The Cost of a Weekly Charter for 80m+ Yachts with Brokers Burgess and Fraser: Luxury with a Price Tag

A yacht charter is more than just a vacation; it’s the embodiment of absolute freedom and privacy on the water. When we talk about the highest echelon of the charter market, where yachts of 80+ meters operate, the world’s leading brokers come into play. The names Burgess and Fraser have long become synonymous with exclusivity and impeccable service. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at what makes up the cost of a weekly charter for such vessels and why choosing the right broker is crucial.

Factors Influencing the Weekly Charter Cost

The cost of chartering a megayacht is not a fixed price. It’s a complex, multi-component formula where each element carries its own weight. Understanding these factors allows for a realistic budget and helps avoid unexpected expenses.

• Yacht Size and Class: Obviously, the larger the yacht, the higher the price. Vessels over 80 meters fall into the superyacht and megayacht class. Their charter cost starts at very high figures. A yacht with a unique design, innovative technology, and exclusive amenities (e.g., a helipad, cinema, spa center) will cost significantly more than a similar-sized but more modest vessel.
• Vessel Age and Condition: New yachts or those that have undergone a major refit are typically more expensive. Their modern interiors, updated equipment, and impeccable technical condition justify the higher price.
• Season and Charter Region: This is one of the most critical factors. The high season (e.g., summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean) is always more expensive than the low season. Prices can vary by a factor of 2-3. The cost also depends on the region’s popularity: a charter on the French Riviera or Sardinia will be more expensive than in less-known waters.
• Additional Services and Options: The presence of a large number of water toys (jet skis, SeaBobs, flyboards), a submarine, or the services of a professional Michelin-starred chef or a diving instructor also influence the final cost.

Average Charter Prices for 80m+ Yachts

Working with yachts of this caliber, brokers Burgess and Fraser offer services for the most discerning clients. The prices for a weekly charter at both brokers are in a similar range but depend on the specific vessel and conditions.

• Price Range at Burgess: 80m+ yachts in their fleet can have a starting price from €900,000 to €2,000,000+ per week. For example, yachts around 85 meters long might start from €1,100,000 per week, while unique, newly built vessels could exceed €1,500,000.
• Price Range at Fraser: Fraser’s offerings also start at very high figures. Yachts in this category can cost from €850,000 to €1,800,000+ for a week. For instance, a 90-meter vessel might be available for a price starting at €1,200,000, and a yacht with ultra-modern design and unique features could reach €1,400,000 and higher.

It’s important to understand that these figures are only the base rates. They do not include additional expenses, which we will discuss next.

Examples of Yachts and Their Costs

To better understand the amounts involved, let’s look at a few hypothetical examples from the fleets managed by these brokers.

• At Burgess:
  • M/Y “Excellence” (80m): This yacht, known for its futuristic design and panoramic windows, might cost from €1,150,000 per week. Its price is justified not only by its length but also by its unique engineering solutions, luxurious interiors, and rich set of amenities.
  • M/Y “O’Pari” (95m): One of the flagship offerings, this yacht with vast guest areas and an exclusive spa center can have a starting charter price from €1,400,000 per week during the high season.
• At Fraser:
  • M/Y “Victorious” (85m): This yacht, with spacious decks, a cinema, and a pool, could be offered at a price starting from €950,000 per week. Its reputation and impeccable condition make it one of the most sought-after offerings.
  • M/Y “Lana” (107m): A yacht of impressive scale with exclusive amenities such as a large beach club and a helipad can reach prices starting from €1,700,000 per week.

Additional Expenses: APA and Other Payments

The base charter cost is just the beginning. The actual amount you’ll pay will be significantly higher due to additional expenses. The main one is the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance).

• APA: This is an advance payment that typically amounts to 30–50% of the base charter cost. It is used to cover all operational expenses during the trip, such as:
  • Fuel: On an 80-meter yacht, fuel consumption can be enormous, especially if you plan to travel extensively.
  • Port fees and berthing: In popular marinas like St. Tropez or Porto Cervo, the cost of a single night’s berthing can be tens of thousands of euros.
  • Food and beverages: Provisions for guests and crew, including exquisite wines and delicacies, are paid for from the APA.
  • Crew gratuity: It’s standard practice to leave a gratuity of 10–20% of the base charter cost, which can also be deducted from the remaining APA.
  • Water activities: Fuel consumption for tenders and jet skis, as well as payment for instructors’ services.

All expenses covered by the APA are meticulously documented by the captain, and a full report is provided to the client at the end of the charter. Any unused balance is returned, and if expenses exceed the advance, the difference will need to be paid.

Charter Conditions

The charter of yachts at this level is governed by strict rules, usually under the MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) standard. This ensures transparency and protects the rights of both the client and the yacht owner.

• Minimum Rental Period: It is almost always 7 days. In the high season and for particularly popular yachts, booking for a shorter period may not be available.
• Booking and Payment Requirements: Typically, 50% of the base charter cost is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining 50% and the APA due one month before the start of the trip.

Why Choose Burgess or Fraser?

There are many brokers on the market, but these two players hold leading positions for a reason. Their reputation is built on years of experience and an exclusive approach to every client.

• Advantages of Working with Burgess:
  • Exclusive Fleet: Burgess often manages the charter of unique, state-of-the-art yachts that are unavailable through other brokers.
  • Deep Expertise: Their brokers have extensive knowledge of each vessel, its crew, routes, and features.
  • Personalized Approach: Burgess creates fully customized itineraries and programs, taking into account all client wishes, from gastronomic preferences to the organization of private events.
• Advantages of Working with Fraser:
  • Wide Selection: Fraser has one of the largest databases of yachts for charter, offering a variety of styles, sizes, and prices.
  • Global Presence: Their extensive network of offices worldwide allows them to provide impeccable service anywhere on the globe.
  • Professionalism and Reliability: Fraser has a reputation as a trusted partner that looks after the client’s interests at every stage of the transaction.

Conclusion: Final Recommendations and How to Get a Quote

Chartering an 80m+ yacht is the pinnacle of luxury, requiring serious financial planning. The choice between Burgess and Fraser comes down to personal preference and the specifics of the desired vessel, as both brokers offer top-tier service.

To get a current quote, you need to contact a broker and provide information about your desired dates, region, number of guests, and preferences. An experienced broker will help you choose the ideal yacht, develop an itinerary, and create a detailed budget, including all additional expenses. This is the only way to ensure a memorable and worry-free vacation worthy of the most luxurious yacht.