RUNNING ON WAVES Yacht Charter - Luxury Crewed Yachts & Private Charters

Choose a crewed charter for a seamless luxury experience. Whether you travel with family, a corporate team, or a celebration, RUNNING ON WAVES curates a personal voyage from the moment you confirm your dates. A dedicated crew delivers flawless service, from a seasoned captain to a chef crafting menus to your tastes. Your booking includes guaranteed safety checks, a pre-departure briefing, and emergency gear stored for quick access, so you can enjoy the voyage with confidence.

Based in key yachting hubs, our fleet ranges from 40 to 70 meters and accommodates up to 12 guests. Each vessel has stabilizers, water toys, and a professional crew with a formal training cycle. We provide a basic provisioning list upfront and can tailor selections to your preferences, with a clear commission policy that keeps costs straightforward from dock to deck.

Our itineraries are crafted to fit your pace and interests. Including curated stops for snorkeling, secluded coves, cultural excursions, and on-board spa or chef-led tastings. Our crew coordinates shore experiences with trusted partners to ensure safe access to underwater scenery through snorkeling, land-based tours, and private events. Under your supervision, you stay flexible while keeping a firm safety standard.

Under our care, you receive confirmed itineraries and weather-adjusted plans that keep you on track without sacrificing spontaneity. We enforce a strict safety protocol, carry certified life-saving gear, and log all maintenance and emergency drills. We operate with faith in our crew's training and in transparent processes. Their dedicated crew takes responsibility for every detail, from provisioning to tender transfers, so you can focus on savoring the voyage.

Based on your stored preferences, we assemble a final plan and share it ahead of time for your review, with options to tweak days, ports, or dining arrangements. Whether you sail for a private charter or a luxury crewed experience, you gain access to our in-house concierge team and a network of vetted partners to handle onshore arrangements.

Practical Guide to Luxury Crewed Yachts & Private Charters

Book a high-performance, crewed yacht 12–18 months in advance to lock peak-season dates and limited itineraries, then confirm a sailing option if you crave wind-driven speed or switch to motor for predictability.

Set a precise budget from the outset: charter fee, port fees, fuel, provisioning, wages for crew, gratuities, insurance, cash reserves for onshore expenses, and an expense reserve. Use a simple forms packet to capture guest names, dietary needs, and visa or clearance requirements.

Plan the itinerary with what is possible at sea and on shore. For a private charter, share what you want to see and what you want to avoid; your captain will tailor routes accordingly. Send your preferred ports and activities in a single notice to avoid back-and-forth and missed opportunities.

Onboard comfort comes down to cinema-level ambience, high-quality food, and targeted experiences. The crew will elevate meals from seafood dinners to wellness breakfasts, stored ingredients to keep freshness, and a beam of sunlight on deck during cocktails.

Owners carry responsibility for safety and compliance; ensure the yacht has current paperwork, insurance, and a clear chain of command. Review the vessel's information package, confirm sun-shot plans, and verify that emergency procedures are known by every guest. Fees and taxes should be explicit in the contract, with a direct line of contact for notices.

Connectivity and plugins keep guests comfortable: secure payment plugins, weather updates, and real-time chat with the bridge. Have a stored backup plan for weather shifts and a contingency schedule for layovers.

Tip: hire a captain with a Viking mindset for decisive navigation and a reliable crew with a track record of high-performance operations. Always verify references, review the payment terms, and keep a printed or digital copy of all agreements for quick access to information and peace of mind.

Crew matching: assign captain, chef, and service staff to your group

Assign captain, chef, and service staff to your group based on itinerary, accommodation needs, and weeks aboard.

Captain selection focuses on safety, route awareness, and guest service. Choose a captain with a strong record of successful port calls, tender coordination, and under way operation. Confirm licenses, medical certificates, and a recent drills record; request copies for your file and ensure the crew’s credentials are installed in the vessel’s site log.

Chef selection centers on dietary requirements, provisioning efficiency, and menu flexibility. Have the chef review the listing and discuss menus three to four weeks before departure, then confirm a week-by-week plan that covers provisioning across destinations. Align on allergies, preferred regional flavors, and backup options if a local market is limited–this reduces last‑minute expense and keeps meals fresh and balanced.

Service staff deployment balances guest comfort with service speed. For up to eight guests, two service staff plus the captain and chef often suffice; for larger groups or longer weeks, add one to two more hands to cover dining service, bar operations, and tender coordination. Ensure they are cross‑trained in safety, guest care, and basic maintenance so they can respond to minor issues without delaying the outing. Review their roles with a short consult and reference a site briefing or a few training clips on youtube to set expectations from day one.

Water toys and tenders require dedicated support. Assign a service member to oversee toys, inflatables, and outboard handling; confirm the tender crew understands launching and recovery procedures, fuel management, and guest safety. Check that all safety gear is installed and that the crew can operate tenders smoothly in various site conditions to prevent delays during excursions.

Documentation and budgeting matter. Create a clear listing of duties, shifts, and rest periods to avoid overlaps. Some operators offer a single crew package or a per‑hour rate; obtain a written credit policy for any extra items, and confirm what is included, what requires extra expense, and how provisioning is billed. For a case where dietary changes or last‑minute guest requests arise, have a fallback plan and a brief reallocation of duties ready to keep the schedule on track. Please keep all notes in a shared file so the group can review it before departure.

• Category and roles: captain, chef, two to four service staff (adjust by group size)
• Accommodation: cabin assignments and crew quarters mapped to guest comfort
• Weeks and schedule: shift patterns aligned with rest periods
• Tenders and toys: crew lead for launches, safety checks, and gear handling
• Legal and licensing: keep certificates and insurance references current
• Provisioning: menu brief, dietary notes, and local sourcing plans
• Budget: base rate, potential extras, and credit arrangements with the operator
• Training: briefings and quick clips (youtube) for crew standards

Case example: for a 6‑guest group aboard a mid‑size luxury yacht over four weeks, you’ll typically need 1 captain, 1 chef, and 2 service staff, with 1 engineer or deckhand added if the yacht relies on outboard tenders. This setup supports two tenders, daily dining service, and consistent hospitality while keeping safety at the core. More guests or a longer itinerary may require expanding the team and adjusting provisioning cadence accordingly.

Route planning: weather, permits, and anchorages for open-water itineraries

Recommendation: Lock a 72- to 96-hour weather window for the opening leg and select a protected port-to-port sequence with anchorages that offer shelter from prevailing winds, so you can adapt if a system shifts.

Weather analysis: Analyze ensemble forecasts from ECMWF and GFS, monitor wind, swell, and visibility, and use on-board data to refine routing. For high-performance hulls, anticipate extra fuel burn and adjust speed to maintain a comfortable ride and passenger experience. Update the plan at least every 12 hours and record changes in the operations log. Track weather news and system developments to anticipate sudden shifts before you reach the next waypoint, and be prepared with an alternate route in case conditions worsen.

Permits and regulations: There, check permit requirements early for protected zones or marine parks; coordinate with your broker or port agent, and leverage third-party services when needed. Include pricing and terms in the permit workflow and attach copies to your charter file, within the monthsthe departure window.

Anchorages and routing: Prioritize anchorages with bank protection and safe swinging room; verify depth, bottom type, and distance to reefs or shoals. Plan day hops of 30–60 miles, and allow 3–4 days for weather windows and back-up options. There are classic open-water routes with multiple safe options along the coast; ensure services such as water, fuel, and medical support are accessible from the chosen ports.

Practical steps and data sources: Gather inputs on accommodation options for layovers, verify pricing and terms, and coordinate through your broker-based network or third-party references to confirm port calls. Record engine performance data for high-performance systems (Penta, Yamaha) and ensure maintenance status aligns with the planned days at sea; keep a case file for the voyage and reflect updates on the website for adult crew compliance.

disclaimer: Weather and regulatory conditions can change; always confirm with authorities and the captain before departure.

Gastronomy on board: tailored menus, dietary needs, and beverage programs

Provide a tailored menu plan 48 hours prior to sailing, based on guest preferences and dietary needs, with a clear allergy protocol and rotating 7-day sets to minimize repetition. This plan does not compromise flavor.

Design each menu with a starter, main, and dessert for each chosen dietary profile, and ensure options for dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, halal, and kosher guests; analyze guest feedback to refine the next day’s choices, and prepare additional labeled portions to avoid cross-contact for their dining experience. This approach uses previously used menus to inform refinements.

On the beverage side, curate an on-site program with a sommelier, curated wine lists, non-alcoholic pairings, and signature cocktails. The on-site sommelier updates the list according to port calls and guest preference. The galley uses arimar equipment and high-performance tools to preserve freshness; stabilizers keep seating calm during swells, while amenities support seamless course timing, and service cadence runs about 75–90 minutes per course whilst guests enjoy sunset views, and the hull moves at 8–12 knots.

Provisioning follows a site-based plan, insured by marine hospitality coverage; the menu and beverage selections align with their itinerary, with traffic-aware deliveries to minimize delays. Based on the profiles you provide, please send the chosen options 48 hours before embarkation and we will ensure items arrive at the galley without compromise, ready for service at the next setting.

Sample menu sets for a 3-day cycle: Set A features Eastern-inspired mezze with smoked eggplant, tahini, and citrus yogurt; Set B presents herb-crusted chicken or fish with lemon, olive oil, and quinoa; Set C offers vegetarian plates with roasted peppers, fennel, and almond ricotta. Each set includes a matching beverage, and can be adapted for allergies; instructions are sent to the crew ahead of the route while sailing along the coast to ensure freshness at service time.

Please confirm your chosen profiles and any additional preferences so we can finalize the plan and proceed with provisioning and crew training.

Water toys and shore experiences: diving, snorkeling, tenders, and guided tours

Begin by selecting a high-performance tender with a trained crew to maximize time with water toys and shore experiences. Confirmed rates are published by the source in your charter packet and can be settled in cash if necessary; terms are clear and documented. For RUNNING ON WAVES, options adapt to the east and Arabian routes, prioritizing safety, fuel planning, and easy access to calm coves. Track total time on water and shore days to avoid fatigue after long passages, and apply a safety checklist before each outing.

1. What to expect from snorkeling sessions: the crew stocks masks, snorkels, fins, and optional reef-safe sunscreen. Sessions run 45–60 minutes per site with a 15-minute safety briefing beforehand. Make a quick risk assessment–watch currents, depth, and water temperature–and choose sites with good visibility (3–15 meters) and low boat traffic. A short warm-up on deck helps guests adapt and reduces the chance of seasickness, a necessary step for a smooth experience.

2. Water toys and gear you can rely on: the yacht carries stand-up boards, tubes, wakeboards, and a Sea-Doo-style toy for calm bays. The tender uses outboard propulsion from Yamaha or Volvo, delivering high-performance transfers to close-in beaches. Expect fuel usage to be tracked in the total plan, with a quick refuel at a nearby marina if needed, and always have a backup option ready in case weather shifts.

3. Tenders and on-water handling: the RIB’s stabilizers and a bow thruster stabilize movements in light chop, while the running track monitors RPMs and knot readings for efficient cruising. When you reach a sheltered cove, you can land quickly and re-join the yacht without downtime, a classic setup for back-to-back excursions along the east coast and beyond the France coastline.

4. Guided tours ashore: options include historic town strolls, markets, and harbor museums. In France, target coastal towns like Nice or Cannes for a refined, culture-rich afternoon; in Arabian routes, explore souks and desert scenery with a private guide. Tours are scheduled to align with tides and your preferred return time to the yacht, so you know what you’ll see and when you’ll be back.

5. Safety, medical readiness, and gear checks: a compact medical kit stays on board, with PFDs for all guests. Before first use, every toy gets a quick safety check, and the crew briefs guests on depth awareness and swimmer safety. A firewall protects onboard Wi‑Fi, while cookies on the network keep logins smooth for sharing photos after the outing.

6. Connectivity, movie nights, and downtime: guest access to secure Wi‑Fi allows you to stream a movie on the deck or share sunset photos from the track of your itinerary. A classic evening routine often includes a deck session, weather permitting, to unwind after a day of activities.

7. Payments, terms, and references: rate quotes are confirmed prior to departure; cash is accepted on request for on-site purchases. These terms cover gear, fuel, crew time, and regional permits, with receipts issued for total spend and a summary in your charter dossier.

8. After-action planning and continuous improvement: the captain analyzes guest feedback to refine future excursions, ensuring every leg of the itinerary runs smoothly. This approach keeps RUNNING ON WAVES aligned with guest desires and safety standards throughout the voyage.

Pricing and inclusions: what’s included, what’s extra, and payment terms

Choose a fully inclusive package to lock in the total cost for your ocean-going charter and avoid post-booking surprises. This approach clarifies performance, amenities, and the itinerary for the weeks you sail.

The base rate covers captain and crew, chef-prepared meals, cabin accommodations, daily housekeeping, standard amenities, and island calls within the planned length of your trip. The fleet’s reliability is reinforced by modern engines, including volvo-powered configurations on several vessels, built for safety and comfort, ensuring smooth operation between island calls.

Extras include jacuzzi upgrades, spa services, premium beverages, special menus, guided island excursions, additional water toys, and tailored provisioning. Availability is limited, and some itineraries incur fuel surcharges, marina fees, or customs charges. These items are calculated separately and shown clearly before confirmation, with a separate notice issued by brokers.

Payment terms are straightforward: a 30% deposit confirms the booking; the balance is due 30–60 days before departure. Payments may be processed by bank transfer or card via the site, with brokers coordinating the details and issuing any changes. If you cancel, refer to the published terms for refunds and notice requirements; changes can affect the original rate.

For the latest news and rate updates, check the site. The источник of rate changes is managed through the brokers, and notices are issued promptly to keep you informed about any change before you sail.