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Overnight and day charters available, contact us now using the form below for a personalized quote and recommended itinerary..

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At Boatsetter, we offer a range of luxury term or day charter options around the globe. Our dedicated White Glove Concierge team will guide you through the planning process to ensure a custom, one-of-a-kind experience for your exclusive charter.

Why charter a yacht with Boatsetter?

Curate your own luxury charter.

Private yacht charters offer customizable luxury while exploring the world's most exotic and exclusive destinations. Make chartering a yacht unforgettable with endless possibilities for a custom experience.

Boatsetter team

Planning and executing a charter is comparable to a large event with many moving pieces. Our team of trained professionals is comprised of License brokers, Captains, and crew who have first hand experience of what makes a great charter.

Graham Goldsmith

Jay Dorfman

Blake Edwards

Robert Harrington

Looking for smaller options?

Boatsetter offers thousands of affordable rentals making a day on the water easy, safe and accessible.

Frequently asked questions

How long can i charter a yacht for.

Charters can be set for any duration under or over a week. We do offer day charters as well on a select number of yachts.

Can I select which day of the week the charter will start?

Yes, charter schedules are often very flexible and can choose any day of the week to depart. However, rates do fluctuate depending on the season. High season rates apply to the most popular charter periods, i.e. July/August and Christmas/New Year, and are also normally applicable to all major events. Low season rates apply to all other periods unless otherwise stipulated.

How do I calculate the charter rate?

Charters over seven days are calculated pro-rata against the weekly rate divided by seven and multiplied by the number of charter days. For charters less than a week, the weekly rate is divided by six and multiplied by the number of days.

What is included in the charter rate?

Included in rate for all term charters is use of the yacht for specified time, crew, and water toys.

What is not included in the charter rate?

APA for expenses, Tax (if applicable), Gratuity to crew, and Repositioning fee (if applicable) are not included in the charter rate.

What is APA?

Expenses for any charter is collected at final payment in the form of an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). This sum is usually equivalent to 30% of the total charter fee, but may be 35% in some cases. Intended to cover the operating expenses of a charter as explained under Charter Terms. The APA will be given to the captain before the start of your charter. ANY remainder balance is given back to the charterer at the conclusion of the charter.

How much should I tip the crew?

Crew gratuities are at the charterers discretion, although it is customary for a charterer who has enjoyed the kind and attentive service of an obliging crew to extend a gratuity. Crew gratuities are normally between 15%-20% of the charter fee, but can be adjusted up or down according to your level of satisfaction.

What is a repositioning fee?

If you want to charter a yacht from a different location than their home port, or you want to get off at another harbor, the costs for transporting the vessel from or to the home port will be calculated by the captain and added to the charter rate.

Can I select the itinerary for my cruise?

Yes, the itinerary is totally customizable and designed for each guest. Our charter specialist will design an itinerary based on your preferences. Boatsetter brokers work with the Captain to make advance reservations for many activities, such as sightseeing tours, vehicle rentals, and restaurant reservations. During your charter, your Captain and crew will take care of any arrangements for you and adjust itinerary as well.

Am I allowed to smoke onboard the yacht?

Yes, smoking is permitted on the aft deck or flybridge. No smoking is permitted in the interior of the yacht.

How many people are allowed on board the yacht?

On day charters, 12 guests is the maximum occupancy of any commercial charter. When chartering a yacht overnight, the number of staterooms needs to correlate to guests staying onboard. Typically, each stateroom holds up to 2 guests.

How do I make sure I have everything I need on board (food, wine, etc.)?

Prior to departure, our team will ask you to complete a detailed preference sheet describing the preferences and special needs of all the members of your party, such as dietary or medial requirements, details of any allergies, and your sporting or entertainment requests. This will enable the crew of your chosen yacht to ensure you have a flawless experience during your stay onboard.

Get a personalized quote and recommended itinerary.

Your Perfect Yacht Charter Experience

The ultimate bespoke vacation.

Get inspired and explore premier yachts, dream destinations and customizable itineraries handpicked by our superyacht charter experts.

Discover Extraordinary Yachts for Charter

Your wanderlust knows no bounds as you cruise across the globe to your dream destination at the hands of an experienced crew dedicated to fulfilling your every need. Our dedicated team of expert charter brokers ensures your voyage is completely tailored to your preferences. Choose your yacht. Choose your destination. Choose your experience. Choose Extraordinary.

Explore our extensive array of luxury superyachts, motor yachts, sailing yachts, and catamarans to select the perfect vessel for your next adventure on the water.

Select your slice of paradise and unlock the world of extraordinary experiences that await you. Embark on a journey where every horizon is an invitation to indulge.

Seize the moment and take advantage of these irresistible luxury charter offers. Act now as these exclusive savings are sailing away soon.

A private yacht charter brings families together, one nautical mile at a time. Reconnect while indulging in the opulence and freedom of your personal floating paradise.

Designed for the bold, explore the world’s hidden locales in pure luxury. Experience adventure on the high seas, where your yacht serves as the gateway to the world’s most secluded paradises.

The Authority on Yachting

At Northrop & Johnson, we blend a rich legacy with a contemporary touch. Our industry-leading expertise has not only stood the test of time but has also set the benchmarks for excellence and client satisfaction across the industry.

Your Trusted Partner for Yacht Charter

Our history is a cornerstone of the luxury yachting industry. At Northrop & Johnson, our name is synonymous with luxury experiences. We continue to honor our heritage by infusing every client interaction with integrity, in-depth knowledge and a commitment to exceeding your expectations.

Let Our Global Experts Guide You

Our expert yacht charter brokers are dedicated to understanding your preferences and will carefully select a range of yachts for you to consider. We will craft a personalized yacht charter itinerary, ensuring every detail aligns with your group’s desires. With a vast global fleet of superyachts and a knowledgeable team across 13 global offices, you can be confident in finding everything you need for your dream yacht vacation.

Personalized Service Tailored to You

At Northrop & Johnson, we recognize that every charter experience should be as unique as our clients. Our bespoke charter services are carefully crafted to accommodate all aspects of your dream yachting adventure. We focus exclusively on creating tailored charter plans that anticipate and address every detail, ensuring your time onboard is as seamless as it is luxurious.

Mediterranean Yacht Charter

Experience the rich culture, picturesque villages and electric energy that make this destination an iconic place to visit.

Greece Yacht Charter

A superyacht charter in Greece is defined by the relaxed atmosphere of the islands and its people.

Balearic Islands Yacht Charter

These golden Spanish isles have evolved to be among Europe’s most glamorous holiday hot spots.

Our Exclusive Fleet of Luxury Charter Yachts

Explore the world's most comprehensive list of charter yachts available for your next on-water holiday.

Expert Tips for Unforgettable Yacht Vacations

Experience the ultimate combination of education and relaxation with a private yacht charter.

Make the most of your summer travels with tips from our travel experts.

Explore far-flung cruising grounds for a better planet.

Italy is known for its cuisine, its achingly beautiful scenery and Italians’ appreciation for the finer things in life, known as la dolce vita.

With its breathtaking islands that captivate and leave a lasting impression, your dream holiday becomes a reality.

The Principality of Monaco is considered the world’s ultimate yachting destination.

Prepare for an unforgettable luxury yacht charter experience with Northrop & Johnson.

Consider a honeymoon yacht charter as the ideal escape post-nuptials. Relish in quality time spent with your spouse onboard as your yacht sails towards your dream destination. Whether it’s relaxing on the white sands of a Caribbean beach with a refreshing cocktail or exploring the wonders of Thailand, Northrop & Johnson offers you the freedom to choose.

Seeking a summer yacht charter? Sail to the Mediterranean and enjoy Ibiza’s ultra-chic atmosphere and electric hangouts or explore the charming streets of Saint-Tropez. Greece, with its myriad islands, is another perfect destination for an adventurous yacht charter holiday. The Greeks boast a unique and lively culture and warm hospitality that is all their own.

If cooler climates beckon, fear not. Alaska and Antarctica are sought-after destinations for expedition yacht charters brimming with excitement. From heli-skiing and hiking to kayaking amidst icebergs, explore these rugged natural landscapes that offer some of the most incredible scenery in the world. Looking for something more off-the-beaten-path? Consider the Galápagos Islands with their rich history and unique flora and fauna.

Ready to Embark?

Let's Start Planning

Northrop & Johnson’s superyacht charter experts have in-depth knowledge of worldwide destinations and in-person relationships with the captains and crew of all yachts in our global fleet. Completely private, and with endless luxurious amenities, a yacht charter is the ultimate vacation. Check out our Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to get started.

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Crewed Yacht Charters

A luxury crewed yacht charter delivers the ultimate all-inclusive vacation on the water aboard your own private sail yacht or power catamaran . Throughout your crewed charter, you’ll enjoy the nautical skills and local knowledge of your captain, while your gourmet chef surprises you again and again with delectable meals tailored to your particular tastes.

A Moorings Crewed yacht charter blends the comfort of luxury vacations with the spirit of adventure travel. Wherever you are in the world, from the stunning Bay of Naples in Italy to the sensational Bora Bora near Tahiti ,your group of up to 10 guests will enjoy spacious accommodations and a premium, personalized yacht charter experience.

Choose from over 15 amazing destinations throughout the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Americas and Exotics . Take a look at our 2023 brochure and book your all-inclusive crewed charter today.

What is a Crewed Yacht Charter?

A crewed yacht charter is a type of private charter where a Captain and Chef team join you aboard your yacht for the duration of your sailing vacation. 

Your crew will be there to cater for your every need, from navigating the waters and leading you to your next destination, to serving up fresh, delicious meals and refreshing drinks throughout the day. They will cook, clean and sail so that you can enjoy the most relaxing vacation possible. 

Your experienced crew will also be able to provide expertise and inside knowledge about your destination, from the most secluded beaches in Grenada to the best places to immerse yourself into Greek culture.

If you want to feel like the VIP of the sea, book a luxury crewed yacht charter with The Moorings.

What's Included

• Captain and Chef
• Watersports Equipment
• Fuel & Most Mooring Ball Fees
• All Meals, Snacks, and Beverages*
• 2 Bean Bags (Not in Italy)
• Fully Stocked Bar*
• Housekeeping Services
• Air Conditioning

Our Crewed Fleet

The crewed charter experience begins with your expertly crafted yacht, which leaves you with a smooth ride, open spaces, and state-of-the-art features to give you the best onboard experience. Innovative and cutting edge, you’ll rule the waves as you cruise around in style on a crewed yacht charter.

Each yacht’s spacious decks and open interiors mean you can spend as much time as you want onboard without ever feeling crowded. Designed with comfort in mind, you can sip cocktails up on deck and soak up the sun as your skipper navigates the open waters for you. Our crewed yachts range from 4-6 cabins, so you have plenty of choice when it comes to deciding who to share your crewed yacht charter with.

The only question left to ask is, will you enjoy your luxury crewed yacht charter on our new Moorings Crewed 5000 Catamaran , M oorings Crewed 534 Power Catamaran or Moorings Crewed 5800 Master Catamaran ?

NEW: Explore The Bahamas on a Crewed Yacht Charter

Featured: The Moorings 5000

Special Offers

Celebrate Life's Special Moments on a Crewed Charter – The Moorings

Destinations for Crewed Yacht Charter

British Virgin Islands

Mediterranean

While bareboat, skippered and crewed yacht charters are all stylish, fun and relaxing, they each offer a unique way to sail and explore..

On a bareboat charter , you will take responsibility for skippering your own yacht and guiding yourself around your chosen destination. No crew will join you on board, although our base crew will be on hand to support you whenever necessary. On a skippered charter , an experienced skipper will take the helm for all or part of your vacation so you can relax up on deck when you want, while also having the choice to guide yourself around for part of the charter.

These differ from a crewed yacht charter, as a Captain and Chef team will join you for your entire vacation and take care of everything so that you can focus on relaxing and unwinding. Like the bareboat charter, you will still have the freedom to choose your own itinerary and, similarly to the skippered charter, your experienced crew will be able to share local knowledge and tips to make your charter even more special.

Learn more about the different types of yacht charters we offer at The Moorings.

At The Moorings, we provide everything you could possibly need to enjoy a blissful crewed yacht charter in the Mediterranean , Caribbean and beyond. Whether you need Wi-Fi to share magical moments captured in the BVI , water sports equipment to have a thrilling afternoon in the crystal clear waters of Greece or bean bags to relax and soak up the sun in Belize , we’ve got you covered.

Take a look at what’s included on our luxury crewed yacht charters:

• 2 Bean Bags (Not in Italy )

*For more information, view the full list of what’s included on your crewed boat charter. You can also check out our extensive list of optional extras to make your yacht charter even more special.

An all-inclusive yacht charter gives you the ultimate VIP treatment, allowing you to relax and unwind while also enjoying freedom and privacy whenever you want it. From sensational, authentic food to experienced skippers who will guide you around your chosen destination, a crewed yacht charter offers a slice of paradise. The cost of a luxury crewed yacht charter will differ depending on a number of factors, including:

• Which of our incredible destinations you charter a yacht in ( Mediterranean , Caribbean , Americas or Exotics )
• How long you want to charter a crewed yacht for
• What time of year you hire a crewed yacht charter
• Which type of state-of-the-art yachts you choose (we have 9 crewed yacht models available to charter)
• What your itinerary looks like
• Any day-to-day costs and spending money

Get in touch with us today with any questions about our luxury crewed yacht charters.

You may be interested in

Meet Your Crew

A great Crew is the centerpiece of any all-inclusive charter, and our expert Crews are some of the best in the industry. See pictures and profiles including qualifications, experience and specialties.

Gourmet Cuisine

A Crewed yacht charter is built on fine dining. With trained gourmet chefs from all over the world, you are sure to enjoy carefully crafted meals tailored to your personal tastes.

By the Cabin Charters

When an entire yacht is more than you need, our By-the-Cabin Crewed Charters are a perfect alternative, allowing you to indulge in the luxury of an all-inclusive crewed yacht charter for the price of a single cabin.

Sail Charters

Harness the wind with a sailing vacation aboard an innovative catamaran or sleek monohull in one of over 20 idyllic destinations. If you’re new to sailing, an expert Moorings Skipper can take the helm for an amazing adventure of discovery on the water like no other.

Power Charters

Whether you choose to take the helm yourself, or hire an expert Moorings Skipper, with a Moorings Power charter you’ll arrive in comfort and style. Our state-of-the-art Power catamarans are a stable, fast and fun vacation platform for an amazing vacation escape with family and friends.

Travel Inspiration

From navigating you toward the best charter destinations to providing endless tips and recommendations to maximize your charter experience, The Moorings Blog is here to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Step Aboard Here

Start your experience with The Moorings on land and sign up to receive e-mails from us about yachts, offers and destinations.

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Plan Your Dream Vacation

Fully-Planned and Personalized Yacht Charters

Embark on an adventure where we ensure every moment is a masterpiece., adventures where every moment is a masterpiece, featured yachts.

52′ Catamaran – 8 Guests

$31,000 – $40,000 per week (inclusive)

Location 5.4

54′ Catamaran – 8 Guests

$26,700 – $34,000 per week (inclusive)

August Maverick

92′ Sailing Yacht – 12 Guests

$34,000 – $44,000 per week (inclusive)

90′ Power Yacht – 6 Guests

$36,000 – $46,000 per week (inclusive)

How planning with Canvas works

We learn about you.

First, we listen to you and ask questions about your dream escape.

We do the leg work

You don’t do the searching with us. We bring all the options to you.

We share the results

We show the best yachts and crews, and help you pick your match.

You get ready to go

Once you book, we prepare, and you just remember the sunscreen.

Top Destinations

The Bahamas

Explore the islands, swim in the crystal clear water, and walk on the beautiful white sand beaches.

British Virgin Islands

There are endless possibilities
with over 60 islands filled with experiences waiting for you.

US Virgin Islands

No matter who you are traveling with, everyone will find something to enjoy on the USVI.

Stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters, and a rich cultural tapestry.

Lush tropical landscapes, vibrant marine life, and a unique blend of French and Caribbean cultures.

Enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight while watching humpback whales or kayaking along the glaciers!

From shopping to island hopping to nightlife, there is never a dull moment in Florida!

New England

Explore New England’s picturesque coastline, historic towns, and scenic beauty.

What people are saying

“Canvas Yacht Charters and Doug are a pleasure to work with. Doug’s follow-up skills are remarkable and attention to detail are bar none. I very rarely leave reviews, but I can, without a doubt, recommend Canvas and Doug to everyone I know. Thanks again D!”

“We recently celebrated our 25th anniversary with three other couples, our dearest friends, on a week-long sailing charter. The trip was arranged by Doug Tibbs at Canvas Yacht Charters, and his assistance was invaluable every step of the way. He listened to our dreams for the trip, the things we were really hoping for and things we wanted to avoid, non-negotiates and crazy ideas, and he filtered them all to present us with several charter options, any one of which would have been wonderful, but we ended up on Ghost. Doug’s attention didn’t stop with the booking. He made sure we were kept aware of various important deadlines, including changes related to covid, connected us with the crew and conveyed to them all our preferences, and was available throughout to answer our big and small questions. This was truly the trip of a lifetime for every one of us onboard—the boat, the crew, the sailing, the food, the adventure. So many thanks to Doug for his care to make it everything we dreamed it could be—and we are already hoping to plan a repeat trip for next year!”

“It’s not often that I end up leaving a review for a service I didn’t end up booking, but the super customer service I received from Heather at Starrluxe definitely merits noting. From the first step in the process, she was helpful, professional, and extremely accommodating despite a difficult itinerary and an expedited time frame. She provided excellent options and went out of her way to address our every requirement. I deeply regret that our travel plans changed and we weren’t able to finalize our charter, but I greatly look forward to working with Starrluxe again in the future. Highly recommend!”

“Enjoyed working with Doug. He was attentive to our needs/desires. Got us a great boat with a great crew. He even got us a price reduction. I will look forward to working with him again.”

“Doug and his team helped us book a trip in two days for the following week. Great communications and expectation setting, which helped make the trip successful. We will recommend them to family and friends for their trips. -Cheers, John”

@canvasyachtcharters

Now boarding for your dream vacation.

Turn the yachting adventure you’ve dreamed of into reality. We’ll handle every detail for you, ensuring every moment is everything you imagined.

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• Charter Advice

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

There are many things to consider and first time charterers can be left confused, that's why we've created a comprehensive guide to yacht charter prices (with a checklist).

The good news: It’s easy to grasp the basics of yacht charter pricing. And with one of our experts in your corner, we can help you more accurately estimate the cost of your next once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

The cost of a yacht charter is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of yacht, the charter destination, local taxes, and the base cost. (If the yacht has a celebrity owner, well that too, can add to the cost.)

Therefore, yacht charters have a wide range of base prices. That’s why charters can cost from $10,000 per week on smaller sailing yachts and catamarans, up to $150,000+ per week on the most luxurious motor superyachts.

What else can you expect to pay? This overview – a part of our planning resource, the Charter Advice Guide – offers an in-depth look at charter yacht costs.

Yacht Charter Price Structure: “All-Inclusive” vs “Plus Expenses”

In the world of yachting, two types of crewed yacht charters are available to you – “All-Inclusive” and “Plus Expenses” charter experiences. What do these terms mean exactly? Here’s a quick look:

• All-Inclusive Yacht Charters – Some charters (mainly catamaran and monohull charters in the Virgin Islands) offer all-inclusive rates. That means rates are based on the number of guests, and they include all food and drink, water sports, and fuel costs. Dockage and taxes, though, are usually charged separately.
• Plus Expenses Charters – Rates for larger motor yachts do not include running expenses, which must be paid separately. For these luxury charters, the base price is for the yacht only. Additional expenses, i.e. food, bar, fuel, dockage, port taxes, and other expenses, are charged separately. Most frequently, the running expenses are paid by an Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, which is typically 35% of the base price; this is an amount that’s paid prior to the charter.

Our chart below offers a quick overview of what’s included in both of these types of charters.

Average Yacht Charter Cost: Base Prices

What can you expect to pay for a catamaran, a sailing vessel, or motored yacht? Here’s a quick overview of the average cost to rent a yacht (not including extra expenses) for the most common types available:

Factors that Affect Yacht Charter Prices

Since charter yachts are privately owned, prices are set by the owner. This can explain, in part, the wide range of differences in price between boats of similar lengths. Yet, several other factors can significantly impact price, including:

• The Yacht – The year the boat was built, the builder, previous owners, and the boat’s selection of water toys can also increase the cost of a yacht. Boats can also develop a reputation, i.e. the largest or most luxurious, or having a famous builder or previous owner. Reputation can also affect pricing.
• Season – Prices typically increase in the high season – i.e. high summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean – and decrease in low seasons.
• Destination – Your charter destination also plays a role in charter cost. For example, prices increase in areas without large charter fleets (i.e. the Galapagos), whereas Bahamas yacht charters,   BVI charters , or Mediterranean yacht charter are priced more competitively.

Additional Costs Considerations on Yacht Charter

In addition to the cost associated with running the yacht and provisioning, there are a number of other costs that must be considered. These are the most significant:

Advanced Provisioning Allowance

The APA on Plus Expenses charters equals roughly 35% of the yacht’s base price. This is a fee that’s collected prior to charter, and it’s similar to an expense account the captain can access during the charter. At the end of the charter, you will receive a detailed accounting of your APA account, plus any unused APA funds in cash.

In the case of overages, you may be required to replenish the APA account during the charter. This can be done with cash, although many choose to set up accounts with their charter brokers , which can be accessed if requested by the captain.

Taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT)

Most boats – whether all-inclusive or Plus Expenses – will not include local taxes or a Value Added Tax into their charter rate. The charterer will be responsible for paying those taxes. Taxes range significantly by destination; here’s a look at some of yachting’s most popular destinations:

• The Bahamas – Tax: 4% plus 10% VAT
• BVI – Tax: between $6 and $16 per person per day, depending on the flag of the boat
• Croatia – VAT: 13%
• Florida – Tax: 6% for Broward County, 7% for Miami-Dade County
• France – VAT: 20%, however, 10% can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Greece – VAT: 12%
• Italy – VAT: 22%, however 6.6% (over 24m) and 8.8% (under 24m) can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Montenegro – NO VAT
• New England – NO TAX
• Spain – VAT: 21%
• Turkey – NO VAT

Charterers can purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance – which is similar to traveler’s insurance. This insurance can help cover costs if a charterer must cancel or shorten the charter. Charter brokers can help you weigh insurance options, and often offer several different options.

Crew Gratuity

While crew gratuity is certainly not mandatory, it is recommended, particularly if you were truly impressed with your charter experience. In general, crew gratuity is roughly 15-20% of the base charter rate, which is handed to the captain at the conclusion of your charter.

Delivery Fees

While these fees do not apply on most charters, you may be asked to pay delivery costs if you are not chartering in the yacht’s normal cruising ground. In most cases, you will only be required to cover the fuel for the trip.

Call Worldwide Boat today to learn more. Our Charter Specialists are here to assist you with every detail and explain all charter costs. Or read our Charter Advice guide for more information and tips for planning your charter vacation.

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282.2ft / 84m

278.1ft / 83m

239.6ft / 71m

Serenity 236

236.3ft / 70m

Additional Charter Cost FAQs

What are standard private charter yacht prices?

There are a number of factors that affect charter yacht pricing. However, on average, a week-long private yacht charter costs anywhere from $10,000 on luxurious sailing yachts and catamarans, and up to $150,000 for superyachts.

What affects charter yacht prices?

There are several things that influence how much your yacht charter will cost. The type of vessel, charter destination, length of trip, base cost, time of year, and local taxes all make a difference.

How much does it cost for a crewed vessel?

Charter yacht prices do increase when hiring a crew along with the boat. At Worldwide Boat, we offer two types of crewed charter experiences: all-inclusive and plus expenses. An all-inclusive charter yacht includes accommodation for all guests, food and drink, water sport activities, and fuel costs – dockage fees and taxes are charged separately. A plus expenses experience accounts for just the yacht’s base price. Things like food, drinks, fuel, dockages, taxes, and other expenses are charged separately and are usually estimated to be about 35% of the base price.

What’s included in all-inclusive boat charters?

At Worldwide Boat, your all-inclusive charter experience includes a diligent and friendly crew, water toys, food, drinks, fuel, water and electric services, and occasionally diving experiences.

What are some additional charter boat costs to consider?

After finding a base price you’re comfortable with and evaluating your package, you’ll also want to consider delivery fees, crew gratuity, insurance fees, taxes, and Advanced Provisioning Allowance rates. If you are responsible for these fees, your crew will handle the necessary transactions on your behalf.

What does it cost to rent a 100- foot yacht charter?

This depends on what type of vessel you’re looking at and how long you’ll need it for. The average weekly cost of a 100-foot sailing yacht is between $50,000-100,000. A weekly 80-foot catamaran charter runs around $40,000-100,000, and a week-long 100-foot motor yacht rental is anywhere between $50,000-80,000.

Does the price to rent a yacht change depending on what type of boat it is?

Yes. Worldwide Boat offers sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts. All of these vessels have different capabilities, but there are other factors that determine the price beyond what type of boat you choose. The year the boat was built, owner, availability of water toys, onboard amenities, and the ship’s reputation can all change how much the ship is priced at.

When is the high season for yacht charters?

The price of a yacht fluctuates depending on the season. A Mediterranean yacht charter cost rises in the summer and drops in the winter, whereas Caribbean boat charter prices are high during the winter and lower in the summer months.

How does my destination affect charter yacht cost?

The more remote an area is, the more expensive it will be to charter a yacht there. That’s because prices go up in areas that have fewer boats. If you were to travel somewhere like the Galapagos, which isn’t a typical yacht destination, you’d pay more than you would if you were traveling to the Caribbean.

How much do I tip the crew when reviewing my yacht charter expenses?

It’s not required that you tip your crew, but it is recommended and appreciated. If you had an enjoyable experience it’s considered polite to tip your crew anywhere from 15-20% at the end of your charter.

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Charter in the World’s Best Destinations

Elevate your charter experience.

Discover the World’s Best Destinations

Cruise in the most beautiful waters of the world with Waypoints ® Yacht Charters.

Choose the Perfect Charter Type

Ranging from bareboat to all-inclusive, our charter specialists will work with you to find the best charter type.

Explore Our Fleet of Sail and Power Yachts

Our large fleet of award-winning luxury monohulls and catamarans are fully equipped to exceed your expectations.

Contact a Charter Specialist to Learn More

Our charter specialists know the best sailing and cruising waters, local life, bars, and other hidden gems unique to their destination — creating the most memorable experiences on the water. Speak with a charter specialist directly for assistance in crafting the perfect charter vacation.

An Insider’s Viewpoint

“There is a 100% chance that I would recommend Waypoints to my friends and family. The Waypoints team was so friendly during the entire process. They truly made the experience even more enjoyable.” Chelsea M., NCA Inc.

Destination Spotlight

Our base on Tortola offers you the best marina in the Virgin Islands! This boutique setting offers you cocktails under the sunset, restaurants, spa, swimming pool, beach, free WIFI, luxury shower facilities, supermarket, pump-out station, and fuel dock.

Yacht Ownership is Closer Than You Think

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Ocean Drive 28m

2012/2021 | from €88,000 per week

ISA 50m LIBERTY

2011/2022 | from €275,000 per week

AMADEUS 44.7m Timmerman

2015 | from €140,000 per week

Julia 50m Heesen (ex Sairu, Lady Li)

2015 | from €260,000 per week

Icon RAGNAR 68m

2012/2020 | from €448,000 per week

Heesen Aurelia 37 m

2011/2017 | from €120,000 per week

LADY L 44.60m Heesen

2012 | from €140,000 per week

Golden Yachts O'PTASIA

2018 | from €800,000 per week

Sanlorenzo 52m LADY LENA

2020 | from €285,000 per week

Rossinavi ENDEAVOUR 2

2017 | from €275,000 per week

Damen 77m LA DATCHA

2020 | from €900,000 per week

Palmer Johnson PJ 48 KHALILAH

2015 | from €255,000 per week

If you want to spend your free time or organize a ceremony in Moscow – yacht charter will be the perfect solution for you. Birthday, wedding, corporate event or usual day spent on the water in a comfortable setting, will be a great gift for you and your loved ones.

Arcon Yachts offers motor yachts of different passenger capacity in Moscow. You can order a compact model for two or a large pleasure yacht for big company. We offer a variety of yachts with different design and levels of technical equipment. This allows you to choose the ideal option for any occasion.

To learn more about our offerings, please use our website directory. All the pictures, prices and specifications are there. To select the appropriate model please use the search filter or just contact our consultants. To book a charter in Moscow please leave us on-line inquiry or call our managers.

Yacht Charter Moscow Canal - Yacht Rentals Moscow Canal

Top-rated yacht charters in moscow canal - preselected yacht rentals:.

Sailing boat Watkins 33 for rent in Dolgoprudny

• Watkins 33 [Yacht Price incl. Taxes]
• Skipper (food not included)
• Yacht Insurance
• Final cleaning
• Tourist tax

Sailing yacht Open 800 for hire in Dolgoprudny Marina

• Open 800 [Yacht Price incl. Taxes]

Yacht Elegance 64 for rent in Khimki Marina

• Elegance 64 [Yacht Price incl. Taxes]
• Dinghy with engine
• Fuel consumption

Motor yacht Ambassador 26 for charter in Dolgoprudny Marina

• Ambassador 26 [Yacht Price incl. Taxes]

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A Waterspout Was Seen When a Luxury Yacht Sank. What Is It?

Witnesses reported seeing the tornado-like phenomenon hit the Bayesian, a sailing yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday.

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By Eve Sampson

What caused the sinking on Monday of a sailing yacht carrying the British billionaire Mike Lynch and 21 other people off the coast of Sicily is still unknown. But some attention has focused on observations by witnesses, who described seeing a small tornado-like column known as a waterspout forming over the water during an abrupt and violent storm as the vessel sank.

Fifteen passengers on the 180-foot yacht, the Bayesian, escaped on a raft before being rescued by a neighboring cruise ship. The body of the ship’s cook was recovered on Monday and six people remain unaccounted for , including Mr. Lynch and his daughter Hannah, according to officials with Sicily’s civil protection agency.

Prosecutors in the nearby city of Termini Imerese have opened an inquiry into the cause of the sinking.

Here is what to know about waterspouts, a surprisingly common weather phenomenon that may have helped sink the luxury yacht.

What are waterspouts?

Waterspouts are columns of spinning air and moisture — similar to tornadoes over water, according to the National Weather Service .

While some form in fair weather, and are aptly called fair weather waterspouts, another more dangerous variety called tornadic waterspouts develops downward from a thunderstorm. These tornadic waterspouts can either form as regular tornadoes over land and move out to sea, or form in a storm already over a large body of water, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association .

Fair weather waterspouts are weak, often dissipate quickly and do not cause major damage, according to the agencies, but tornadic waterspouts are more often associated with high winds, dangerous and frequent lightning, and hail. The Italian authorities recorded strong winds and intense lightning activity at the time the yacht went down.

How common are waterspouts?

Experts say waterspouts may be more common than tornadoes, but because oceans are so vast, they are more difficult to track — and as difficult to predict.

“The Mediterranean is possibly one of the places where waterspouts are most likely around the world due to the warm ocean surface and a climate that is very susceptible to thunderstorms throughout the summer and autumn,” according to a statement by Peter Inness, a meteorologist at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Inness pointed to a 2022 study by scientists from University of Barcelona , which found that waterspouts occurred more frequently over warmer sea surfaces. The North Atlantic ocean has been unusually hot for over a year, repeatedly reaching record highs for the time of year , according to data from the oceanic association.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research on Monday said on X , the platform formerly known as Twitter, that it had confirmed 18 waterspouts near Italy in recent days, and several fishermen in the area of the accident told Italian media that they had witnessed a waterspout near the yacht.

What may have happened?

Karsten Börner, the captain of the nearby boat that rescued the 15 passengers, said in an interview that he saw the Bayesian about 490 feet away before the wind and lightning picked up.

While it was difficult to see what happened amid the storm, “my theory was that she was capsized first and then went down over the stern,” he said.

Towering over 237 feet tall, the Bayesian mast was one of the tallest aluminum masts in the world and it also had a special keel that could be raised or lowered, according to its manufacturer, Perini Navi. A keel is the downward-extending centerline underneath a boat that can help stabilize the vessel.

“In this case, having a tall aluminum mast would not make it the safest port to be in case of a storm,” said Andrea Ratti, associate professor of nautical design and architecture technology the Politecnico di Milano.

He added that “a lot of questions will remain until we have other elements at our disposal.”

Elisabetta Provoledo contributed reporting.

Eve Sampson is a reporter covering international news and a member of the 2024-25 Times Fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Eve Sampson

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Breaking news, i lived ‘below deck’ on a luxury yacht — here’s what you need to know.

Tahiti, St. Thomas and the French Riviera — I’ve yachted in all of these exotic locales, albeit from the comfort of my couch. And, millions of Americans are in the same boat.

In 2013, “Below Deck,” introduced the masses to the most glamorous mode of traveling: yachting. Since then, it’s become a Bravo mainstay with Season 9 of “Below Deck Mediterranean’’ premiering in June.

But how real is the reality show? I spent five nights on a yacht in Croatia to find out.

A tip on tipping

My suitcase wasn’t bursting with Benjamins. An agency at your final destination provides cash for the crew’s tip money. While you’re expected to tip $30,000 for a two-night cruise on “Below Deck,” in real life you only have to tip 10% to 15% of your charter fee. That’s about $10,000 for a two-night cruise on a 180-foot charter yacht like Mustique (from $250,000 a week), which stars in the new season.

According to Zvonimir Androi, president of the yacht charter company Via Croatia, more often than not, the tip comes from what’s left over after provisioning.

So, shun the Dom Pérignon and skip the beluga caviar, and you’ll have money to spare.

What’s up, dock?

In real life, “Below Deck’s” favorite commercial-break cliff-hanger isn’t nearly as dramatic. Docking in our yacht, Via Croatia’s five-cabin, 100-foot Adriatic Escape (from $52,800 a week), was breezy.

I asked the crew if they hated setting up the slide — a tortuous, Herculean task if you believe what you see on TV.

“It’s not that bad,” a twentysomething Croatian deckhand, as cute as his on-screen counterparts, told me. “That said, we’re definitely not sad if you don’t ask for it.”

Play it cool

Despite being served meat on more than one occasion, my vegetarian co-guests on board weren’t divas when it came to cuisine — a major source of chef-related stress on the show.

Tantrums aren’t the norm Barbie Pascual, the “Below Deck” stewardess famous for putting up with former “RHONY” star Jill Zarin’s demands for the perfect Diet Coke in the “Real Housewives of Grenada” episode, tells me. “Guests know they are being filmed so their reactions are more extreme than they’d be if the cameras weren’t around,” she says.

Pascual’s biggest tip for first-time yachters? Don’t go skinny dipping, like they do on the show, after dark.

“People forget about currents, sharks, etc.,” she says. “Jumping in the water should always be with the captain’s consent!”

Our humorless Croatian yacht captain was a far cry from “Below Deck Mediterranean’s” affable Captain Sandy Yawn. I think we only saw him twice over the course of four days, and he definitely didn’t join us for dinner.

That was fine by us because the stews and deckhands were always handy with anything we needed — including at chat.

Asking for it

“No” is a word you’ll never hear on a yacht, unless there is a safety issue, Pascual says.

While we didn’t ask our crew to do a striptease or decorate for ‘70s night (two recurring requests on the show), out-there demands aren’t out of the question, as long as you’re willing to pay for it.

For example, Via Croatia is currently retrofitting one of its multimillion-dollar superyachts for an upcoming charter booked by a multigenerational Jewish family from Florida.

“In addition to paying the charter fee, the client is literally buying everything new: pots, pans, silverware, etc.” said Androi. “They’re even spending $30,000 on a new tender for the elderly mother-in-law.”

Now, I’m no reality show producer, but a picky primary trying to keep his wife, her elderly mom and their kosher kids happy at sea has the makings of an Emmy Award-winning episode.

Yachting on a budget

Charters are cheapest at the beginning and end of a destination’s season. Via Croatia’s yuppiest yacht, the 160-foot, 12-cabin Agape Rose , fetches $200,000 a week in July and August. But it’s just $164,000 a week in April and October. Divide that by 24 of your closest friends and family and it’s just $6,800 a person.

If that’s still too much, consider booking a yacht club suite on one of MSC Cruises ’ Mediterranean voyages.

Sure, you’ll be on a cruise liner, but for $1,659 a person you’ll be treated to seven nights of private butler service with a private pool and restaurant that the pleb passengers don’t even know exists.

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2,330  Crewed Luxury Yachts for Charter in the Mediterranean

Mediterranean Yacht Charter

A Mediterranean yacht charter offers an exceedingly rich mixture of cultures, history and landscapes amongst the world's most popular yacht rental destinations. Home to iconic luxury charter locations like the sun-dappled French Riviera and the Amalfi Coast , and innumerable island paradises found in Greece , Croatia and Turkey , a yacht charter in the Mediterranean offers a range of picturesque cruising grounds bound to whet the appetite of any yacht charter guest.

Enclosed by three continents, the Mediterranean's exciting fusion of modern metropolises, sun-soaked beaches, archaeological delights and pleasant year-round weather provide the foundation for an unforgettable charter vacation. And thanks to the region's insatiable popularity, there is a wealth of choice when it comes to renting a yacht in the Mediterranean. Luxury motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans and even gulet charters can all be rented in these epic cruising grounds.

There is also a spectacular array of yacht charter itinerary options in the Mediterranean too, meaning whether you are looking to unwind or turn up the party dial to the max, there is something for everyone.

Mediterranean Yacht Charters: At a Glance

• Cinematic landscapes  Make up the show-stoppingly beautiful jigsaw that is the Mediterranean. From cosmopolitan thrills to blindingly white beaches and eyepopping blue waters, the choice is all yours.
• Easily accessible The Mediterranean is extremely well-connected to the US and most worldwide destinations, ensuring you travel with ease.
• Long cruising season Warm temperatures extend well into October in East Mediterranean destinations like Croatia, Greece and Turkey.
• Endless adventure and entertainment The Mediterranean is full of intrigue: it's an island-hopping, diving and snorkelling wonderland, a designer shopping mecca, and home to some of the world's most glamorous events. Simply put, the Mediterranean is the place to see and be seen.
• Top-end superyacht marinas The region has some of the most sought-after berth slips in the world, replete with state-of-the-art facilities, hip boutiques and restaurants, as well as jaw-dropping panoramas aplenty, of course.

Popular Destinations for Yacht Rentals in the Mediterranean

Luxury yacht charters in the Mediterranean are divided into two distinct cruising grounds. The West Mediterranean has been the superyacht hotspot du jour for decades, with the most popular yacht rental destinations undeniably being the South of France, Monaco ,  Italy , Sardinia, Corsica and the Ibiza. Diverse and exciting, these countries offer some of the finest cuisines, architecture, cities, and coastlines to be found in the region.

But East Mediterranean yacht rental destinations like Greece and  Turkey are also buzzing with charter activity, thanks to their incredible culture and history, spellbinding anchorages and boundless islands that make for a rip-roaring yacht charter itinerary. Montenegro and Croatia yacht charters are also becoming increasingly in-demand, with a number of state-of-the-art superyacht marinas having been developed in recent years adding to their attractiveness.

Popular West Mediterranean Regions

There are some locations that garner considerably more attention for superyacht vacations in the Mediterranean than others, which means we highly recommend you book as far in advance as possible if you are considering any of these cruising grounds.

The most popular West Mediterranean yacht charter locations are:

• The French Riviera: comprising a glittering medley of some of the world's most glamorous hotspots like Saint Tropez , Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco, think world-class restaurants, night-time revelry and endlessly alluring bays and beaches to choose from.
• The Italian Riviera:  places like Portofino and Cinque Terre are adored for their pastel-perfect villages, otherworldly vistas, and incomparable cuisine.
• The Amalfi Coast: the heavenly towns of Positano, Sorrento, Ravello and the island of Capri make a yacht charter here an intoxicatingly beautiful experience.
• Ibiza : international party capital and an upscale bohemian hotspot, Ibiza 's appeal endures.

Popular East Mediterranean Regions

The most popular East Mediterranean yacht charter locations include:

• Cyclades Islands: the most popular yachting destination in Greece, with a staggering 220 islands to cruise to, including hedonist haven Mykonos , romantic Santorini, and myriad archeological delights in Delos.
• Ionian Islands : an idyllic Greek island-chain promising pine-scented beauty and serene coves at every turn, with highlights being Corfu, Ithica and Cephalonia.
• Dubrovnik and Hvar: Croatian cities steeped in historical significance with ample cultural highlights, plus balmy weather all-summer-long late into the season.
• Bodrum: a vibrant port city in southwestern Turkey thrumming with life, packed with ultra-chic bars, beach clubs and restaurants and topaz-coloured bays.

Highlights of a Mediterranean Yacht Charter

A Mediterranean yacht rental vacation offers a mesmerizing selection of things to see and do. Here is our small selection of some of the most outstanding:

Don't Miss:

• Cinque Terre:  a string of sorbet-coloured fishing towns carved into the hills overlooking the sea in Italy.

Porto Cervo:  a luxury-lovers nirvana, with its high-end shops and designer emporiums close to the main port.

Promenade de la Croisette,  in Cannes: one of the most famous avenues in the world; peppered with high-end boutiques and Belle Époque hotels.

The Blue Grotto:  a stunning semi-submerged cave in Capri where the light refracts the sunlight from outside creating an optical illusion.

Hotel Splendido:  head to Portofino for sundowners and to try out one of their world-famous peach bellinis.

Porto-Vecchio:  Corsica's most charming town.

Porquerolles : oft-cited as the best island in the French Riviera renowned for its crystal clear waters and fragrant forests.

Îles d'Hyères : one of the best anchorage spots in the South of France.

Les Voiles : world-famous sailing regatta that takes place in Saint Tropez in September.

Villefranche-sur-Mer : postcard-perfect French fishing village.

Casino de Monte-Carlo : set pulses racing at this Belle Époque glory in the heart of Monaco. 

Monaco Yacht Show : one of the most important events in the yachting calendar.

Shipwreck Beach  (Navagio Beach): legendary beach in Greece, famous for the large shipwreck lying on the sand.

Nammos : come to this landmark beach club in Greece for a night of uber-luxe revelry amid the world's gliteratti.

Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn):  located on the southern coast of Brač, Croatia regularly listed as one of the top beaches in Europe.

Diocletian’s Palace, Split : UNESCO site within the walls of Split’s historic and thriving town.

Who Goes on a Mediterranean Yacht Charter?

The cultural heartbeat of the rich and famous in the summertime, the Mediterranean has long been welcoming the jet set to its sun-drenched shores. Well-to-do hedonists and socialites enjoy the beach club buzz, designer boutiques and glittering throng of exclusive events found in hotspots like the South of France and Monaco, where some of the most important dates in the calendar year like the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival also take place.

Equally, with an outstanding array of tranquil beaches, bays and inlets to explore, the Mediterranean is also a veritable nirvana for families or those simply seeking serenity on their yacht charter vacation.

History and Culture

The Mediterranean sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, bordering more than 22 different countries, and over 3,000 islands, the largest two being the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia.  Its name comes from two Latin words: 'Medius” (Middle) and “Terra” (Earth/Soil), roughly translated as the center of the Earth, and the sea itself is thought to be more than 5 million years old.

In terms of Mediterranean culture, there isn't a one size fits all approach — each and every country in the region has their own. But we can say that there are some overarching themes: an appreciation of the finer things in life being one of them: of nature and of cuisine.

Types of Yacht Charters in the Mediterranean

A luxury crewed  yacht rental vacation in the Mediterranean is without a doubt the best way to lap up the natural splendor of this magical region, offering you access to a dizzying array of splendid spots far from the typical tourist trail. 

With an extensive selection of vessels available to choose from, the perfect yacht for you and your charter party is destined to be out there. Unsure whether a crewed motor yacht charter, sailing yacht charter, or in some cases, a gulet charter will work best for you? We've laid out the main aspects to consider before making a final decision.

Motor Yacht Charters in the Mediterranean

A crewed motor yacht charter  in the Mediterranean is the epitome of luxury. With seven-star amenities and hotel-serviced living coupled with a completely unrivaled level of privacy, it's no wonder a motor yacht has evergreen appeal. Uncover awe-inspiring that are only accessible by boat, and experience what it's like to have your own floating palace.

There is a huge variety of Mediterranean motor yachts available, from 100m superyachts with all the latest charter-focused amenities to small speedy weekend cruisers, or somewhere in between. But do keep in mind when selecting your motor yacht that slips here are in high demand during the summertime, which means it's more likely you will spend time at anchor.

As for yacht types, those with planing hulls are perfect if you want to zip through locations at speed quickly. However, they are usually less stable at anchor. 

Displacement and semi-displacement hulls are slower and make up most of the global charter fleet, They are more comfortable, voluminous, and more stable with at anchor stabilizers. 

Sailing Yacht Charters in the Mediterranean

Selecting a luxury crewed  sailing yacht charter in the Mediterranean is a wonderful choice for guests looking for a slower vacation pace, where you will be wooed by the sailing yacht's old-school charm. Plus, with most sailing conditions in the Mediterranean being extremely favorable, typified by calm seas and light winds (apart from the Meltemi at certain times in Turkey and Greece), this is absolutely a sailing paradise.

And with an extensive selection of catamarans, monohulls and racer sailers available, it won't be difficult to find a charter sailing yacht in the Mediterranean that will meet your requirements.

Gulet Charters in the Mediterranean

In  Turkey  & Croatia you also have an additional charter option: the possibility of renting a gulet  with a full crew. Gulets are traditionally Turkish-built wooden motor sailor yachts which are usually much larger in volume than your average sailing yacht, with an abundance of open-plan living spaces.

Turkish gulet yachts are less expensive than other charter vessels of the same size, and can often offer all-inclusive or semi-inclusive packages, meaning you don’t need to worry about additional expenses such as food and drink. They also normally include a standard number of cruising hours per day.  Plus, their crew are often local to the region that they cruise in, meaning they can double as tour guides and can provide a lot of valuable expertise.

You can visit Greek Islands on your Turkish gulet charter vacation, but you will need to embark and disembark in a port in Turkey unless it has a Greek Charter Licence - which is very rare. 

Gulets are not available in the West Mediterranean cruising areas.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht in the Mediterranean?

The average price of a motor yacht or sailing yacht rental in the Mediterranean will depend on several factors, including the vessel's age, type, crew, as well as the duration of the vacation and whether it is high or low season.

With so many options available, there’s something to suit every type of budget. For convenience we have listed the average prices for motor yacht and sailing yacht charters in the Mediterranean below;

• For motor yacht rentals in the Mediterranean, prices can range from $31,541 to $1.6m per week, plus expenses
• For luxury sailing yacht rentals in the Mediterranean, prices can go from $20,491 to $532,784 weekly, plus expenses

One aspect to keep in mind is that there are important distinctions to be made between the average costs for West Mediterranean and East Mediterranean yachting vacations. While exact costs can vary from yacht to yacht, typically, West Mediterranean yacht charters will involve newer, larger vessels and include a high-quality, international workforce, and therefore tend to usually incur higher prices. Meanwhile, East Mediterranean yacht charters will usually use older vessels and feature highly knowledgeable local crews. 

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When is the Best Time for Mediterranean Yacht Charters?

The best time for a yachting vacation on the Mediterranean is between May and August, although weather is still pleasant in the shoulder months of April and September, with some East Mediterranean locations experiencing high temperatures well into October (Croatia, Turkey, Greece).

Yacht charter guests in the Mediterranean during these months can expect mellow seas, cloudless skies  long, sunbaked days and low rainfall.

However, if you are looking to evade the crowds and the heat, avoid July and August.

Where Should I Begin My Mediterranean Yacht Charter?

France is by far the most popular starting point for the classic "Mediterranean milk-run charter" route (Saint Tropez to Portofino), with this term coined in the industry to reflect the most celebrated and chicest locations along the Côte d'Azur.

The best place to begin a Mediterranean yacht charter is in Nice for itineraries along the coast and towards the Italian Riviera, with the majority of guests flying into Nice Airport before being chauffeured to its port or Antibes. Cannes Vieux Port (which is a mere 30-minute drive from Nice's Airport) is also popular if beginning further west towards Saint-Tropez .

Ibiza is also a popular starting point for Balearics charters, while Positano and Ajaccio are useful embarkation ports for Amalfi Coast and Corsica yacht charters respectively.

For East Mediterranean itineraries, Athens is a popular choice for charters around Greece's Aegean archipelagos, with the highest concentration of yacht rentals, while superyachts cruising the Ionian and Adriatic Coast tend to be flexible, with charters embarking from any number of popular destinations; from Venice  in Italy down to Corfu  in Greece's Ionian Islands.

Popular Marinas and Moorings in the Mediterranean

There are many marinas in the Mediterranean, but there are some, especially within the French and Italian Riviera that are highly coveted such as St Tropez and Portofino, which means mooring costs in this region in the summer tend to be highest and availability is often extremely limited.

If you would like to spend a night in port while on your charter yacht in the Mediterranean, be sure to make this clear to your crew or your charter broker well in advance, as there is strong competition for slips.

Below is our selection of some of the finest and most popular marinas in the Mediterranean:

French Riviera Marinas

• Vieux Port de Cannes  and Port Pierre Canto in Cannes, both cater to all sizes of yachts and with 1,200 berths.
• Port Cogolin  in Saint Tropez, which boasts 1,600 berths for yachts of up to 50m/164ft, and Port Vauban in Antibes, which caters to yachts up to a 165m/541ft LOA.
• Port de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat , located near the idyllic village of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This marina has 560 berths that can accommodate yachts up to 60m/197ft in length.

Italian Riviera Marinas

• Marina di Loano , not far from the French border can accommodate 900 vessels up to 77m/252ft in length.
• Porto Mirabello , in La Spezia caters to yachts of up to 100m/328ft, and a perfect point for exploring the region's jaw-droppingly pretty Cinque Terre.

Amalfi Coast Marinas

• Marina di Stabia  is one of the most popular places to begin a yacht charter on the Amalfi Coast, and boasts luxury facilities and the capacity to host yachts measuring up to 100m.

Marina Piccola  in Sorrento has 280 berths, catering to yachts measuring up to 40m.

Corsica Marinas

• Port Ajaccio Tino Rossi , the capital's largest marina, has 300 slips and caters to yachts of up to 100m/328ft
• Port Calvi , located in the northwest with 150 berths for yachts up to 65m/213ft LOA.
• Port de Plaisance Saint-Florent  ,a pretty marina tucked away in the north with 920 slips, and in close proximity to vineyards and the stunning Saleccia beach.

Popular Marinas in Greece

Kos Marina , close to the enchanting island's old harbor, this marina has a capacity for up to 250 berths with a maximum length of 80m.

Gouvia Marina , Corfu's most popular, situated in a secluded bay, with mooring of yachts of up to 80m, and boasts 1235 slips.

Athens Marina , accommodating 130 slips measuring up to 130m. Provides plenty of amenities on land, including a helipad service.

Popular Marinas in Croatia and Montenegro

• D-Marin Mandalina (Šibenik) , an award-winning marina set between two national parks in a naturally protected lagoon, with 429 sea berths for yachts up to 140m LOA and all modern marina facilities.
• ACI Marina Split , 5-star marina offering 318 protected berths, accommodating superyachts up to 90m LOA, in the heart of Croatia’s jewel.
• Porto Montenegro , award-winning marina offering an array of five star facilities, including a vibrant marina village, upscale bars, restaurants, designer emporiums and high-end boutiques, and catering to yachts up to 250m LOA.

Popular Marinas in Turkey

Kaş Marina , recently developed and has capacity for 450 yachts.

D-Marin Marina , tucked away in protected natural cove minutes from central Göcek with a 380 slip capacity for yachts up to 70m.

Setur Antalya Marina , renowned superyacht marina, capacity reaches 235 yachts.

Where to End a Mediterranean Yacht Charter

Portofino is one of the best places to disembark your Mediterranean yacht charter if you are embarking on the typical week-long yachting vacation along 'the milk run' (incorporating destinations in the French Riviera and Ligurian Coast). Guests usually take a helicopter back to Nice or Genoa airport.

For two-week-long Mediterranean charter vacations, Bonifacio is one of the most popular places to finish a private yacht charter in the Mediterranean due to its outstanding natural beauty. It boasts one of the most stunning port entrances in Europe, bordered by soaring limestone cliffs on one side, and on the other its impressive medieval old town teeters on a hilltop. Upon leaving, guests are chauffeured to nearby Ajaccio international airport.

For East Mediterranean charters, Athens is a popular disembarkation port, as well as Porto Montenegro and Dubrovnik or Split on the Adriatic Coast, all of which offer good transport links with international airports.

How to Book Your Yacht Charter in the Mediterranean

If you want to book a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean, we strongly advise booking through a qualified  yacht charter broker at least three months in advance. By doing so, you will increase the likelihood of securing your preferred dates and you will have a greater selection of yachts on offer to choose from.

This also ensures your yacht broker has enough time to craft a personalized itinerary and secure an overnight berth in the most popular marinas.

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Explore the Mediterranean

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The mediterranean yacht charter itineraries.

Our extensive range of Mediterranean yacht charter itineraries has been carefully curated by industry experts to ensure your luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean is nothing short of magical. Browse our selection of itineraries by the number of days you intend to charter a yacht as well as the specific regions you are interested in.

If you are chartering a yacht in the Mediterranean for the first time, we strongly recommend the classic 7-day Mediterranean yacht charter route. Also known as the 'milk-run': a term coined by industry professionals to reflect the most refined locations along the Côte d'Azur, this itinerary begins in show-stopping St.Tropez, cruises towards the Italian Riviera and ends in sun-soaked Portofino. For 14-day luxury Mediterranean charters, incorporating Corsica into an itinerary is also a perennially popular choice.

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Shopping, Scenic coastlines, cultural attractions, fine dining, luxury and fashion, pretty villages, island discovery

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Luxury Yachts for Charter in the Mediterranean 2024 & 2025

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95m   Lurssen

from $1,732,000 p/week ♦︎

Christina O

Carinthia VII

Flying Fox 22

136m Lurssen

136m   2019

from $4,368,000 p/w eek ♦︎

122m Lurssen

122m   2024

from $3,000,000 p/w eek

115m Lurssen

115m   2021

from $2,831,000 p/w eek ♦︎

108m Benetti

108m   2019

from $1,967,000 p/w eek ♦︎

107m Olympic Yacht Services

107m   1997/2022

from $2,144,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Black Pearl 14

105m Oceanco

105m   2018

Christina O 34

99m Canadian Vickers

99m   1943/2020

from $758,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Carinthia VII 12

97m Lurssen

97m   2002/2023

from $1,534,000 p/w eek ♦︎

97m Feadship

97m   2017/2022

from $1,715,000 p/w eek ♦︎

CC-Summer 12

95m Lurssen

from $1,732,000 p/w eek ♦︎

95m Golden Yachts

from $1,190,000 p/w eek ♦︎

from $1,286,000 p/w eek ♦︎

93m Feadship

from $1,501,000 p/w eek ♦︎

92m Nobiskrug

92m   2000/2023

from $1,025,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Aquarius 12

92m Feadship

from $1,500,000 p/w eek

Moonlight II 36

91m Neorion

91m   2005/2020

from $696,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Tranquility 22

92m Oceanco

92m   2014/2023

from $1,100,000 p/w eek

90m Corsair Yachts

90m   2007/2021

from $497,000 p/w eek

Phoenix 2 12

90m Lurssen

90m   2010/2024

from $1,000,000 p/w eek

90m Royal Huisman

90m   2004/2024

from $324,000 p/w eek ♦︎

90m Oceanco

90m   2018/2024

from $1,303,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Lauren L 36

90m Cassens-Werft

90m   2002/2008

from $750,000 p/w eek ♦︎ *

89m Oceanco

Maltese Falcon 12

88m Perini Navi

88m   2006/2023

from $490,000 p/w eek

Project X 12

88m Golden Yachts

from $1,179,000 p/w eek ♦︎

86m Scheepswerf Gebr. van der Werf

86m   1998/2024

from $531,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Man of Steel 12

86m Oceanco

86m   2010/2023

86m Derecktor Shipyards

86m   2010/2021

from $945,000 p/w eek

86m Abeking & Rasmussen

86m   2009/2024

from $939,000 p/w eek ♦︎

86m   2010/2018

from $1,233,000 p/w eek ♦︎

85m SilverYachts

from $938,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Grand Ocean 12

85m Blohm + Voss

85m   1990/2019

from $703,136 p/w eek

Meridian A 12

85m Lurssen

85m   2011/2019

from $1,018,000 p/w eek ♦︎

O'Ptasia 12

85m Golden Yachts

85m   2018/2024

from $980,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Solandge 12

85m   2013/2022

from $1,072,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Victorious 12

85m Ak Yachts

from $871,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Le Ponant 32

84m   1990/2022

from $488,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Savannah 12

84m Feadship

84m   2015/2020

83m Golden Yachts

83m   2004/2022

82m Abeking & Rasmussen

82m   2015/2021

81m Feadship

81m   2011/2017

from $992,000 p/w eek ♦︎

80m Oceanco

80m   2007/2019

from $846,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Elements 12

80m Yachtley

from $859,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Excellence 12

80m Abeking & Rasmussen

from $1,150,000 p/w eek

My Dragon 12

80m Columbus Yachts

from $918,000 p/w eek ♦︎

80m Bilgin Yachts

from $831,000 p/w eek ♦︎

from $965,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Amaryllis 12

78m Abeking & Rasmussen

78m   2011/2022

from $770,000 p/w eek

78m Golden Yachts

78m   2023/2024

from $811,000 p/w eek ♦︎

77m IHC Verschure

77m   1974/2019

from $638,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Boadicea 18

77m   1999/2024

from $645,000 p/w eek

76m Oceanco

76m   2008/2019

from $847,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Cloudbreak 22 6 12

75m Abeking & Rasmussen

from $804,000 p/w eek ♦︎

75m Admiral Yachts

75m Feadship

from $900,000 p/w eek *

from $880,000 p/w eek

Cocoa Bean 12

74m Trinity Yachts

74m   2014/2020

from $590,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Starburst IV 12

from $983,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Lady Vera 12

74m Nobiskrug

74m   2011/2023

from $762,000 p/w eek ♦︎

74m Freire Shipyard

74m   2011/2014

from $595,000 p/w eek

74m   2008/2013

from $561,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Coral Ocean 12

73m Lurssen

73m   1994/2022

from $708,000 p/w eek ♦︎

73m Delta Marine

73m   2006/2015

from $525,000 p/w eek

Nautilus 12

73m Picchiotti

from $818,000 p/w eek ♦︎

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Mediterranean Yacht Charter Q&A

We advise booking your Mediterranean yacht rental at least three months in advance to ensure you get the yacht you desire. The longer you leave it, the fewer choices you will have to rent in the Mediterranean.

One of the wonderful aspects about renting a yacht in the Mediterranean is the exceedingly long season. For example in West Mediterranean locations like France, Spain and Italy, the best time to visit is usually from May until September. This balmy weather extends to well into October in East Mediterranean destinations like Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Turkey.

For your Mediterranean superyacht charter, you will need to provide a completed charter agreement and 50% of the charter fee as a deposit. This is payable once the contract has been signed.

When booking a Mediterranean yacht rental, do keep in mind the costs that aren't included in the base rate, namely VAT and the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). The APA is usually paid in advance of the charter and is commonly set at 30% of the charter fee. This allowance covers expenses such as fuel, berthing, food and drinks, as well as any special requests. 

Please consult your yacht charter broker for any other costs you may need to factor in for your yacht charter in the Mediterranean.

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Did Bayesian superyacht’s 237ft mast cause it to sink?

B ayesian’s 237ft metal mast may have played a part in the sinking of the superyacht off the coast of Sicily , experts have suggested.

The yacht, named after the mathematical theory Mike Lynch used to make his millions in the tech industry, foundered in the small hours of Monday morning.

Key among potential reasons for the loss of the vessel will be its most striking feature – the aluminium mast.

Four British personnel from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch are on their way to Palermo to carry out a preliminary assessment.

There are also theories that hot overnight temperatures of 27C (80C) could have prompted passengers to leave portholes and windows open – hastening the sinking when the high winds hit.

Launched in 2008 by Perini Navi, Bayesian is one of the 50 largest sailing yachts in the world and her mammoth mast supported a total sail area of almost 32,000 sq ft.

Bayesian had the tallest aluminium mast in the world when it first took to the seas under her former name Salute. The record was overtaken last year when Jeff Bezos, the Amazon billionaire launched his yacht, Koru.

Koru’s masts stretch to 278ft tall according to Boat International magazine.

Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy commander and warship captain, said initial reports from survivors and witnesses suggested “that the weather was sufficiently violent to cause her to capsize at anchor”.

Weather reports from Palermo airport, 12 miles west of the yacht, suggest that at about 4am, winds switched from a gentle south-westerly breeze to gusts of 40mph, with temperatures dropping.

Local newspapers have described the weather as a tornado and a waterspout, which is a tornado above water.

The pressure of high winds on the mast could have helped tip the boat over in rough seas, experts have suggested.

Mr Sharpe said capsizing seemed “unlikely” to him given the Bayesian’s size “and that boats like that are designed to survive poor weather – unless something failed at the same time like a valve that let water in and made the whole boat unstable”.

He said it was more likely that the Bayesian had “dragged anchor”. Anchors are designed to lodge on rocks on the seabed, but if the seabed is too soft, or weather is so bad that the anchor is dislodged, then a boat can drag its anchor and drift.

If a boat drifts into an obstruction such as a rock or another boat, this can damage the boat by tearing a hole in its side leading to sinking, Mr Sharpe suggested.

The sea bed off Porticello, the Silician harbour nearest to where Bayesian was moored for the night, consists of a mixture of rocky and muddy areas, according to nautical charts reviewed by The Telegraph.

This means the yacht could have dragged anchor if it had been lowered into a soft, muddy patch of seabed.

A captain of another boat anchored nearby said his vessel was hit by abnormally strong winds on Monday morning.

Karsten Borner said the Sir Robert BP was battered by strong gusts in the early hours of the morning but he managed to stabilise the vessel while anchored by using the engine.

He said as they were doing this, they noticed the Bayesian nearby and manoeuvred to avoid hitting it.

“We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,” said Capt Borner.

Mr Sharpe said: “From a seamanship point of view, the other boat (Sir Robert BP) coming up on her main engines and using those to keep position around [her own] anchor is what you should do. Yacht anchors are often not that robust and that is the best way to avoid putting too much strain on it and/or dragging.”

An alternative theory is that the weight of the mast led the Bayesian to capsize.

A yacht industry source told The Times that the vessel sank after the weight of her mast took the hull beyond its “down-flooding angle” – the point at which a boat cannot right itself after swinging at a steep angle – meaning water rushed over the sides into the interior.

“The wind toppled the mast, which fell over the side, causing the boat to heel over and take on water, capsize and sink very quickly,” the source said.

This can occur whether the mast snapped off or not.

Sam Jefferson, editor of Sailing Today, told The Telegraph: “She has a very tall, aluminium mast – I believe it is the second tallest aluminium mast in the world – and that would not have helped.

“Many yachts with big masts have carbon masts instead of aluminium as these save on weight and improve stability and performance.

“Stability was obviously the problem in the extremely strong winds she was experiencing and I’d assume the boat was pinned on its side and could not right before it filled up with water.”

Another superyacht expert who asked not to be named told The Telegraph that the mast could have pulled the Bayesian over into capsizing, although he expressed some scepticism, saying sailing yachts are designed to prevent that from happening.

He said the anchor-dragging theory was also a plausible explanation for why the Bayesian sank.

Typically, crews try to anchor in safe spots that are sheltered away from the wind, they said.

The Bayesian was moored just off Porticello, a few miles east of Palermo. Prevailing winds from the north-east may have robbed the vessel of the shelter offered by the Sicilian coast, which lay to the west.

Dr Lynch was reportedly aboard the vessel. His wife, Angela Bacares, is among those rescued but six others, including four Britons, are still missing.

One person, reportedly the yacht’s chef, died in the incident and his body was recovered by rescuers.

The Bayesian’s last refit was in 2020.

The vessel was listed for rent for up to €195,000 (£166,000) a week, according to online charter websites.

The interior featured six cabins – one master, three doubles and two twin rooms – for up to a dozen guests, with the crew occupying separate quarters.

Fitted out in a Japanese style, the interior was styled by the Remi Tessler design house.

Under her former name Salute, the yacht won the Best Exterior prize at the World Superyacht Awards in 2009, and the Best Interior at the International Superyacht Society Awards in 2008.

A coastguard statement issued on Monday morning said the missing passengers were of “British, American and Canadian nationality”.

Camper & Nicholsons, managers of the Bayesian, confirmed the vessel sank at about 4.30am following “severe weather”.

The Italian Coast Guard is leading search and rescue operations, and said on Monday it had safely recovered 15 individuals.

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Mike Lynch and daughter among six missing after yacht sinks: What we know about disaster - and 'alarming' potential cause

One person is confirmed to have died after the British-flagged luxury vessel named Bayesian sank, with 22 people on board. Sky News looks at what we know about the tragedy.

News reporter @samuelosborne93

Wednesday 21 August 2024 08:55, UK

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British tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his daughter are among six people missing after a superyacht sank in a storm off the coast of Sicily - with one person confirmed to have died.

Twenty-two people were on board the vessel, 15 of whom were rescued - including Briton Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter Sofia.

Four other Britons and two Americans remain missing, including Mr Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, according to Italian media. The entrepreneur's wife Angela Bacares was rescued.

Here's what we know about the sinking of the luxury vessel so far.

Follow live: People missing after superyacht sinks

What might have caused the sinking?

The British-flagged luxury vessel, named the Bayesian, capsized at around 4.30am local time on Monday morning off Palermo, according to ship-tracking site Marine Traffic.

It sank in a matter of minutes with 22 people on board - 12 passengers and a crew of 10, according to the Italian coastguard.

Waterspouts, essentially tornados which form over water, were seen as powerful winds battered the area overnight, local media said.

The yacht may have sunk faster with all the doors open due to the hot weather, Sailing Today magazine editor Sam Jefferson has said.

"I imagine all the doors were open because it was hot, so there were enough hatches and doors open that it filled with water very quickly and sank like that," he said.

Official pictures show air conditioning units in several of the rooms, however, which could counter the suggestion open windows caused the vessel to sink faster.

The huge mast is also likely to have played a role, he added.

What are waterspouts?

Waterspouts typically occur during thunderstorms and can develop very rapidly, within minutes.

Their spin generally reaches wind speeds between 75-200mph, but can reach as high as 300mph.

They can travel at about 10-20mph typically but can reach greater speeds, making them difficult to avoid - especially in something as slow-moving as a yacht.

Matthew Schanck, chair of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, called the reports of a tornado or waterspout "rare" and "quite alarming".

"The vessel was at anchor in a recognised anchorage," Mr Schanck said.

"Depending on wind direction and the state of the sea, this informs the captain whether it is a safe area to anchor or not. There was nothing that was too concerning, for my eye. All in all, the captain used the information they had to make a safe call."

Who owns the yacht?

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is among those missing.

The 59-year-old owner of the yacht is known as the " British Bill Gates " and has been in the headlines in recent months over a high-profile fraud case.

In June, a US jury cleared him of all charges, which were related to the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP). The yacht trip is believed to have been a celebration of the end of Mr Lynch's legal troubles.

HP accused him of deliberately overstating the value of the company before it was acquired by the American tech giant.

Mr Lynch was extradited to the US to face trial in May last year and spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco as he awaited trial on 17 charges of conspiracy and wire fraud brought by the US Department of Justice - which were later reduced to 15 charges. He always denied any wrongdoing and was acquitted.

Read more: Lynch's co-defendant dies days before yacht sinking

Who was on board when the boat sank?

The passengers were largely British and American, the Italian coastguard said. Crew members were from New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada.

Charlotte Golunski was among the Britons rescued. Her LinkedIn profile says she is a partner at Mr Lynch's firm Invoke Capital and has worked there since 2012.

Speaking after the ordeal, Ms Golunski told Italian media that she lost her daughter Sofia for "two seconds" amid the "fury" of the sea but was able to retrieve her. She said she held the infant above the waves until the lifeboat was ready.

"Many people screamed. Luckily the lifeboat inflated and 11 of us were able to get on board," she told ANSA.

The girl's father James Emsley also survived, according to Sicily's civil protection agency.

Also on board were Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of investment bank Morgan Stanley, his wife Judy Bloomer, a top US lawyer Chris Morvillo, who worked on Mr Lynch's criminal case, and his wife Neda Morvillo. They are all missing.

The yacht's captain James Calfield survived, along with South African crew members Leah Randall and Katja Chicken.

Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian-Antiguan chef who was working on the boat, has been found dead, the Italian Coastguard has confirmed to Sky News.

During rescue efforts, divers saw "corpses through the portholes" of the wreck as they recovered the body of a man at a depth of 50m (164ft), according to Salvo Cocina, the head of the Civil Protection of Sicily.

What do we know about the vessel?

The Bayesian was known for its unusual 72.3m (246ft) single mast - one of the world's tallest made of aluminium - and shared its name with the statistical method Mr Lynch's Autonomy software was based on.

It was built by Italian company Perini Navi in 2008 and last refitted in 2020.

It was listed for rent for up to €195,000 (£166,000) a week, according to online charter sites.

The luxury vessel , which was managed by yachting company Camper & Nicholsons, can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites.

It won a string of awards for its design, according to online specialist yacht sites.

Mr Schanck said the vessel would have been equipped with "high standard" life-saving appliances and radio communications. He added the yacht would have met all international standards and UK maritime coastguard agency regulations before its voyage.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on 14 August and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of "at anchor", according to vessel tracking site VesselFinder.

The Bayesian previously travelled to other parts of Sicily before its last sighting off the coast of the port of Porticello.

On Sunday, the boat was seen off the coast of Cefalu before it travelled towards Porticello, MarineTraffic data shows.

In the days before, the yacht travelled around four of the Aeolian islands, just north of Sicily.

It was previously named Salute, or "health" in Italian, when it flew under a Dutch flag. Its minimalist interior featured light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions on charter sites.

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Prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese have opened an investigation into the sinking.

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Captain of Bayesian rescue boat describes 'disaster'

The captain of a boat that rescued 15 people after after a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily has described the incident as "a big disaster".

One person on board the vessel is confirmed to have died, while another six remain missing.

Karsten Borner said his own boat was battered by very strong gusts in the early hours of the morning, but he managed to stabilise it while anchored by using the engine.

He said they noticed the Bayesian nearby and manoeuvred to avoid hitting it.

"We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone."

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Morgan Stanley International chairman among missing from sunken yacht, reports say

Jonathan Bloomer, the chairman of Morgan Stanley International, was on Monday night reported to be among the missing from the sunken yacht Bayesian.

He was confirmed missing by Italian authorities, according to The Times.

Mr Bloomer is a close friend of Mike Lynch, the owner of the yacht, who is also missing alongside his 18-year-old daughter Hannah.

Salvatore Cocina, head of the Civil Protection in Sicily, said Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance, was also missing.

The vessel is thought to have been hit by a tornado while anchored off Sicily. 

Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian newspaper la Repubblica stated. Italian media said the man who died was the yacht’s onboard chef.

Mr Lynch’s US fraud trial, which ended two months ago with him being cleared by a San Francisco jury, saw Mr Bloomer take the stand as he had led the audit committee at Mr Lynch’s firm Autonomy.

It was alleged that he had overseen fraudulent accounting at Autonomy that wildly inflated the former FTSE 100 company’s value before it was sold to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion (£8.7 billion) in 2011.

Mr Bloomer claimed that Mr Lynch had largely ignored Autonomy’s accounting, in evidence which was critical to his defence.

Mr Bloomer claimed: “Mike was mostly interested in the strategy, new products, new areas to look at, potential acquisitions.

“For example, he didn’t come to the audit committee and wasn’t particularly interested in the finance side.”

According to his Linkedin profile, Mr Bloomer is currently the chairman of insurance provider Hiscox and was the chief executive of Prudential before being ousted in a boardroom coup in 2005 following the dotcom crash.

Live Reporting

Related stories, lawyer and chairman among those missing.

Salvatore Cocina, head of the Civil Protection in Sicily, said Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance and Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, were also among the missing people.

Meanwhile, Italian media said the man who died was the yacht’s onboard chef.

Did Bayesian superyacht’s 237ft mast cause it to sink?

Bayesian’s 237ft metal mast may have played a part in the sinking of the superyacht off the coast of Sicily, experts have suggested.

The yacht, seemingly named after the mathematical theory which Mike Lynch used to make his millions in the tech industry, foundered in the small hours of Monday morning.

Key among potential reasons for the loss of the vessel will be its most striking feature – the aluminium mast.

Read our latest here

British inspectors deploy to Sicily

Britain’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch said four of its inspectors were being deployed to Palermo.

A basic assessment of the scene will be made by the team with no investigation launched at this stage, the PA news agency understands.

Lynch’s co-defendant in fraud trial died in car crash on weekend

Mike Lynch’s co-defendant in his US fraud trial died in a road accident on Saturday days before the tycoon went missing off the coast of Sicily.

Stephen Chamberlain was hit by a car during the accident over the weekend in Cambridgeshire.

Chamberlain faced the same charges of fraud and conspiracy as his former boss Lynch for allegedly scheming to inflate the value of his company Autonomy before it was sold to Hewlett Packard.

A source told The Telegraph: “Our dear client and friend Steve Chamberlain was fatally struck by a car on Saturday while out running.

“He was a courageous man with unparalleled integrity, and we deeply miss him. He fought successfully to clear his good name, which lives on through his wonderful family.”

Pictured: Search mission continues

‘A holiday day at sea turned into a tragedy’

“At around 4:30 in the morning it was gone. A beautiful vessel where there had been a party. A normal holiday day spent happily at sea turned into a tragedy,” a witness told Italian news agency ANSA. 

He continued: “The vessel was not far from the port. It would have taken very little to raise the anchor and head for the port. Evidently they were surprised by the storm that suddenly hit and they were unable to avoid the sinking.”

Rescue operation will continue overnight

The rescue operation for the missing six passengers will continue overnight, Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency has said.

A specialist caving search and rescue diving team has also arrived and hoped to “achieve results” overnight or early tomorrow morning, the BBC reported. 

Pictured: Survivors leave the Porticello Coast Guard headquarters

Superyacht guests were celebrating Mike Lynch’s acquittal when disaster struck

Guests were celebrating the acquittal of Mike Lynch, the British tech entrepreneur, on the superyacht Bayesian when the vessel sank off the coast of Italy.

Mr Lynch had gathered guests from Clifford Chance, the legal firm, and Invoke Capital, his own company, after being cleared in June of fraud over the multi-billion-dollar sale of Autonomy.

He was found not guilty on all counts of an accusation of inflating the value of the company, which he sold to the US tech giant Hewlett-Packard for £8.6 billion in 2011.

Read the full story here

‘We should have found something by now’

Francesco Venuto, the spokesman for Sicily’s civil protection agency, has told the BBC that they “think [the missing people] must be there [in the boat]”.

“We’ve been searching all day with helicopters and boats, we’ve found nothing. That wouldn’t make sense, in these conditions we should have found something by now,” he added.

Lynch’s wife in wheelchair following incident

According to La Repubblica, Bacares is in a wheelchair, with abrasions on her feet that prevent her from walking and bandages on other parts of her body.

The newspaper said that she told doctors that at 4am the boat tilted and she and her husband woke up.

At first, they were not worried but then there was a scene of confusion as glass shattered and everything slipped.

Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter also missing

Mike Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter Hannah is among those missing in the superyacht sinking, The Telegraph understands.

Italian media early reported that Angela Bacares, Mr Lynch’s wife, told doctors that her husband and daughter were missing.

Pictured: Previous waterspouts and tornados in Italy

A downburst reported near Sicily in 2018

A tornado reported at Licata, Sicily, in 2021

A waterspout in Apulia, Italy, in 2024

‘In the wrong place at the wrong time’

The boat sank after a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency. One body has been recovered, and police divers were trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello, near Palermo, where it had been anchored.

The Italian coast guard said the yacht had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers.

A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored. “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Cocina said, noting that another superyacht nearby wasn’t as badly damaged and was able to rescue some of the 15 survivors.

Who is Mike Lynch? Britain’s ‘Bill Gates’ who was acquitted of £8bn fraud just two months ago

Just weeks ago, Mike Lynch was walking out of a San Francisco courtroom a free man with tears in his eyes.

The technology tycoon known as “Britain’s Bill Gates” had improbably beaten the odds in a bitter US legal dispute with technology giant HP, convincing a jury that he was not guilty of claims of massive fraud.

Cleared after a 13-year legal fight, the entrepreneur vowed to fight to reform Britain’s extradition laws after he was flown to San Francisco to face trial and kept under house arrest.

Read the full profile here

Pictured: Rescue teams search the water

Pictured: A diver leaps into the sea during search for victims

‘I held her afloat with all my strength’: British mother describes rescuing her baby from drowning

Among the 15 survivors is a one-year-old British baby called Sofia who was saved by her mother, Charlotte Golunski.

Ms Golunski, an Oxford graduate and senior associate at Invoke, had fought to prevent her child from drowning. While all around her she could hear the screams of the terrified passengers and crew, she kept her grip on her baby to stop her from slipping beneath the waves.

The child’s mother told Republicca, the Italian newspaper: “I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. 

“It was all dark. In the water I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.”

Mike Lynch was awarded an OBE for services to enterprise

Mike Lynch was made an OBE for services to enterprise in 2006. 

That same year, he was appointed to the board of the BBC, and was later elected to then-prime minister David Cameron’s council for science and technology in 2011.

He advised Mr Cameron on subjects including “the opportunities and risks of the development of artificial intelligence and the government’s role in the regulation of these technologies”.

Mr Lynch is among six tourists missing after the luxury yacht sank in bad weather off the coast of Sicily, sources said.

Four of the missing passengers are British and two are American, Italian news website la Repubblica stated.

UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch sending team

The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch is sending a team of four inspectors to conduct a “preliminary assessment” into the sinking of the Bayesian, a government spokesman said.

The Bayesian was registered in London and flew the Red Ensign, meaning UK authorities will be involved in the investigation into why she foundered.

Specialist divers are being flown to Sicily from the Italian mainland

Specialist cave divers are being flown to Sicily from the Italian mainland to assist in the search for survivors of the superyacht as hopes fade of finding any of the six alive.

Luca Cari, spokesman for the firefighting service, told The Telegraph firefighter divers from Palermo and the Sardinian towns of Cagliari and Sassari had been working tirelessly at a depth of 50 metres since the early hours of Monday morning when the alarm was sounded.

But Mr Cari said the spaces inside the luxury yacht were so small that specially trained cave divers and their equipment were required to access the cabins.

“We are working non-stop with our divers and our helicopter.  But we are talking about very small confined spaces inside the yacht so we need the specialist cave divers and their equipment,” he said.

He declined to say whether divers had identified bodies through the portholes of the sunken yacht but said as time went on it was increasingly unlikely that the firefighters would find any more survivors.

Divers search for bodies after superyacht sinks in Sicily

Divers involved in the rescue operation for the missing passengers of the Bayesian have been captured entering the water as part of the search effort. 

Three divers in orange wetsuits are seen in the water off the coast of Sicily before they commence an underwater search for those that are missing. 

Mike Lynch has been called the ‘British Bill Gates’

Mike Lynch, the British technology tycoon, is one of six tourists missing in a superyacht sinking. 

Mr Lynch founded software giant Autonomy in 1996, and made his name as one of Britain’s most influential entrepreneurs through the company.

He has been described at points as the Bill Gates of Britain, for founding the company which became one of the biggest enterprise software firms on the planet.

He negotiated an 11 billion dollar (£8.64 billion) sale of Autonomy to Hewlett Packard, which generated a more than 800 million US dollar windfall for him.

But the sale also kicked off a 13-year legal saga. It was only in June this year that Mr Lynch was cleared of charges alleging he orchestrated a fraud and conspiracy leading up to the deal, which turned into a costly albatross for HP.

He faced more than 20 years in US prison if convicted of the fraud and conspiracy allegations, and the Times reported that he spent 13 months under house arrest awaiting the trial that ended in June.

Bayesian superyacht specs

The Bayesian is 56 metres long (183ft) and has a 75m (246ft) long mast.

The vessel was in front of the port of Porticello, in the province of Palermo, when the severe weather struck. 

Its anchor was down and the strong gust would have caused the vessel to lose balance which is believed to have led to the shipwreck.

Who is Mike Lynch?

Mr Lynch, 59, founded the software company Autonomy in 1996 and became one of Britain’s most high-profile businessmen when he sold it to Hewlett Packard for £7bn in 2011.

He spent more than a decade seeking to clear his name after HP accused Autonomy executives of illegal accounting practices in 2012.

Mr Lynch was charged with fraud in the US in 2018 and was found not guilty in June in a stunning legal victory. He had only recently returned to the United Kingdom and had planned to defend wrongfully convicted Britons.

Ms Bacares holds much of his fortune. The couple have had two daughters, who are 21 and 18.

Survivor leaves coast guard headquarters after sailboat sank off Sicily

A survivor leaves the coast guard headquarters after a superyacht sank at around 5am in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo on Monday.

The 50-metre vessel reportedly had mostly British nationals on board and 15 people were saved by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child.

Earlier today the coast guard issued a statement saying it had rescued 15 people from the yacht that had 22 people onboard. 

The term Bayesian explained

The term Bayesian refers to a branch of statistics pioneered by Thomas Bayes, an 18th century mathematician and vicar.

Much of modern artificial intelligence and computer analysis is underpinned by Bayesian inference, which involves updating the probabilities of various scenarios based on ongoing evidence.

The statistical model was crucial to Autonomy’s technology, which searched through large amounts of corporate data to find information.

In 2021, Mike Lynch said that: “Bayes deserves far more historical credit for the place he occupies among the forefathers of information theory”

Mr Lynch has often used playful naming conventions. Conference rooms at Autonomy were named after James Bond villains, another interest of his, while his dogs have named after engineering terms such as Valve, Tappet and Switch.

Doctor describes mother’s ordeal

Dr Domenico Cipolla, head of emergency room at the Giovanni di Cristina paediatric hospital in Palermo, has described the experience of Charlotte, the British mother who was onboard the Bayesian when it sank. 

DrCipolla said: “She told me that while they were sleeping, at a certain point the yacht overturned due to the tornado, and they found themselves in the water. 

“Some of them immediately managed to get onto the lifeboat. And some, evidently, didn’t make it.

“She told me that she was in the water for no more than two, three seconds, and she managed to save the baby, to keep her arms up, and then, with the others, they were able to get on the lifeboat, and then, I think, they were rescued by the coast guard.

“They are all in good condition. We managed to get the parents to talk (to each other) on the phone, all the doctors and nurses were all very moved, also because the little girl is fine, the prognosis is good and we are carrying out tests just to be careful.”

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch missing in superyacht sinking

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch is missing after the sinking of a superyacht off the coast of Sicily, The Telegraph understands.

Watch: Captain who rescued passengers from yacht sinking interview

The captain who rescued passengers from the Bayesian has spoken to media about the ordeal.

Captain of another boat describes saving 15 Bayesian passengers

The captain of a nearby boat that rescued the 15 people has described the conditions in which the Bayesian sank last night.

Karsten Borner said his own vessel, the Sir Robert BP, was battered by very strong gusts in the early hours of the morning, managing to stabilise it while anchored by using the engine.

He said as they were doing this, they noticed the Bayesian nearby and manoeuvred to avoid hitting it.

“We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone.”

Details of the superyacht

The Bayesian is 56 metres long (183ft) according to ship tracking website VesselFinder.

The luxury super yacht is said to have a 75m (246ft) long mast.

She was built in 2008 by Italian company Perini Navi with an initial asking price of 35 million euros (£30 million) according to Nautic Link. 

According to the leasing company Yacht Charter Fleet, the boat is furnished with a “Japanese-style” interior.

It has been designed to accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites, along with ten crew members.

The Bayesian was awarded the best exterior styling at the 2009 World Superyacht Awards.

Male body recovered, Vigili del Fuoco confirms

Vigili del Fuoco,  Italy’s fire and rescue service, has confirmed a male body has been recovered from the yacht.

In a post on X, it said the “lifeless body of a man recovered [has been] from the wreck by the divers.”

It posted the statement alongside a clip of the rescue effort with footage showing helicopters, boats and divers carrying out a search operation.

#Palermo , naufragio imbarcazione a Porticello: recuperato dai #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco il corpo senza vita di un uomo, all'esterno del relitto. Proseguono le operazioni di ricerca con il coordinamento in mare della @guardiacostiera [ #19agosto 11:30] pic.twitter.com/Y2m9o5ohCe — Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024

Four Britons missing after yacht sinks off Sicily

One person has died and four British nationals are missing after a yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, Italian media has reported.

The 50-metre boat, which is called the “Bayesian”, sank at around 5am in the stretch of sea in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo.

The vessel reportedly had mostly British nationals on board and 15 people were saved by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child.

One-year-old survivor called Sofia, local media reports

The one-year-old English girl who was saved from the shipwreck has been named as Sofia, local media reports. 

Map: The superyacht’s journey before it sank

The Bayesian sank at around 5am in the stretch of sea in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo.

Below is a map of its journey before it went down. 

A mother saved her one-year-old from drowning, local media reports

A mother has told of how she kept her one-year-old daughter alive after a yacht sank off the coast of Sicily.

Charlotte, a survivor of the incident said her child is now being treated in the Di Cristina hospital, in Palermo, following the ordeal in which the Bayesian sank due to severe winds. 

The mother, who is said to be a British tourist, told la Repubblica, a local news website: “I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. 

“It was all dark. In the water I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.” 

Charlotte said her husband James has been taken to Civico hospital in Palermo after suffering minor injuries. 

La Repubblica said that the father asked about his daughter’s health during a phone call with his wife.

According to the paper, he said: “How is the little girl? Is she there with you?”

His wife reassured him and they promised to hug each other again soon, the site reported. 

Shadow foreign minister pays tribute to those involved in incident

Alicia Kearns, shadow foreign minister for Europe, wrote on X: “Desperately sorry to hear of the capsizing of the Bayesian - a heartbreaking incident.

“My thoughts are with all the families of those lost at sea, and those recovering following the rescue operation, I’m sure the foreign office will be providing consular support to British Nationals and their families.”

Foreign Office statement

The Foreign Office said in a statement: “We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected.”

‘I saw it suddenly disappear’, says Porticello fisherman

Pietro Asciutto, a fisherman from Porticello who witnessed the sinking, told ANSA: “I was at home when the tornado hit. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I saw it sink suddenly.”

He added: “I think the tornado came from Porticello. Shortly after I went down to the Bay of Santa Nicolicchia to get a better look at what was happening. 

“The boat was still floating, then suddenly it disappeared. I saw it sink with my own eyes.”

Sinking of Bayesian ‘strange’, says former chief stewardess

A former chief stewardess of the Bayesian has described news of the yacht’s sinking as “strange” because the boat had withstood the choppiest of seas.

Monica Jensen, 48, told The Telegraph: “It seems a bit strange. We have been in bad weather with it, crossed the Atlantic.

“It’s been all over. These things definitely don’t happen very often.”

Ms Jensen worked on the 56m superyacht from November 2018 to October 2020 for a private owner and said the boat had since been sold. 

She accompanied the boat on two Caribbean seasons and cruised around Italy, Malta, Greece and the Balearics.

Ms Jensen said the crew would have been well-drilled on the evacuation process.

She said: “You can’t work on a boat without the right certificates, training and you do drills monthly.”

Pictured: Emergency services carrying bodybag following shipwreck

Emergency services are pictured carrying a bodybag to shore after local media reported a man’s body had been recovered from the shipwreck off the coast of Sicily. 

Coast guard statement

The Italian Coast Guard said in a statement: “This morning at about 5am, following a violent gale, a 56-metre yacht named Bayesian and flying the UK flag sank off Porticello.

“The first shipwrecked were rescued by a boat in the immediate vicinity and brought ashore by four coast guard vessels, which promptly responded to the scene from Porticello, Termini Imerese and Palermo.

“Initial information received from the yacht crew indicated that 22 people (10 crew members and 12 passengers) were onboard the yacht.

“There are currently 15 people rescued and seven missing (one crew member and six passengers), of British, American and Canadian nationality.

“Of the people recovered, eight were transported to local hospitals. The vessel is reported to have sunk on a seabed of about 50 metres.

“The search continues unabated with naval, air and underwater resources, including the Messina Coast Guard Diving Unit.”

Mayor makes statement about incident

Filippo Tripoli, the mayor of Bagheria in Sicily, said: “This morning, off the coast of Santa Flavia, a foreign boat sunk due to bad weather, 15 people recovered and seven missing.

“Already all the police forces and emergency services are operational and our Red Cross volunteers are present.”

‘Captain should not be blamed’, says local businessman

Bartolomeo Lo Coco, who owns the Tosto Chiosco cafe in Porticello, said it was common for rental yachts and boats to sail through the fishing village, adding that the captain should not be blamed for what had occurred because the weather had been so unpredictable.

“This was a terrible misfortune that no-one could have foreseen. It is nobody’s fault, the captain should not be blamed.”

Lo Coco said Carabinieri police, coast guard and firefighters were still searching the port. He stressed that the yacht was at a depth of 50 to 60 metres.

People in ‘mourning’, says local business owner

Bartolomeo Lo Coco, who owns the Tosto Chiosco cafe in Porticello, said those in the port were in “mourning” following the deeply shocking incident.

He said no one could have predicted the storm and the whirlwind that appeared to have caused the accident.

“We are in mourning here, all of us are in mourning,” he told The Telegraph. “We have never seen anything like this, ever. There is a very serious tragedy.”

His kiosk, which serves snacks and sandwiches, overlooks the water in Porticello.

He said the whirlwind, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, had not only caused the tragic accident but also widespread damage in the port.

He added: “This wasn’t a thunderstorm, this was a whirlwind. It happened all of a sudden. There is a lot of damage here. Boats were dislodged from their moorings and restaurant tables were broken within minutes and sent flying several metres.”

Body of man recovered in search, local media reports

The body of a man has been recovered from the seabed in the search for missing people following a shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, according to il Fatto Quotidiano.

The local news website said: “A body was found and recovered by rescuers on the seabed. Firefighters and the coast guard are looking for six other passengers, while fifteen have been rescued.”

Among the survivors is a one-year-old girl who is being treated in the Civico hospital with her mother, the site said.

According to witnesses, the vessel was in front of the port of Porticello when the severe weather struck. 

The anchor was down and the strong gust would have caused the vessel to lose balance which is believed to have led to the shipwreck.

Storm in Palermo

Footage shared by the BAIA Santa Nicolicchia restaurant shows the storm hit the port.

The violent weather causes damage outside the restaurant, knocking over chairs and plant pots.

Yacht designed for luxury travel

The Bayesian was designed for luxury travel, according to local media.

Tgcom24 described the yacht as an “elegant 56-metre sailing boat” weighing 473 tons. It was said to be flying a United Kingdom flag when it sank.

The online newspaper said it was built by the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard in February 2008, before being refitted in 2020.

The boat had arrived in Porticello after a stop in Milazzo and a passage in front of Cefalù, Tgcom24 reported.

Watch: Search underway

Aerial footage of the search has been posted on social media by Vigili del Fuoco, Italy’s fire and rescue service.

The post on X, formerly Twitter, said: “A Palermo boat wreck off the coast of Porticello, 15 people saved, seven reported missing.

“Since dawn firefighters and divers have engaged in the search. The wreck has been identified 50 metres deep.”

Vessel ‘caught middle of a hurricane’

The BAIA Santa Nicolicchia restaurant in Porticello wrote on its Facebook page that the yacht sank at around 4am after being caught in a hurricane.

They called it an “unbelievable tragedy”, adding that they were “lost for words”.

The post read: “Last picture I took at 10pm. The yacht on the left sank at 4.05am, caught in the middle of the hurricane 300 metres from the port of Porticello, next to another sailboat that provided rescue.

“It looks like there are 22 on board but unfortunately seven missing, they’re still afraid inside the hull.

“Unbelievable tragedy tonight. I’m out of words.”

Pictured: Last photo of boat

The last photo thought to have been taken of the yacht at 10pm on Sunday in Porticello.

Four Britons missing

Four Britons are reported to be missing after a yacht sank in a stretch of sea in front of Porticello.

Seven people are missing in total, including four Britons, one Canadian, two Americans and the ship’s cook.

The vessel reportedly had mostly British nationals on board and 15 people were saved by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child.

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August 20, 2024 4:11 AM

• The Associated Press

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PORTICELLO, Sicily — Rescue teams and divers were returning to the site of a storm-sunken superyacht off Sicily on Tuesday to search for six people, including British tech magnate Mike Lynch, who are believed to be still trapped in the hull, 50 meters (164 feet) underwater.

Divers were loading a rescue dinghy at the port of Porticello, near Palermo, after a first search Monday ended unsuccessfully. Fire rescue crews reported that divers were unable to access the below-deck cabins because they were blocked by debris that had shifted during the violent storm that toppled the luxury sailboat early Monday.

Fifteen people survived, including a mother who reported holding her 1-year-old baby over the waves to save her. One body has been recovered, officials said.

“Access was limited to the bridge, due to the difficulty represented by the presence of furnishings obstructing the divers’ passage,” the fire crews said in a statement.

The search was made particularly difficult because the ship was resting on the seabed at a depth of 50 meters, which limits the amount of time divers can be underwater, said fire rescue spokesperson Luca Cari. As a result, the search is expected to take time, he told The Associated Press early Tuesday.

The 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian luxury yacht had been moored about a half-mile off Ponticello when a storm rolled in around 4 a.m. Monday. Civil protection officials said they believed the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout, which had passed over the area.

Fifteen of the Bayesian’s 22 passengers and crew managed to escape, first onto a lifeboat and then by a nearby sailboat, the Sir Robert Baden Powell, that had also been moored offshore to ride out the storm, Karsten Borner, the captain of the Baden Powell, told reporters at the scene.

One body, belonging to the Bayesian’s chef, was recovered nearby.

Among those missing was Lynch , who was once hailed as Britain’s king of technology. He was cleared in June of fraud and conspiracy charges in a U.S. federal trial related to Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion takeover of his company, Autonomy Corp. His wife, Angela Bacares, survived.

The vacation appeared to be something of a celebration after Lynch's acquittal, with guests including some of the people who had stood by Lynch throughout the ordeal. Among those unaccounted for, according to the civil protection agency, were one of Lynch’s U.S. lawyers, Christopher Morvillo of Clifford Chance, and Morvillo’s wife. Also among the missing was Jonathan Bloomer, the former head of the Autonomy audit committee who testified at Lynch’s trial, and his wife.

Among the survivors was Charlotte Golunski, who said she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported. The father, identified by ANSA as James Emslie, also survived.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, was carrying 12 passengers and 10 crew. According to online charter companies, it has been available for charter for 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week and is notable for its massive 75-meter tall aluminum mast, one of the tallest in the world.

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