker 86 burns 500L/hour at 23 knots but only 75L/hour at 11 knots - nearly a 7x difference. Most charters cruise at 18-22 knots for comfort and schedule, not at slow displacement speeds.
Generator usage adds €50-150/day depending on yacht size and air conditioning usage.
Real Route Examples with Fuel Costs
Athens to Mykonos (95nm) - Motor Yacht Scenarios:
Azimut 80 at 22 knots: 4.3 hours = ~1,935L = €3,100-4,065
Sunseeker 86 at 20 knots: 4.75 hours = ~2,375L = €3,800-4,990
Azimut 80 at 12 knots economy: 8 hours = ~1,600L = €2,560-3,360
Plus generator running 24/7 at anchor: ~€100-150/day
Split to Hvar (35nm) - Sailing Catamaran:
Lagoon 620 under motor at 8 knots: 4.5 hours = 180L = €290-380
Plus 3 days generator use: €150
Marina Costs: 2026 High Season Rates
Greece (July-August, 80-100ft yachts):
Mykonos Old Port: €850-1,400/night
Santorini (Vlychada): €600-900/night
Paros (Parikia): €400-650/night
Rhodes (Mandraki): €500-800/night
Corfu (Gouvia): €350-550/night
For complete Greek island charter planning, see our Greece destination guide.
Croatia (July-August, 80-100ft yachts):
Dubrovnik (ACI): €650-1,100/night
Hvar Town: €800-1,300/night
Split (ACI): €550-850/night
Korčula: €400-600/night
Explore Dalmatian coast itineraries in our Croatia charter guide.
Spain (July-August, 80-100ft yachts):
Ibiza (Marina Ibiza): €1,200-2,000/night
Mallorca (Puerto Portals): €900-1,500/night
Barcelona (Port Vell): €850-1,400/night
Planning Ibiza or Mallorca? Visit our Balearic Islands charter guide.
French Riviera (July-August, 80-100ft yachts):
Monaco (Port Hercules): €2,500-4,000/night
Antibes: €1,200-2,200/night
Saint-Tropez: €1,500-2,800/night
Cannes: €1,000-1,800/night
Disclaimer: Marina rates shown are for informational purposes only and reflect high-season 2026 estimates for 80-100ft yachts (approximately 25-30m). Actual rates vary significantly based on exact yacht length and beam, specific berth assignment, season, advance booking, and individual marina policies. Smaller yachts (under 60ft) typically pay 40-60% less; larger yachts (over 120ft) can pay 2-3x these rates. Always confirm current pricing with your broker or the marina directly before committing to an itinerary.
Provisioning Costs: What €200/Person/Day Gets You
Before your charter, you'll work with the crew to specify your food and beverage preferences. The crew sources everything in advance based on your requirements. All provisioning costs are deducted from your APA with full accounting.
For 8 guests over 7 days at €200/person/day (€11,200 total APA deduction):
Breakfast: Fresh pastries, fruit, yogurt, eggs, quality coffee
Lunch: Mediterranean style, local fish, salads, local wines
Dinner: Three-course meals, decent wines (€20-40/bottle range)
Drinks: Beer, soft drinks, standard spirits, house wines
Snacks: Afternoon refreshments, evening aperitifs
Premium provisioning (€300+/person/day from APA):
Vintage champagnes, premium spirits, imported specialty ingredients, extensive wine selection, daily fresh seafood, caviar, Wagyu beef.
Budget provisioning (€100-150/person/day from APA):
Simple meals, local ingredients only, house wines, limited alcohol selection.
Your provisioning choices directly affect your APA usage. Detailed preference forms are typically completed 3-4 weeks before charter.
Additional APA Expenses
Croatia Local Fees: Some municipalities charge tourist taxes (~€2/person/night) plus vessel fees that may be deducted from APA during your charter.
Optional Charter Services (Deducted from APA):
Water Sports Instructors: €400-800/day
Dive Guide (PADI certified): €600-1,000/day
Jet Ski Rental: €800-1,200/day
Tender Fuel: €50-150/day depending on usage
Complete APA Cost Example: Conservative Greek Itinerary
Charter: Lagoon 620 catamaran, 8 guests, 7 nights
Route: Athens > Kea > Kythnos > Serifos > Sifnos > Milos > return to Athens
APA Breakdown:
Fuel (motor sailing, 150nm total): €1,800
Generator (7 days): €700
Provisioning (€180/person/day): €10,080
Marina fees (2 nights, rest at anchor): €1,100
Water sports instructor (1 day): €600
Miscellaneous (tender fuel, ice, permits): €400
Total: €14,680 on €50,000 charter = 29% APA usage
Planning a Greek island itinerary? See our complete Greece charter guide for detailed route planning and island-by-island recommendations.
Complete APA Cost Example: High-End Italian Riviera
Charter: Azimut Grande 35M, 10 guests, 7 nights
Route: Genoa > Portofino > Cinque Terre > Porto Venere > return to Genoa
APA Breakdown:
Fuel (active cruising, 180nm at speed): €18,500
Generator (7 days, high AC usage): €1,200
Provisioning (€280/person/day premium): €19,600
Marina fees (5 nights premium ports): €8,500
Port charges and taxes: €1,800
Beach club minimums (2 days): €3,000
Wine specialist delivery: €2,400
Miscellaneous: €800
Total: €56,800 on €140,000 charter = 40.5% APA usage (topped up during charter)
Delivery and Repositioning: The Logistical Reality
If your yacht needs repositioning, this gets charged separately under MYBA Clause 7.
How Delivery Calculates
Formula: (Distance × Fuel Consumption at cruising speed × Fuel Price) + Canal/Port Fees + VAT
Real Example: Sunseeker 86 Athens to Corfu
Distance: 165 nautical miles (via Corinth Canal)
Cruising speed: 12 knots economy
Transit time: ~14 hours cruising
Fuel consumption: 75L/hour × 14 hours = 1,050L
Fuel cost: 1,050L × €1.80 = €1,890
Corinth Canal transit: €400 (based on yacht dimensions)
Port/fuel stop fees: €200
Subtotal: €2,490
VAT (12% Greece): €298.8
Total Delivery: €2,788.8
Note: Delivery via Corinth Canal saves significant time and fuel versus sailing around the Peloponnese (which would be 300+ nm). The canal transit fee is calculated based on yacht gross tonnage and dimensions.
Shared Delivery Scenarios
Sometimes multiple clients charter the same yacht in sequence. If your embarkation point matches the previous charter's disembarkation point, you split delivery costs or pay nothing.
Ask your broker: "Are there other bookings before or after mine that affect delivery?"
Understanding the complete charter process from initial inquiry through final payment helps you know what to expect at each stage. Read our step-by-step guide to how luxury yacht charters work for the full booking timeline.
Crew Gratuity: Industry Standards and Distribution
Gratuity typically runs 10-20% of the charter fee. This is customary (not contractual) under MYBA terms.
What Determines the Percentage
20%: Exceptional service. Chef created restaurant-quality meals. Crew anticipated every need. Yacht was spotless. They handled a problem seamlessly (weather change, itinerary adjustment, medical issue).
15%: Good service. Everything ran smoothly. Meals were excellent. Crew was professional and attentive. Standard expectation met or exceeded.
10-12%: Adequate service. No major problems but nothing exceptional. Meals were fine. Crew did their jobs competently.
Below 10%: Service issues occurred. Address these with your broker before deciding on gratuity.
How Distribution Works
You hand one amount to the Captain (cash, bank transfer, or arranged through broker). The Captain distributes internally based on:
Typical Split (100-foot yacht, 5 crew, 15% = €15,000 on €100,000 charter):
Captain: €4,500-5,000 (30-33%)
Chef: €3,500-4,000 (23-27%)
Chief Stewardess: €2,500-3,000 (17-20%)
Deckhand: €2,000-2,500 (13-17%)
Stewardess: €2,000-2,500 (13-17%)
However, these days it’s more and more common for crew to split equally. Captains often decide on this to motivate crew extra.
Captains have discretion on exact amounts based on individual performance.
MYBA vs CYBA vs All-Inclusive: Structural Differences
MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association):
Separate charter fee and APA
Operating costs charged at actual
Full accounting with receipts
Unused APA refunded
Most transparent model
VAT charged on charter fee
CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association - Caribbean):
Similar to MYBA but adapted for Caribbean
Often no or very low APA percentages (5-10%)
Different VAT/tax structures depending on jurisdiction
Single price covering charter fee + estimated operating costs
No refunds for lower usage
No top-ups for higher usage (risk on owner)
Popular in Caribbean, less common Mediterranean
VAT still applies to total price
For a complete clause-by-clause comparison of MYBA and CYBA contracts, read our detailed MYBA vs CYBA analysis.
Price Comparison Example
Same yacht, same week:
MYBA Quote:
€120,000 charter fee
€14,400 VAT (12% Greece)
€36,000 APA (30%)
= €170,400 estimated total
All-Inclusive Quote:
€170,000 total price
€20,400 VAT (12% Greece)
= €190,400 total
The MYBA structure offers transparency and potential refunds if you use less than estimated APA. All-inclusive offers price certainty but no refunds for lower usage.
Your Pre-Booking Cost Discussion with Your Broker
Before signing any contract, your broker should provide:
Required Cost Documentation
Base charter fee breakdown showing what's included
Applicable VAT rate for your specific charter (country, yacht flag, itinerary)
Recommended APA percentage for your specific itinerary
Estimated fuel costs based on your planned route and cruising speed
Marina costs for ports you want to visit
Delivery/repositioning charges (including VAT) if applicable
Total estimated cost range (conservative and high-end scenarios with VAT)
Payment schedule (typically 50% deposit, 50% + APA + VAT 30 days before)
Questions to Ask Your Broker
"Can you show me two cost scenarios: conservative and high-spending with VAT included?"
"What's the exact VAT rate for this charter?"
"What's typical APA usage for this yacht on my planned route?"
"Are there delivery charges and can they be avoided?"
"What's the fuel consumption at different cruising speeds?"
"Can you provide actual marina costs for my preferred ports?"
"What affects APA most on this specific yacht?"
A professional broker provides detailed written estimates before you sign. If they're vague about costs or say "it depends," push for specific numbers.
Managing Costs During Your Charter: Active Budget Control
You're not powerless over APA spending. The Captain can guide you, but you control the decisions.
Fuel Management Strategies
Speed matters exponentially: The Sunseeker 86 burns 500L/hour at 23 knots but only 75L/hour at 11 knots - nearly 7x more fuel for double the speed.
Route planning: Athens to Mykonos direct (95nm) vs Athens > Kea > Kythnos > Mykonos (110nm with stops) - the island-hopping version gives you more anchorages and similar fuel costs.
Anchor vs berth: Anchoring costs zero. Berthing in Mykonos costs €1,200/night. If you're having dinner ashore anyway, anchor offshore and tender in.
Provisioning Control
Tell the crew your preferences early: "We prefer local ingredients and regional wines" results in €150/person/day. "We want premium everything" results in €300+/person/day.
Specialty requests drive costs: Asking for specific vintage champagnes, imported Japanese Wagyu, or out-of-season fruits requires sourcing and markup. Ask the Chef for cost estimates before requesting expensive items.
Activity Budget Awareness
Included: Water toys that are already onboard, crew-led activities, snorkeling gear
Extra cost: External instructors, equipment rentals, reservations requiring deposits
Ask first: "Does bringing in a dive guide cost extra?" "Is there a charge for the jet ski?"
The Captain should inform you of additional costs before incurring them, per MYBA Clause 8.
Why the MYBA Framework Exists and Why It Protects You
The Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association created this contractual framework in 1987 (updated to MYBA 2025 current version) because the charter industry was chaos.
Before standardization:
Owners and charterers constantly disputed fuel costs
No clear definition of included vs extra expenses
Surprise bills at charter end
No standard insurance requirements
No clear crew certification standards
Amateur brokers making commitments they couldn't deliver
The MYBA contract solves this by:
Defining every cost category explicitly (Clauses 3-12)
Requiring stakeholder escrow (Clause 4)
Specifying insurance minimums (Clause 10)
Establishing cancellation terms (Clause 6)
Creating dispute resolution procedures (Clause 13)
When you book through a broker using MYBA 2025 contracts, you get legal protection backed by 35+ years of industry refinement.
Your Complete Budget Calculation Formula
Total Charter Cost =
Charter Fee
VAT on Charter Fee (12-24% depending on country/conditions)
Delivery (if applicable)
VAT on Delivery
APA (25-35% of charter fee, actual usage refunded/topped up)
Crew Gratuity (10-20% of charter fee, your discretion)
Optional: Special requests (helicopter transfer, photographer, etc.)
Example: Lagoon 620, Greece, 7 nights, conservative spending:
€50,000 charter fee (includes €160 TEPAI for 20m yacht)
€6,000 VAT on charter fee (12% Greek reduced rate)
€0 delivery (yacht already in Athens)
€14,700 APA actual usage (29%)
€7,500 crew gratuity (15%)
= €78,200 total
Example: Azimut Grande 35M, French Riviera, 7 nights, high-end:
€140,000 charter fee (includes local port taxes)
€28,000 VAT on charter fee (20% France)
€8,000 delivery (Antibes to Monaco)
€1,600 VAT on delivery (20%)
€58,800 APA actual usage (42%)
€28,000 crew gratuity (20%)
= €264,400 total
Budget for the higher end of your APA range. Getting money back is better than needing to top up mid-charter.
Final Checklist Before Signing Your MYBA Contract
✓ Charter fee confirmed with complete inclusions list
✓ VAT rate confirmed for your specific charter
✓ APA percentage specified and realistic for your itinerary
✓ Delivery charges (including VAT) calculated or confirmed as zero
✓ Total estimated cost range provided in writing (including VAT)
✓ Payment schedule clear (deposit, balance, APA, VAT timing)
✓ MYBA 2025 contract received and reviewed
✓ Insurance coverage amounts confirmed
✓ Crew certifications verified
✓ Cancellation terms understood
✓ Broker contact information for during-charter support
A professional charter broker provides all of this documentation before you sign anything. If information is missing or vague, ask for it explicitly.
The MYBA structure is transparent, protective, and industry-standard for good reason. Understanding it before you book prevents surprise costs and lets you make informed decisions.
About the Author
Maurits is a professional yacht charter broker and founder of Frontier Yachting, based in Belgium. With a decade of yachting experience spanning Captain work, yacht management, and charter brokerage, Maurits specializes in crewed luxury charters and provides transparent cost breakdowns for clients planning their first or fiftieth charter.
Contact: hello@frontieryachting.com | +32 487 22 08 22
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