How important is the yacht’s crew when choosing a charter yacht?

Answer

The crew can have a profound effect on the quality of a yacht charter. They are responsible for operating the yacht, delivering hospitality, preparing or coordinating meals, maintaining the vessel and helping guests make the most of the itinerary.

Crew size, experience, stability, personality, service style and knowledge of the cruising area can all matter.

A yacht with impressive specifications may not provide the experience a particular group wants if the crew dynamic or service style is not suitable.

Options / factors

Captain's experience –

Crew size –

Crew stability –

Hospitality style –

Chef capability –

Destination knowledge –

Watersports expertise –

Family experience –

Language skills –

Guest privacy and service preferences

Analysis

The crew is difficult to evaluate from specifications alone. This is one area where a broker's direct market knowledge and feedback from recent charters can be particularly valuable.

Broker Comment

The yacht gets you there; the crew often determines how the week actually feels. We pay close attention to crew experience, personality, service style and recent performance when putting together a shortlist.