Charter Yacht Brokers are professionals who will assist you in finding the right yacht, crew, and destination for your unforgettable vacation. We attend boat shows and can verify that the crews are reliable and very knowledgeable about the sailing areas. Epic Yacht Charters prides itself by only representing yachts of the highest quality and luxury.
The yacht charter broker is trained in the standard industry charter agreements, contracts, and all legalities of contracts between the client, the clearing house, and the owners of the vessels.
We will protect the funds and handle them through escrow accounts to avoid any fraud. All rules will be described and you will feel comfortable trusting the broker.
To ensure an easy and carefree vacation planned, they will assist in your itinerary planning according to your interests.
If you need accommodation before or after your charter, local knowledge of hotels and villas will be shared. How to get there and transportation will also be discussed and especially when you need to submit your preference sheets about interests and food allergies and likes/dislikes.
Meet Michelle Heyns
Meet Michelle HeynsMichelle’s personal experience with yachts, crews, owners, and yacht managers sets her apart from other charter yacht brokers. Additionally, she participates in major annual charter yacht shows to inspect each yacht and interview each crew personally. As an independent outlet, Michelle’s unbiased, expert advice can often help tip the scales, turning the best vacation into an EPIC journey.
Our #1 goal is to match the yacht and crew that fits the client, identifying your needs to provide the vacation of a lifetime. We’d love to continue booking your vacations for years to come – the ultimate reward is creating lasting relationships and even lifelong friendships. Your friends will be envious when they see your trip, and then they will contact us to help them have the same unforgettable experience.
Charter yacht brokers are charter yacht industry professionals who share a range of vessels with you and are there to help you choose the vessel you prefer. We gather information from you, such as the number of guests, and preferred dates of travel, and determine information including availability and rates. The service is to improve the experience of the guests and is provided at no cost to you!
With over 300 charter weeks and 16+ years of experience as a hostess and charter chef, Michelle has a unique perspective on the industry. She spent 12 years chartering specifically in The British Virgin Islands with her husband Leon and knows every anchorage, every activity spot, every secret sunset viewing beach, and every yacht/crew in the area.
Together they have also chartered in other Caribbean destinations and in the Abacos and the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas. She founded Epic Yacht Charters in 2016 and is now one of the top crewed charter yacht brokers in The Virgin Islands. She understands firsthand the importance of creating a perfect match between her clients and their ideal yacht & crew for an unforgettable sailing vacation. Michelle was inducted in the fall of 2020 as an active member of the prestigious Charter Yacht Broker Association (CYBA).
Understanding the difference between broker types helps you choose the right partner:
- Independent Brokers (like Epic Yacht Charters): Unbiased recommendations, access to hundreds of yachts, no loyalty to specific fleets, focus solely on client needs.
- Fleet-Affiliated Brokers: Work directly for yacht fleets, represent fewer options, may have vessel-specific expertise but limited choice.
By Relying on Broker Expertise, You Gain:
- Honest assessments of amenities and guest experiences
- Transparency on strengths and potential limitations
- Assurance that your chosen yacht matches your group’s preferences
How Brokers Stay Informed Year-Round
Beyond boat shows, yacht broker research continues through:
- Active participation in industry associations
- Strong networks of trusted international charter brokers
- Direct relationships with yacht crews and managers
- Feedback collected from past charter clients
These connections keep brokers updated on the latest crew changes, refits, and guest feedback, so you always receive the most current recommendations.
Yacht brokers act as specialized consultants, ensuring every yacht they recommend is thoroughly vetted before it ever reaches a client. This professional yacht broker research goes far beyond online listings or glossy marketing to provide you with insights that marketing materials simply cannot match.
When yacht brokers research yachts, they:
- Evaluate amenities, layouts, and safety equipment first-hand
- Conduct detailed onboard inspections and document every aspect of the yacht
- Meet with captains and crews to assess professionalism, communication, and service style
- Verify condition, maintenance records, and overall seaworthiness
- Compare the yacht’s offerings against others in the same size and price range
This rigorous process ensures you have accurate, up-to-date knowledge before choosing a charter yacht.
The charter fee is the base price for renting the yacht, crew, and standard equipment for your voyage. This fee covers:
- The yacht itself – exclusive use of the vessel for your group
- Professional crew – captain, chef, deckhands, and stewardesses (crew size varies by yacht)
- Standard water toys and equipment – typically includes paddleboards, snorkel gear, basic fishing equipment, and kayaks
- Yacht insurance and maintenance – the operational costs of running the vessel
- Basic linens and amenities – bedding, towels, and standard onboard supplies
The charter fee does NOT typically include fuel, food, beverages, dockage, special activities, or crew gratuity. These variable expenses are covered through the APA, which we’ll explain in detail below. An exception to this is the fully crewed and inclusive catamarans most of the time in the Caribbean.
Charter fees vary significantly based on yacht size, season, destination, and vessel amenities. A 50-foot sailing catamaran in the Caribbean might start around $20,000 per week, while a 150-foot luxury motor yacht in the Mediterranean could exceed $200,000 weekly during high season.
Understanding the difference between these two pricing models helps you choose the right option for your vacation style.
Plus-Expenses Charter (APA Model)
How it works:
- Pay charter fee plus APA upfront
- Captain tracks actual expenses
- Receive accounting and any refund at charter end
Best for:
- Guests who want transparency in expenses
- Variable itineraries with flexible plans
- Groups with specific preferences or special requests
- Longer charters where expenses may fluctuate
- Destinations with diverse provisioning options
Advantages:
- Complete transparency—see exactly where money goes
- Flexibility to adjust preferences during charter
- Pay only for what you actually consume
- Unused funds returned to you
- Premium provisions and experiences available
Considerations:
- Requires APA payment upfront (larger initial outlay)
- Final cost unknown until charter ends
- Need to discuss preferences and budget with captain
All-Inclusive Charter
How it works:
- Single price covers charter fee AND typical operating expenses
- Specific inclusions outlined in contract
- No additional charges unless you exceed package terms
Best for:
- Budget-conscious guests wanting no surprises
- Simpler vacation planning with fixed costs
- Shorter charters (4-7 days) where expenses are predictable
- Groups comfortable with standard provisioning
- First-time charterers seeking simplicity
Advantages:
- Know total cost upfront
- Simplified budgeting and planning
- No APA payment or final accounting
- Often includes standard bar and provisions
Considerations:
- Premium or special requests may incur extra charges
- Less flexibility for custom experiences
- Includes budget limitations on provisions
- Still need to pay crew gratuity separately
Typical All-Inclusive Coverage:
- Standard fuel allowance (limited cruising hours)
- House wine, beer, and basic spirits
- Three meals daily with standard provisions
- Standard water toys and equipment
- Local cruising within specified area
Common All-Inclusive Exclusions:
- Premium wines and all champagnes
- Top-shelf spirits or specialty cocktails
- Excessive fuel use (extended cruising or high speeds)
- Shore dining at restaurants
- Special activities (scuba diving, guided tours)
- Crew gratuity
Which Model is Right for You?
Choose APA (Plus-Expenses) if you:
- Want complete control over your provisions and experiences
- Plan diverse activities or premium dining
- Prefer transparency and detailed accounting
- Are comfortable with variable final costs
- Value flexibility during your charter
Choose All-Inclusive if you:
- Want a fixed, predictable total cost
- Prefer simplicity in vacation planning
- Are comfortable with standard provisions
- Plan relatively straightforward cruising
- Want to avoid final accounting process
Most luxury crewed charters in prime destinations like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Bahamas operate on the APA model because it provides the flexibility and transparency that discerning charterers expect. All-inclusive options are more common for budget-friendly or charters in the Virgin Islands.
Included in your luxury yacht charter is the service of a professional experienced captain and chef. Some yachts also have deckhands and stewardesses at your service. Your crew are experts, outstanding cuisine served by your trained private chef from a small galley, and safety, security, and responsibility when sailing or motoring by your licensed captain. Before your charter begins, the captain will assess your needs and design the perfect itinerary for your vacation while your chef designs a menu for your unforgettable week aboard. All watersport activities are in their control and they make sure that you get instruction on the use of plenty of different water toys, including SCUBA diving if offered.
The qualifications for the crew to operate the yachts are very high and we interview them to find out if they would be the right match for you and your group.
The answer is absolutely yes. Every charter menu is designed around your personal preferences, dietary requirements, and favorite foods, ensuring every meal onboard is memorable.
Your yacht chef can design a wide range of dining experiences:
- Breakfast: light continental spreads or full plated meals
- Lunch: casual buffets, themed barbecues, or formal service
- Dinners: elegant multi-course menus or relaxed family-style meals
- Special Events: themed parties, holiday meals, or anniversary celebrations
Every aspect of the yacht charter menu can be customized, from morning smoothies to midnight desserts.
Yes! Your professional captain and crew will work closely with you to create a personalized itinerary of Caribbean yacht charter activities that balance high-energy water sports with relaxing shore excursions and onboard entertainment.
While not part of APA, crew gratuity deserves mention as it’s a significant payment consideration.
Industry Standard: 15-20% of the charter fee
For a $40,000 charter, expect to budget $6,000-$8,000 for crew gratuity. This is:
-
- Paid separately from charter fee and APA
- Distributed among all crew members
- Typically given to the captain at charter end (cash, bank transfer, Credit card, Zelle, Venmo (each yacht can be different)
- Based on service quality (you determine the amount)
- Expected but not mandatory—it reflects your satisfaction
The 15-20% range is standard, but you may adjust based on service quality. Exceptional service warrants the higher end or above, while standard service might merit the lower range. Discuss gratuity expectations with your broker during planning—this helps you budget accurately for the complete charter cost.There are slight geographical variances that your charter broker will make you aware of.
The charter yacht industry has monohull sailboats, sailing catamarans, power catamarans, and motor yachts.
We recommend the best yachts available to you for the preferred time of your trip. We bring specials and yacht features to your attention. Most of the yachts have a different layout and you may want to select the best layout for your group. For example, children may want bunk beds, singles may want double beds and you may want an aft deck exit from your primary cabin. Some require a business desk and others need more space to lounge on the foredeck seats.
Motor yachts and power catamarans are faster and will get you to your daily stopovers so that you can spend more time ashore or at anchor in a beautiful bay.
Fully crewed and inclusive charters are ideal for:
- Families wanting stress-free vacations with children cared for
- Couples celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, or special occasions
- Groups seeking luxury without managing details
- First-time charterers wanting full-service introduction to yachting
- Anyone prioritizing relaxation and pampering over budget concerns
APA charters suit:
- Guests who value complete transparency in expenses
- Those with specific preferences or premium taste in provisions
- Groups planning diverse activities or extensive travel
- Charterers comfortable with variable final costs
- Anyone who appreciates detailed accounting
For complete details on APA structure, payment terms, and accounting, see our comprehensive Yacht Charter Payment & APA Guide covering everything about this charter model.
Half-board charters are ideal for:
- Budget-conscious charterers seeking cost savings, although it is important to understand that you will typically spend more on full meals ashore then you would have paid for full-board on the yacht
- Groups who enjoy exploring local dining scenes
- Guests who’ve chartered before and want destination immersion
- Longer charters (10+ days) where meal variety becomes important
- Social groups who enjoy restaurant atmosphere
For detailed comparison of half-board versus full-board options, see our comprehensive Half-Board vs Full-Board Yacht Charter Guide with benefits, costs, and decision frameworks.
Captain-only charters suit:
- Experienced sailors wanting local expertise without full crew
- Budget-conscious groups comfortable with cooking and cleaning
- Families who enjoy working together and shared responsibilities
- Those seeking hands-on sailing experience with professional guidance
- Friends who don’t mind the work and enjoy group meal preparation
Cabin charters are ideal for:
- Solo travelers seeking yacht experiences without chartering alone
- Budget-conscious couples wanting crewed yacht luxury
- Open-minded travelers who enjoy meeting new people
- Those new to yacht charters wanting lower-commitment introduction
- Flexible schedules matching fixed Saturday departures
Tandem charters are ideal for:
- Family reunions (20-30+ family members)
- Milestone celebrations (significant birthdays, anniversaries)
- Corporate retreats and team-building events
- Destination weddings with large guest lists
- Multi-family friend groups
- Any group exceeding single yacht capacity
Real-World Example
A common tandem scenario: A family reunion with 24 guests books two 65-foot catamarans, each accommodating 12 guests. One catamaran houses the grandparents and their adult children’s families, the other hosts the younger generation and their spouses. The yachts travel together, raft up for family dinners, but provide separate spaces for different age groups during the day—perfect balance of togetherness and autonomy.
The exotic destinations make your charter trip very picturesque.
The largest part of our crewed yacht fleet is in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the neighboring US Virgin Islands (USVI).
The Bahamas (Exuma Cays) are also an exciting destination where we recommend shallow water sailing in the summer season.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines are ideal for the low season when yachts are moving to the south to avoid hurricane weather.
Does an all-inclusive yacht charter sound like your dream vacation? Let us help you make that dream a reality! Epic Yacht Charters offer access to the best sailing or motor catamarans for vacations in the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean destinations.
Please contact us and ask how we can help you find the right boat and crew for your next unforgettable all-inclusive vacation. Thank You.
