10 Tips For Last Moment Charter Bookings

Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina

Beverly Parsons has been chartering since 1969. She is a licensed, bonded broker and a founding member of the professional groups AYCA and CYBA International. Contact Beverly.

Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon

Nicole Caulfield is licensed, bonded, and a longtime member of FYBA and AYCA. She brings a unique perspective as a broker, having worked aboard yachts for nearly 10 years. Email Nicole

Sharon Bahmer is an expert at booking charters in the Americas, from Alaska to Brazil. She's also a member of FYBA and CYBA. E-mail Sharon

DJ Parker has been a leader in the charter industry since 1980. She is currently president of the American Yacht Charter Association. E-mail DJ

10 Tips For Last Moment Charter Bookings

Written by Shannon Webster

Tuesday, 18 November 2008 19:17

1) Consider the venue. Make sure that you are ready and that your air travel arrangements can be secured. Be prepared by doing a little advance leg work…..at least know what charter yachts costs in the size range and type that you are interested in and also make certain that all participant passports are valid and any necessary visa can be obtained on short notice if any member of your party is a foreign national or if the cruise is going to be in foreign waters. 2) Ask any friends that you know who have chartered who their charter broker is. Choose your broker wisely but don’t shop around too much if you are racing against the clock. By contacting a reputable firm the first time around you can avoid receiving duplicate information and you won’t waste valuable time. 3) Listen to and trust your charter broker’s advice. You have contacted them for their expertise. Let them put it to work for you unhindered. This is what seasoned brokers are very good when coordinating a charter on short notice. He or she should have the knowledge and experience to answer all your questions and take you through the “last moment” booking process in the least amount of time. 4) Don’t contact a broker and then not follow through immediately from your end. Lost time means loss of interest from many yacht owners. Remember, the best selections often do not last too long even if they are not already booked. 5) Be realistic in your expectations. Don’t expect owners to be able to give you the boat for a “steal”, even on short notice. While they may consider a small discount from time to time, depending upon the type of inquiry received, they are not in business to “give away the store”. 6) If you have never chartered before, once you have made your selection you may wish to have your broker email you the sample blank contract so you or your advisor can take a look at it so there are no surprises. On a last moment booking, there is no time for surprises. 7) Be prepared to send a wire transfer for 100% of the charter fee and any associated expenses such as local taxes, Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) and fuel re-positioning fees, if applicable. 8) Use a courier service to return the original contracts. After signing, witnessing and dating your contracts, prior to returning them either scan and email a PDF file of the complete contract or fax it to your broker. 9) Return your Guest Information Sheet with food and beverage requests immediately so that the chef can take a look at them before calling you personally to discuss. List all food allergies and also list any medications and/or associated illness or condition that you may under treatment. Make sure that your doctor approves of the trip. 10) Listen to your captain when you discuss the daily or weekly itinerary with him. Local knowledge is the best and most dependable. Do not have your agenda so cast in stone that you cannot change it. Stay flexible and you will have a much better time! Happy chartering!!"

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