Chartering a yacht is the ultimate luxury holiday, tailor-made and stress-free

We can’t think of many things in life more glamorous than sailing around one of the world’s most exclusive destinations aboard a luxury yacht. And fortunately you don’t have to be a boat owner or a sailing pro to do it. That’s where a yacht charter company comes in. Give them your requests and they’ll arrange a bespoke holiday of a lifetime for you and your friends or family aboard the boat of your dreams.

Spend your days sunning yourself on deck and your nights sipping on bubbly watching the sun set over theoceanwhile your assigned captain, crew and personal chef do the rest (on hand around the clock). When you tire of the sundeck, you can indulge in some water sports or jump on your private tender and explore the shoreside attractions, from historical landmarks to fine dining restaurants.

The whole chartering process couldn’t be easier. The first thing you need to do is to find the right yacht charter broker. Stick to reputable companies with experience as they will have a better understanding of the market and will find you the best deals.

Then submit the details of your preferred location, number of guests and holiday dates and the charter company will send you a comprehensive list of yachts to suit your requirements, including weekly rates that cover the hire of the yacht and additional crew costs.

Established in 1988, Elysian Charters is one such company with a wealth of experience and a passion for the luxury yacht charter business. They provide a fast and efficient service and do everything in their power to ensure that your yachting holiday is fabulous and stress free. They’re based in London but have access to over 1,000 luxury yachts in locations worldwide, including The French and Italian Rivieras, Sardinia & Corsica, Amalfi Coast and Sicily, The Balearic Islands, Greece, The Adriatic, Southern Turkey, the Indian Ocean (Maldives and Seychelles) and the Caribbean.

According to Director of Elysian Charters, Stewart Woodward, Southern Italy, in particular Capri and the Amalfi coast, iscurrently one of the hottest yachting destinations and offers something for everyone. “If you have an interest in history, you can visit Pompeii in the Bay of Naples; if you like amazing scenery, you have the Amalfi coast or the volcanic Aeolian Islands which lie to the north-east of Sicily. If restaurants and nightlife appeal to you, Capri is the place to be and be seen.” he says.

The idyllic French and Italian Rivieras continue to score highly in the chic stakes where you’ll rub shoulders with the rich and famous aboard some of the most luxurious yachts in the world.

Alternatively, for a change of scenery, why not explore Montenegro and southern Croatia’s stunning Dalmation Coast that is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the construction of an upscale marina in Kotor.

When it comes to the choice between a motor or sail yachts, motor yachts are preferable as they provide more comfort and space. Most of Elysian’s yachts have at least four cabins and have been built by the most reputable shipyards in Holland, Germany and Italy.

Once you’ve selected your destination and yacht, a Charter Contract will be drawn up. This is a six page document produced by MYBA and approved by a maritime lawyer. Once you’ve signed the agreement, you’ll be required to pay a deposit of 50 percent of the total charter fee. The remaining 50 percent plus the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance – operating costs such as fuel, food and drinks, harbour fees, crew gratuities etc.) must be paid one month prior to the beginning of your charter.

Your charter company will also be on hand prior to and during your holiday to answer questions, resolve any problems and arrange additional details such as restaurant bookings, spa treatments and any flights or private transport for you and your guests (and this includes private helicopters or luxury limos).Your wish is their command.

That said be careful not to cram too much into your cruise. “The experience of being on a yacht with all the benefits that it offers, such as 7-star hospitality, will be more than enough to occupy your time,” advises Woodward.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise of a lifetime. If you don’t get to see and do everything the first time around, you’ll just have to go back next year!

For more information about chartering a yacht, visit www.elysiancharters.com