What is a Preference Sheet?

A preference sheet is a detailed form that is completed by guests on a crewed yacht charter to provide information on personal preferences, often relating to food, liquor, and any medical conditions or disabilities the crew should be made aware of. Guests are required to itemize, in detail, any food allergies, favourite beverages, and preferred itinerary interests.

Often overlooked as annoying admin, the form is actually the key to a really fabulous charter - it exists to make sure that you have the most enjoyable vacation experience possible. A well thought out preference sheet means that the bar will be stocked with your top tipples, and all of your meals will be crafted to meet and exceed your expectations.

If you want to eat ashore one night, or if you'd like a beach barbecue for lunch one day, put it on the sheet and the crew will make it happen!

The captain will create an itinerary that fits in with your desires, while the crew can create water or land based excursions, experiences and games to keep everybody happy.

Your crew will use your preference sheet to ensure that all guests' needs and requirements are catered for and ensures that there are no unpleasant surprises during the charter.

The preference sheet is an important part of the crewed yacht charter experience, as it allows the crew to tailor the charter to the specific needs and desires of the guests.

Exceptional food is the absolute backbone of a successful and memorable charter, so taking a little time to fill out your food preferences will pay dividends. Being honest about what you love (and what you don't!) can steer the provisioning and help the crew plan and prepare for your charter.

The chef will study any allergies or favoured foods and build a bespoke menu based around these. The sample menus you'll see on yacht listings will only be a guide to the chef's usual cooking style - they will be able to adapt to suit your desires and requirements, crafting dishes to delight even the most discerning palates.

Here are some of the things that are typically included on a preference sheet:

• Food and beverage preferences: This includes dietary restrictions, favourite foods and drinks, and any special requests. These preferences can help craft a unique menu for your charter.
• Medical conditions: The crew needs to be aware of any medical conditions that guests may have, so that they can be prepared to provide assistance if necessary.
• Activity preferences: This includes what guests enjoy doing on a yacht, such as water sports, fishing, or exploring local attractions.
• Itinerary preferences: This includes where guests would like to go and what they would like to see during the charter.
• Other preferences: This could include anything else that guests would like the crew to know, such as your preferred sleeping arrangements, toiletry brands or your favourite music to listen to at different times of day.

The preference sheet is typically completed before the charter begins, but it can also be updated during the charter if guests' needs or preferences change.

By completing the preference sheet, guests can help to ensure that they have a relaxing and enjoyable charter experience.

Additional tips for completing a preference sheet:

• Be as specific as possible when listing your preferences. The more information you provide, the better the crew will be able to cater to your needs.If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to list them in detail.
• If you have any medical conditions, be sure to list them as well. The crew may need to make special arrangements to accommodate your condition.
• Are you avid scuba divers? Water sports fanatics? If you have any specific activity preferences, be sure to list them. Your crew will be able to source equipment, arrange rendezvous dives, and know to have all the toys ready at each anchorage.
• Is there anywhere you really want to visit? The crew will be happy to help you plan your itinerary and create unique excursions to take in any sights, towns, beach bars or activities you wish to include.
• If you have any other preferences, be sure to list them. The crew will do their best to accommodate your requests. Is there a birthday, anniversary or special occasion while you're on board? Let the crew know via the preference sheet so they can plan accordingly.
• Get your preferences to your HELM broker as soon as you can. The more time your crew have to prepare for your arrival, the smoother your charter will go, and the easier it is for the crew to go the extra mile for you!

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your crewed yacht charter is a truly memorable experience.