Charter Yacht Crew

It is the crew that makes your charter an unforgettable experience.

Captain

The Captain is responsible for the yacht, the crew, the safety of all onboard and your comfort – they are the final authority on how your charter is conducted.

As the Captain is responsible for the crew, if there is a problem with a crew member, you should not take matters into your own hands, rather address the concern to the Captain.

Chef

An experienced Chef can often be the most important crew member to the charter party. Before booking a charter, discuss your catering requirements, from likes and dislikes to any allergies, with the Chef. Utilise the food preference sheet when deciding on what you would like to eat and drink and be as detailed as possible so the Chef can ensure meal is tailored to your needs.

If you are taking a pet, make sure you also discuss any requirements for your pet’s meals.

Steward

The Steward is responsible for maintaining the interior cleanliness of the yacht, general housekeeping duties, and laundry. The Steward is often the crew member you may most encounter.

Crew

The deck crew are primarily responsible for maintaining the operation of the yacht, though they may also assist with any water sports and activities. Depending on the size of the yacht, some deckhands may also serve as bartenders or serving staff.

The interior crew are responsible for refreshing the cabins and are usually who to approach should you require additional housekeeping. If you are unsure who to ask for a service or for requests such as a wake-up call, inform the Steward.

Engineers

The engineers are responsible for ensuring the yacht is running smoothly – this is not just the engines but also housekeeping amenities such as air conditioning and hot and cold running water.

Tipping

This is a grey area, and tips are usually made at the charterer's discretion based on the service they have received. The amount of the tip is a percentage of the daily charter rate x number of days the boat was chartered. An American crew will expect a tip of 15-20% whereas a European or Australian crew will be happy with a tip of around 10%.

It is usual for the full tip to be presented to the Captain who will then divide it among the crew. Some guests may feel the need to tip individually, particularly if they have been very well taken care of by their Steward, but it is important to remember that deck crew are more visible than the engineers who have worked hard behind the scenes.