Will this winter season be your first time chartering a superyacht, or being invited on board? We’ve broken down some of the unspoken rules of on-board etiquette for those new to the superyacht scene. From why to take your shoes off to tipping the crew, we’ve outlined some essential dos and don’ts to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

Shoes can dent or scuff teak decks, so many yachts will have a barefoot policy that needs to be adhered to while on board.Credit: Unsplash

Superyacht “dos”

Do respect the crew

Treat them as you would valued employees. The crew have an extremely busy job; each one is there entirely to make sure your holiday exceeds expectations. As Saul Varndell-Baxter of Ocean Independence, who was a crew member for six years, elaborates: “I can attest that having a polite, happy guest made me work that extra bit harder to make their charter perfect”. Equally, the crew can be great fun too.

Do listen to safety briefings

Safety is the prime responsibility for the captain and crew, and they take it very seriously. You will have a safety briefing about life jackets and life rafts, so ensure you digest the information given. It is a requirement of both insurance and maritime laws.

Do treat the yacht as you would your own home

A simple rule to follow. The crew want you to feel at home and equally the boat owner will appreciate care taken with his property.

Superyacht owners want charter guests to treat the yacht like it’s their own home.Image credit: Sean Gleason

Do keep the crew informed

One of the pleasures of a charter yacht is the ability to entertain in grand style, but plan it in advance. Don’t return to the yacht from an evening of partying ashore with a half-dozen friends-in-tow and expect the chef to prepare a late-night meal for everyone. If you want to invite extra guests aboard for cocktails or a meal, be sure to clear it with the captain first so there will be no embarrassing shortage of food or drink and the chef will be prepared for the event. Eva Hiebert of Dension Yachting adds that, as well as any changes of plans, crew should also be alerted as soon as possible if any accidental spillages or breakages occur during the trip.

please click here for full article

source: Boat International