What Is APA?
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. It is a standard feature of virtually every crewed yacht charter, yet it is often the element that causes the most confusion among first-time charter clients.
In simple terms, APA is a pre-paid fund that covers all the variable expenses of your charter — food and beverages, fuel, port fees, communications, and any special requests you make during your voyage. It is paid in addition to the charter rate and is typically calculated as 25–35% of the weekly charter fee.
Why APA Exists
The charter rate itself covers the yacht, the crew's wages, and the standard onboard equipment. But every charter is different. One client may want vintage Champagne and caviar every evening; another may prefer simple local cuisine. One may wish to visit marinas with premium berthing fees; another may prefer to anchor in quiet bays.
APA allows the crew to provision the yacht to your exact specifications, without the owner having to guess in advance what your preferences might be. It is your money, spent on your behalf, and fully accounted for.
What APA Covers
Typical APA expenses include:
- Food and beverages — all meals, drinks, and provisioning to your specification
- Fuel — for the yacht and its tenders and water toys
- Port and marina fees — berthing, harbour dues, and customs charges
- Communications — satellite phone and internet usage
- Special requests — helicopter transfers, private chefs, dive instructors, spa treatments
- Excursions — shore-based tours, restaurant reservations, and activities
How APA Works in Practice
Before your charter begins, you will receive a preference sheet. This is your opportunity to specify everything you would like aboard — dietary requirements, favourite drinks, preferred activities, and any special requests. The crew uses this information to provision the yacht before you arrive.
During the charter, the crew keeps a running tally of all expenses. At the end of your voyage, you receive a full accounting of every penny spent from the APA. Any unspent funds are refunded to you in full. If expenses exceed the APA — which is rare — you are billed for the difference.
Setting the Right APA
The standard APA range is 25–35% of the charter rate, but the actual figure depends on several factors:
- Destination — Caribbean charters tend to be less expensive than Mediterranean, where VAT and marina fees are higher
- Provisioning level — fine dining and premium beverages will increase costs
- Itinerary — more port visits mean higher berthing fees
- Season — peak season rates are higher across the board
Your broker will advise on an appropriate APA based on your planned itinerary and preferences. At Nicholson, we provide detailed guidance to ensure there are no surprises.
APA vs. Charter Rate — What's the Difference?
| Expense | Covered by Charter Rate | Covered by APA | |---------|------------------------|----------------| | Yacht and equipment | Yes | — | | Crew wages | Yes | — | | Food and beverages | — | Yes | | Fuel | — | Yes | | Port fees | — | Yes | | Crew gratuity | — | No (discretionary) |
A Note on Crew Gratuities
Crew gratuity is separate from APA and is entirely at the charterer's discretion. The customary range is 5–10% of the charter rate, based on service quality. This is not mandatory, but it is standard practice in the industry and is always appreciated by the crew.
The Nicholson Approach
At Nicholson, we believe in complete transparency. Before your charter, we provide a detailed breakdown of the charter rate, APA, VAT, and any other applicable costs. During the charter, the crew maintains meticulous records. At the end, you receive a full accounting — and any unspent APA is returned to you immediately.
This is part of what it means to charter with The Original Yacht Charter Company. Over 75 years of experience means we know how to make the process seamless, transparent, and stress-free.
Ready to plan your charter? Browse our charter fleet or read our complete charter guide. For specific questions about APA or charter costs, contact our charter team.
