Understanding APA in Yacht Charters

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Yachting's APA explained: 212 Yachts clarifies the Advanced Provisioning Allowance, demystifying this charter abbreviation.

The world of yachting can be full of strange words and confusing abbreviations. That’s why we at 212 Yachts have put together a little guide for one of the main ones when it comes to chartering a yacht: APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) in yacht charters. Read on to learn more about APA’s meaning in yachting terminology.

The Role of APA in Yachting

When considering private day yacht rentals, the charter fee generally only covers the rental cost of the yacht and any crew that comes with it. APA is an additional fee that covers extras, such as food, drink, fuel, berthing costs, customs, and communications. You can think of APA as creating a bank account or putting in place a system for the captain (and chef) on a luxury yacht charter to provision on your behalf.

How APA Works in a Yacht Charter

APA in a yacht charter is generally calculated as a percentage of the charter fee, which you then pay in addition to the charter fee before the charter commences. On board, the captain will use this allowance to stock the yacht and fuel up while keeping any associated receipts as a record for you.

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To ensure you don’t get blindsided, your broker and captain will keep you updated on spending, and any money left over will be returned to you at the end of the charter.

Calculating and Paying APA

The APA amount varies from yacht to yacht but generally lies between 30% and 40% of the yacht charter fee. For example, you can expect to pay more if the yacht has a higher fuel consumption, you plan on traveling extensively, or if you order the finest and most expensive brands of champagne, wines, and so forth. APA is payable in advance of your yacht charter, usually by bank transfer, and normally at the same time as paying your initial charter fee.

Covered Expenses and Allocations

An Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) in a yacht charter covers all onboard expenses. These are the costs incurred beyond the basic charter fee. Having the APA in place allows the crew to prepare for your preferences and needs accordingly. 

Captain’s Management of APA Funds

The captain is always in your corner, and that includes the APA fund management. If you put realistic constraints on the budget for food and drinks, then the captain will do their best to stay within this budget. The captain and yacht broker will be able to assess how feasible it is in advance and, for example, adapt the planned itinerary to meet your budget in terms of fuel spend.

Breakdown of APA Expenses

If you’re wondering what the APA caters for, we’ve got you covered. The APA covers a wide range of expenses. These expenses include:

  • Fuel for the yacht.
  • Food and drinks.
  • Docking fees and harbor charges.
  • Communications.
  • Crew gratuities.
  • Additional services and special requests.

Fuel and Energy Costs

Fuel consumption costs are typically related to the yacht, tenders, and water toys. These costs will be influenced by the yacht’s size, engine power, cruising speed, and the distance or route traveled. In the case of energy consumption, these costs originate from instances where generators run at anchor or shore-based electricity in marinas.

Provisioning for Food and Drinks

Your yacht charter APA’s food and beverage component will be influenced primarily by your preferences. If you have a pallet for gourmet cuisine and the world’s finest wines, costs will be higher. Similarly, how often and how many meals you have, how many specialty items you require, and the locations you visit will also impact your APA.

Mooring and Docking Charges

Mooring and docking charges in a yacht charter tend to vary greatly. They depend on location and the type of vessel. Some factors influencing costs include location, yacht type, marina facilities, and anchoring.

Port Fees and Customs Duties

Port fees include expenses like harbor charges and pilot fees. Customs duties refer to taxes levied on goods entering or leaving a country. These duties can apply to fuel, food, and other yacht supplies.

Communication and Internet Services

In today’s world, the inability to communicate, even during a luxury experience, can be anxiety-inducing. It’s also important to know that you can be reachable during emergencies. While using onboard communications systems like satellite phones or Wi-Fi is usually included, in some cases, it may be an additional charge.

Additional Services and Special Requests

You can request additional services and special requests during a yacht charter. These may include additional services like hiring a skipper or cook, provisioning, and water toys. Common special requests include itinerary customization, special cuisine, bespoke celebrations, shore trips, and personalized amenities.

Handling APA Overages and Refunds

If you ‘overspend’ your APA, you will need to pay the additional amount post charter and may be obliged to top up the APA during the yacht charter. This is another reason to communicate your expenses budget carefully with the broker and the captain. On the other hand, any remaining APA funds can be refunded to you or, optionally, applied towards crew gratuities.

Benefits of APA for Yacht Charter Guests

The APA exists to help ensure your experience on the luxury yacht is memorable, seamless, and enjoyable. It affords you flexibility, personalization of service, peace of mind that you’re covered, and the convenience of streamlined processes. Finally, it also holds the captain accountable for transparent and prudent spending.

Smart Strategies for Managing APA Budget

Putting in place smart strategies with your yacht charter APA to avoid overspending will save you a few pennies and plenty of blushes. With clear communication, realistic budgets, and advanced provisioning, it may indeed (depending on your requests and the yacht) be possible to spend a lot less than the APA. How nice would it be to have the difference returned to you at the end of the yacht charter?

Final Thoughts

Now that you understand the meaning of an APA yacht charter and how it works, we hope you recognize the value it brings. One thing to remember is that the difference between a luxury yacht charter and an all-inclusive trip is that on a luxury yacht charter, you personally choose, in advance, whatever you would like to have on the yacht — champagne, rare cigars, wine, the finest of meats and caviar.

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If you’d like to learn more or book an unforgettable yacht experience for yourself, make sure to get in touch with us at 212 Yachts for the best yacht charters.

FAQS

Have a burning question on your mind? It’s more than likely addressed below. Browse our list of FAQs and get the answers you need.

Is APA included in the yacht charter price?

No, the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is not included in the charter price. It is an additional amount paid before your trip. It covers expenses such as fuel, food, and port fees.

What happens if we don’t use the full APA amount?

Any unspent APA funds will be refunded to you after the charter. For transparency, the captain or skipper will provide a breakdown of expenses and costs incurred. Refunds are usually processed at the end of your trip.

Can I set a budget for APA expenses?

Yes, you can discuss your preferred budget with the captain before the charter begins. It is a great way to ensure you don’t overspend. The captain and yacht broker will make every effort to manage expenses accordingly while ensuring a memorable experience.

How do I track APA spending during the charter?

The beauty of the APA is your captain will keep a detailed record of all APA expenses. They will provide updates upon request. This way you can review the spending at any time and adjust if necessary.

Do I need to pay more if the APA runs out?

If APA funds are depleted before the end of the charter, you may need to top up while onboard. The captain, who will be tracking your expenditure, will inform you in advance. Rest assured, any extra payments will be documented and accounted for.