Yacht Charter Glossary
Provisioning
Also known as: Yacht Provisioning · Pre-Charter Provisioning
Full explanation
A 7-night charter for 10 guests can require €15,000–€30,000 of provisioning - fine wines, premium spirits, fresh produce daily, specialty ingredients flown in, dietary-restriction proteins, infant formula, premium teas.
The provisioning happens before embarkation: the chef walks the markets in Athens or Mykonos, sources from specialist butchers and fishmongers, fills the yacht's deep-freezer and dry stores. The provisioning workflow: guest submits a preference sheet 14 days before charter listing dietary needs, allergies, alcohol preferences (specific Champagne houses, whisky brands, wine styles), favourite ingredients, no-go foods, and special celebration items (a particular cake for a birthday).
Chef builds a per-meal plan and a shopping list.
Captain orders consumables and signs off on the budget.
Provisioning happens 48–72 hours before embarkation so produce is fresh. Provisioning quality benchmarks: at the UHNW level, provisioning includes vintage Champagne (Krug, Dom Pérignon, Cristal), single-vineyard Burgundy, premium spirits (Macallan 25+, Patrón, Casa Dragones), fresh truffles in season, A5 Wagyu, hand-dived scallops, organic produce. The chef's quality is judged on provisioning before any meal is cooked - a chef who skimps on ingredients cannot recover with technique. Compliance and customs: Greek customs allow yacht provisioning duty-free under certain conditions, particularly for yachts under foreign flags.
This can save 12% VAT on alcohol provisioning specifically.
Captains handle the paperwork; charterers benefit invisibly.
Why it matters for UHNW charterers
Provisioning is where a charter's food quality is determined - long before any pan hits the stove. UHNW buyers who care about food and wine should hand the chef a detailed preference sheet 21 days before charter, not 7. The extra time lets the chef source the rarities and the best produce.
Worked examples
Standard 7-night provisioning, 8 guests, 30m motor yacht
Wine: €4,200 (15 bottles each Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, white). Spirits: €1,800. Food: €6,500 (mix of pre-loaded staples and daily fresh sourcing). Other consumables: €800. Total provisioning from APA: €13,300.
UHNW provisioning, 7 nights, 10 guests, 50m superyacht
Wine including vintage Champagne (Salon 2002, Dom Pérignon P2): €18,000. Spirits including Macallan 30: €4,800. Food: €15,500 (including A5 Wagyu, white truffle from Alba). Total: €38,300.
Frequently asked
About provisioning
Who pays for provisioning?
The charterer, through the APA. The captain spends APA on provisioning before the charter and reconciles every receipt at disembarkation.
Can I bring my own wine on a charter?
Yes - and many UHNW charterers do. There is no corkage fee. The crew will store and serve your wine as part of the yacht's service. Bring a list to the chef in advance so the menu pairs.
What happens to unused provisioning?
Captain reconciles. Unopened alcohol can be returned to suppliers for credit (deducted from your APA reconciliation). Perishable food consumed during the charter or kept by crew with your permission.
Are provisioning prices marked up by the yacht?
No. Honest captains pass through supplier invoices at cost. Mark-up on provisioning is unethical and ground for non-payment of APA. Reputable brokers vet captains who comply with this norm.
Related terms
Other definitions worth knowing
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
APA is an upfront sum - typically 25–35% of the base charter fee - paid before embarkation to cover the …
Yacht Chef
A yacht chef is a professional cook based aboard the yacht for the duration of the charter, preparing every …
Captain
The captain is the senior officer aboard a yacht - responsible for navigation, safety, crew discipline, an…
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 …
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Ready to charter in Greece?
George P. Biniaris and the George Yachts team broker yachts in Greek waters under MYBA-standard contracts. Speak with us directly.