Should I add a Hostess to my Yacht Charter?

If you're planning a skippered yacht charter, you may be wondering if it's worth adding a host or hostess to your crew. After all, a hostess is an additional expense, so you want to make sure that she's worth her weight in gold.

The skipper's duties are generally well-known - they look after the manoeuvring and maintenance of yacht, guiding your boat around the destination. The hostess' duties may be a little less clear.

Here we give an overview of the hostess' duties and responsibilities, and how they can make your charter a smoother and more relaxing experience.

Does a yacht hostess do all the cooking? Your hostess is responsible for preparing and serving half-board on the yacht which includes breakfast, light lunch, snacks, drinks and tea/coffee. As for lunch, you can expect simple meals such as pasta, risotto, and salads.

Please keep in mind that a hostess is not a chef, so do not expect or request haute cuisine. If you want a full-time professional chef, you may prefer a crewed yacht charter.

Meal planning is a big part of a hostess’ job. If you want to make any changes regarding your meals, let her know on time. This is because she may need to make an additional trip to the store or plan her ingredients differently.

We suggest leaving most of the provisioning up to her with your guidance, as she will be preparing the meals. The fee of the hostess does not include the cost of the provisions and you will need to pay for these on top.

Your hostess is also responsible for keeping the yacht clean and tidy during your charter. She will make sure that the common areas are kept tidy: the saloon, galley, and cockpit.

Here are some of the tasks that a hostess can help you with during your charter:

• Meal preparation and service: A hostess can help you with grocery shopping and will prepare breakfast and lunch, set the table and serve meals. This can free up your time so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.

• Housekeeping: A hostess can keep your yacht clean and tidy, both inside and out. This includes things like making the beds, cleaning the bathrooms, and doing the laundry.

• Concierge services: A hostess can help you with anything from booking excursions to making dinner reservations. She can also provide you with local tips and recommendations.

• Childcare: If you're bringing children on your charter, a hostess can help you with childcare. She can entertain the kids, help them with their activities, and make sure they're safe and well-cared for.

In addition to these tasks, a hostess can also provide you with a sense of peace of mind. Knowing that there's someone on board who is responsible for taking care of the details can free you up to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Here are some additional benefits of adding a hostess to your skippered yacht charter:

• She can help you with planning your itinerary and making reservations

• She can provide you with information about the local area and help you find the best spots to visit

• Your hostess may help the skipper with manoeuvring the boat in and out of port and when anchoring/mooring

• She can help you with any special requests you may have

• She can make sure that your guests are comfortable and well-cared for

• Your hostess will be a friendly, efficient, and discreet presence on board, who is flexible and will mesh well with your group

If you're considering adding a hostess to your skippered yacht charter, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The cost: A hostess will typically cost between €180 and €240 per day, depending on the operator, the hostess' experience and the size of your yacht. Bear in mind that gratuity is not included in this fee. Tipping is discretionary but customary, and serves to show appreciation for exceptional service. we recommend a tip in the region of 5-15% of the charter fee in recognition of good service.

• Cabin arrangements: When chartering a yacht with a hostess, please make sure to secure one sleeping cabin for the hostess and access to one head/shower. She has a lot of duties and a full schedule; therefore a good night’s sleep is essential.

• Provisions: You will need to feed the hostess, usually by including her in your provisioning. In practice, breakfast and lunch are prepared by the hostess onboard, but the dinners are usually ashore. You can invite the skipper and hostess to join you, or if you prefer your privacy, you can give them an extra budget for dinners. We would suggest a budget of approx. 20-30 EUR per day for each crew member.

• Communication: If there is anything a hostess can assist you with, or improve her service, let her know right away. Good communication is the key to a successful service!

Whether or not you should hire a yacht charter hostess depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a truly relaxing and pampered experience, then a hostess is a great option. However, if you are on a tight budget or you prefer to do things yourself, then you may not need a hostess.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a hostess:

• The size of your group
• The length of your charter
• Your budget
• Your personal preferences

If you're considering a skippered yacht charter, we highly recommend adding a hostess to your crew. She can make your vacation even more enjoyable and stress-free.