Can I charter a yacht if someone in my group uses a wheelchair?

Answer

Some yachts may accommodate guests who use wheelchairs, but accessibility varies substantially and should be assessed on an individual basis.

Important factors include boarding arrangements, gangway or tender access, door widths, lifts or elevators, cabin configuration, bathroom access, deck surfaces and the ability to move around the yacht.

The specific wheelchair and the guest’s level of mobility should be discussed before booking.

Analysis

A yacht described as “accessible” does not necessarily meet every wheelchair user’s requirements. Accessibility needs to be assessed against the actual physical characteristics of the yacht.

Transfer arrangements can be just as important as the yacht itself.

Broker’s advice

If wheelchair access is important, send us the practical dimensions and requirements. We can then investigate the yacht properly rather than relying on a generic accessibility description.