YOKO Yachts

YOKO Yachts: luxury yacht charters with tailor-made itineraries

YOKO Yachts is a yacht charter brokerage based in London that presents itself as specialising in luxury sailing holidays tailored to each client. The company states it has access to the world's finest yacht fleets and offers advice it describes as one hundred per cent impartial in order to match vessel, crew and itinerary to the preferences of the person booking. Its name comes, according to its own explanation, from the Japanese word for 'ocean child'.

Destinations covered

The site lists the following charter destinations: Australia, Balearic Islands, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Croatia, France, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Montenegro, Thailand and Turkey. The company states that each destination has its own story and that its firsthand charter experience allows it to offer a rare insight into those areas.

Services and booking process

The activity consists of acting as an intermediary for the rental of crewed yachts. Among the services described are the selection of vessel, crew and itinerary, the management of all charter details and personalised advice throughout the process. The company notes that charters can be booked for a week or more, although it also accepts shorter periods and even day bookings, and that the start date is selectable subject to availability. Itineraries can be customised according to the desired destinations, and their planning is influenced by weather, berth availability and yacht speed.

Rates, payments and terms

Charter rates are usually quoted per week. For periods longer than one week, the company states that the weekly rate is prorated by dividing it by seven and multiplying it by the number of days; for periods shorter than one week, it is usually calculated by dividing the weekly rate by six. Prices may vary according to high or low season. The charter fee covers the yacht, crew services and the use of all equipment on board, but does not include VAT, fuel, food and drink, port fees or other additional expenses such as marina fees, which are covered by an advance provisioning allowance (APA). The APA is a prepayment that usually represents between 25% and 40% of the charter fee; it is administered by the captain and settled in detail at the end of the trip, with any unused funds returned. Tipping the crew is optional, with a customary range of 10% to 20% of the fee, handed to the captain for distribution among the crew.

To secure the booking, a deposit of 50% of the fee is required upon signing the charter agreement, and the remaining balance, including the APA and any applicable VAT, must be paid one month before the start. The cancellation policy varies depending on the agreement: if you cancel after paying the deposit but before the final payment, the owner may retain the deposit; if you cancel after paying the full amount, the owner may retain the entire fee, although the APA is refunded. The company recommends discussing potential cancellations with the charter consultant, as they may be able to help arrange an alternative date.

Requirements and capacity

Before entering into the agreement, a due diligence process known as Know Your Client (KYC) is carried out, requiring documentation such as proof of identity and proof of address. Guest capacity on board depends on the size and design of the yacht: most accommodate up to twelve people overnight under maritime regulations, although some yachts are authorised for larger groups.

Team and client reviews

The site mentions team members such as Oliver, and includes testimonials from clients in the United States, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada and Spain who highlight the communication, attention to detail, vessel selection, condition of the boats and knowledge of ports and restaurants. Several accounts praise specific captains and chefs and describe experiences on board with water toys and meals.

Editorial content and office

The company publishes articles on topics such as technology applied to five-star service in luxury charters, the difference between a good charter and an exceptional one, tips for chartering a skippered yacht in the Mediterranean and recommendations for booking in advance. Yoko Yachts Limited, with company number 15698985, has its office at 167-169 Great Portland Street, Marylebone, London W1W 5PF.

Location and contact

Office 167-169 Great Portland Street, Marylebone, London W1W 5PF · Phone: (+44) 207 088 8094