We create unforgettable yachting holidays

Welcome to Helm, where your yachting dreams set sail. 
Discover how our seamless booking platform and curated fleet make yacht charters an effortless and unforgettable experience.

How to Book a Yacht Charter

The HELM process, explained

The HELM process, explained

Step 1

Research

You don’t need to know anything about yachts - that’s what we’re here for! Use our intuitive Enquiry Builder to start the process of crafting your ideal charter. Not sure what you want yet? Explore our guides or search through our yacht listings to learn about different charter types, yachts, and destinations, and discover your perfect fit.

Step 2

Refine

After your enquiry, you’ll get assigned a personal charter broker to guide you through every stage. Your HELM broker will explore your preferences and create a curated initial selection of yachts suited to you. HELM brokers have great first-hand knowledge of the entire market, and years of experience selecting the right boat, so you’re in safe hands.

Step 3

Book

Review the boats and tell your broker if any are looking about right, or any on the options, and they’ll be able to make adjustments to make the perfect match, or answer any questions you may have. Once you’re happy, it’s time to book the boat - simply pay the deposit, and our operations team will be in touch to go over the finer details and make sure it’s all smooth sailing. We’re always on call for any questions you have in the run-up to your charter and once you step aboard. Bon voyage!

Research

You don’t need to know anything about yachts - that’s what we’re here for! Use our intuitive Enquiry Builder to start the process of crafting your ideal charter. Not sure what you want yet? Explore our guides or search through our yacht listings to learn about different charter types, yachts, and destinations, and discover your perfect fit.

Refine

After your enquiry, you’ll get assigned a personal charter broker to guide you through every stage. Your HELM broker will explore your preferences and create a curated initial selection of yachts suited to you. HELM brokers have great first-hand knowledge of the entire market, and years of experience selecting the right boat, so you’re in safe hands.

Book

Review the boats and tell your broker if any are looking about right, or any on the options, and they’ll be able to make adjustments to make the perfect match, or answer any questions you may have. Once you’re happy, it’s time to book the boat - simply pay the deposit, and our operations team will be in touch to go over the finer details and make sure it’s all smooth sailing. We’re always on call for any questions you have in the run-up to your charter and once you step aboard. Bon voyage!

Search for your perfect yacht

Why book with us?

We offer only the finest yachts on the market: the ones we know and trust, that undergo the most rigorous maintenance and have the best-trained crews.

We know your holidays are treasured time, so we’ll strive to make your trip everything you want it to be. Our unique Experience Builder allows us to handpick the destinations, yachts and activities that will best suit your group.

100% impartial advice from your own personal broker

Bespoke holidays built around your requirements

Only the finest yachts

Stunning global destinations

Explore more

Our charter types

Crewed

Crewed

The ultimate luxury experience and the ideal holiday for those who love being on the water but still want a five-star experience.

Skippered

Skippered

Hire a Skipper and relax as a pro takes the wheel. It's a simple and relaxing way to explore a sailing area. Kick back and enjoy a stress-free adventure!

x-46 man laughing at helm

Bareboat

Go your own way and enjoy control over every aspect of your yacht charter. Perfect for experienced sailors.

Crewed

The ultimate luxury experience and the ideal holiday for those who love being on the water but still want a five-star experience.

Skippered

Find out more
Skippered

Hire a Skipper and relax as a pro takes the wheel. It's a simple and relaxing way to explore a sailing area. Kick back and enjoy a stress-free adventure!

x-46 man laughing at helm

Go your own way and enjoy control over every aspect of your yacht charter. Perfect for experienced sailors.

Not sure which one you need?

See charter types

Unforgettable yachting holidays, tailored to you.

Get Started
Booking

Offer selected, booking done. What next?

Thank you for booking your next charter with HELM! We are looking forward to making sure you have an unforgettable experience.

Before your departure, we will send you a few things to prepare for your trip; it may be help with creating your perfect itinerary for a week on the water or making sure your crew have every detail they need.

  • Travel tips
  • Transfers
  • Boarding information
  • Preference sheets
  • Balance payments

Travel tips

Now you have booked it is time to start planning where you would like to go, what you would like to see and what you're looking to experience during your charter.

If you are on a skippered charter, let us know what you're looking for and we can help plan your perfect itinerary, so that when you arrive on board you can let the skipper know the spots you want to see and they will be able to suggest the best spots to meet your requirements.

Similarly with a crewed charter, let your captain know what you are wanting to get from this experience and they will be able to accommodate where possible to ensure the best trip. Check out our top itinerary planning tips to help squeeze the max out of your vacation!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are unsure about yacht selection or have questions about how crewed charters work, contact us at HELM.

We're here to help you discover why our clients return year after year, and why so many arrive through personal referrals.

We only recommend yachts we would board ourselves, and we only work with crews who share our commitment to excellence. Your vacation deserves nothing less

Contact Us
Check FAQ

Crew size depends on yacht length. As a very rough guide:

  • 60-80 foot yachts: 2-5 crew (captain, chef/stewardesses, deckhands)
  • 80-100 foot yachts: 4-8 crew (captain, chef, stewardesses, deckhands)
  • 100+ foot yachts: 10+ crew (captain, officers, chef, sous chef, stewardesses, deckhands, engineers)

But the number of crew will vary based on the yacht type, design and many other factors.

This can vary enormously depending on the group and your desires. For a 7-night luxury crewed charter in Europe, most first-time clients spend between €35,000 and €100,000 all in, depending on yacht size, crew, and preferences.
Your professional crew are hospitality and maritime experts selected for their experience, discretion, and service excellence. They've trained extensively in yachting protocols and come recommended through industry networks HELM has cultivated over years.

This is entirely yours to define. Some families prefer meals together with conversation flowing naturally, while others value privacy during dining. Your broker discusses these preferences beforehand, ensuring the crew's service style matches your expectations. The crew generally maintains separate quarters and respects your space while remaining immediately available when needed.

Yes. This can vary depending on destination and yacht type, and whether you opt for full or half-board, and your broker will be able to advise, but here is a basic overview:

Meals and Beverages Your charter rate (or APA) typically includes all meals prepared by your private chef, and drinks. Premium wines and spirits will make a larger dent in the APA. Dietary requirements, whether allergies, religious observances, or simply disliking cilantro, are accommodated seamlessly.

Can Food Be Customized? Absolutely. Pre-charter consultations cover your preferences in detail. Perhaps you prefer Mediterranean cuisine with fresh seafood, or your children need familiar foods while you explore local specialties. Some families enjoy formal dining with multiple courses; others want casual beach picnics and simple grilled fare. There are no rules—the experience shapes around you.

Don't Want Formal Dining? Your charter, your preference. Many families enjoy casual meals on deck, beach barbecues prepared by the crew, or intimate dinners for two while children eat earlier. The chef and crew adapt to whatever feels most relaxing for you.