Booking a yacht on HELM.yt is refreshingly straightforward, even if you’re new to chartering. It reminded me of booking a hotel room, with check-in and check-out dates required.
The site walks you through thoughtful prompts, such as:
- where and when you want to sail,
- the number of people in your group and
- whether you want a skipper, crew, or prefer to sail yourself.
Along the way, it explains key terms (like “bareboat” vs. “crewed”) so you understand exactly what you’re booking and why certain choices impact the price.
For example, if you’re planning a summer trip in Croatia for six people and select a crewed catamaran, HELM will show you a selection of vetted yachts, estimate the cost, and break down what’s included—like fuel, provisioning, and port fees—so you can gauge the true value of your charter.
It’s a lot like booking a luxury Airbnb. You can filter by crew, price, and destination.
Step-by-Step: How Booking Works on HELM
2. Plug in your basics
- Destination
- Dates
- Number of guests
- Type of charter: crewed, skippered, or bareboat
3. Browse vetted yachts
HELM only works with the top 5% of yachts. Each listing shows real pricing breakdowns—what’s included (like port fees, crew, meals) and what’s not (like gratuity or alcohol).
4. Speak with a real person
After you submit your request, a HELM advisor will contact you to customize everything—from dietary needs to itinerary preferences.
How Much Does It Cost?
The company works with yacht owners around the world and charter prices listed on the website are in euros. Prices vary depending on the size of the yacht, crew, and season.
Here’s a look at a few real pricing samples for the Amalfi Coast:
- Forever Rosanna – €29,000/week (~ $34,000), 3-person crew, 4 cabins, sleeps 9
- GIGI – €68,000/week (~ $79,000), 4-person crew, 4 cabins, sleeps 8
- GIOIA – €200,000/week (~ $233,000), 9-person crew, 5 cabins, sleeps 12, Includes a jacuzzi and giant sundecks
- Gatsby – Starts at €85,000/week (~ $99,000), 5-star service, exceptional food, custom excursions, and privacy
All prices are for the full yacht (not per person), and often include water toys, chef, crew, and concierge-level support. All yachts on this route must add 22% Italian VAT + 35% APA.
Common FAQs About Booking a Yacht on HELM
Q: Is this only for the ultra-rich?
A: No. That’s why I am so excited about sharing this luxury travel option. When you divide the total cost by the number of guests, it can be comparable to a luxury resort or big boat cruise, especially if you’re planning for a special occasion or optimal way to see several places without driving.
Q: Is gratuity included?
A: No. Plan to tip the crew 10–15% of the charter cost, just like in the hospitality industry. I was hosted on a trip and still tipped the very attentive crew.
Q: Can I book just a room on a yacht?
A: Not with HELM. These are full-yacht private charters only, not shared bookings.
Q: What’s the difference between “bareboat” and “crewed”?
A: A bareboat is essentially a rental you captain yourself (or hire your own skipper). A crewed charter includes a full professional crew—chef, captain, hosts, etc. You can select full crew or partial (captain only).
Q: What’s included in a crewed chartered yacht price?
A: Usually:
- Crew – partial or full
- Meals
- Fuel
- Port fees
- Water toys
- Cleaning
Always double-check the listing for specifics.
Why I Recommend HELM
HELM is more than a booking platform, it’s a boutique agency with a concierge-style approach. I met Simon Morgan, one of HELM’s co-owners, on board the Gatsby. His knowledge blew me away. He could identify nearly every boat we passed by engine type, age, and stabilization system.
Explore charters at HELM.yt or learn more from my full review of Gatsby here.
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