What is APA in yacht chartering?
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance — a running-cost float, usually 25–35% of the charter fee, paid to the captain before the trip. It covers fuel, food, drinks, and port and marina fees. The captain accounts for it transparently and refunds any unspent balance at the end of the charter.
Key facts
- APA = Advance Provisioning Allowance.
- Typically 25–35% of the base charter fee.
- Covers fuel, food, drinks, berthing and running costs — not the crew's wages (those are in the base fee).
- Paid to the captain before the charter; unspent funds are returned, and you top up if it runs low.
Why the APA exists
Running costs on a charter vary hugely with how you cruise, so instead of guessing they are handled through a float. You pay the APA in advance, and the captain spends it on your behalf during the trip, keeping receipts and a running tally.
This keeps the base charter fee clean and predictable while letting the actual holiday — where you go, what you eat and drink — flex to your wishes.
What APA covers (and what it doesn't)
APA covers variable running costs: fuel and water, all provisioning (food and drink), port, marina and mooring fees, fuel for the tenders and water toys, and one-off requests such as a special wine or a florist.
It does not cover the crew's salaries or the yacht's insurance — those sit inside the base charter fee — and it is separate from any crew gratuity, which you decide at the end.
How it's reconciled
At the end of the charter the captain presents a full account of what was spent. If money is left over it is returned to you; if costs exceeded the float you settle the difference. A typical APA is 25–35% of the base fee, higher for yachts that cover long distances at speed.
Common questions
Do I get unused APA back?
Yes. The captain accounts for every expense and refunds any unspent APA at the end of the charter. If spending exceeds the float during the trip, you top it up.
Is APA the same as a tip?
No. APA is a running-cost float for fuel, food and fees. A crew gratuity is a separate, discretionary thank-you (customarily around 5–15% of the base fee) that you decide at the end of the charter.
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