A super trimaran charter cost is the quoted base weekly rate plus three or four add-ons: an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of roughly 25 to 40 percent of the base rate, VAT or charter tax where the itinerary triggers it (the standard rate in France is 20 percent), and a crew gratuity of 10 to 20 percent. On a worked example later in this guide, those extras lift the real bill by roughly a third to four-fifths above the headline number.
Published weekly rates for super trimarans are rare, because the category is small and most yachts are offered on request only. This guide therefore does not quote a figure for any named yacht. It explains what each part of a crewed charter bill covers, shows how to turn a base rate into a realistic total, and explains where a multihull changes the numbers. For how a charter is arranged (roles, contract, deposit), see the guide to how a crewed trimaran charter works.
Super Trimaran Charter Cost: What the Total Is Made Of
Every crewed superyacht charter quote has the same skeleton, whether the yacht is a motor yacht, a sailing monohull or a super trimaran:
- Base charter fee, quoted per seven-night week for exclusive use of the yacht and its crew.
- APA, a pre-paid fund for fuel, food, drink, berthing and other running costs, held by the captain.
- VAT or charter tax, which depends on the country where the charter starts and where the yacht cruises.
- Crew gratuity, a customary tip paid at the end.
- Your own travel to and from the embarkation port, and any delivery or positioning fee if the yacht must be brought to you.
Only the first item is usually shown on a listing. According to Wikipedia's yacht charter article, the advertised price typically accounts for about 60 to 80 percent of the total cost, which is roughly in line with the example below. The same article puts weekly base rates for superyachts above roughly 150 feet at about US$80,000 to more than US$1,000,000, with size, age, builder, crew numbers, season and cruising region as the main price drivers. Treat these as broad market context, not a quote for any trimaran.
A Worked Example: Turning a Base Rate into a Total
The figures below are illustrative arithmetic using the ranges quoted elsewhere on this page, not a real quote. Take a hypothetical base rate of EUR 100,000 for one week:
- Base fee: EUR 100,000
- APA at 25 to 40 percent: EUR 25,000 to 40,000 (any unspent balance is refunded)
- VAT at 20 percent, if it applies to the full fee: EUR 0 to 20,000, depending on the territory and structure
- Gratuity at 10 to 20 percent: EUR 10,000 to 20,000
- Likely total before flights: roughly EUR 135,000 to 180,000
In other words, a charterer who budgets only the base fee can be short by 35 to 80 percent. The low end assumes a tax-light route, a modest APA that is partly refunded and a lower gratuity. The high end assumes a French itinerary, heavy marina use and an upper-range tip. Ask the broker to put exactly this table in writing for your dates and route.
How Superyacht Charter Pricing Works
The majority of crewed superyacht charters worldwide are written on the MYBA Charter Agreement, the standard contract published by the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA, an international professional body founded in 1984). It defines the relationship between the owner, the charterer and the broker, and MYBA or a close equivalent is used across Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Pacific charters at this level.
Rates are quoted per week for exclusive use of the vessel. The base fee is the starting point, not the final spend, and in high-tax territories the final spend can be substantially above it. Rates on listing sites are sometimes shown at low-season levels and sometimes at peak-season levels, and the gap on the same yacht can be large. Always confirm which season a quoted rate belongs to.
Peak Season and Shoulder Season
Mediterranean peak season runs roughly from late June through August, when demand is highest and rates are at their highest. Shoulder season, meaning May, early June, September and October, brings lower rates, fewer crowds and sea temperatures that are warmer than many expect in September and October. Many experienced guests prefer it, and the saving is real. The Mediterranean super trimaran charter guide covers the routes in more detail.
In the Caribbean, peak season runs from approximately December through April, the dry season and the American holiday calendar. From May some yachts reposition to the Mediterranean, which thins Caribbean availability, but those that stay often carry reduced rates. See the guide to crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean by super trimaran for the regional picture.
The APA: Your Operational Budget Explained
The Advance Provisioning Allowance, universally called the APA, is one of the most important and most misunderstood parts of superyacht charter finance. It is a pre-paid fund, typically settled before or at embarkation, which the captain holds and spends on your behalf. It is not a profit centre for the owner or broker: receipts are retained, the captain presents a full reconciliation at the end, any surplus is returned to you and any shortfall is topped up.
Industry convention places the APA at roughly 25 to 40 percent of the base weekly rate, with 30 percent the usual starting estimate for a Mediterranean week mixing sailing, marina stops and moderate provisioning. This is a convention, not a rule, so verify the figure with the broker. Itineraries with high marina fees (St. Tropez, Monaco, Portofino), a lot of motoring, or guests who expect premium wine and daily specialist resupply justify a higher provision.
What the APA Covers
- Fuel - diesel for the main engines and generators
- All provisioning - food, beverages alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and consumables
- Marina and harbour fees - stern-to berthing, mooring buoys, anchorage permits where applicable
- Port dues and transit fees - official charges levied by port authorities on arrival
- Customs and immigration fees - relevant for passages between jurisdictions
- Crew provisioning expenses - shore-based costs the crew incurs sourcing supplies on your behalf
- Satellite communications charges - usage beyond any standard data allowance included in the base rate
Charter taxes are sometimes collected through the APA and sometimes invoiced separately, depending on the territory. The broker should state which applies before departure.
What Is Included in the Base Charter Rate
The base fee is considerably more than a hire fee for the boat. It normally buys:
- Exclusive use of the entire vessel for the charter period, with no shared passages and no other guests
- Full professional crew - captain, first officer, chef and deck or hospitality crew as specified in the crew list, scaled to the size of the yacht and the service standard
- All crew salaries and employment costs, which are the owner's contractual responsibility
- Comprehensive yacht insurance covering the vessel throughout the charter
- Standard water toys and tenders - paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling equipment, inflatable toys and the yacht's RIB or dinghy tender
- Safety and navigation equipment - life rafts, EPIRBs, flares, AIS transponders and all flag-state mandated gear
- Onboard hotel systems - air conditioning, fresh water and generator power for guest spaces
- Crew berthing and meals, which are not passed to the charterer
Premium items are not universally included: jet skis, seabobs, fishing equipment, dive compressors and tanks, specialist towed toys, and shore excursions arranged through the captain. These are typically paid through the APA or invoiced separately. The charter agreement and the yacht's inventory list define exactly what is in and out, and both should be read before signing.
Additional Costs That Complete Your Budget
A complete budget contains four elements beyond the base rate: APA-funded running costs, charter taxes, crew gratuity, and travel at either end. Leaving out any one gives an inaccurate picture.
Provisioning: Food, Drink and Consumables
Provisioning at this level is premium. The chef is briefed on preferences and dietary requirements before departure, and local markets and fish merchants are used as the itinerary progresses. Costs vary widely with party size and taste: moderate wine and spirits cost far less than aged Burgundy at dinner and daily replenishment of premium spirits. Most captains can give a per-head-per-day estimate once they have seen the preference sheet, and asking for it is one of the most useful steps in sizing the APA.
Fuel: Where Super Trimarans Change the Calculation
Fuel is where a sailing multihull's economics can differ most from a motor superyacht. Under sail the engines can be switched off, so no propulsion fuel is burned. Engines are still used for harbour manoeuvring, calms and guest convenience, and generators run for air conditioning and hotel loads.
A motor superyacht of comparable size burns diesel continuously at cruising speed. Over a week of passages the fuel difference between a yacht that sails much of the time and a motor vessel covering similar distances can be substantial, and it appears directly in the APA fuel line. The exact figure depends on wind, distance and how much time is spent at anchor, so ask the broker for expected consumption under sail and under power for your itinerary rather than relying on general claims. Diesel prices vary between ports and countries and move with global markets; the captain will use current local prices. The emissions side of the same trade-off is covered in the guide to sustainable yacht charter and low-emission super trimarans.
Marina and Harbour Fees
Marina costs vary more than almost any other charter expense. An overnight anchorage in a secluded Sardinian cala costs nothing beyond the anchor, while a stern-to berth in St. Tropez in peak July can cost several thousand euros a night for a large yacht, and Monaco and Portofino are similarly expensive. The outer Greek islands, the quieter Croatian coast and the Ionian can be done almost entirely at anchor.
An itinerary with one or two prestige port calls and four or five nights at anchor can cut marina spend dramatically. The wide, stable platform of a super trimaran suits this: deck areas stay usable and the yacht barely moves in a protected bay. Agree the balance between destinations and APA target with the captain early.
Communications
Most yachts at this level include a standard WiFi allowance in the base rate, enough for browsing and messaging. Satellite calls and heavy data use beyond it are charged at cost through the APA. If staying connected matters, raise it before signing; some yachts offer upgraded packages that can be agreed in advance.
Delivery and Positioning Fees
If you want a yacht that is not already in your chosen cruising area, the owner may charge a delivery or relocation fee to bring it there, a cost Wikipedia's yacht charter article lists among the extras. Because super trimarans are few in number, the yacht you want may be on another ocean. Ask whether the quoted rate is for the yacht's current area, and whether a one-way charter ending in a different port adds a repositioning charge.
Flights, Hotels and Personal Spending
None of these sit inside the APA. Budget your own flights, any hotel night before or after the charter, shore dining and shopping, and any extras you ask the captain to arrange outside the agreed inventory.
Charter Taxes by Region
Charter tax is the most variable and least understood item in a superyacht budget. Rates, mechanisms and applicability differ by jurisdiction and change with some regularity. What follows is general principle, so confirm current rates and structures with the broker before fixing a budget.
French Waters
France applies TVA at a standard rate of 20 percent, and crewed charters that start in French territory carry meaningful TVA exposure. That makes the French Riviera one of the most tax-intensive charter areas in the Mediterranean. How much of the fee is taxed can depend on the charter structure and the yacht, and commercial arrangements that affect liability need advice from a qualified broker or maritime tax practitioner. For budgeting, assume the TVA line is there until the broker shows otherwise.
Greek Waters
Greece applies VAT to charter at a rate that has been favourable to sailing vessels, and Greek waters have historically been among the more tax-efficient Mediterranean options for sailing charters. The applicable rate and the rules for multi-flag vessels have been revised in recent years, so check current requirements with a Greece-specialist broker or maritime tax adviser before finalising your itinerary.
Croatian Waters
Croatia, as an EU member state, applies VAT to charters that begin in Croatian territory. The Adriatic is a high-demand region and the VAT cost is known and manageable. The broker will confirm the current rate and whether any concession applies to itineraries that cross between Croatian and international waters.
Caribbean Territories
The British Virgin Islands have long been regarded as one of the more charter-friendly jurisdictions, with a benign tax regime for qualifying vessels. Other Eastern Caribbean territories differ significantly: Antigua, St. Barts (a French collectivity with a regime distinct from metropolitan France), St. Martin and the US Virgin Islands each have their own framework. A broker with Caribbean knowledge can structure the itinerary around the tax picture.
Indian Ocean, Pacific and Beyond
Seychelles, Maldives and French Polynesia each have distinct licensing and tax frameworks. French Polynesia has a fiscal regime separate from metropolitan France, so French TVA rules do not apply uniformly across French territories. Seychelles imposes licensing requirements and associated fees for commercial charter. Regional detail is in the guides to Seychelles and Maldives yacht charter and Tahiti yacht charter to the Tuamotus. The same local-broker advice applies to Whitsundays yacht charter and Raja Ampat and Thailand, where permits and distances shape both itinerary and cost.
Crew Gratuity: Etiquette and Amounts
Gratuity is not contractually required under the standard MYBA agreement, but it is so established as industry convention that treating it as optional would be financially naive. The captain holds a commercial master's licence, the chef is typically trained to a professional restaurant standard, and the deck and interior crew work long seasonal hours.
The accepted benchmark is 10 to 20 percent of the base weekly rate, handed to the captain in cash or by bank transfer at the end of the charter and shared among the crew under their own arrangement. Fifteen percent is the figure most often applied after a well-run charter. Adequate but unremarkable service might attract 10 percent; exceptional service merits the top of the range or more. Because the percentage is calculated on the base fee, it rises with the rate, so include it in the budget from the start. Ask what the yacht's own charter terms suggest.
Superyacht, Sailing Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter Cost Compared
Searchers often ask how much it costs to charter a yacht in general. The honest answer is a very wide range, because "yacht" covers everything from a bareboat sailboat to a 100-metre motor yacht. Wikipedia's yacht charter article gives a worldwide estimate of roughly US$1,000 to over US$30,000 per person per week, depending on luxury level and services, which shows how little a single average means.
- Superyacht charter cost: crewed, quoted weekly, and built on the base fee plus APA, tax and gratuity structure described above. Size and crew numbers are the main drivers.
- Sailing yacht charter cost: a crewed sailing superyacht follows the same structure. Fuel is usually the line that differs, since a yacht that sails burns less diesel than one that motors the same distance.
- Luxury yacht charter cost: a loose term. Check whether a quoted price is crewed or bareboat, whether the crew is included and whether APA and tax sit on top.
- Super trimaran charter cost: the same structure again. The differences are the small number of yachts, the possible positioning cost, and the fuel and space trade-offs covered below.
The practical test for any quote is to ask what it includes: crew, insurance, tenders and toys, fuel, food, berthing and tax. A figure that leaves out several of these is not comparable with one that includes them.
Where a Super Trimaran Can Offer Value
The base rate for a super trimaran can look similar to, or higher than, a conventional sailing or motor yacht of the same registered length. The value case only shows when you compare what each rate delivers. For full comparisons see trimaran vs monohull superyacht, trimaran vs catamaran superyacht and trimaran vs motor explorer yacht.
Beam Is Volume: More Space for the Same Length
Three hulls give a super trimaran a platform much wider than a monohull of equivalent waterline length, so saloon, cockpit and deck dimensions can be closer to those of a longer conventional yacht. A charterer may therefore get more usable deck space for a given base rate. Interior cabin volume is a separate question, so compare the deck plans and cabin layouts of the specific yachts on your shortlist.
Stability Changes the Guest Experience
Multihull stability changes a sailing charter for guests who are not committed offshore sailors. Meals are eaten at a table that stays level, drinks stay in glasses and the saloon does not heel to one side. For parties that include guests anxious about motion sickness or unfamiliar with sailing, the stable platform removes the main barrier to enjoying the week, which is hard to value in euros but is part of what the fee buys.
Sailing Performance and Itineraries
A fast sailing vessel covers more sea in the same time. A super trimaran capable of sustained double-digit speeds under sail can, in the right conditions, reach destinations that a slower yacht would need extra days to reach, and can leave time for extra stops in a seven-night itinerary. That depends on the wind, so ask the broker how the yacht performs in the conditions you can expect on your route.
Lower Fuel Burn Feeds Back into Your APA
For a yacht that sails much of the time, fuel not burned stays in the APA and comes back to you at reconciliation. How large that difference is depends on wind, route and yacht, so ask for fuel estimates for your itinerary.
How to Keep the Total Down
- Charter in shoulder season. May, early June, September and October in the Mediterranean carry lower base rates, and the gratuity and APA scale with the base.
- Choose the start port for tax reasons. Ask the broker to compare the total for a French start against Greek, Croatian or other alternatives for the same style of week.
- Plan nights at anchor. One or two marina nights instead of five can reduce the APA marina line substantially.
- Ask for a per-head provisioning estimate. Wine, spirits and specialist food are the most elastic APA items.
- Avoid repositioning charges. Pick a yacht already based in your region, or accept a different region.
- Fix dates early. Peak-season availability on a specific yacht narrows well ahead, so early planning keeps more options open.
How to Work With a Charter Broker and Get an Accurate Quote
A specialist broker is a practical necessity at this level. Brokers are paid a commission by the yacht owner, so their advice costs you nothing directly, and good advice on timing, vessel choice and itinerary can save more than the commission is worth. The contract side (deposit, cancellation, who does what) is covered in the guide to how a crewed charter works.
When you first contact a broker, be specific. Number of guests and ages affect crew and cabin configuration. Dietary requirements shape provisioning costs. Region and approximate dates frame availability and price. And an honest view of your sailing appetite matters: do you want the yacht under sail as much as possible, or a more resort-like week with sailing as an occasional pleasure? Both are valid uses of a super trimaran, and the answer changes the itinerary and the APA estimate. Party purpose also changes the cost model; see the guides to family yacht charter with children, honeymoon yacht charter and corporate and incentive charter.
A competent broker presents a full cost model before you sign: base rate, APA estimate, charter taxes, gratuity guidance and a note on travel costs. If you are given only a base rate and told it is the budget, ask for the complete picture.
Lead times are real. For peak Mediterranean season on a sought-after yacht, availability can be limited 12 to 18 months ahead (verify typical lead times with the broker). Shoulder-season and last-minute berths do appear but cannot be relied on for a specific yacht or route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to charter a super trimaran for a week?
There is no published market price, because super trimaran rates are given on request and vary by yacht, season and region. Whatever the base rate is, plan on a total above it: APA of roughly 25 to 40 percent, VAT or charter tax where it applies, and gratuity of 10 to 20 percent. On the illustrative EUR 100,000 week above, that gives roughly EUR 135,000 to 180,000 before flights.
What is APA in a superyacht charter contract?
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance, a pre-paid operational fund held by the captain that covers variable running costs during your charter: fuel, food and beverages, marina fees, port dues and similar expenses. It is typically set at 25 to 40 percent of the base weekly rate. Every expense is receipted and itemised; any unspent balance is refunded at the end and any overspend is settled then.
Is crew gratuity included in the charter rate?
No. Gratuity is paid separately, handed to the captain at the end of the charter for distribution among the crew. The accepted guideline is 10 to 20 percent of the base weekly rate, with 15 percent the most common benchmark for a well-run charter. It is not contractually mandatory, but it is a firmly established convention and an important part of crew income.
How far in advance should I plan a super trimaran charter?
Peak-season berths on specific yachts can sell 12 to 18 months ahead, particularly July and August in the Mediterranean or December through February in the Caribbean. Shoulder-season dates carry shorter lead times but cannot be relied on for specific yachts or routes. Engage a specialist broker early, place your preferred dates on hold and finalise the contract once the full cost model is agreed.
Does chartering in French waters cost significantly more because of VAT?
Often, yes. French TVA has a standard rate of 20 percent and can add a significant amount to the budget, while comparable itineraries elsewhere in the Mediterranean may carry a lower tax burden. How much of the fee is taxed depends on the structure of the charter, so confirm current rates and territory rules with your broker before finalising your cost model.
What costs are not covered by the APA?
The APA covers the yacht's variable running costs but not your flights, pre- or post-charter hotels, personal spending ashore or crew gratuity. Specialist water sports equipment that is not in the yacht's standard inventory may also be charged separately, as may a delivery or repositioning fee if the yacht has to be brought to you. Review the charter agreement and equipment inventory before signing.
How does a super trimaran compare in total cost to a motor superyacht of similar length?
Base weekly rates are often comparable at the top of the market. The meaningful difference can appear in running costs: a multihull that sails much of the time may use less fuel than a motor superyacht over the same passage, so the APA fuel component can be lower. Deck space, stability and passage speed also differ, but whether that adds up to better value depends on the specific yachts, route and season, so ask the broker for full cost models of each option.
Why is a superyacht charter price often quoted without taxes?
Tax depends on where the charter starts and where the yacht cruises, which is not known until you choose dates and an itinerary. A listing therefore usually shows the base fee only. A proper quote should state the tax line, or say explicitly that none applies for the itinerary.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Before you sign a charter agreement, ask the broker for a written cost model that lists the base rate, the APA estimate, applicable taxes, gratuity guidance and travel costs, and read the contract's inclusions list carefully. Also ask which season the quoted rate applies to, what fuel use to expect on your route, and whether any delivery or repositioning fee is included. For more background, see the complete guide to super trimaran charter and ownership, the guide to super trimaran speed and performance, and, if you are weighing charter against buying, the guide to superyacht running costs of owning a super trimaran.