Yacht Charter Glossary
Tender
Also known as: Yacht Tender · Chase Boat · Dinghy
Full explanation
When a yacht anchors offshore (most beautiful anchorages in Greece are too shallow or unprotected for direct yacht docking), the tender is your shore connection.
Crew run the tender between yacht and beach restaurants, town piers, or villa transfers - typically 5–15 minute hops.
Larger yachts carry multiple tenders: a fast 'limousine tender' (8–12m, enclosed cabin) for VIP transfers, a chase boat (10–14m, open) for water sports, and a small RIB (4–6m) for utility runs. Tender capabilities and typical sizes: small yacht (24–30m) carries one 4–6m RIB tender; mid-yacht (30–45m) carries one 8–10m tender + one 4–5m RIB; superyacht (45m+) carries 2–4 tenders including a limousine tender of 10–14m.
Top-end megayachts have full tender garages with submarine-style launch doors. Tender pricing implications: larger tenders mean longer-range shore visits (e.g. visit Despotiko from a yacht anchored at Antiparos - 30-minute tender ride each way) and faster runs that don't blow guests around.
Smaller tenders limit shore options to within 1nm of anchor. Tender operator: always a deckhand or captain - never the charterer.
UHNW charterers can drive their own jetski or wakeboard boat with the operator alongside, but the primary guest-transfer tender is crew-driven.
Insurance and competence considerations are absolute.
Why it matters for UHNW charterers
The tender is the difference between an anchorage that feels remote and one that feels accessible. Buyers planning many shore-side dinners or beach club visits should ask about tender size and capability - a 4m RIB makes for choppier transfers than an 8m enclosed limousine tender. On a romance-or-impression charter this matters.
Worked examples
Standard tender, 6m RIB, mid-tier 30m motor yacht
Capacity: 6 passengers, top speed 35 knots, range 30nm. Suitable for short hops yacht-to-shore at protected anchorages. Open boat - wear sunglasses, expect spray.
Limousine tender, 12m, 55m superyacht
Capacity: 12 passengers, enclosed cabin with leather seating and AC, top speed 40 knots. The tender is itself a yacht-grade experience. Guests step from a luxury saloon into a luxury launch.
Frequently asked
About tender
Can I drive the tender myself?
Generally no for the primary guest-transfer tender - crew operates. Smaller utility RIBs and toys (jetskis) can be guest-operated under crew supervision.
Does using the tender cost extra?
Tender use is included in the charter fee. Fuel for tender runs is drawn from APA, but the costs are minimal (€20–€50 per typical shore run).
What's a 'chase boat'?
A chase boat is a larger, faster tender (10–14m) used for water sports - towing wakeboards, water skiers, paragliders. Mid-and-top tier superyachts carry a chase boat in addition to the standard guest tender.
How long are typical tender rides?
Most yacht-to-shore transfers in Greek anchorages are 3–10 minutes. Longer rides to specific destinations (e.g. an island visit) can be 20–40 minutes - comfortable in a larger limousine tender, less so in a small RIB.
Related terms
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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.