A step by step guide – the yacht charter process explained

For every stage of the charter process Sophia Tutino Yachting will guide and assist in all areas to make your yacht charter holiday as seamless as possible. We have an unsurpassed knowledge of the yacht charter industry and we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality service to our clients, ensuring complete transparency throughout the charter process.

STEP 1 – INITIAL ENQUIRY & CRITERIA

When you make an initial enquiry about a yacht charter we require some basic criteria and information so that we can provide the most accurate selection of yachts that best meet your requirements and preferences. The most important criteria to provide would be:

– Preferred dates of charter (are they flexible or fixed?)

– Length of the charter

– Location of the charter

– The number of people sleeping on board (including the charter party breakdown for the right cabin configuration)

– The type of yacht: sailing, motor or catamaran

– The budget: it is often hard to give a budget when you charter for the first time. But an approx. budget will help the search.

– The interior style you prefer – modern, classic or classic-modern.

STEP 2 – YACHT SELECTION

At Sophia Tutino Yachting we have access to over 3000 commercially registered crewed yacht available for charter and extensive knowledge of the yachting industry. A selection of yachts based on your criteria will be provided for your consideration. With our 14 years of experience we have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the best yachts available for charter globally, and we only offer the highest quality yachts and crew to our clients.

STEP 3 – NEGOTIATION & OFFER

Once you have decided on your preferred yacht, we will negotiate on your behalf with the yacht’s representative and put an offer and option forward.

STEP 4 – CHARTER AGREEMENT

After the offer has been agreed by all parties we create a Charter Agreement or Transport Contract which is a binding contract confirming the charter.

Due to COVID-19, a Covid Addendum can also be created and signed by all parties to cover any changes in circumstance due to the coronavirus pandemic.

STEP 5 – DEPOSIT PAYMENT

Upon signature of the contract a deposit is due totalling 50% of the Charter Fee. If the Charter Agreement is signed less than 4 weeks before the charter start date, then the full funds for the charter are due upon signature of the Charter Agreement.

STEP 6 – CHARTER PLANNING

Once the Charter Agreement is signed, Sophia Tutino Yachting will start curating your yacht charter and provide you with all the information you and your guests need ahead of your charter. We will create a bespoke custom itinerary together with the yacht captain, we will send you a charter information sheet for you to fill out in order to have the full passengers list, understand everyone’s’ dietary requirements, allergies, food and beverages preferences as well as any other important information for the crew to best prepare for your arrival. A week before your charter, we will send you a comprehensive preboarding information document with everything you need to know about the amenities onboard the yacht in order to help you pack accordingly!

STEP 7 – BALANCE PAYMENT

The remaining funds are due 4 weeks before the charter start date. This includes the remaining 50% of the Charter Fee, as well as any outstanding funds such as the APA, Relocation fees and VAT.

STEP 8 – EMBARKATION

The day of embarkation has finally arrived! Sophia Tutino herself or a member of the Sophia Tutino Yachting Team will be available to meet and greet you and your guests upon arrival on the yacht and introduce you to the crew whenever possible.

STEP 9 – MANAGE GUEST EXPERIENCE

Throughout your yacht charter we hope you have the best holiday possible. We will always be at hand for any way to improve you charter experience or for any queries you may have.

STEP 10 – APA CONSOLIDATION

At the end of your charter we work closely with the captain to take a final calculation of the APA account. Any funds that have not been spent during the trip will be refunded to you through us.

STEP 11 – DISEMBARKATION

The last day has sadly arrived and Sophia Tutino Yachting hope you have had the best charter experience possible. We will be at hand to help with disembarkation and assist you with your onward journey.