What Is APA on a Yacht Charter
APA stands for advance provisioning allowance. It is a deposit of 25 to 35 percent of the charter fee, paid before boarding, that the captain uses to buy fuel, food, drinks and berths for your charter at cost. You receive the accounts at the end, and any unused balance is refunded.
- Stands for
- Advance provisioning allowance
- Usual amount
- 25 to 35 percent of the fee
- Paid
- With the balance, before boarding
- Unused balance
- Refunded
- Mark up
- None, at cost
What it covers
What the APA pays for
- FuelFor the yacht, the generators, the tenders and the jet skis. Usually the largest item.
- Food and drinksBought by the chef according to your preference sheet, from daily markets to fine wine.
- Berths and port feesMarina nights, which vary from modest to very high in ports such as Capri or Saint-Tropez in August.
- Communications and extrasSatellite internet where charged, special requests, flowers, shore transfers arranged by the crew.
It does not cover the charter fee, VAT, the crew gratuity or delivery fees, which are separate.
How it works
From deposit to final account
The APA is paid with the balance of the charter fee, usually four to six weeks before boarding. The captain holds it as a float and keeps receipts for everything.
You can ask to see the running account at any time. If spending runs ahead, the captain asks for a top up during the charter. At the end you receive the full account, and any money left is returned, usually within a few days.
An example
APA on a €115,000 week
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| APA paid at 30 percent | €34,500 |
| Fuel | €14,000 |
| Food and drinks | €11,500 |
| Berths and port fees | €5,500 |
| Other | €1,500 |
| Refund at the end | €2,000 |
Illustration only. Fuel depends heavily on distance and speed.
Spending less
How to keep the APA down
- Cruise at displacement speed and plan shorter legs.
- Spend more nights at anchor than in port.
- Tell the chef what you actually drink and eat on the preference sheet.
- Ask for the running account halfway through.
FAQ
Questions, answered
What does APA mean in yacht charter?
Advance provisioning allowance. It is money paid upfront, usually 25 to 35 percent of the charter fee, that the captain spends on your behalf for fuel, food, drinks and berths.
Is APA refundable?
Yes. You receive the accounts at the end of the charter and any unused balance is refunded.
How much APA should I expect?
30 percent is typical for a motor yacht in the Mediterranean, 20 to 25 percent for a sailing yacht, and up to 35 percent for fast yachts or itineraries with long distances.
Does the APA include the crew tip?
No. The gratuity is separate, customarily 10 to 15 percent of the charter fee, given to the captain at the end.
Is VAT charged on the APA?
In some countries VAT also applies to parts of the APA. Your quote states how it is handled for your charter.
Are Caribbean charters different?
Some Caribbean yachts, especially catamarans, are offered on all inclusive terms where food and standard drinks are in the rate. Larger yachts use the APA system there too.
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Figures from the Navélia fleet · updated