What is SeaChapter?
SeaChapter is a yacht charter brokerage. We work directly with verified charter fleets and book at their official fleet prices — the same you'd get booking direct. Brokers earn a standard commission from the fleet, so our service costs you nothing extra and we charge no booking fees.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
No — you can book any boat with a certified captain and nobody aboard needs a licence. Licence requirements (an ICC or a recognised national certificate, plus usually a VHF radio certificate) apply only if you want to sail bareboat, i.e. skipper the boat yourself.
How does booking actually work?
You send an inquiry; within 24 hours a broker replies with a shortlist that fits your dates and group. We place a free option — typically 7 days — on your favourite boat while you decide. A 50% deposit with a signed contract confirms the booking, the balance is due 4–6 weeks before departure, and then you sail.
What's included in the boat price?
The yacht itself with standard equipment, dinghy and basic insurance. Typical extras are itemised separately: end cleaning, skipper if requested, fuel used, marina fees en route, tourist tax and provisioning. We itemise everything up front so the check-in desk holds no surprises.
What is the security deposit?
A refundable amount — set per boat, commonly €1,500–3,500 — blocked on a credit card at check-in and released after a clean check-out. It covers damage or loss up to that limit. Deposit-insurance options exist for most fleets if you prefer a small fixed premium over a large blocked sum.
Can I cancel a booking?
Cancellation follows the fleet's terms, which we always show you before you pay anything — conditions vary by fleet and season. The free option period costs nothing at all, so you can hold a boat while you make sure the crew and flights line up.
When should I book for the best choice?
September to December is the sweet spot for the following season: fleets publish next-year prices and early-bird discounts, and the popular boats and school-holiday weeks go first. If you're flexible, genuine last-minute deals appear in spring for the early-summer weeks.
Where do you operate?
Our core is the Mediterranean — Greece, Croatia, Spain & the Balearics, Italy and Turkey — where we know the bases and many of the boats personally. Through partner fleets in the same booking systems we cover destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean winter season.
Do you own the boats?
No — and that's deliberate. We broker boats from verified charter fleets, which means we sit on your side of the table: if a boat is overpriced or wrong for your group, we say so and find a better one. Our incentive is your next booking, not this week's boat.
How do payments work?
Currently by bank transfer, exactly per the charter contract — 50% to confirm, the balance 4–6 weeks before departure. Card payments are coming. You always pay against a signed contract with the fleet's official pricing attached, never an unexplained invoice.