Can I book a yacht directly with the owner?

Answer

In some circumstances, a charterer can arrange a yacht charter directly with an owner or the owner's representative.

However, direct booking means the charterer takes on more responsibility for researching the yacht, assessing suitability, understanding the contract, checking availability, coordinating arrangements and resolving issues that might otherwise be handled by a professional broker.

A direct booking may also not provide the same independent market comparison as working with a broker who represents the charterer's interests.

Analysis

The choice is not simply about whether a booking can be made directly. It is about who is responsible for the research, due diligence, contractual process and coordination.

Broker Comment

A direct booking can look straightforward when everything goes perfectly. Our value becomes particularly apparent when there are multiple yachts to compare, complicated itineraries, contractual questions or problems that need to be resolved.