A

Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) – The APA is used for the guest expenses covering all other operating costs outside of the charter fee. The funds are usually sent to the captain 4 weeks before embarkation and inclusive of the following: guest food and beverage, fuel, berth, agency fees, internet, water, electric and shore side transport.

Aft / Stern – the back end of the boat

Aft Deck – the guest area located at the back of the boat and is usually the main outside dining area

Anchor – used to secure the vessel to the sea bottom 

B

Beach Club – some yachts may have an area at the back of the boat known as the beach club where guests are able to swim and access the water toys. Some may have a spa, lounge and bar area

Berth – an allocated space for boats to moor at the dock

Bow – Forward/front of the boat

Bridge – is the main control center onboard a yacht where the captain and officers man the whole operation 

C

Cabin – sleeping area for both guests and crew

Charter Agreement – a signed agreement between the charterer, the broker and the owner outlining the rules and regulations, policies, and payment terms of the charter

D

Day Head – is the nautical term for the toilet onboard a yacht

Deck – the exterior platform(s) of the boat

Double cabin – a state room with a double bed

F

Foredeck – deck space at the front of the yacht

Forward – toward the bow / front of the boat

G

Galley – the nautical term for the kitchen onboard a yacht

H

Helm – is where the yacht is steered from

Hull – the body of the ship that floats in the water

K

Knot – the nautical measurement of speed

M

Master cabin – the largest or most luxurious state room available onboard the yacht

P

Passarelle – the walkway (gangway) from the yacht to the dock

Port – facing forward this is anything on the left side of the boat

Preference sheet – a sheet that contains all the charterers / guests needs during the duration of the stay included a detailed list of food, beverages and activity preferences. It allows the crew to provide a personalised charter catered to their individual needs.

Pullman – a bed that folds out from the wall or ceiling that is suitable for children

S

Stabilizers – helps to keep the yacht stable

Starboard – facing forward this is anything on the right side of the boat

Stern –  the back of the yacht

Sundeck – the top deck of a yacht

Swim platform – the space at the back of the yacht at water level that allows you to swim out from

T

Tender – a small boat onboard the yacht that is used for yacht to shore transportation, watersports, and crew operations. All superyachts will carry at least 1 tender up to 5 tenders depending on the size of the yacht

U

Underway – when the yacht is cruising

V

VIP cabin – typically the second-largest or second most luxurious cabin aboard a charter yacht