At the start of the charter, the charterer must provide an additional Security Deposit, (currently €3,500), to the charter base. This payment can be made in cash, VISA, or MasterCard; however, debit cards and AMEX are not accepted. The deposit serves as the deductible for any damage to the yacht or loss of equipment. Should such an incident occur during the charter, the charterer is required to replenish the Security Deposit to its full amount to maintain coverage for any future incidents. Failure to do so may result in termination of the charter agreement.

At the end of the charter, the deposit will be refunded to the charterer without interest, provided there are no outstanding liabilities, debts, damages, or breaches of booking conditions. If any costs are incurred for damages or losses caused to the yacht or its equipment, and these costs are less than the Security Deposit, the remaining balance will be refunded to the charterer once the expenses are settled. In the event of a dispute regarding damages or liability, the Security Deposit will be held until the matter is resolved.

A non-refundable Security Deposit Waiver can alternatively be purchased. For skippered charters, the Security Deposit Waiver is mandatory. 

For the ultimate vacation experience, we highly recommend hiring a professional skipper for your trip, even if you are a certified skipper. This allows you to fully relax, enjoy peace of mind, and avoid the risks associated with potential costly damages. Additionally, a professional skipper brings valuable local knowledge, uncovering hidden gems and special spots that would otherwise be missed.

Please note: Prices do not include provisioning for the crew. If monetary compensation for meals is agreed upon, it shall be no less than €30 per crew member per day.

The charterer is responsible for providing crew members with appropriate sleeping cabins/berths, as well as access to onboard showers and toilets specifically designated for their use. In addition to the four double cabins, the yacht includes two single crew cabins.

Elysium Yachts assists the charterer by sourcing and hiring local freelance crew directly, without any additional surcharge or fee. However, this facilitation does not make Elysium Yachts responsible for the performance or quality of the crew services provided.

Important Note: Elysium Yachts does not act as a crew agent or employer. It solely serves as an intermediary and makes no representations or warranties regarding the crew’s performance. Elysium Yachts assumes no liability for any acts, faults, omissions, or negligence on the part of the crew.

Security Deposit for Skippered Charters:
In the case of a skippered charter, a damage waiver option is mandatory.

If you think a professional skipper is expensive; try an amatuer.

The skipper holds primary responsibility for the safety of the crew and the yacht at all times. For bareboat charters in Greece, it is mandatory to have at least one certified sailing yacht skipper and one experienced crew member onboard, both of whom must be over 18 years old.

Licensing requirements for bareboat charters in Greece align with offshore, open-sea sailing standards (>12 nm) for day and night voyages. All certifications must be presented in English.

The skipper must demonstrate competence in handling a yacht in confined spaces, including anchoring, berthing, and mooring under various conditions. Additionally, they must possess strong navigation and pilotage skills to ensure the safety of the yacht and all passengers at all times.

The minimum licensing requirements for skippers include at least one of the following certifications. (Please note: These requirements are subject to change without prior notice or liability on the part of Elysium Yachts).

▶ ICC SAIL (International Certificate of Competence)
▶ IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), America
▶ USA-US Sailing “Bareboat Cruising Course”, ASA “104 Bareboat Cruising Course” or above
▶ NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License & Credentials), International
▶ Germany - Sportbootführerschein See or above
▶ Belgium - Algemeen Stuurbrevet/Brevet de conduite general
▶ France - LE PERMIS PLAISANCE

Other national sailing certificates, such as ASA, NauticEd SLC, IYT, and RYA, may be accepted. However, local Port Authorities may require a sailing experience declaration for both the skipper and co-skipper.

We strongly recommend contacting our team in advance to verify your qualifications and destination-specific requirements before making a booking. Please ensure you carry the original copy of your sailing certificate and proof of competency with you on your charter.

By accepting the yacht charter contract, you confirm that you and/or members of your crew are capable and competent to safely sail the yacht under the expected conditions and within the designated cruising area. The charter company reserves the right to withhold the yacht if, upon inspection, it determines that the charterer is not fully competent to take charge of the vessel.

For the ultimate vacation experience, we still recommend hiring a professional skipper for your trip, even if you are a certified skipper. A professional skipper ensures peace of mind, allows you to fully relax, and reduces the risk of costly damages. Additionally, a skipper’s local knowledge can help uncover hidden gems and unique destinations in the area, enhancing your overall experience.