Things to ask before you charter:
There are always lots of questions if you are chartering for the first time. We have listed most of the common questions here which we hope will help you. You can always email us of course if you can't find the answer you need here and our staff will be happy to assist you: charter@divineyachts.net
2. How to Pay for rental yacht
4. Security Deposit in bareboat charters
6. What's Included in charter rate
7. What's not included when you chartering a yacht
12. Extra Costs During Yacht Charter
13. Benefits of a Sailing Holiday in Greece
14. Can I choose the itinerary?
15. Do I Need Qualifications to Charter Baeboat yacht
16. Can I Charter On Any Day of the Week
17. What type of clothing do I need?
18. What about children on board?
20. When is the best time to charter motor yacht, sailing yacht or catamaran in Greece?
24. How much is the additional charges for a yacht charter gratuity, fuel and provisioning
How to book the yacht charter you like:
You can call us directly in Greece, email us or complete the online request form.
If you are sure of which yacht you want to charter, we will reserve the yacht for you for one week or more, which allows you time to finalize your plans. If you need more time you need to inform us otherwise usually after a period of ten days initial bookings or we call it options are cancelled.
We will send you a Yacht Charter Agreement and invoice which indicates your payment schedule.
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Payment plan for rental yacht :
Upon signing the Yacht Charter Agreement the initial payment has to be paid to us and the balance in one or two installments before your embarkation date. You can pay by wire transfer or by credit card. More information about payment you can easily find here.
If you are unable to make your trip, we will endeavor to reschedule your charter to another time which is more convenient to both you and our charter program. Provided you can give us sample notice. If you are not able to reschedule then the following terms apply:
For cancellations 90-60 days prior to departure date a 30% cancellation fee of the total charter is charged.
For cancellations 60-45 days prior to departure date a 50% cancellation fee of the total charter is charged.
For cancellations 45 days prior to departure date a 100% cancellation fee of the total charter is charged.
Cancellations rules are always written in Yacht Charter Agreement.
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Security deposit in bareboat charters:
You will need to pay a security deposit only if you charter a bareboat yacht.
Refundable security deposits range between 1200-3000 euro depending on the size of the bareboat yacht. This deposit is returned to you upon completion of the charter less the cost of any losses or damages.
You may choose to pay a Non-refundable deposit which ranges from 300-500euro.. Security deposits can be paid by credit card or cash upon embarkation.
You can purchase travel insurance online at www.travelguard.com or www.accessamerica.com.
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Included in your crewed or bareboat charter:
Crewed charters in Greece: yacht and yacht insurance, all linen, crew (as mentioned in the contract), dinghy with outboard, equipment on board and usually fishing gear, snorkeling gear and some water toys.
Bareboat charters: Transfer to and from the yacht (Athens only) can be arrange under request, bed linen and towels, full inventory and some extra equipment.
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What's not included when you chartering a yacht:
Unless otherwise stated on your invoice, your charter rate does not usually include taxes (6,5%), food and beverages, fuel, port fees and gratuities.
Advanced provisioning allowance (APA) - fuel, drinks and food. We sugget it around 20% of your charter rate. Usually this amount is transferred to the captain of the yacht before charter and he is responsible about reporting and collecting all financial arrangement during it in coordination with clients.
At Divine Yachts you can start your charter on any day of the week, although with most charter companies you need to start on a Saturday (usually when you charter a bareboat yacht).
Crewed Charters:
The check-in procedure is minimal, just walk on board the yacht where the crew will greet you and help you settle in.
Bareboat Charters:
The Check in procedure is thorough and can take anywhere from one hour to three hours depending on the size of the yacht. Apart from the operational features of the yacht, you will also be briefed on itineraries you can follow.
The checkout procedure usually takes an hour if all is in order.
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Food and supplies on board:
If you have chosen a crewed charter, you will be offered a half board or full board food deal. Alternatively, you can pay an APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) ahead of your charter to cover food, fuel and all costs during the time you are on board.
We also offer you the choice of doing all your own shopping if you like the hands on approach!
We will supply you with a list to choose what you like before your charter stares and have everything delivered on the day of your arrival for you to check and stow.
On the islands you will be able to buy almost anything you require for your daily needs.
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Getting to the Marina:
We will arrange a transfer for you from the airport or hotel of your choice both on the first day of your charter and the last day of your charter. Additional transfers can be arranged upon request as well as sight seeing tours.
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Hiring a crew:
It is highly recommended that first time sailors in Greece hire a captain. Your captain will not only provide you with a wealth of information on where to go and what to see but have all the responsibility for the boat as well, leaving you free to do as much or as little hands on sailing as you like. You may also hire a cook or hostess and just lay back and enjoy the magic of the Greek Islands.
All Divine Yachts crews speak English and other languages like Italian, French and German.
It is customary to tip your crew at the end of the charter. While there is no set amount, we recommend about 5-15% of your charter fee as a good tip.
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Extra costs:
Your invoice will specify the fuel usage of the yacht you have chosen, but on average you should expect to pay between 300-400 euro for fuel and port fees for a week charter on a bareboat yacht. Crewed yachts have these charges incorporated in the charter fee.
Food at the local taverns on the islands can be very inexpensive indeed if you avoid the touristy parts of town. Seafood is very common and on average will cost around 30euro per person for a good meal.
There is no better way to see the Greek Islands than by the sea and you will have your own yacht to go where you want, when you want. There are numerous coves and private beaches that are inaccessible by land and swimming from a yacht is an amazing feeling.
We have developed a wide range of itineraries to suit most charter times and periods of the year. If you have a special itinerary in mind, please contact us and our professional staff will advise you on its feasibility. Naturally, there are thousands of islands so your choice of itinerary is limitless.
What are the qualifications needed to charter a bareboat:
The Greek Port Authority requires that all yachts have at least one experienced captain on board. If you wish to charter bareboat, you will need a license or some kind of proof that you are qualified to sail a yacht.
Which days of the week can I begin and end my charter:
Yacht charters usually begin on Saturdays in Greece and other Med locations but at Divine Yachts, you can choose any day of the week and for as many days as you like.
It can get very hot in July and August so dress lightly but for most other months it is wise to bring a sweater as the evenings may get cool. Of course your swimming costume is a must as is a hat at all times.
Please remember to use duffle bags for your clothes instead of large hard suitcases. (They damage the decks so we advise against bringing them on board.)
Will children like this kind of holiday:
Definitely, they will have the time of their lives. We provide all the necessary safety equipment on board and first aid kits, as well as special children's life vests. Our boats are also equipped with lots of games to keep them happy while under sail.
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Scuba diving is available on the larger yachts upon request. Please ask for details.
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What is the best time of year to visit Greece:
The official sailing season begins in March and goes through to November. If you like meeting lots of people, then choose July or August, when it is high season. The other months have a more temperate climate and fewer crowds.
What about travel arrangements?
We have experienced travel associates who can assist you with all your travel needs. Let us know which country you are traveling from and let us take care of your flights, hotels and tours.
Do I need a Visa to enter Greece:
All European citizens can enter Greece without a visa and most other citizens of other countries can stay in Greece for three months without a visa.
There is always something to see or do in Greece all year round, with many festivals and local celebrations. Please visit www.culture.gr and www.hellenicfestival.gr for more on culture.
Of course if you have any more questions, we are here to happily answer them for you so please write to us with any question you may have no matter how big or small!
Additional charges for a yacht charter gratuity, fuel and provisioning:
There are some extra charges which depend on type - crewed or bareboat yacht is chartered. They are gratuity for the crew, fuel costs and provisioning.
Gratuity is customary and vary from 5 to 15% of charter fee if you like the service and is given to the captain of the yacht.
Fuel costs are result of engine and generator power and consumption. You should ask the captain before and after the charter their hours or a text report about it. It's difficult to predict the weather and winds if you are on a sailing yacht but motor yachts provide full route explanation beforehand so you know precisely the plan of your expenditures during the booking.
Provisioning is also very complicated thing to know before because of choices and some food costs. There are many yachts which offer Half Board and it cost around 25 EUR per person per day plus hard drinks and other alcohol.
Totaly fuel and provisioning cost are vary around 15-20% of charter fee for crewed sailing yachts and 30% for motor yachts charter.
© Divine Yachts, 2007-2011