Fraser Yachts Worldwide is reporting more summer bookings for Mediterranean yacht charters than at the same time during 2012. The demand, Fraser says, is being driven by clients in North and South America.

Fraser also appears to be more certain that charter clients should prepare for a new VAT charge on yacht-charter rates in France this summer. Authorities have said that this tax could add as much as 20 percent to existing charter rates. The European Commission and French authorities are currently negotiating what rate will be allowed.

Previously, companies were hedging on whether the tax would be applied for summer 2013 at all, but as of February, Fraser Yachts was telling its clients that "it looks like the French will not charge VAT on the charters booked before the new regulations come in place." Fraser is continuing that line this month, stating, "It is expected that the country will have to introduce VAT on charter this year due to mounting pressure from the EU. There is speculation that the new VAT will not be applied on charters that have been booked before the new VAT regulations come into effect."

The upshot of both messages from the past few months is the same: Book now for summer charters in the South of France, and your contract-signing date should protect you against any new VAT that is imposed in the upcoming months, no matter what percentage it is.

Ocean Independence tells me that the 91-foot Kha Shing motoryacht Supertoy has just completed a refit and dropped her weekly base rates for charters this summer in the Mediterranean.

The spring refit included new soft furnishings in the main salon and lower-deck guest cabins, new television screens with integrated multimedia systems in the lower-deck guest cabins, and new covers on exterior cushions and seating areas.

The owner of Supertoy also has reduced the yacht's weekly base rate from €40,000 to €36,000, a savings of 10 percent.

Supertoy is a 1993 build that accommodates 10 guests in five cabins. The master is on the main deck, and four additional guest cabins are on the lower deck. Two of those have double beds, while the other two have twin beds plus bunk-style Pullman berths.

Supertoy is marketed for family as well as corporate charters. She has an aft deck that can be screened for use in most weather, as well as an upper-deck outdoor table that seats 12. An additional dining area is inside on the main deck.

Antibes is expected to be the home port for Supertoy this summer in the West Mediterranean. Any reputable charter broker can tell you more or help you book a week onboard.

Nicholson Yachts sends word that the 72-foot schooner sailing yacht Bonnie Lynn will be offering regular as well as kosher charters in Maine this summer.

"Versatile Chef Bonnie Mackenzie is experienced in preparing delicious kosher meals," Nicholson stated in a press release, "and her galley is now fully equipped to meet all necessary dietary requirements."

This is not the first time that the owner-operators of Bonnie Lynn have tried to offer something out of the ordinary for charter guests. Two summers ago, the yacht was available for regular charters as well as seamanship courses for adults and kids alike.

Bonnie Lynn is a 1998 build that was refit in 2001.  She takes six guests and is operated by Capt. Earl and Chef Bonnie Mackenzie, who have been performing charters in Maine's waters since the 1980s. Earl was actually born and raised in coastal Maine, so you would be hard-pressed to find a charter crew who know the area better.

The weekly base rate for charters this summer in Maine ranges from $9,500 for two guests to $12,000 for six guests. Any reputable charter broker can tell you more about Bonnie Lynn or help you book a week onboard.

Oceanstyle by Burgess tells me that the 100-foot Sanlorenzo motoryacht Solona has reduced her weekly base rates by €10,000 for all cruising dates this summer in the Mediterranean.

Previously, the weekly base rates to charter Solona were €55,000 during July and August, and €45,000 during the other summer months. Those rates are now €45,000 and €35,000, a savings of about 20 percent no matter the dates that you choose to charter.

Solona is a 2002 build that was refit during the winter of 2011-12, including the installation of zero-speed stabilizers. She accommodates eight guests in four cabins including a main-deck master. Two of the belowdecks cabins have double or queen beds, and the fourth guest cabin has twin beds.

Solona is marketed as "baby and child friendly," something that I don't often see advertised and that is noteworthy for anyone chartering with young children.

Any reputable charter broker can tell you more about Solona or help you book a week onboard at the just-reduced rates this summer in the Mediterranean.