Charter rates are quoted per week for the hire of the yacht. Seven days is generally the minimum charter period accepted by yachts, but charters can be for any duration under or over seven days. Charters over seven days are calculated pro-rata against the weekly rate divided by seven and multiplied by the number of charter days. During low season periods and for a number of smaller yachts charters of less than seven days may be considered in which case the weekly rate is divided by six and multiplied by the number of days. Charters commence from noon onwards on the first day and terminate by noon on the last day. For example, a charter contracted to commence at noon on 1st June and terminate at noon on 8th June constitutes a one week charter. A day charter would normally start in the morning and end either late afternoon or early evening. High season rates apply to the most popular charter periods, i.e. July/August and Christmas/New Year, and are also normally applicable to all major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival. Low season rates apply to all other periods unless otherwise stipulated. Please note that charter rates quoted are believed to be correct but may be subject to change.

A deposit of 50% of the total charter fee is payable by bank transfer on signature of the Charter Agreement. This confirms your booking. The remaining 50%, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance, together with any taxes, delivery/redelivery fees and any additionally agreed charges, is payable by bank transfer one month before the charter commences.

Most yachts are very welcoming to children and some are equipped with children in mind. However, a few yachts may stipulate a minimum age for children and/or have a requirement for a nanny to be on board during the charter. The crew cannot provide child minding or babysitting services. Please inform your Siera Aqua Dream broker at the outset of planning your charter if there are children in your party.

All charters are subject to a fully executed contract, so once the availability for your chosen yacht has been verified; you will receive a standard Siera Aqua Dreams Charter Agreement for signature. If your chosen cruising itinerary necessitates embarking or disembarking from a point other than the yacht’s home port, positioning charges (delivery/redelivery fees) may be required. These charges, if applicable, will be confirmed in advance and affirmed in the Charter Agreement, together with any taxes that may apply.

Well before you board your yacht, we will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire describing the preferences and special needs of all the members of your party, such as dietary or medical requirements, details of any allergies, and your sporting or entertainment requests. This will enable us and the crew of your chosen yacht to ensure that everything possible is done to make your charter a wonderful experience.

We strongly recommend that charterers take out Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance to protect their investment if unforeseen circumstances prevent or curtail their charter. Additionally, all members of the charter party should be covered by Personal Accident and Medical Insurance, and their personal effects should be insured against theft, loss or damage. Other forms of insurance, such as Charterer’s Liability may also be prudent. Our brokers will be pleased to assist with arranging any policy not covered by the basic Charter Agreement.

A skipper will handle the boat for you, recommend routes, places to visit and make your holiday as relaxing as possible; if you wanted to have a go at sailing yourself but don’t have as much experience, then this would be recommended as an option. You will have to factor in the skipper will take up a bed and need to be fed, however!

International Marine regulation generally states that once a vessel carries more than 12 passengers, even if it is being used as a private yacht, it is considered to be a passenger ship and has to comply with the SOLAS convention (Safety of Life at Sea) set out by the IMO (International Maritime Organization). This is to ensure the safety of all passengers as it is of the utmost importance.