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

Create Your Charter
Check FAQ

There is no typical day, and that's the beauty of private yacht charters. But to illustrate how days might unfold:

Morning: Wake to coffee and fresh pastries on deck as you anchor off a secluded cove. The captain suggests a protected beach perfect for your children to explore tide pools. After breakfast, the crew launches paddleboards and takes the kids on a dinghy adventure while you relax with a book.

Midday: Your chef prepares a casual lunch served alfresco as you sail to your next anchorage. The afternoon brings snorkelling over vibrant reefs, with crew members providing guidance and equipment.

Evening: The yacht anchors near a charming coastal village. You take the tender ashore for sunset drinks at a local café the crew recommended, then return for dinner aboard under the stars, perhaps paired with wines your broker arranged. Or perhaps you'd prefer spending the entire day at a beautiful anchorage, swimming, reading, and never changing locations. That's the freedom of private charter. Every day reflects what you want in that moment.

Crewed yacht charters are an excellent choice for families.

Unlike hotels requiring separate rooms where family scatters, your yacht keeps everyone together while providing private cabin space. Meals happen whenever suits your family rhythm. Activities happen when children are energetic, not according to hotel schedules.

Knowing professional crew are nearby allows parents to actually relax. Children are supervised during water activities. Meals are prepared and served.

Everyone gets private cabins, activity levels can vary (grandparents relaxing while parents take kids ashore), meals accommodate all ages and preferences, and pacing is entirely flexible.

The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is an up-front payment that covers extras such as marina fees, food and drink, and fuel.

It is usually 25-40% of the charter fee and paid at the same time as the final balance. Anything not spent will be returned at the end of the charter, or can be left as part of the crew gratuity.

Yes, although they are discretionary and not obligatory. Industry standard, set by MYBA is 5-15% of the charter fee, paid in cash at the end of your charter. This rewards exceptional service and is anticipated by crew as significant income supplement. Your broker confirms local customs for your specific destination.

Absolutely. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption
  • Medical evacuation (especially for Caribbean destinations)
  • Lost luggage and personal belongings
  • Trip delays

Your broker can provide insurance provider recommendations experienced with yacht charters.