The Reference
Yacht Charter Glossary
Every term a UHNW yacht buyer needs to know — defined precisely, with real 2026 Greek-market numbers. Curated by George P. Biniaris.
30
Defined terms
7
Categories
2026
Market data
Yacht chartering has its own vocabulary — and at the price point George Yachts brokers operate in, a single misunderstood term can cost €30,000. APA is not a deposit. Gratuity is not in the charter fee. The 12-passenger rule has no exceptions. Most first-time charter buyers learn these distinctions the hard way.
This glossary is built so they don't have to. Every term carries a one-line definition, a full explanation, real Greek-market numbers, examples, and the questions buyers ask next. Click any term for the full entry.
Section
Pricing & Contracts
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
APA is an upfront sum - typically 25–35% of the base charter fee - paid before embarkation to cover the yacht's running expe…
Gratuity (Crew Tip)
Gratuity is a separate cash tip paid to the yacht's crew at the end of a successful charter, customarily 5–20% of the base chart…
Delivery Fee
A delivery fee is a charge billed when the yacht must travel from its home base to your chosen embarkation port - and back aft…
Greek VAT on Yacht Charters
Greek yacht charters are taxed at a reduced VAT rate of 12% (half the standard 24% Greek VAT rate), applied to the base charter …
Charter Fee (Base Fee)
The charter fee is the base weekly rate paid for the use of the yacht and its crew. It excludes APA, VAT, delivery fees, and cre…
Section
Charter Types
Crewed Charter
A crewed charter is a yacht hire that includes a professional crew - captain, chef, deckhands, stewards - who run the vessel…
Bareboat Charter
A bareboat charter is a yacht hire without a professional crew - the charterer or a friend skippers the vessel themselves. It …
Day Charter
A day charter is a yacht hire of 8–12 hours typically embarking and disembarking the same day from the same port. Daily rates ru…
Cabin Charter
A cabin charter is a yacht booking where the charterer rents one or more cabins (not the entire yacht), sharing the vessel with …
Section
Yacht Types
Superyacht
A superyacht is any private yacht of 24 metres (78 feet) or longer. Above 50 metres the term 'megayacht' is sometimes used, and …
Megayacht
A megayacht is an informal market term for a superyacht of 50 metres or more. Above 100 metres the term 'gigayacht' applies. Meg…
Motor Yacht
A motor yacht is a yacht propelled entirely by engines, with no sailing capability. Motor yachts dominate the luxury charter mar…
Sailing Yacht
A sailing yacht is a yacht equipped with masts and sails as its primary propulsion. Modern luxury sailing yachts also have auxil…
Catamaran
A catamaran is a twin-hulled yacht offering exceptional stability, shallow draft, and large deck areas. Modern luxury catamarans…
Gulet
A gulet is a traditional wooden-hulled yacht originating from the Bodrum and Marmaris regions of Turkey. Gulets range 20–45 metr…
Trawler Yacht
A trawler yacht is a displacement-hull motor yacht designed for long-range, fuel-efficient cruising. They cruise at 10–12 knots,…
Section
Operations
12-Passenger Rule
The 12-passenger rule limits any commercially chartered yacht to a maximum of 12 paying guests aboard at any time, regardless of…
Embarkation
Embarkation is the formal start of a yacht charter - the moment guests board the yacht at the agreed port. Standard MYBA embar…
Provisioning
Provisioning is the pre-charter stocking of the yacht with food, drink, and consumables according to the guest's preference shee…
Tender
A tender is a small boat carried aboard a yacht for transferring guests between the yacht and shore, water-sports use, and explo…
Water Toys
Water toys are the on-board recreational equipment carried on a charter yacht: jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, towables, e-foils…
Section
Crew
Captain
The captain is the senior officer aboard a yacht - responsible for navigation, safety, crew discipline, and ultimately the con…
Stewardess
A stewardess is the interior crew member responsible for guest service: serving meals, tending bar, managing cabins, laundry, an…
Yacht Chef
A yacht chef is a professional cook based aboard the yacht for the duration of the charter, preparing every meal for guests and …
Section
Specifications
LOA (Length Overall)
LOA is the total length of a yacht from the foremost point of the bow to the aftmost point of the stern, measured horizontally. …
Beam
Beam is the maximum width of a yacht's hull, measured at the widest point. Wider beam means more interior volume, more deck spac…
Draft
Draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and the deepest point of a yacht's hull (typically the keel or rudder). Dee…
Flybridge
The flybridge is the upper outdoor deck of a motor yacht, typically above the main saloon, used for sunbathing, dining, helm ope…
Stabilizers (Stabilisers)
Stabilizers are mechanical or gyroscopic systems that counteract a yacht's roll, eliminating the side-to-side motion that causes…
Beyond the glossary
When you're ready to charter, speak with George P. Biniaris directly. MYBA-standard contracts, Greek-flagged fleet, end-to-end brokerage from preference sheet to disembarkation.