How do payments work for a French Riviera charter?

John Boullin
Yacht charter broker, DMA Yachting

The standard structure: 50% of the charter fee is due when you sign the charter agreement, and the remaining 50%, together with the APA and VAT, is due about six weeks before you step aboard. Far-in-advance bookings can sometimes split 25/25/50 with the owner’s agreement.

Two contract types are common on the Riviera. The MYBA agreement is the classic charter contract; the ECPY transport contract is the one that can waive VAT on qualifying international routes. Your broker will tell you which fits your plan before you sign.

Payment is by bank transfer, the industry standard for amounts this size. Every deadline is laid out in the agreement, so the money side holds no surprises.