Charter etiquette - how to be a good guest.

A superyacht charter is all about the freedom to do what you want, when you want, where you want. So why should there be rules you might ask? Whether you are chartering a yacht or have been invited as a guest of the charterer or owner, in order to make sure your experience is as enjoyable as possible following a few simple etiquette rules can help to make, rather than break, your time on board.

Although the yacht you have chartered is yours for the duration of the charter, it belongs to an individual and should be treated respectfully. However safe and relaxed you feel, there are intrinsic risks to being on the water in a large, powerful machine and your safety is the responsibility of the captain. Ensure you digest the information given during your initial safety briefing, and if you have any questions ask the crew. Adhering to the safety rules is beneficial to all on board, not just the crew.

It is also important to respect the privacy of others while on board, just as you would wish them to do for you. It's best not to enter other guests’ cabins without their permission and always stay clear of the crew areas. The galley in particular is considered a no-go area, unless invited, as it is constantly buzzing with the creation of amazing dishes for you and your guests. The crew cabins and crew quarters should also be considered out of bounds as the crew need their rest to deliver the best possible service.

Wear what you like, but be aware that, unless you are planning a black-tie dinner on board or stepping ashore to the finest restaurant, yachting is much more casual than you might expect. While on board it is customary that all guests, no matter who they may be, abide by the bare feet rule.

Teak decks are expensive and fragile - high heels can scratch and damage the teak decking, black soles can leave scuff-marks, so come prepared to go barefoot. Remember to remove your shoes if you have been ashore – your crew will provide a basket to keep your shoes in once you step on board.

As a side note, though some of the yachts in the Burgess charter fleet have huge trunk rooms, storage can be an issue on many of the yachts.

Hard-sided luggage is discouraged in favour of soft luggage that can be stowed away easily during your time on board.

The charter crew are as important as the yacht itself and can make or break a charter. They are there to ensure your holiday runs as smoothly as possible, taking care of your needs and putting great enthusiasm into their jobs. Your Burgess charter broker will know most of the crews and will always aim to match their personalities with that of your charter party. Common courtesy is a must, as are compliments when they have gone the extra mile as they will always endeavour to do.

Remember you may not have to be up early, but they do, so don’t keep them up until sunrise - let them have their sleep. Allow the crew time to do their jobs – whether they are completing their various housekeeping tasks or servicing essential systems on board, give them time by stepping ashore for a few hours or simply relaxing on deck, out of their way. If you want the crew to join you ashore by all means invite them, but don’t be offended if they politely decline.

There is no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to crew gratuities, but according to MYBA (now known as the Worldwide Yachting Association, the industry's professional trade body) the norm is between 5-15 percent of the value of the charter, depending on your experience and the specifics of your charter. The sum is paid to the captain then split between the crew - who will be very grateful to you!

The majority of superyachts welcome children of all ages on board and most crews love taking care of their younger guests, but remember that the crew are not nannies. Don’t forget that every single crew member has multiple responsibilities, many that you may not see.

If you want to bring along a nanny, check with your charter broker who can confirm if there is enough accommodation on board. Nor are the crew babysitters. If you need one you can always ask your charter broker or crew to organise one for you.

In general smoking is not allowed on board a superyacht, however, a handful of yachts have deck areas where smoking may be permitted and this is entirely at the discretion of the owner. Obviously illegal or illicit activities place the yacht and crew in jeopardy and the penalty can be seizure of the yacht and jail time for those responsible. Don’t leave the captain or any member of the crew in a difficult position.

Last but not least, relax and enjoy your time on board. A relaxed guest means a happy and efficient crew.  Burgess charter brokers are on hand to offer advice on any concerns or questions you might have.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.