Greek Terms. (GT)
     The charter rate includes use of yacht, insurance, crew's wages and food, harbor fees inside Greek waters, water and ship's laundry. The cost of fuel, meals, drinks, telephone and taxes will be in addition to the charter fee.

Standard Caribbean Terms. (SCT)
     This is sometimes called "All Inclusive". The charter fee includes all items included under WMT and EMT plus three meals a day. Some yachts also include alcohol, except for vintage wines and champagne.

Western Mediterranean Terms. (WMT)
     The charter fee includes the use of the yacht and equipment, the crew's wages and insurance. The charterer will be billed at cost for all other expenses including fuel, food and beverages for guests, berthing charges, port taxes, SatCom and telephone, and water and electricity taken from shore. Many yachts use WMT while operating in the Adriatic, Aegean and Caribbean.

Eastern Mediterranean Terms. (EMT)
     The charter fee includes the use of the yacht and equipment, crew's wages and food, insurance, breakfast and lunch, fuel for a specified number of hours cruising per day, berthing dues and harbor fees. The charterer will be charged for fuel for the tenders, dinner on board, beverages, laundry and telephone.

Deposits
     Once you've chosen a yacht and selected dates and location, your broker will provide you with a charter contract. When you sign the contract, you will be asked to provide a deposit (usually 50% of the charter fee). If it is a WMT type charter, your expenses will be estimated for the purposes of the deposit. Usually the balance is due 30 days in advance of the charter.

Harbor Fees
     Harbor fees vary from port to port. Normally this is a small item in the charter budget, especially in the Caribbean or Pacific Northwest.

Operating expenses
     These vary depending on the area you cruise and the yacht you choose. If fuel economy is an issue discuss this with your broker at the beginning of your selection process. There also may be some harbor fees and positioning charges if your plans involve meeting or leaving the yacht in a place other than it's home port.

Gratuities
     At the close of the charter tipping the crew is both customary and discretionary. The standard practice is to give 10 to 20% of the charter fee, based on your level of satisfaction. It is customary for the charter party to leave the entire tip with the captain with suggestion as to how the gratuity should be distributed among the crew.