resources and useful information

Yacht Charter Guide

What is Yacht Chartering? top^

Technically, yacht chartering is the act of one party renting a yacht from another party. In a more figurative sense it is the revelation of a world of enjoyment, of the beauty of nature, of the splendor of tropical islands, of the allure of cosmopolitan ports. Chartering is your private access to a place of turquoise waters, balmy breezes, golden sunlight and cobalt skies.
Chartering gives you priceless days of pristine beaches, refreshingly clean waters and brilliant coral reefs. Chartering is epitome of fine foods, exquisite surroundings and personal service. Chartering is your private entrance into a lifestyle previously the exclusive realm of wealthy yacht owners and privileged world travelers.

Types of Charters top^

There are three main classifications of charter yachts; fully crewed private yachts, bareboat and powerboats. While there are obvious major differences between each type of charter there are certain common elements between each.
At Yachting Cambodia Ltd we work with each client individually to arrange exactly the type of charter he or she may want.

Fully Crewed Private Yacht Charters top^

The fully crewed private yacht available for charter through Yachting Cambodia Ltd represents one of the finest examples of classic sailing yachts in the world. The crew who operates this yacht are professionally, highly trained, and experienced in safety, seamanship, and in the total care of their charges.
A full-time professional expatriate captain and crew operate the yacht.
Fully crewed private yachts offer private vacations with customized personal attention to each charter guest. Each charter is built around a personal itinerary to islands and anchorages suited to you. A high level of personal service, discretion and security characterizes private yacht charters.
A chef dedicated solely to pleasing you prepares customized menus.
The yacht comes with a selection of entertainment media, recreational and water sports equipment. Skilled crew provides personal aid and instruction

Bareboat Charters top^

A bareboat charter offers the charter guest the opportunity to enjoy the adventure of a hands-on approach to the entire cruise. Bareboat are normally standardized stock production boats built for bareboat charter.
Bareboat companies manage and operate a fleet of "lease-back" boats for individual owners. Bareboat companies are based in a variety of locations worldwide.
The companies make sure each yacht is maintained and fully equipped for cruising. The company will provide pre-charter boat orientations and chart briefings.
On a bareboat charter the charter guest is responsible for all aspects of running the yacht, sailing, navigating, anchoring, provisioning, cooking, cleaning and having fun. Optional skipper/guides and cooks can be hired (not to be mistaken for a private crewed yacht)

Powerboat Day Charters top^

Yachting Cambodia Ltd offers also Power Boat charters, ranging from half days up to week or beyond.
With the Power boat charter a full-time professional pilot with extensive experience of the Cambodian Sea area will be provided and cost will be charge upon time for usage and distance traveled (fuel consumption).
There are also numerous options on additional water sport activities that can be included in the power boat charter such as:

  • Water ski's
  • Wake board
  • Banana boat
  • Scuba diving
  • Hoka diving
  • Jet ski
Etc (just tell us your dream activity and we will facilitate it!)

Planning Your Charter top^

The planning process for your charter will help ensure that you achieve the best possible result and actually extend your enjoyment over a greater timeframe. Research increases your awareness of the multitude of pleasurable choices that await you, stimulating a level of anticipation and savoring that begins long before the charter and extends the pleasure over weeks and months. For best results when planning your charter allow the practical aspects of research to blend with the romantic daydreaming.
The first two important steps in planning a charter -

  1. Put together the ideas of what you are looking for, at least in general terms, and then
  2. Call your Yachting Cambodia Ltd personal charter broker to discuss the possibilities.

Ideas of what you are looking for
Be true to yourself - Articulate your dreams in a realistic perspective.
Items to take into account:

  • How many people
  • Type of yacht, sail or power
  • Cabin requirements
  • Make up of your party; i.e. couples, family, singles, children?
  • What are you interested in doing or seeing?
  • What is your budget?
  • What time of the year you would like to charter?
  • How long a period?

Where to Start top^

Information in this charter guide and throughout our website will help you learn more about each of these fundamental items. You do not need to become an expert or know everything in detail. You just need a basic outline of what you are looking for.

IWhen you are ready we will discuss each aspect in as much detail as you require.
Speak with your personal charter yacht broker at Yachting Cambodia Ltd. In addition to the above you need to let us know as much as possible about your specific desires and your more general dreams.


Do you like seclusion and privacy?
Do you enjoy nightlife?
Are water sports your main interest?

Let us know the ambience of the yacht you desire, the personality you would wish for in the crew.

We know the yachts, their equipment, the crews and how each of these elements fits in with your plans. After our initial discussions we will prepare a personal portfolio of yachts and crews best suited to your needs. Following up, we will spend as much time as necessary discussing each yacht until we find the best one for you.

Booking Your Yacht top^

When you have selected your yacht, dates and ports of embarkation and disembarkation we will secure the arrangements with the charter agreement and booking deposit. We will prepare and send you the charter agreement (contract). Upon signing the agreement a deposit (normally 50% of the charter rate) is due. The agreement is then signed by charter company representative and a copy is returned to you for your keeping. The signed agreement plus the booking deposit will confirm your booking.

The Charter Agreement top^

The agreement specifies the particulars of the charter, payment schedules, cancellation policies and defines the rights and obligations of all parties in contingencies. Although the charter agreement might seem daunting at first, it is relatively simple especially considering you are taking charge of someone's investment. Make sure with your broker that you understand the terms and provisions of the charter agreement.

Rates top^

Rates for charter yachts may vary according to the season, the number of charter guests, and the region in which the yacht is operating. Items that are included in the charter rate and items that are additional expenses and fees vary according to the terms under which the yacht operates. The charter agreement clearly defines the terms and the charter rate. Please note that rates in this web site are subject to change without notice until the booking is confirmed.

Fees and Expenses top^

Understanding Fees and Expenses - It is important from the outset to understand the terms and conditions under which charter yachts operate as well as what additional fees and expenses may be incurred on your charter. This will allow you to have a realistic assessment of your budget needs and to compare value when researching your vacation options. If there are any items you do not understand please ask us for clarification.

Operating Expenses top^

Crewed charter yachts include different items in their rate depending on their type, size and the cruising area. The operating expenses (food, fuel, etc.) included or not included are determined by the operating "terms" under which a yacht is chartered. Following is a simple explanation of the common terms. The operating terms for most yachts fall into two general categories; "plus all expenses" and "inclusive".
For yachts operating under inclusive terms the meals and many operating expenses are included. Beverages are often not included. For yachts operating under plus all expenses terms a general rule for estimating expenses is to add 20% to 35% of the base charter rate. Motor yacht expenses are generally greater than those for sailing yachts.

Operating Terms top^

The "terms" under which a yacht operates set forth what items are or are not included in the charter rate.
Under Yachting Cambodia terms the charter fee includes charter of the yacht and equipment, crew wages and food, ship's laundry, basic operating consumables, and insurance of the yacht for marine risk, third party claims, and the crew for employer's liability insurance.

The charterer will be charged extra, and at cost to the yacht, for all other expenses.

These expenses include food and all beverages for the charter guests, fuel for the yacht and auxiliary craft, dockage, VAT if applicable, taxes, harbor fees, communications, guest laundry and shore-side electricity and water.

Payment Schedules top^

Normally a 50% payment of the charter fee is due with the charter agreement to confirm the booking. Final payment and any other monies due for provisioning or other items is due in advance of the charter.

Cancellation Policies top^

Depending on the type of yacht booked, cancellation by the charterer can result in loss of deposit or loss of entire charter fee. In the event of cancellation by the owner substantial protection for the charterer is incorporated into the charter agreement for refund and penalty payments to the charterer.

Insurance top^

Trip cancellation insurance is available to cover the loss of the charter fee if the charter is cancelled or curtailed for valid reasons. It is recommended that you consider the merits of cancellation insurance at the time of booking your yacht. Certain benefits may only apply if insurance is purchased at the time of booking.
Liability, personal accident, medical and personal effects insurance specific to the charter guest is generally not covered in the owners charter insurance. Please seek the advice of your insurance professional. Yachting Cambodia Ltd can arrange coverage through specialized industry recognized companies.