Charter & Brokerage Terms of Service

Rapide Yacht Group ('Rapide', 'we', 'our', or 'us') provides bespoke advisory, purchase brokerage, new-build project management, and luxury charter introduction services specializing in high-performance multihulls (including Gunboat, HH Catamarans, Balance, Sunreef) and monohull sailing yachts.

Unless expressly executing an exclusive vessel management agreement in writing, Rapide acts as an independent charter broker and introduction intermediary. We do not own, bareboat lease, captain, or directly insure the vessels featured on this website. Each charter engagement is contracted directly between the Charterer and the legal Vessel Owner or central charter manager.

Upon mutual acceptance of dates, cruising itinerary, and charter rates, a binding maritime charter contract will be drawn up. In international cruising grounds, this contract is typically governed by the Worldwide Yachting Association (MYBA) Charter Agreement or equivalent national maritime frameworks (such as USVI/BVI CYBA or Mediterranean AYCA contracts).

The Charterer must review and sign the definitive agreement. The contract establishes all terms regarding charter fee instalments, VAT and local cruising taxes, passenger manifests, cruising area limitations, and security deposit returns.

• Initial deposit (typically 50% of the gross charter fee) secures the calendar booking with the vessel.
• Final balance (remaining 50% plus Advance Provisioning Allowance, taxes, and relocation delivery fees) is due 30 to 45 days prior to embarkation.
• All payments must originate from verified banking institutions in compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) directives.

Crewed yacht charters are generally operated on 'plus expenses' terms. The Advance Provisioning Allowance ('APA') is an advance expense fund (customarily 25% to 35% of the base charter fee) transferred prior to departure.

The Captain manages the APA onboard to cover fuel for main engines and generators, dockage fees, harbor dues, customs and immigration clearances, fine wines, food provisioning, and shoreside excursions requested by the charter party.

• The Captain provides a comprehensive itemized expense ledger with receipts for review during or at the conclusion of the charter.
• Any unspent APA balance is refunded directly to the Charterer in full upon disembarkation.
• If expenses exceed the initial APA due to long passages or premium provisioning, the Charterer must settle the difference onboard before departure.

Under international maritime law (SOLAS and flag state regulations), the licensed Captain ('Master') has paramount and unquestionable authority over the safe operation, navigation, and security of the vessel, crew, and guests.

While the Captain will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the charterer's desired itinerary, anchorages, and schedule, adverse weather, sea states, marine alerts, or port authority directives take precedence. Alterations to the itinerary made in the interest of safety do not constitute a breach of contract or entitle the charterer to refunds.

The vast majority of performance multihulls in our inventory are offered strictly on a fully crewed basis with a professional Captain, first mate/engineer, and gourmet chef.

In the limited instances where an owner authorizes a bareboat or skipper-assisted charter on select multihulls, the designated skipper must present certified credentials (e.g., RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement, USCG Master 100-ton, or equivalent ICC accreditation) along with a verified sailing resume evidencing command experience on large catamarans. Vessel owners retain sole discretion to require a local pilot or checkout skipper.

Charter cancellations are subject to the specific provisions of the signed MYBA or central charter contract. In general, charter fees paid are non-refundable unless the vessel is successfully re-chartered for the same period under comparable terms.

Force Majeure events (including tropical storms, named hurricanes, naval closures, or unexpected vessel machinery failure) are handled per contract terms, typically through substitute vessel arrangements or pro-rata credits.

• We strongly advise all charterers to purchase comprehensive Charter Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance at the time of booking.
• Charterers must maintain international medical evacuation and travel insurance covering all traveling guests for the duration of the voyage.

Rapide Yacht Group exercises highest due diligence in selecting Central Agents and reviewing vessel survey credentials. However, Rapide shall not be liable for personal injury, property loss, delays, or consequential damages arising from acts of vessel owners, crew, or third-party port operators.

Our maximum liability under any circumstances relating to advisory or introduction services shall not exceed the brokerage commission actually earned by Rapide for the transaction in dispute.