A guide to: How to put your yacht on the charter market

Bringing your yacht to the charter market is an excellent way to offset ownership costs, retain quality crew onboard and enhance resale value through charter reputation. Our guide takes you through each step of the process, highlighting why Edmiston is the best placed brokerage company to manage your yacht backed by years of proven charter success.

Initial steps

Edmiston offers its charter management services across motor yachts and sailing yachts, covering everything from modern super yachts and explorer yachts to classic yachts. 

Michaela Beitz Biggi, Head of Charter Fleet Management: “Our charter process begins with a comprehensive assessment of your yacht to determine its optimal position in the market. We consider key factors such as the builder, size, age, and overall condition, alongside detailed benchmarking against comparable yachts in the same category. We also evaluate onboard experience, recognising that elements like an exceptional crew can significantly influence broker recommendations and client demand.” 

Guest accommodation is another key factor, with the number of cabins, the types and configuration of these playing an important role in rates. However, it’s not always the case that the greater number of rooms equals higher rates — rather it’s the size, quality, finish and amenities within these spaces that influences charter rates. Yachts that offer Master suites and VIP cabins are highly desirable and additional amenities within these spaces, like offices, jacuzzis, private decks and lounges can increase market rates.

Onboard amenities throughout the interior and exterior spaces, including lounges, al fresco dining areas, bars, seating, bathing areas, wellness centres, beach clubs, swimming pools, spas and cinemas are all valuable features to have. Each client is different, and therefore their needs and tastes are not all the same. Having a broad range of amenities appeals to a bigger pool of people and can influence duration of stays onboard.  

Toys are another factor important to charter guests, therefore having a toy chest that appeals to many different tastes can increase the likelihood of charter bookings. Similarly, the inclusion of chase tenders allows for more freedom of movement, especially in the Mediterranean where there are many anchoring restrictions.  

Once our appraisal is complete, we then determine charter rates which enable us to create a revenue projection based on your yacht’s availability and location.  

Marketing your yacht

Harriet Dunderdale, Head of Marketing & Brand comments: “A standout marketing campaign is crucial to securing charter bookings. We work closely with leading lifestyle production agencies from around the world, producing photography and film content that highlights the unique selling points of your vessel and brings the yachting experience to life.”

As part of our marketing strategy, we take a highly bespoke approach, ensuring the unique features and key selling points are at the centre of our messaging and positioning. Your yacht will also be subject to promotion across our social media channels, feature in various industry and client newsletters and advertorial content, be incorporated into PR campaigns, and feature across both print and digital advertising outputs.

Your yacht will be listed on the industry’s main search database, along with the Edmiston website and Edmiston will present your yacht at trade charter shows, open days and arrange special viewings along with hosting hospitality broker events onboard.

Charter enquiry through to contract management

Edmiston has a global network of charter clients along with established relationships with prominent brokerage houses which we leverage to secure charter bookings at the highest rate in our industry.

“We coordinate the charter calendar to ensure bookings are maximised around your yacht’s availability and berthing locations. Alongside providing guidance on charter regulations and market trends, your charter manager negotiates rates on your behalf, keeping your best interests at the forefront. We also conduct reference checks when appropriate and carefully review each charter contract to ensure all negotiated terms are clearly reflected before execution and exchange.” Michaela Beitz Biggi. 

As your chosen representative, Edmiston is responsible for the prompt collection and onward payment of charter funds, safeguarding funds in a stakeholder account, and forwarding Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) to the yacht. We maintain a close watch over each charter, staying in regular contact with the captain to ensure every detail is executed seamlessly and the experience is uninterrupted from start to finish.

Next steps

If you’re considering bringing your yacht to the charter market or want more information on our charter management services, please make an enquiry to discuss next steps.