Frequently Asked Questions

For peace of mind and security, working with a recognized broker matters. Mainsail has been a trusted industry leader for over 25 years and maintains membership in all major professional associations.

• CYBA – Charter Yacht Broker Association
• CYS – Charter Yacht Society
• VIPCA – Virgin Island Professional Charter Association (Previous Board member)

For your protection, we use industry-standard contracts and secure, third-party escrow accounts for all deposits. We adhere to the highest ethical and professional practices.

While uncommon, in the unlikely event that your yacht charter is cancelled, delayed, or encounters an issue, Mainsail will assist in working through the details on your behalf.

No, our charter booking services are free to our clients. We get paid by the owners of the yacht’s.

Mainsail Yacht Charters is a professional yacht charter company with over 25 years experience specializing in crewed motor and sailing yacht vacations.  We help guests plan seamless sailing experiences by matching them with the right yacht, destination, and level of service.

Take advantage of over 50 years of combined travel experience at no cost to you!

A bareboat charter includes only the yacht itself, meaning you are responsible for operating the vessel and arranging provisions, meals, and your itinerary. You must also provide a boating resume to prove you are capable of handling the yacht.

An all-inclusive crewed yacht charter, on the other hand, offers an all-inclusive experience.  A professional crew handles navigation and itinerary planning, while a chef/steward takes care of meals and refreshments throughout the day. Cabins are stocked with high-quality linens and towels, and the yacht is equipped with amenities such as water toys, snorkel gear, and more—allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation from the moment you step aboard.

For guests who want a more hands-on experience without captaining the yacht themselves, captain-only charters are also available. These charters include the yacht and a professional captain, along with basic water toys onboard. Guests remain responsible for preparing meals and beverages and cleaning while enjoying the added comfort and local expertise of a captain guiding the journey.

We offer yacht charters in some of the world’s best sailing destinations, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, and select U.S. locations (Florida, New York  and New England). Availability varies by season and destination.

Requirements vary by country and charter company. Many destinations do not require a formal license but do require proof of sailing experience. Our team will advise you on the specific requirements for your destination.

You can hire a professional charter captain or choose a fully crewed charter. This allows you to relax and enjoy the trip while learning from an expert.

Charter rates vary based on several factors, which include the destination, time of year, number of guests, and the specific yacht you choose (the larger, the more expensive). Power yachts typically are more expensive than sailing yachts. Once you share these details, one of our experienced brokers will help you find the perfect yacht that fits your preferences and budget.

When booking a catamaran yacht in the Caribbean, most rates are all-inclusive (all meals, drinks including alcohol, taxes, mooring, and docking fees). The Bahamas has an additional 14% tax added to the charter price. Not included would be crew gratuity, water taxi/ferry costs, customs and immigration fees, and travel insurance.

Common additional costs would include all running expenses:

• Fuel and water
• Food and beverages (provisioning)
• Mooring or marina fees, docking
• Captain or crew fees
• Travel insurance (link to insurance page)
• Local taxes or cruising permits

No separate security deposit is required. To confirm your yacht charter, a deposit toward the charter rate is due at the time of contract signing. For bookings made more than six months prior to the charter date, a 25% deposit is required. For bookings made within six months of the charter dates, a 50% deposit is required. With the final deposit being due 45-60 days before the charter.

The best time to charter in the Caribbean and Bahamas, including the Virgin Islands, Leeward Islands (such as St. Martin, St. Barths, and Anguilla), and the Windward Islands (including St. Vincent and the Grenadines), is from November through July. Hurricane season typically runs from July through October. In the Bahamas, temperatures can be slightly cooler in January and February, averaging in the high 70s.

The best time to charter in the Mediterranean, including destinations such as Croatia, Greece, and Italy, is during the summer months from June through early September. Charter rates tend to be higher during peak summer season, while shoulder months like May and September are often slightly less expensive and less crowded.

For New England, the prime charter season is from July through September, when weather conditions are most favorable.    

Most guests ask if seasickness is an issue. Seasickness depends on the individual. Most of the areas you will be cruising are groups of islands that are only a few miles apart and you are always in sight of land. Being able to focus on a fixed object like a mountain can ease seasickness. There are effective ways to manage or prevent it. Many guests  find relief with remedies such as Dramamine , prescription nausea patches or acupressure wristbands.

Yes, in most cases you can choose your preferred itinerary. However, routes may be adjusted based on weather conditions, cruising area, and the type of yacht. Since you’ll be on the open ocean, flexibility is important. Power yachts typically cruise at 12–18 knots and can cover more distance, while sailing yachts generally cruise between 5–10 knots.

Menu selections are fully customizable to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions. Our onboard chefs are experienced professionals who can prepare a wide range of dishes in the yacht’s galley. Simply share any dietary needs or preferences in advance, and the chef will tailor the menu accordingly.    

Yes, you can SCUBA dive. Some yachts offer SCUBA onboard; typically one of the crew members is a dive master or instructor and can lead dives. Some include a certain number of dives on the charter price, others charge a nominal fee to dive from the yacht to cover the costs for the gear. If the yacht you choose does not offer SCUBA onboard you can still enjoy the underwater world –  “Rendezvous diving” is available – this is arranged thru the crew with a local dive shop. Your crew will discuss with you how many times you want to dive and plan an itinerary so that you can get some dives in while on charter. The local dive shop will come pick you up at the yacht and take you out and return you to the yacht after the dives. This is an additional cost to you. Typically a 2-tank dive in the Caribbean will cost about $200 per diver.

Yes, in the USVI you can fish without a license. However, in the BVI anyone over the age of 18  will need a fishing license which can be obtained online through the BVI Fisheries and Aggie Dept. There is a  cost currently $45/pp and the license is good for 30 days. Also, the  yacht you are on has to have a fishing license for the yacht so make sure you check with us or the crew to make sure you can fish.

Yes, the US and BVI have cell phone coverage. Check with your provider for their international plan.

While most charters are 7 nights, shorter or longer trips may be available depending on the yacht, destination, and season. Most yachts have a 4-5 night minimum. Keep in mind the shorter you go the more limited your itinerary will be.

Depending on the time of year you want to go. We recommend booking at least 8–12 months in advance to ensure the best availability and allow ample time to plan and organize every detail of your trip. For the Holiday weeks (Christmas and New Years) it is recommended about 12-16 months prior.

Typically, children of all ages are welcome. There are some crews that do have a minimum age requirement. Keep in mind you are responsible for your children at all times.

There are some bigger power yachts that actually have elevators and can accommodate handicapped individuals. Some of the larger Sailing Catamarans have first floor masters allowing elderly and less mobile individuals to have access to a cabin and the main deck of the yacht.

When you travel outside your home country, you must carry a valid passport. Many countries also require that your passport remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry.

We accept all credit cards (VISA, Master Card, Discover, and American Express) for the first 50% of the charter price. The final payment which is typically due 45-60 days prior to the charter date has to be paid in “cleared funds” either Bank wire, ACH or Check. This is noted on the contract.

Travel insurance is not required, but it is highly encouraged. We do not provide insurance directly, but we strongly recommend purchasing travel and charter insurance through a third-party provider to protect against cancellations, medical emergencies, and travel disruptions. Here is a link to our recommended Insurance company. Insurance.

Crew gratuities are not included in the charter rate. A customary gratuity of 15–20% of the charter fee is typical and reflects the level of service received. Most can be paid with Venmo, Cash, Zelle depending on the crew. Charters in the Mediterranean require cash or wire for gratuity.