The MYBA Charter Agreement Explained
The MYBA charter agreement is the standard contract used for most crewed yacht charters in the Mediterranean. It sets the dates, the cruising area, the fee and payment schedule, what is included, and the rights of the charterer and the owner if something goes wrong. Under its usual terms the charter fee covers the yacht, crew and insurance, and running costs are paid at cost through the APA.
- Used for
- Most crewed Mediterranean charters
- Typical payments
- 50 percent, then 50 percent
- Fee covers
- Yacht, crew, insurance
- Expenses
- At cost through the APA
- Signed by
- Charterer, owner, broker
In the contract
What a MYBA agreement sets out
- The partiesThe charterer, the owner and the brokers on each side.
- The yacht and the datesEmbarkation and disembarkation ports, times and the agreed cruising area.
- The moneyCharter fee, VAT, advance provisioning allowance, security deposit if any, and delivery fees.
- The payment scheduleUsually 50 percent on signing and 50 percent plus APA about a month before boarding.
- Guest numbersThe maximum number of guests sleeping and cruising.
Navélia prepares the agreement for you and explains every clause before you sign. More background on the term in our glossary.
Included and not
What the charter fee covers
Under standard MYBA terms the fee covers the hire of the yacht with all its equipment, the wages and food of the crew, and the yacht's insurance.
It does not cover fuel, food and drinks for guests, berths outside the home port, communications or special requests. These are paid at cost from the advance provisioning allowance.
If plans change
Cancellation and delays
If the charterer cancels, the payments already made are generally kept by the owner, who must try to rebook the yacht and refund what is recovered. If the owner cannot deliver the yacht, the charterer is refunded and may be offered a replacement.
The agreement also covers breakdowns, delays in delivery and events outside anyone's control. Charter cancellation insurance is available and worth considering for large bookings.
Your side
What the charterer agrees to
- To respect the captain's authority on safety and navigation.
- To keep within the agreed cruising area and guest numbers.
- To follow the law on boardno illegal substances, weapons or cargo.
- To pay for damage caused by guests beyond normal wear.
FAQ
Questions, answered
What is a MYBA charter agreement?
It is the standard contract for crewed yacht charters, published by the MYBA Worldwide Yachting Association and used by most brokers in the Mediterranean.
What does MYBA stand for?
It was founded as the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association and is now known as MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association.
How much deposit do I pay?
Usually 50 percent of the charter fee on signing, with the balance, the APA and any VAT due about a month before the charter.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Payments already made are generally not refunded unless the owner can rebook the yacht for the same dates. Cancellation insurance can cover this risk.
Is the contract the same in the Caribbean?
Often yes, sometimes with Caribbean terms where more is included in the fee. Your quote states which terms apply.
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Figures from the Navélia fleet · updated