Is APA refundable at the end of a yacht charter?

Answer

APA is an advance against expenses rather than a fixed fee. At the end of the charter, the captain or crew should reconcile the actual expenditure.

If the expenses are less than the APA paid, the unused balance is normally returned. If expenses exceed the APA, the charterer is generally responsible for the additional amount.

Analysis

This means the final cost of a charter cannot always be known with precision before the voyage. However, the broker and captain can usually provide a reasonable forecast based on the planned itinerary and expected onboard spending.

Broker comment

Keep your preferences and itinerary changes communicated to the captain during the charter. This makes it easier for the crew to manage expenditure and avoid surprises.