Booking
We have found the perfect yacht at the right time of year in the right location based on your requirements, what happens next?
Yacht Charter - How it works
Our Yacht Charter Agreement will take you step by step through what is essentially a contract between you and the yacht owner and anything you do not understand or simply any questions you may have will be answered with the utmost speed, honesty and integrity. There will be a clear and direct communication between Nicholson Charters and yourself to avoid any misunderstandings when you charter a yacht.
We are here to make your vacation plain sailing all the way!
Nicholson Charters only uses professional and fully trained Captains and their prime responsibility is for the safety of the passengers on board and the yacht itself, so you need never worry but can feel safe. You are there to enjoy a memorable vacation and it’s part of our job to ensure that you do. If there should be an occasion when the captain feels that a request would diminish that responsibility for your safety, he will discuss options with you in a professional manner.
Nicholson Charters will take care of everything for you and with our professional crew there is no boating experience necessary, all you need to do is decide when you want to go, and where!
The Yacht Charter Agreement: We have several different yacht charter agreements and at first glance they may seem a little daunting. Read them over carefully, we will explain some of the terms below. If there is anything you don’t understand please discuss this with us. The agreement is between the yachts owner and yourselves and stipulates the terms and details of the charter.
Payment: Once you have understood the Agreement for your charter and have signed, a 50% deposit is required. This along with the signed agreement will confirm the use of the yacht to you. A wire transfer or cheque is preferable, sorry we do not take credit card payments for charter fees.
Preference forms: You will receive a detailed questionnaire to be completed by all member of your charter party. It will pertain to special needs, dietary or medical requirements and any other information about your group that would help the captain and chef provision the yacht for your charter. These forms will be sent directly to the captain and he will call you if there are any questions that need answering, and also to make arrangements to meet you on arrival and escort you to the yacht.
Balance of payment and Advance Provisioning Allowance: Sixty days prior to your charter date the balance of payment is required. If your charter is not all inclusive then the APA and any other charges, e.g. delivery fee are also due.
Insurance: Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance is available to protect your investment if unforeseen circumstances prevent or cut short your charter.
Captain’s responsibility: A charter captain will always try to comply with all of your requests, however his prime responsibility is for the safety of the yacht and passengers. Should any scenario arise where guests requests conflicts with this responsibility, your captain will discuss all possible alternatives with you. But when relating to the yacht and safety of those onboard, the captain’s decision is final.
Gratuities: Gratuity is optional and customary and at the discretion of the charterer.
Standard Caribbean Terms: This is our Standard Caribbean Agreement, The charter fee quoted to you will include Yacht, crew, all meals, water-sports toys and all equipment on yacht, fuel and water. This agreement is used for most Caribbean based sail and power yachts. Not included are bar drinks, cruising taxes/local taxes, dockage should you choose to use a marina and communication costs if you choose to use the yachts communications systems whilst onboard. These items will be billed to you at the end of the charter and payable to the captain in cash.
Western Mediterranean Terms: This is our MYBA Agreement, The charter fee quoted to you will include yacht and equipment, crew, crew meals. The charterer will be charged at cost for all other expenses, including food and beverages, other consumable stores, berthing dues, and harbour charges including pilotage fees and charges for water and or electricity taken from shore, laundry and communications.
Proud members of MYBA
The Worldwide Yachting Association
Disclaimer
The information, details and rates on this web-site is not contractual but are only general information for the public. All information is given in good faith and although believed to be correct they are not guaranteed.
Contact us for any yachting enquiry
You will find out more about us, Nicholson Yacht Charter, our history and how it all started on the history page.
For any yacht charter or yachting enquiry please do not hesitate to contact us:
Nicholson Yacht Charter & Services
Antigua: +1 268 460 1530
GSM: +1 268 720 6750
yachts@nicholsoncharters.com
Stanley's Tavern,
English Harbour,
Antigua & Barbuda, West Indies