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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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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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How Much Does it Actually Cost to Charter a Yacht?

From tips to APAs, we steer you through all the costs associated with private yacht charters.

By Emma Al-Mousawi

Not many things can match the glamour of yacht travel. The endless opportunities for exploration in the most luxurious of settings, as the wind blows through your hair, sounds even more alluring after a year spent indoors with feet firmly on solid ground. As we emerge from the grips of the pandemic, a private yacht charter could offer adventure seekers the perfect escape away from the crowds. And one of the most common questions amongst novice charterers is ‘how much does it actually cost to charter a yacht?’

Here at Elite Traveler, we are answering this question and more as we round up the key costs that anyone planning their first yacht charter needs to take into consideration.

[See also: The World’s Most Expensive Yachts for Charter]

What will my yacht charter rate include? 

Most importantly, there are generally two types of yacht charter: an all-inclusive charter and the more common ‘plus expenses’ charter. As suggested by the name, the cost of an all-inclusive yacht charter will include (almost) everything such as crew, food, drinks, fuel and water sports equipment (though always check as this does vary between charter companies). However, s ome all-inclusive charters won’t include dockage or mooring fees, which can soon add up – but more on that later. 

A ‘plus expenses’ or ‘separated charges’ charter is where a base price is charged for the ship and its crew, while everything else is paid for through an ‘Advance Provisioning Allowance’ (APA) before you step onboard. Prior to a voyage, guests will complete a preference sheet with their likes and dislikes, enabling the chef and service team to stock up on the guest’s favorite items. This tends to be the norm on superyacht charters as it allows for a much more tailored experience.

As well as covering food and beverages, an APA will also cover things like fuel and possibly dockage. It is usually charged at around 30% of the yacht’s base rate. According to luxury yacht brokers Northorp and Johnson , the average price paid by its customers for a week’s ‘plus expenses’ charter was around $152,000 in 2020, which would mean an APA of around $45,600 – not a small sum, so it’s definitely something to be aware of when selecting your vessel. 

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A third, less common charter is a ‘bareboat’ charter. This is a charter without a crew or provisions and only generally favored amongst experienced yachtsmen and women or those who can supply their own crew. 

[See also: How to Charter a Superyacht]

There are generally two types of charter: all-inclusive and ‘plus expenses’ / ©Burgess

Does size impact how much it will cost to charter a yacht?

The reputation of the crew, the age of the yacht and its design will all influence the price of your charter; however, the single biggest factor that will impact cost is likely to be the size: the bigger the yacht, the more you’re likely to pay. 

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For example, with leading yacht brokerage Burgess , a week’s charter in the Caribbean aboard the 163.3 ft Home starts at $245,000 . If you opt for the larger Laurentia , at 180.5 ft, the price starts at $450,000. Both yachts were built in 2017 by leading Dutch shipyard Heesen and have capacity for 12 guests, but there is over $200,000 difference in the price. Naturally, you can also expect a higher APA for a bigger ship. 

N ovice charterers might be surprised to learn that a larger yacht doesn’t automatically translate into a larger guest capacity. Most superyachts are capped at a 12 guest limit due to International Maritime Organization safety regulations.

Home is available for charter from Burgess from $245,000 per week /©Burgess

A week’s charter on board Laurentia starts at $450,000 / ©Burgess

Does the type of yacht impact the price?

The answer is yes, but to a lesser extent than size. There’s something for everyone when it comes to yachts: classic yachts (built between the 1920s and 1970s) allow you to experience old school glamour of a bygone era, whereas sportfishing yachts are nimble and offer a long-range to get you to the best fishing (or diving) spots.

Sailing yachts are a popular choice amongst boating enthusiasts, but by a long shot, the most popular charter yachts are motor yachts. These are typically what spring to mind when you picture a superyacht and (size-dependent) tend to be the most expensive type of yacht to charter, often being pricier to purchase, maintain and fuel. Explorer yachts are motor yachts designed to cope with the most extreme conditions – if you’re planning a luxury superyacht charter to Antarctica, for example, it’s likely to be aboard one of these.

Over the past decade, explorer yachts have skyrocketed in popularity amongst intrepid travelers looking for opulent adventure on the seven seas. A week onboard the world’s fastest explorer yacht, the 311.68 ft Bold , costs approximately $964,300. This also makes it one of the world’s most expensive yachts to charter, in line with what you’ll pay for chartering the crème de la crème of the more ‘conventional’ superyachts typically seen on the French Riviera, like the ultra-glamorous O’Pari . A week’s charter onboard the 312 ft O’Pari comes complete with custom artwork and DJ booth costs from $1.1m.

[See also: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

Charter Bold from Burgess for approximately $964,300 per week / ©Guillaume Plisson

Is chartering during certain months more expensive than others?

The time of year will impact your charter price. In yachting, there are two main seasons – summer and winter – and chartering during these peak times will push up the cost. The summer season runs from May to October, with peak rates in July and August. The winter season runs from November to April, with peak rates over the Christmas holidays and into New Year. Location also dictates the price of a charter; for example, Caribbean charters are costlier from December to March whereas Mediterranean charters are at their priciest during the summer months. 

What about expenses, gratuities and other unexpected costs?

Not even a Mediterranean jellyfish has the power to sting an unassuming first-time sailor like end-of-trip expenses. 

As mentioned previously, with ‘plus expenses’ charters your APA is paid before you set sail. However, a detailed list of outgoings will be kept by the ship and if your expenses surpass the amount of your APA, you will be asked to cover the amount for the remaining charter. Saying this, it does work both ways – any unspent APA will be refunded to you. 

On both all-inclusive and ‘plus expenses’ charters, crew gratuities are not included in the yacht charter price. If you were happy with the service, the going rate is around 15 to 20% of the charter cost, so do keep this in mind. 

Depending on your charter agreement, docking fees, a charge you pay to keep your yacht in a marina or harbor overnight, may or may not be included in the cost. These can vary greatly depending on the location, time of year and the size of your yacht. Expect to pay the highest docking fees on the Mediterranean during high season with Capri and St Tropez commanding some of the steepest premiums.

Your itinerary can also affect the price, as traveling to places like Antarctica and the Arctic Circle require expensive permits. Certain destinations will also charge tax and VAT, so it is sensible to check with your broker if you’re keen on getting a cost breakdown before your trip. 

[See also: The Best Superyachts to Charter This Summer]

Emma Al-Mousawi

Latest in luxury, the explorer.

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How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht?

Table of Contents

Who among us hasn’t dreamed of cruising far horizons aboard a luxurious private yacht? Even just imagining ourselves cruising around sandy shores, anchoring in secluded coves, and pulling up to a great waterfront restaurant or a colorful beachside bar makes us happy.

Yacht charter makes all of this a reality. If you’re concerned about the cost of chartering a yacht, cast your apprehensions aside. Plenty of options means there’s no reason to give up on being the hero or heroine of your own dreams.

Here we’ll go over the types of private yacht charters and the costs of one. Let’s dream big together, shall we?

Explore available yacht rentals near you

Types of private yacht charters

Firstly, there are different types of private yacht charters. All-inclusive charters include the yacht, a professional captain and crew , all onboard meals and beverages, harbor fees, and fuel costs.

You’ll likely enjoy this experience the most if your hardest decision all day is how many cups of coffee you’ll drink at breakfast.

Meanwhile, a plus-expenses private yacht charter includes the yacht, the captain, and the crew. Meal costs and fuel costs are separate. So, too, are port taxes, dockage, and other fees.

You pay for these through an allowance before stepping aboard or a bill at the end of your trip. Either way, it allows for a more personalized, tailored experience.

Note that these types of private yacht charter are much different than the bareboat charter type. With that type of trip, you’re basically the owner and crew rolled into one.

You chart where you want to go, fuel up as needed along the way, and provision the boat. Similar to renting a car while on vacation, you keep the boat neat and tidy so there’s a quick turnaround for the next customers to step up.

Costs of a private yacht charter

Okay, now that you understand the types of charter, you’re still probably wondering how much it is. The cost of chartering a yacht may seem high, at least initially.

However, it actually can be quite reasonable if a few friends or family members join you and split the expenses. In fact, you may find you get more bang for your buck compared to other upscale entertainment choices, like staying at a resort.

A few factors ultimately influence the cost of chartering a yacht. As already mentioned, all-inclusive charters are different than plus-expenses charters. Additionally, the age of the yacht and the crew’s reputation comes into play.

The time of the year —peak summer season, for example— does as well. The charter’s length, the yacht’s size, and the passenger total are often the biggest factors, however.

Consider a yacht in Miami that lists at $2,100 for an eight-hour day . Once you add fuel costs, dockage fees, and the captain’s gratuity, the total is about $3,300.

Since the yacht accommodates 12 people, that’s $275 per person. Even with just eight people, you’re each paying $412.50. Remember, this isn’t just transportation; it’s sightseeing, anchoring, swimming, and so much more entertainment all rolled into one day.

Ultimately, the cost of a private yacht charter can and does reflect a vacation as laid-back or as extravagant as you wish. Yachts from 45 to 65 feet in length easily can accommodate up to 10 people.

Usually, they book trips lasting a few hours, though some further offer daylong charters. At the other end of the spectrum are ultra-luxurious experiences in which 12 or more in your party can spend a week aboard.

These are much larger yachts—well over 100 feet—with much larger crews. They’re decked out with spas, swimming pools, and regal staterooms with marble-lined baths (too luxurious to be called heads).

This type of deluxe charter comes with a price tag of six figures for a week. If you book one, let us know if we can tag along—or at least tag us on Instagram.

Remember, too, that gratuities aren’t included in the cost of a private yacht charter, regardless of whether you book an all-inclusive or plus-expenses trip. If you’re pleased with the crew and the service, tip 15% to 20% of the charter fee.

If, after reviewing all these details, you decide the cost to charter a yacht just isn’t in your budget, don’t give up!

Consider instead boat sharing or boat renting

Boat-sharing sites like Boatsetter give people like you more access to great boats, with more boats added all the time. Grab a group of your friends and family, and get out on the water. That’s the most important thing to do.

Learn more about renting out your boat or yacht from Owners on the platform.

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain .

List your boat & start earning an avg. of $20K yearly with Boatsetter

A journalist with more than 30 years’ experience, Diane M. Byrne is the owner of MegayachtNews.com, a daily website educating American superyacht owners, buyers, and their circles of influence about the leading builders, designers, cruising destinations, and more. She founded the website in 2007 as the first, and still the only, American-focused online media outlet exclusively covering this market. It features all-original content, for real stories of real interest.

Diane is additionally one of the most-sought-after journalists for expert editorial coverage and commentary about not only superyachts, but also general boating and yachting. Her byline appears in Boatsetter.com, DiscoverBoating.com, and the magazines Luxury Guide, Ocean, Yachting, and Yachts International.

Additionally, Diane is the Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association, having been on the Board of Directors since 2015. Outside of yachting, she’s a trustee of Sempre Avanti, a non-profit resource supporting Italian and Italian-American individuals, businesses, and organizations in the United States and Italy.

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How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht? (Price Chart)

Yachts are luxurious boats you can rent for the weekend for the required price. Typically, a yacht charter cost depends on its length and desired amenities. The advantage of this option is in absolute freedom, so rigid commercial cruise ship timings and crowd won’t restrict your enjoyment.

There are two possibilities with such a choice. You can enjoy privacy or pick out the yachts with the crew dedicated to your needs. In both cases, you will have an unforgettable sailing time but be prepared that such a pleasure will cost you a lot. Let’s see.

What Yacht Charter Is?

Yacht charter is actually renting an owner’s yacht for an agreed period, typically a week. An average yacht charter can cost you about $12,500 per week in the high season, while prices are lower in the low season.

You can find a comfortable yacht for $10,000 per week in that period. You will have full access to all available amenities while sailing, like:

• Swimming pool
• Water toys, such as equipment for water skiing, wakeboarding , or snorkeling

You can charter a yacht anywhere worldwide. The only condition is to find the port and yacht type you want to rent. Most owners will provide an experienced captain and crew, and it is practically impossible renting a yacht longer than 50 feet (15 m) to sail on your own.

The yacht’s crew will care for all your needs during charters, including ferrying, providing meals, or washing laundry.

If you want to be a captain , you need to have the Yachtmaster Ocean license , but some countries require the equivalent license. In that case, you should find a smaller yacht or a possibly bigger one located in Croatia.

However, the first step is to determine the yacht type suitable for your needs that you want to rent.

Crewed Catamaran

Popular Catamaran is suitable for group sailing and offers enough space, comfort, luxury, and privacy. You can charter this boat type when looking for a family vacation at an affordable price.

You should take advantage of Catamarans convenience and discover beautiful bays while dining close to the water. Modern fittings and experienced crews will offer the feeling of being on a luxurious yacht, but with the freedom of a sailing yacht.

Crewed Sailing yacht

This yacht is a comfortable option to enjoy sailing surrounded by luxury. Sailing yachts excellently head upwind but are suitable only for experienced sailors.

Crewed Motor yacht

This option is for you when you know the exact location to visit and have a precise itinerary in advance. So, this boat will allow you to get there while spending relaxing time.

Crewed Superyacht

Superyacht offers the holiday like in a 5-star-hotel. The cabins are comfortable, often with hot tubs and an exercise room. Plus, you have internet access and luxury water toys at your disposal at any moment.

Such a charter vacation will cost you at least $15,500 per week for a 65.5 feet (20 m) long yacht. A maximum price can go to approximately $3,400,000 per week for 450 feet (135 m) long super luxury yacht.

Factors That Affect Yacht Charter Costs

Yachts are almost always privately owned, so yacht charter costs primarily depend on the owner’s demand. That is a reason for the wide price range in this field, but some general frameworks still exist and are related to several factors.

The yacht production year, design, brand, water toys, crew reputation, and the previous owner will significantly affect the yacht charter costs. Boats with a reputation as the most luxurious or largest and those whose former owners are celebrities will be more pricey.

For instance, the iconic charter yacht ‘Highlander’ has higher rates for so-called fame value since it hosted many celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor and Prince Charles.

However, the yacht size will have the most significant impact on the renting price. Simply said, the bigger yachts will cost you more.

For instance, a week’s charter will cost you approximately $20,000 to $80,000 when you pick out a 65 to 80 feet (20 – 24.5 m) yacht. On the other hand, renting an 80 to 100 feet (24.5 – 30.5 m) long model is more expensive, and its price will be $80,000 and $120,000.

As you can expect, a weekly charter rate for over 100 feet (30.5 m) long superyacht is at least $100,000 and often more expensive. Renting a super-luxury mega yacht longer than 200 feet (61 m) goes from at least $300,000 to over $1,000,000.

In rare cases, you can find a charter fee discount offer. It is always time-limited, typically when a particular boat has a gap in the charter calendar due to an unexpected cancellation.

Destination

As you can expect, the charter destination plays a significant part in charter costs. For example, Mediterranean and Bahamas yacht charters prices are more competitive, while places without large charter fleets will be more costly.

Typically, all charters outside the USVI and BVI will be expensive since cruising permits and taxes for remote destinations are higher. Finally, sailing to Alaska can be pricey since renting is available only for half a year because of the harsh weather. You will probably need to make a reservation in advance.

Trip duration

In most cases, the yacht charter is for seven to ten days on average, but sometimes owners accept a shorter duration. In such rare cases, a minimum stay is five days.

The trip length directly affects the charter costs. If the primary price included two hours of sailing, you should count on a 50% higher rate when deciding to use the yacht for three hours.

Be aware that the yacht charter price won’t go down for longer holidays, so you won’t get a discount and pay less when renting the boat for a longer period. The price for a week is the same whether you rent a boat for a week, two weeks, or a month.

Yacht charter prices vary depending on the season, like most other touristic services. Therefore, you can expect higher rental costs during the high season. However, you should be careful with dates since they are not the same for all destinations.

For instance, high seasons in the Caribbean are New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and all February. On the other hand, you should count on the highest prices in July and August when you plan to sail in the Mediterranean.

The yacht charter rates are often higher during famous festivals, carnivals, and shows. The most expensive destinations based on dates include:

• Olympic destination
• The Film Festival in Cannes
• Grand Prix in Monaco
• America’s Cup

If you only want to use a yacht during your vacation, you should plan sailing carefully. Sometimes, only a difference of one week can significantly affect the charter costs.

In other words, you can rent a boat the first low season week when the weather conditions are still the same as the previous high season week. However, it will cost you 15% to 30%, or approximately $6,000 to $30,000 less, depending on the yacht length.

The number of passengers

The group size is a primary thing you should consider before renting a yacht since it will directly influence the yacht type you need.

For instance, a monohull boat is ideal for a small family, but a group of 8 to 10 will need at least a catamaran. Finally, you should pick out a large yacht when planning a big party for many people.

All-inclusive or plus expenses

1. all-inclusive.

It is a complete service you can get for your money. In this case, the rates include:

• Accompanying crew
• Meals and snacks
• Open standard bar drinking
• Onboard watersports equipment

Be aware that there are some limitations regarding excessive consumption as well as consuming champagnes, extraordinary brands, and vintage wines.

A standard crew gratuity of 15 to 20% of the charter rate is excluded from the all-inclusive charter. Finally, you will need to pay separately for the final cleaning, insurance , dockage, and necessary taxes.

All-inclusive is an excellent option for renting monohull charters, catamarans, and yachts under 80 feet (24.5 m).

2. Plus expenses

This service typically includes:

• Yacht with the crew
• Yacht insurance

In this case, you should pay for all operating expenses at cost, including:

• Food and drink
• Consumables
• Communications
• Dockage, cruising taxes, port fees, and port agent fees

Typically, the owner will charge these extra costs from an Advance Provisioning Allowance , increasing the yacht charter fee by 30 to 35%.

It is the most often option on motor yachts, higher-end sailing yachts, and superyachts since the overall costs significantly vary, depending on the number of passengers and their demands.

This term includes many different equipment and amenities, like:

• Paddleboard
• Underwater sea bob
• High-powered smaller boat (yacht tender)
• Personal submarine

Some super luxury yachts can also come with:

Since the primary price doesn’t include these toys, you need to pay for the required ones.

Other factors

The owner will always recommend you to consider paying for optional extras, like:

The outboard engine – It will cost you €80 (approximately $90) to the charter cost but save you from rowing ashore in case of an accident.

Safety net – It is necessary equipment if you sail with children, which will cost you €80 (approximately $90) for one.

Adding crew – Paying for a cook or hostess can be convenient for a private cruise if you can afford it. That satisfaction will cost you €100 (approximately $110) a day, but keep in mind that the chef’s daily allowance is slightly higher.

Skipper – A professional help is always welcome, so you should consider hiring a skipper to find the best routes and places worth visiting.

Food costs for the crew – You should need to include the food for the crew on the paying list.

Yacht chartering is an excellent way to vacation and discover exotic islands and beautiful waterfront towns. You should pick out a boat of the proper size and a reputable yacht broker to help you with the organization. It is an expensive but ultimate pleasure you will remember for life.

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How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht?

Charter cruises aboard small ships and yachts have exploded in popularity in recent years and this trend will certainly accelerate given current concerns about traveler health and safety. The most common question we receive from travelers is “How much does a private cruise cost?” or “How much does it cost to charter a yacht?” There are many factors that will determine the cost of a private cruise charter including destination, yacht type and size, the length of the cruise, the season and timing of the cruise and several other considerations.

How Does Destination Affect the Cost of a Private Cruise?

Destinations such as Belize , the Mediterranean and Northern Europe’s England, Ireland and Scotland are easy to reach and have lots of yachts to choose from (for example, the average 10 Mediterranean yacht charter options seen here is curated but more than 25 options exist in total), so they will be the most cost effective. This ease of access and competition among yachts keep costs lower. Alaska small ship cruises or Galapagos cruises are more remote and have more complicated operational logistics and thus will cost more. For instance, in Belize you can book a yacht charter for as little as $400 per person per night whereas a private cruise in the Galapagos will start at about $600 per person per night and go up from there. 

How Does Ship Size & Type Affect How Much It Costs to Charter a Yacht?

One of the most significant factors affecting the cost of a private cruise is the yacht itself. Intuitively, more luxurious yachts will cost more while more simple yachts are more affordable. Similarly, larger yachts cost more, although this can be offset by splitting the costs among a larger group of travelers. Using the example cited above, a Galapagos yacht charter can start at $600 per person, per day, for a simple yacht such as the 16 guest Beluga and go as high as $1,000 per person per day for the luxurious 20-guest sister ships and prestigious Relais & Châteaux members Origin, Theory & Evolve . As prices get higher, expect larger cabins with view windows and upscale amenities, more deck space, award-winning cuisine with five-star service and sometimes onboard Jacuzzi, sauna and workout facilities. 

Timing & Seasonality Influence the Cost of a Private Cruise

The timing of when you charter a yacht will affect the price. Holidays and high season will cost the most, while off-season and shoulder season will offer the most affordable prices. Of course, this will depend on the destination. For instance, a private Alaska yacht charter in Glacier Bay National Park aboard the historic Catalyst & Westward costs about $525 per person per day in the shoulder season vs. $655 per person per day in the high season.  

The Length of a Yacht Charter Will Affect the Price

Yacht charters are priced per day or per week, and as the cruise gets longer the per-day price comes down. Shorter trips of less than one week are less expensive overall but will cost more per day. For instance a 4-day private Galapagos cruise aboard the Coral I & Coral II costs about $510 per person per day, whereas an 11-day charter aboard the same ships is about $460 per person per day. When you factor in flights, park fees and other expenses this difference is even larger (see next topic). You also might not be able to truly customize the trip length depending on your destination and time of year; many small ships stick to fairly strict sailing schedules during their prime sailing seasons, so thus may require you to commit to a weeklong yacht charter.

Be Aware of Extra Fees when Considering the Cost of a Private Charter

As mentioned earlier, the price of a private cruise is typically quoted as per week or per day. However, this doesn’t always tell the whole story when considering a full-boat private charter cruise. The advertised prices of many charters start at a base price and do not include the costs of food, drinks, fuel, local taxes and park fees, etc. These costs can sometimes account for up to 30% of the overall cost.

In the Wild West of internet shopping for yacht charters, be aware of this sometimes-deceptive practice.

Other costs that most charter researchers don’t consider are the cost of getting to your destination, travel insurance and crew gratuities. Travel insurance is especially important because charter terms can be more strict than standard cruise bookings. Crew gratuities can average 10-20% of the overall cost to charter a yacht. All private cruises chartered through AdventureSmith Explorations are inclusive with food, fuel, taxes and crew included in the price. But in the Wild West of internet shopping for yacht charters, buyers should be aware of this sometimes-deceptive practice. 

Plan Ahead to Secure Your Best Date & Price on a Charter Yacht

As the small ship expedition cruising industry matures, private cruises are the next logical evolution of up-close and experiential travel by yacht or small ship. The thought of sharing a private cruise with an intimate group of friends and family is very appealing, and we foresee this style of travel’s popularity only increasing. The benefits of a private cruise include exclusivity, flexibility and savings, but the only downside for some last-minute researchers is that you typically have to book farther in advance to ensure the ship can be available for your group. To get the best date and price when you charter a yacht, we recommend you book early and talk to an expert with experience in full boat charter cruises . Contact us anytime to receive a personalized charter recommendation from our team, or continue exploring the process in our blog post How to Charter a Yacht in 7 Steps .

TALK TO A CHARTER EXPERT

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This blog detailing charter cruise pricing is among AdventureSmith Explorations’ extensive travel resources. Visit our Small Ship Cruise Guides page for even more tips and inspiration to plan your travels aboard small ships.

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Do you guys do the Caribbean from were and destinations and cost.

Hi Angel, Thank you for your question. We offer both scheduled departures and private charter options in the Caribbean . Embark from ports in Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, the West Indies and British Virgin Islands. An Adventure Specialist will be in touch to help you narrow down the many Caribbean travel options. In the meantime, you can browse all our cruise and land tour options through our Caribbean Trip Finder and learn even more about chartering a ship in our blog How to Charter a Yacht in 7 Steps .

Popular & Well-Priced Private Yacht Charters

Browse some of our popular yacht charters, but note the rates listed on each page are per-person (non-charter), unless otherwise indicated. And as with any private cruise, itineraries will be flexible for your charter dates and group. Start your private cruise search, and finalize all the details and costs with our team of experts at AdventureSmith Explorations. We’re here to assist you book the best charter cruise at the best price. All you and your group need to determine is where you want to sail!

Contact Us - How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht?

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8 of the Most Luxurious Yacht Charters in Thailand

T hailand is one of the best yacht charter destinations in the world. If you’re looking to experience a yachting vacation in Southeast Asia, consider booking these luxury yacht charters in Thailand with some of the best boats available for rent.

With over 1,000 remote islands and crystal clear waters filled with vibrant marine life, Thailand is one of the top charter destinations in the world. While the traditional yachting crowd might still be going on Caribbean yacht charters for their fix of winter sun, Thailand is slowly becoming a popular alternative cruising destination for luxury private yacht charters and scuba diving charters.

Whether you’re looking for a casual bareboat charter or want the most luxurious superyacht experience money can buy, there are plenty of vessels available to rent privately from Thailand’s main yachting hubs such as Pattaya or Phuket. Take a look at some of the dreamiest luxury yacht charters available for cruising in Thai waters now.

Set sail with the best luxury yacht charters in Thailand

1. mes amis.

Delivered in 2007 by New Zealand’s Fitzroy Yachts, Mes Amis is a sailing sloop with a modern design by Ed Dubois. Guests can enjoy the warm waters of Thailand thanks to a toybox carrying the likes of kayaks, wakeboards and SUPs, before soaking up the sunshine in her ample outdoor spaces including a fold-down swim platform. A covered al fresco dining area is perfect for staying out of direct sun while still enjoying stunning views.

Capacity: 10 guests & 6 crew

Cost: USD 125,000 per week

How to rent: Cecil Wright brokerage, cecilwright.com

2. Navis One

Navis One offers charter itineraries in beautiful locations around Thailand, from the Similan Islands and Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga, Koh Lanta, Krabi and Tarutao National Park, all the way down to the Malaysian island of Langkawi. Guests will be able to explore all of these breathtaking destinations to the full, thanks to Navis One’s helipad and impressive toybox carrying Jet Skis and SeaBobs as well as fishing gear and scuba diving kit . Built by Soraya Yachts in 2018, this modern superyacht is designed with elegant indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, including a top deck Jacuzzi tub.

Size: 46.5m

Capacity: 12 guests & 10 crew

Cost: USD 200,000 p/w

Charter agent: Northrop & Johnson brokerage, northropandjohnson.com

Bilgin Yachts’ Mia Kai is instantly recognisable at sea thanks to her glamorous, champagne-hued hull. She is equally eye-catching indoors, with her air-conditioned interiors finished in elegant, traditional wood panelling. But the best views are enjoyed from the sun-protected top deck, complete with an al fresco dining space and a hot tub. A toybox carrying gear for fishing, diving, waterskiing and wakeboarding as well as Jet Skis and a banana boat will ensure all guests are entertained while on board.

Size: 29.5m

Capacity: 8 guests & 8 crew

Cost: From 58,700 USD to 71,700 USD + VAT

Charter agent: Mia Kai is independently chartered. Visit www.mymiakai.com .

4. Guillemot

Sleek sailing sloop Guillemot was delivered by Dutch shipyard Vitters in 2004. Her most recent refit was in 2021 and saw her interiors totally redesigned and refreshed for charter guests’ benefit. An on-board highlight is the split-level master cabin, featuring a private study and walk-in wardrobe. Above deck, she is well equipped for warm-weather cruising thanks to a dedicated swim platform and an expansive fleet of water toys – including scuba diving gear.

Capacity: 10 guests & 7 crew

Charter agent: Camper & Nicholsons brokerage, camperandnicholsons.com

Launched in 1999, Xanadu’s classic style interiors were last refitted in 2019 to ensure she has all the modern amenities to please today’s charter guests. This includes a toybox carrying all the latest gadgets from Jet Skis, SUPs and kayaks to gear for diving , snorkelling and fishing. Xanadu’s standout feature is the flybridge, complete with a barbecue grill, sun pads and al fresco dining space for outdoor entertaining, while a unique element is the skylight in the master cabin that allows guests to stargaze as they fall asleep. The cosmopolitan crew, complete with a Thai chef who can serve local dishes , will help fully immerse guests in their charter experience in Thailand.

Capacity: 8 guests & 6 crew

Cost: EUR 70,000 per week + expenses

Charter agent: Simpson Marine, simpsonmarine.com

Azul V is one of the biggest boats available to charter in Thailand and indeed all of Southeast Asia. The 48.3 metre CRN motor yacht first hit the water in 1996, but underwent an extensive refit in 2015 which earned her a World Superyacht Award. Her classic-style, air-conditioned interiors are paired with a standout sun deck boasting a hot tub with a swim up bar. Other on-board highlights include a gym for waterside workouts and a well-stocked toy box for water sports.

Size: 48.3m

Capacity: 12 guests & 11 crew

Cost: 180,000 USD + 25% APA

Charter agent: Asia Yacht Agency, azul-v.com

7. Maritimus

Maritimus is a nifty 23.77 metre Princess motor yacht delivered in 2012. Her compact size makes her ideal for smaller groups wanting to discovering hidden coves and anchorages inaccessible to bigger vessels, and allows her to explore further thanks to an impressive top speed of 32 knots. Maritimus’ on-board spaces were last refitted in 2021 and are equipped for indoor or outdoor entertaining, complete with a top deck cocktail bar . The submersible swimming platform meanwhile enables easy access to warm Thai waters for swimming, fishing or paddle boarding.

Size: 23.77 metres

Capacity: 8 guests & 3 crew

Cost: THB 300 -350,000 + VAT per day

Charter agent: Contact Boat Lagoon Yachting, boatlagoonyachting.com

8. Camara C

First launched by British builder Yarrow & Co in 1961, Camara C is a prime example of a classic “gentleman’s yacht”. The charm of her traditional canoe-hull design and wood-panelled interiors are complemented with up-to-date amenities thanks to her refit completed in 2022. Guests have a fleet of water toys to choose from during their charter, including fishing gear to catch your own dinner and enjoy a fresh al fresco meal on the stunning sundeck. With tropical-grade air conditioning, a steel hull and a cruising range of over 4,000 nautical miles, Camara C is the perfect vessel for discovering the Thai islands in old-school style.

Size: 32 metres

Capacity: 12 guests & 6 crew

Cost: EUR 60-70,000 per week + expenses

Charter agent: Contact Fraser brokerage, fraseryachts.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How much does it cost to rent a private yacht in Thailand?

Costs vary greatly depending on the type and size of vessel and the location and length of the charter. A private yacht charter in Thailand can cost anywhere from USD 1,400 a day to over USD 100,000 a week.

– How much does it cost to rent a yacht for a day in Thailand?

Charter rates for renting a private yacht for a day in Thailand can range from USD 1,000 a day to over USD 100,000 a day.

(Main image: Mia Kai; Featured image: Mes Amis/ Christopher Scholey)

The post 8 of the Most Luxurious Yacht Charters in Thailand appeared first on Prestige Online - Thailand .

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148  Crewed Luxury Yachts for Charter in USA

USA Yacht Charter

The USA is one of the most diverse superyacht destinations in the world showcasing an array of spectacular sights from big blue-bird skies and majestic snow-capped mountains to charming picturesque harbors and historic colonial towns. Further south, vsiitors can also experience a warmer more vibrant atmosphere that belies its Caribbean and Latin heritage, interwoven with the alluring glamor of 5-star resorts and megayacht marinas. Whatever your desires, endless potential abounds for a  superyacht rental  vacation in this magical country. 

Bounded by vast oceans and seas: from the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic oceans to the balmy Caribbean Sea, the USA is notable for its wildly diverse landscape. From the first pilgrim settlers who landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts in 1620 to the present day, the USA has been transformed to become one of the most economically developed nations in the world. However, the draw card for yacht charters undoubtedly lies in its rich cultural history and the amazingly varied cruising grounds on offer.

USA YACHT BOOKING GUIDE:

USA: At a Glance

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• Diverse topography From huge glaciers, vast lakes, deep canyons, giant forests, craggy coastlines and miles upon miles of glittering golden beaches, this country has it all.
• Rich maritime history America’s historic East Coast has deep connections with its sailing past; from the first settlers who founded the whaling and boat building communities to the glamorous yacht clubs and summer jazz festivals we know today, and it is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of yachting.
• Wide variety of marinas and anchorages USA is eminently a yacht charter destination with a strong yacht infrastructure that caters to the thousands of vessels traversing its vast coastline and myriad islands each year.
• National Parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites This country boasts an incredible collection of national parks and world heritage sites unrivaled anywhere in the world.
• Popular neighboring destination s USA enjoys close proximity to Canada on its West Coast, as well as the Bahamas and the Caribbean in the south east, offering bountiful stunning additional cruising grounds from which to start or finish your yacht charter.

With a supreme raft of destinations to choose from, you may not be sure where to head to on your USA yacht charter . To make it a little bit easier, we have compiled a list of some of the best places to visit:

Pacific Northwest (San Juans & Anacortes, Desolation Sound, Sunshine Coast, Alaska) Best for : visual drama, glaciers, majestic mountains, salmon fishing, diverse wildlife, endless miles of tranquil cruising, stunning anchorages, dramatic sunsets

California (San Francisco, Newport Beach, San Diego, Baja California) Best for: year-round cruising, natural harbors, whale watching, national parks, Hollywood heritage, characterful islands, iconic landmarks, laid-back beaches

New England (Maine, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, New York) Best for:  lighthouses, rocky coastline, lobster fishing, sailing yachts, colonial heritage, legendary summer festivals, charming architecture, art galleries, walking tours, vibrant autumn foliage

Florida (Daytona Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale) Best for:  everglades, fishing, snorkelling, water sports, scuba diving schools, secluded anchorages, excellent marina facilities, miles of pristine beaches, Hollywood royalty, luxury resorts, celebrated nightlife, short distance to the stunning Abacos Islands

Florida Keys (Key Largo, Key West, Bimini Islands) Best for: coral reefs, spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling, kayaking, eco-tours, dolphin watching, island hopping, fishing, gateway to the Bahamas

Neighbouring Regions (Bahamas and Caribbean) Best for: white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, marine parks, coral reefs, an abundance of marine life, stunning anchorages, water sports, pastel-hued villages, excellent dining, vibrant clubs and bars

As an enduring and highly popular yacht charter destination, there will always be a varied selection of charter yachts to choose from. If you are unsure of the type of yacht that would best suit your needs, there are a few things you should consider first: 

Motor Yacht Charter in the USA

With their ability to cover vast distances over a short period, as well as offering comfortable and generous accommodation, not to mention a much wider variety of onboard facilities and water toys, a motor yacht charter could prove the perfect choice for your vacation. From high-performance open yachts, perfect for zipping around waterways and harbors, to larger displacements vessels offering luxurious cruising at a slightly more relaxed pace, the choices are endless. 

Sailing Yacht Charter in the USA

If you prefer a more adventurous style of cruising, then a sail yacht charter could be just the ticket. New England on America's East Coast is a renowned sailing mecca, where you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Appalachian mountains as you cruise this stretch of glorious rugged coastline. 

There promises to be plenty of favorable winds wherever your destination and a sailing yacht charter is a superb way to experience all the wonder this beautiful country has to offer.

With spacious accommodation and shorter drafts enabling access to shallow waters, catamarans can also prove a great choice for yacht charters, especially if you wish to incorporate the exquisite shallow turquoise waters of the   Bahamas i nto your itinerary.

With the wide variety of yachts available for charter across the country, there should be something to suit every type of budget. The average prices for motor and sailing yacht charters in the USA are as follows;

Motor Yacht Charter

* All prices are quoted per week plus expenses.

Sailing Yacht Charter

The possibilities of where to start your USA yacht charter are endless, so the answer really depends on your chosen destination. Whether you are looking to cruise around the warm blue waters of Florida and the Bahamas , or prefer the majestic scenery and incredible wildlife of Alaska , there is a destination to suit everyone's taste and desires around this spectacular country.

For Florida yacht charters on the southeast coast, Miami  is great place to kick start your charter, where you will find plenty of international transport links, plus well-equipped superyacht marinas and luxury resorts in which to indulge yourself. Relax with a heavenly massage or take advantage of the many fine-dining options available before heading south to explore the exquisite Florida Keys .  Nassau is another fantastic option for those wishing to include the beautiful cruising grounds of the Bahamas in their itinerary.

For East Coast charters, the quintessential all-American yachting ports of Newport , Rhode Island and  Maine further north are fantastic jumping-off points for New England yacht charters , offering picture-perfect bays, charming clapboard houses, boutique art galleries and chic yacht clubs.

Sag Harbor to Nantucket (6 days)

On the country's West Coast, San Francisco provides an ideal place to start your yacht vacation, with a number of international airports serving the region and reliable shuttle and fast-speed train services delivering you straight to the harbor. Don't forget to include a trip to downtown San Francisco where you can explore its fascinating curving streets and hidden alleys. Head north to visit Napa Valley 's famous wineries or south to explore this region's stunning golden-fringed coastline, including the eternally glamorous  Los Angeles , San Diego and Baja California .

Up in the Pacific Northwest region, the San Juan and Gulf Islands are incredibly popular for yacht rental vacations where the pace of life is slower. This stunning archipelago of 450 or so islands offers relaxed and tranquil cruising, with short hops between islands. Accessible by road,  Anacortes is the ideal jumping-off point for your superyacht rental around this exquisite region. Head south to the breathtaking Desolation Sound ; world-class cruising grounds bursting with diverse wildlife from humpback whales to the emblematic Bald eagle.

For more information and advice on your preferred charter destination and itinerary, please speak with your yacht charter broker .

As part of the third largest continent in the world, the best time to visit during your superyacht vacation will naturally depend on your destination;

• Pacific Northwest – peak cruising times are during the months of June-September, however, the shoulder months of May and early October are also worth considering, offering a less crowded chartering experience, especially around the San Juans, and the weather is still usually quite settled.
• West   Coast – for yacht rentals around San Francisco, Napa Valley, California and Baja California further south, the best time to visit is around May through to November, although these destinations can be enjoyed all year round.
• Florida – the optimum times to visit the Sunshine State will be from November through to April, which are the driest months where temperatures rarely dip below 20 degrees in winter. You should note that Christmas and New Year are peak times and can get busy, so if you are looking to rent a yacht over this period we recommend booking early. Ideally, ensure your yacht charter is booked no later than late spring/early summer to avoid the hurricane season from July-October. 
• New England – the ideal time to visit this charming location will be from May to September, although shoulder months are a great time to avoid the crowds, especially late September when the foliage on the leaves start to change to reveal the breathtaking canvas of golden hues and rich deep reds this destination is so famous for.

The USA has been a renowned destination for yacht lovers for years, spurring the construction of hundreds of excellent, well-equipped marinas up and down the East and West Coast, and throughout its vast labyrinth of waterways and lakes, which cater to yachts of all shapes and sizes. 

We have listed some of our favourite marinas at which to park up and take a breather whilst on your yacht charter, where you are sure to be welcomed with a wide smile and offered lots of helpful advice as you head off to explore your new surroundings.

New England

• North Cove Marina , downtown New York: hosts yachts of up to 53m LOA, with a max draft of 4m. 
• Montauk Yacht Club , Hamptons: this exclusive marina is located near the Hamptons, with pools and tennis courts as well as access to Gurney's Resort facilities. It has 232 berths catering to yachts of up to 67m / 220ft.
• Saybrook Point Inn Marina & Spa , Connecticut: a fabulous location with great amenities on the Long Island Sound, comprising 123 berths for yachts up to 70m / 230ft in length.
• Newport:  the spiritual home of yachting offers fantastic first-rate marinas including  Newport Marina , Bowen’s Wharf , a marina located on the waterfront, accommodating yachts of up to 56m / 185ft and the  Newport Yachting Centre  in the heart of town, boasting 4,500 feet of dockage for yachts of up to 55m / 180ft. Some further gorgeous marinas and luxury resorts can be found on Goat Island , a small island oasis nestled in Narragansett Bay close to Newport.
• Boston Yacht Haven: located in Boston’s historic quarter of North End, comprising a fully serviced marina, restaurants and boutique hotel, and offers 100 berths for yachts up to 91m / 300ft in length.
• Nantucket Boat Basin:  this pretty marina consists of 240 berths that can accommodate yachts of up to 90m / 300ft.
• Dimillos Marina, Portland, Maine : close to the beautiful old-world town and extremely well run. It has 125 berths for yachts up to 75 meters in length.

Florida, Florida Keys and Bahamas

• Palm Harbour Marina, Palm Beach: extremely well-equipped marina, boasting 200 berths that can cater to yachts of up to 76m / 250ft. 
• Mia Marina, Miami:  centrally located next to some of the finest restaurants in the country, and a popular haunt of the rich and famous.
• Key West:  a great stopover for yachts cruising the Keys and the Bahamas . There are several marinas here catering to larger yachts . Key West Marina  - offers 37 berths for yachts up to 60m / 200ft, although this marina gets very busy so we recommend booking ahead.  Conch Harbour  - has 43 berths for yachts up to 60m / 195ft and Stock Island Marina Village boasts an impressive 288 berths catering to yachts of up to 137m / 450ft.
• Hawks Key Resort & Marina , Duck Key: is a delightful family-friendly marina, offering 85 berths for yachts up to 33m / 110ft LOA.
• Ocean Reef Club , Key Largo: this friendly marina boasts 175 berths accommodating yachts up to 53m / 175ft.
• Atlantis, Nassau, Bahamas:  a luxurious resort, with Michelin-star dining and luxury spas, and boasting 63 megayacht berths.

• Marina Del Rey , California: the king of all marinas. It’s the largest man-made harbor in North America and has the facilities to go with it.
• Berkeley Marina , California: a vast marina with 1,000 berths and boasting an array of activities in the area, this marina also offers spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.
• Kona Kai Marina , San Diego: located just minutes from San Diego International Airport, this marina is a great jumping-off point for yacht charters around America's stunning west coast. It has 500 berths that can accommodate yachts of up to 76m / 250ft.
• IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas:  located right on the very tip of Baja California Sur, this marina boasts 380 berths, with 33 slips catering to superyachts of up to 115m / 375ft.

Pacific Northwest

• Elliott Bay , Seattle: this marina offers wonderful views of the Seattle skyline plus restaurants and hosts year-round events, and is a great place to tie up for itineraries encompassing Desolation Sound and Alaska.
• Salmon Bay Marina:  superyacht standard marina with excellent facilities catering to yachts up to 73m / 240ft.
• Roche Harbor Marina,  San Juan Island: this picturesque harbor sits on the northwest side of the island and is a popular stop-off for yachts exploring the beautiful San Juan archipelago. If you're looking for something a little livelier, head to the nearby town of  Friday Harbor , which   has a marina with 377 berths catering for yachts of up to 45m / 150ft.

If we were to list all the great anchorages around this vast country we would be here all day, so we have condensed this list down to a few of our favorites for you to consider whilst cruising your chosen destination; whether that's in the shadows of the imposing Golden Gate Bridge , or the verdigris waters of Alaska as you watch orcas frolic over the bow, or anchored in the shallow turquoise bath-warm waters of the Bahamas , where you can swim and snorkel straight off the back of the yacht. The choices for spectacular anchorages in America are simply endless.

• Block Island, Rhode Island:  just 13 miles from Newport this is a lovely area to drop anchor for anyone cruising the beautiful Long Island Sound, encompassing 17 miles of pale golden beaches and well-preserved Victorian architecture.
• Port Washington, Long Island : situated in Massachusetts Bay, this is a charming anchorage with easy links to New York City, and regularly gets rave reviews.
• Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown:  located on the island's East Coast, hugely popular for its whaling history, smugglers and pirates! Martha's Vineyard is popular for its lovely beaches, boutique art galleries, sailing and laid-back culture, as well as being a well-known retreat for celebrities and politicians.
• Seven Hundred Acre Island, Maine: drop anchor here and head ashore to experience the charming quintessence of this popular New England haunt, where lovely pastel timber homes vie with gilded-age colonial mansions and yacht marinas. 

Florida and Florida Keys

• Cayo Costa State Park, Florida:  encompassing 9 miles of wild coastline, this is a superb stop for those who wish to explore the park’s trails and get acquainted with the local residents, including alligators, manatees, porpoises and sea turtles. 
• Dry Tortugas National Park, Gulf of Mexico:  comprising seven islands – named for their lack of freshwater – located 63 miles west of Key West. This sheltered national park also boasts excellent snorkeling areas. Head ashore to Garden Key, the site of Civil War-era Fort Jefferson. 
• Dinner Key Anchorage, Coconut Grove, Florida:  located on Biscayne Bay, this stunning anchorage is a perfect place to park up before heading down to the Bahamas or the Caribbean. 

• Glorietta Bay, San Diego:  a lovely anchorage inside the main waterway close to the beautiful Hotel del Coronado, San Diego’s legendary beach resort.
• Newport Beach, San Diego:  quiet and scenic.
• Coronados Islands:  located 12 miles off the coast of San Diego. This small group of islands has some lovely anchorages around its clear blue waters and boasts some of the best diving on the west coast, where visibility often exceeds 80 feet.
• Channel Islands National Park:  a stunning archipelago of 5 islands off the coast of Santa Barbara offering a heady mix of sea caves, kelp forests, scenic hikes and whale watching.
• Monterey Bay, Big Sur:   located in a pretty scalloped bay south of Santa Cruz, with a bustling waterfront offering plenty of dining options where you can enjoy freshly caught squid, the local specialty. Don’t miss the Monterey Aquarium, one of the best on the west coast.
• Turtle Bay (Bahia Tortugas), Baja California: a pretty sheltered bay with plenty of anchorages, perfect for yachts heading down to the southern end of Cabo San Lucas. 

Pacific Northwest and Alaska

• Gig Harbor, Washington:  this charming maritime village near Puget Sound is a great place to anchor up and head ashore to explore its unique history and culture. Don’t miss its legendary Maritime Gig Festival in June.
• Princess Louisa Inlet, British Columbia:  often heralded as the “eighth wonder of the world” this area is located up a waterway inside the border of Canada opposite Vancouver Island. This breathtaking spot is famous for its waterfalls and tranquil emerald green mirrored lakes that perfectly reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lush forests.
• Sucia Island Marine State Park, San Juan Islands:  known as the “Crown Jewel” of Washington’s San Juan Islands, this beautiful area has an array of exquisite anchorages, offering sheltered coves, lovely beaches and forest trails.
• Emerald Cove, Prince William Sound, Alaska:  watch icebergs float by as you picnic on one of the lovely pebble beaches around this sheltered cove. Prince William Sound offers incredible vistas and wonderfully diverse wildlife.
• Inian Islands, Alaska:  located south of the popular Glacier Bay, these exceptionally lovely islands are perfect for anchoring. Take the tender and watch the whales feeding on the area's rich sources of plankton. The islands are also teeming with salmon and halibut, perfect for fishing, or watch the region's brown bears as they catch their evening meal. 

Your yacht crew and broker will know the most about the best marinas, bays and sheltered coves where you can find suitable docking and anchorage options throughout your charter.

Newport, Rhode Island tends to be the favorite destination to kick start yacht charters in this beautiful region. The closest airport is Providence International, which is only half an hour's drive away.  For other destinations in New England, there are countless airports serving this region, including;  

• Logan International, Boston – New England's largest and busiest airport, with nonstop flights to destinations across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and a domestic hub for Delta and Cape Air and JetBlue. 
• Hartford's Bradley International Airport – New England's busiest airport in the south of the region, serving Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. 
• Rhode Island's Green Airport (formerly T.F. Green) – a great alternative airport to Boston Logan.
• Portland International Jetport – Maine's largest airport 

Bear in mind that perennial summer favorites such as Cape Cod , Nantucket , and Martha's Vineyard each have their own airports which may prove worthwhile, particularly if you have limited time.

Florida is extremely accessible by air with five international airports serving the area: 

• Florida Keys/Marathon International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• Palm Beach International Airport
• Southwest Florida International Airport

Private jets and other aircrafts are also able to land at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Boca Raton Airport, Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and Naples Airport. 

For USA intineraries incorprating the Bahamas

The Bahamas archipelago has four major airports with countless smaller airports running services to and from the islands.

• Lynden Pindling International Airport in the capital city Nassau. This is the region's busiest airport with three terminals serving international, charter and domestic flights.
• Rocksound International Airport, South Eleuthera.
• Exuma International Airport, Great Exuma
• Grand Bahama International Airport, Freeport

California 

California boasts literally dozens of commercial airports, here are some of the main ones for yacht charters in this region;

• Los Angeles LAX – the busiest and largest of all California airports, with major international flights from all over the world.
• San Francisco International Airport – California's second busiest airport is located on the edge of the San Fransisco Bay and offers stunning views of the city as you land.
• Oakland International Airport – located only 25 miles from San Francisco, just across the San Francisco Bay, and is served by a wide range of major airlines.
• Sacramento Airport is located about 15 km north of the city and ideal for yacht charters heading to Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe or Yosemite National Park.
• San Jose International Airport – located south of Silicon Valley, this airport offers direct flights to Europe, Asia Canada and Mexico and is perfect for itineraries incorporating San Fransisco, Monterey and Carmel.
• San Diego International Airport - perfect for yacht charters encompassing the San Diego, the Coronados and Baja California.

For yacht charters around the beautiful San Juan Islands, the following international airports offer flights  into the region;

• Seattle Tacoma Airport, Washington – the largest and busiest airport serving the region.
• Vancouver Airport – located on Vancouver Island, it is Canada's second-largest airport and serves destinations from across the globe. 
• Victoria International Airport – More than 50 flights a day connect Victoria with Vancouver International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma Airport and several other major cities throughout Canada and the US. 
• Bellingham International Airport, located 50 miles north of San Juans.

Popular San Juans airports include  Anacortes , Fidalgo Island , Friday Harbor , San Juan Island and Orcas Island. 

For Alaska-bound flights, many include a stop at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle.

Other airports in Alaska include:

• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport – located in Alaska's largest city, and serves both international and domestic flights into the region. This is the most popular destination for yacht charters around this stunning location.
• Fairbanks International Airport – also serves flights from across several continents although is not conveniently located close to the water.
• Juneau International Airport – located in Alaska’s capital city in the south of the region, and another popular starting off point for yacht charters. 

Flights from Seattle take about two-and-a-half hours to reach Juneau , and three-and-a-half to four hours to Anchorage and Fairbanks.

With its incredibly diverse landscape offering a wide variety of spectacular destinations, the USA remains a hugely popular destination for yacht charters. 

As a major yachting hub, there should always be a wide variety of yachts and destinations to choose from, however we do recommend booking your rental yacht well in advance of your trip to secure your perfect yacht on your preferred dates.

This will ensure your yacht broker has plenty of time to tailor an itinerary to suit you and your guests, including any nights you wish to spend in marinas. We recommend booking up to 3 months in advance to give your broker the optimum time to organize everything down to the last detail. 

For yacht charters in the Pacific Northwest;

• Desolation Sound is very calm and sheltered so not always a good option for those who like to sail.
• The San Juan islands are slightly protected from rain by the Olympic Mountains, but can still be showery at any time of the year.
• Bring warm clothes for Alaska as temperatures get very chilly, especially near the glaciers.
• Beware of large cruise ships as their wakes can be a nuisance.
• Alaska is not an ideal destination for sailing, as winds are either non-existent or southwesterlies bring uncomfortable seas.
• Some of the most beautiful anchorages around Alaska can be up to 100 ft deep.

For yacht charters on America's southwest coast;

• If you are chartering a foreign-flagged vessel or returning from Mexico, you will be required to stop at Customs on Shelter Island, where they routinely confiscate chicken, eggs, and fruit.
• It's also generally preferable to head south down the US West Coast rather than fight the winds and tides heading north.

For yacht charter itineraries that include the Bahamas

• Insurance and taxes in the Bahamas are 4%.
• Visa issues have been experienced clearing through the Bahamas.

Advice relating to all regions;

• Tips on charters in the US are often expected to be at least 20%.
• Whilst some yachts are legally permitted to charter in the US, others do not meet American fiscal requirements and so are not available for charter whilst in US waters. Please speak with a yacht broker for further advice on specific yachts that can charter in the USA.

Steeped in maritime history, this beautiful region comprises six states: Maine , New Hampshire , Vermont , Massachusetts , Rhode Island and Connecticut . Located in America’s Northeast and stretching nearly 3,500 miles from top to bottom, this area has been a drawcard with sailing elites for centuries. Characterized by its craggy coastline, rocky peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, sand dunes, lighthouses, forested mountains and vibrant autumn foliage, New England is the perfect yacht charter destination for those who enjoy sailing, history and culture – where picture-perfect bays and charming portside towns adorned with beautiful architecture abound.

Most New England yacht charters start off in Newport Rhode Island , which enjoys convenient transport links and easy access to the marinas. Often heralded as the birthplace of yachting and home of America’s Cup challenger series, Newport is one of the most popular summer havens in the US, especially for the East Coast’s smartest families, who come to enjoy the gilded mansions, myriad mouthwatering seafood restaurants, glamorous yacht clubs and endless oceanside views that typifies this gloriously rich historic town. Head over to Block Island, known for its laid-back lifestyle, historic lighthouses and the beautiful Black Rock beach , perfectly suited for a hiking expedition.

Martha’s Vineyard is an absolute must for anyone who appreciates powdery beaches, boutique art galleries and quaint wooden plank homes. Anchor at the enchanting island of Cuttyhunk in Vineyard Sound, with its rich history and lovely beaches. Don’t miss Nantucket , located east of Martha’s Vineyard , home to the Whaling Museum where you can discover the island’s intriguing culture and history as a 19th-century global whaling hub. Another famous summer destination is Cape Cod , a rather apt hook-shaped promontory north of Nantucket, and a favorite residence of the Kennedy’s, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle, as well as being the fictional location for Jaws!

And perhaps, no New England yacht charter would be complete without a trip to New York , where you can cruise past its illustrious towering skyline and take in the majestic  Statue of Liberty . Stop off at Greenwich village port renowned for its designer shops then head up Long Island Sound with its glorious miles of coastline, entertainment and some of the most expensive real estate in America. Anchor outside the Montauk Yacht Club , The Hamptons' most exclusive sailing hub.

Affectionately known as the Sunshine State , this region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Kick things off with a trip to the hedonistic city of Miami , where you may even find yourself moored up alongside Hollywood royalty as you step off your yacht to explore this spectacular location, renowned for its luxury resorts, designer shopping, golden bronzed beaches and exclusive marinas. A visit to South Beach is an absolute must, for all things art, fashion and film. For something a little quieter, head to Biscayne Bay , a national park located south of Miami with beautiful clear aquamarine waters and stunning marine life. For those who appreciate culture, take a stroll through the Art Deco district , and gaze at the exquisite early twentieth century hotels and architecture. 

Head south to experience the spectacular Florida Keys , a stunning archipelago of 800 or so islands protected by America’s only living coral reef, dotted like a “jade necklace” south towards the turquoise waters of the Bahamas. Key Largo , situated between the everglades and coral reef, is a bustling retreat from the mainland, offering diving, fishing, and great restaurants. Take a high-speed airboat trip around the Everglades , where you may spot an alligator or crocodile peeking out from the reeds. Don’t miss Key West , where history and tradition meet natural beauty and serenity. Key West is known for its year-round balmy temperatures, palm-lined streets and tropical gardens, as well as for its boutique shops, art galleries and delectable restaurants and cafes. Don’t miss a visit to the American writer Ernest Hemingway’s home , a short hop across from the Key West lighthouse . These islands provide a convenient jumping-off point for itineraries including the  Bahamas and the   Caribbean .  

Related:  The Coolest Neighbourhoods to Explore on Your Miami Yacht Charter

Neighboring Regions:

Starting from Bimini island , just 45 miles south of Miami, and stretching all the way south to Turks and Caicos , Bahamas is an oasis island chain of 700 picturesque islands fringed by powder-white sands and see-through aquamarine waters, bordered by one of the world’s greatest barrier reefs. These glorious islands offer endless miles of relaxed cruising around shallow waters, where marine life surrounds you, tempting you into the clear warm waters to explore its fascinating kaleidoscopic underwater world.

We recommend a stop at the Abacos , a string of sandy keys to the west of Florida, offering a paradisical adventure of a lifetime. Treasure Cay is also home to one of National Geographic's top 10 beaches. Don't miss Fowl Cay for fantastic snorkeling, marine parks and near-perfect beaches. Harbour Island further south boasts fantastic dining options, beaches, as well as a tropical garden. For some amazing snorkeling and diving, head for Pelican Cays National Park , renowned for its spectacular coral and sea life where you will witness giant starfish dotted along the sandy bottom for miles.

Your trip around the Bahamas wouldn't be complete without a trip to the breathtaking Exumas , offering hundreds of exquisite anchorages and also home of the famous swimming pigs.

The Pacific Northwest can be characterised by its sublime mountainous scenery, spectacular wildlife and lush forested islands, so it's hardly surprising that it is one of the most sought-after yacht charter regions in the world.

A hugely popular destination is the San Juans Islands : aptly nicknamed the “Virgin Islands of the North” and located south of the US/Canada border. Here the pace of life is slower, where friendly locals welcome you as you attempt to reconcile yourself with the mesmerizing scenery around you. Favorite areas in the region include the picturesque Orcas Island , the largest of the San Juans, where you can trek the tallest mountain in the archipelago – Mount Constitution – rising skyward for nearly half-a-mile. The 360º views at the top are well worth the effort! Another must-see is the delightful San Juan Island , with its delectable restaurants and bustling markets. Take a stroll through the exquisite Victorian gardens, or discover the island’s fascinating historical site of confrontation between British and American troops in 1859. 

Head north to the spectacular Desolation Sound , where intense serene tranquility awaits. This area is considered one of America’s finest cruising grounds, where calm, sheltered waters teem with fish; oyster, clams, prawns, salmon and cod. Enjoy a spot of fishing off the back of the yacht and afterward your chef can prepare your catch for dinner onboard! There are numerous marine parks in the area with plenty of stunning anchorages. Step ashore for a lovely walk in the woods, where you could encounter a herd of elk, soaring eagles or even a grizzly – so don't forget to pack your bear spray! 

Sunshine coast & Jervis Inlet is another breathtaking location comprising 13 marine parks offering total seclusion, majestic scenery, stunning anchorages, excellent dining options and fantastic yacht facilities. Don't miss the phenomenal Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls; a  scenic granite-walled gorge of cascading waterfalls that has to be seen to be believed. Gibson’s Landing is a quaint seaside village overlooked by the towering mountains where you will find a charming bustling town, art galleries, museums and restaurants, marina and mooring facilities. Further afield, be sure to visit Halfmoon bay , Sargeant Bay  and Thormanby Islands , characterized by their tiny coves and blissfully quiet anchorages.

America's largest state, lying on the Arctic Circle separated from its own country by Canada, is well-known for its unparalleled visually dramatic scenes, breaching whales, calving glaciers and majestic mountains, not to mention its undeniably breathtaking dramatic midnight sunsets. Anyone visiting the region will also be able to get up close to some of nature's most magnificent animals, such as humpback whales, orcas, caribou and majestic soaring eagles. There are endless beautiful spots to visit, and wherever you are you will not be disappointed during a yacht charter in Alaska .

Glacier Bay is a particular favorite destination for yacht charters, where you can park up and witness thunderous icebergs births, as well as also enjoy skiing, whitewater rafting and spectacular helicopter picnics on top of a glacier.

Try your hand at King Salmon fishing outside of Sitka , fly over the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau or float through endlessly beautiful Frederick Sound spotting breaching humpback whales. Red Bluff Bay , known for its towering mountains, waterfalls and glistening ice fields, is also home to the region's brown bears who feast on salmon here every August.

Stretching from San Francisco down to Newport Beach , San Diego and into Baja California, this region is best characterized by its endless miles of beautiful beaches and wild rugged shoreline, where you can appreciate its spectacular beauty from the water as you witness breaching whales and dolphins darting across the wake of your yacht as they make their journey towards the warmer waters of Mexico . 

Start your yacht charter in San Francisco ’s natural vast harbor, and watch the dolphins and sea lions frolic in the surf. Unhampered views of the  Golden Gate Bridge are sure to make your charter already feel special. Take the tender ashore to experience the heady bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf , and don’t miss a spine-chilling trip around Alcatraz Prison . We also recommend a trip to Muir Woods , where you can take in the spectacular sight of hundreds of gigantic 1000-year-old redwoods, a truly unmissable event. 

Head north to Point Reyes National Seashore Reserve , and enjoy a hike around beautiful wind-swept rocky bluffs and secluded golden beaches. Due east of Point Reyes, you’ll find California’s world-class Napa Valley wine region , where you can spend the day tasting some of the world’s finest wines in the California sun against the stunning backdrop of the hillside vineyards.

Follow the wind and tides down past Santa Cruz and take shelter in the scalloped bay encircling the beautiful town of Monterey , a bustling waterfront offering plenty of dining options where you can enjoy the local specialty of freshly caught squid. Don’t miss the Monterey Aquarium , one of the best on the West Coast.

If you are intending to include the stunning Baja California in your itinerary, where better than to kick things off in the eternally glamorous city of Los Angeles , where convenient transport links, not to mention some of the finest restaurants and bars in America, will prove a great starting point for your yacht charter. Take a stroll along Redondo Beach , Los Angeles’ hidden gem, before heading back to your yacht. Cruise to Newport Beach just off the coast of Los Angeles, the renowned playground for mega yachts and Hollywood royalty. If you’ve booked ahead, moor up at Newport Beach Club, one of the oldest in the US, and take a stroll across the bridge to Balboa Island , where nostalgically charming cottages with white picket fences, saltwater taffy shops and wooden ice-cream parlors abound. 

Across the water you’ll find the beautiful Santa Catalina Island , where crystal clear waters make the perfect spot for a picnic, followed by a swim and some snorkeling around the reef, where you will find an abundance of fascinating marine life. 

Further south you'll be sure of a warm welcome in  San Diego , with gorgeous sandy beaches and a plethora of parkland. Visit Redwood National Park where you can discover the world’s tallest trees. Of course, a trip to San Diego wouldn’t be complete without stops at San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld , where you can get up close and personal with some of their friendly killer whales!

If you have time, cruise down into Baja California , the world’s second-longest peninsula, where you will find yourself transported to a world of wild untamed beauty and romantic sunsets, where condors swoop on thermals high up in vast washed out skies, and nights are spent under a wide canopy of twinkling stars. Simply heaven.

Acadia National Park, Maine : a stunning rocky headland with a rich cultural heritage, featuring some of the highest mountains along the Atlantic Coast.

Everglades National Park, Florida : a unique tropical wilderness with UNESCO Biosphere status, where you can explore its vast network of wetlands and forests.

Universal Orlando Resort, Florida : the ultimate theme park for kids, big and small!

Museum of Modern Art, New York : boasting some of the world's finest collections of contemporary art.

Bunker Hill Monument, Massachusetts : a 221-foot towering obelisk commemorating one of the first major battles between British and Patriot forces in the American Revolutionary War in 1775. 

San Diego Zoo, California : located in the beautiful Balboa Park, the zoo boasts over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. 

Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska : spectacular 13 miles long glacier located in southeast Alaska, in the Mendenhall Valley.

Lido Key Beach, Florida : exquisite white-sand beach lapped by turquoise waters, located on Barrier Island off the coast of Florida.

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Luxury Yachts for Charter in USA 2024 & 2025

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50m   Trinity Yachts

from $180,000 p/week

Chantal Ma Vie

from $480,000 p/w eek

Utopia IV 12

63m Rossinavi

from $505,000 p/w eek

Blue Moon 12

60m Feadship

60m   2005/2021

from $395,000 p/w eek

Unbridled 12

58m Trinity Yachts

58m   2009/2019

from $295,000 p/w eek

58m Feadship

58m   2013/2020

from $450,000 p/w eek

Starship 12

56m Delta Marine

56m   2001/2021

from $275,000 p/w eek

Chantal Ma Vie 12

55m Feadship

55m   1993/2017

from $245,000 p/w eek

51m Feadship

51m   2007/2020

from $195,000 p/w eek

Aspen Alternative 10

50m Trinity Yachts

50m   2010/2022

from $199,000 p/w eek

Ocean Club 12

50m   2009/2018

from $180,000 p/w eek

50m   2008/2018

from $200,000 p/w eek

Lady Elaine 9 6 12

50m Christensen

from $225,000 p/w eek

Remember When 12

49m Christensen

49m   2011/2022

from $230,000 p/w eek

Zoom Zoom Zoom 10

49m Trinity Yachts

49m   2005/2016

from $175,000 p/w eek

48m Christensen

48m   2005/2022

Mirabella 11

48m Trinity Yachts

48m   2004/2019

from $165,000 p/w eek

Miss Christine 11

48m   2006/2022

from $160,000 p/w eek

Alessandra III 12

47m Sunseeker

47m   2016/2022

from $231,000 p/w eek

47m Delta Marine

47m   2007/2019

from $179,500 p/w eek

46m Delta Marine

46m   2009/2014

46m   2009/2021

from $125,000 p/w eek

Aquanova 10

46m Palmer Johnson

46m   2007/2021

46m Cheoy Lee

46m   2010/2018

from $99,500 p/w eek

46m   2010/2022

from $150,000 p/w eek

from $135,000 p/w eek

44m Van Mill

44m   1988/2020

from $120,000 p/w eek

Aquasition 10

43m Trinity Yachts

43m   2010/2022

Far From It 10

43m Richmond Yachts

43m   2008/2019

Rising Dawn 12

43m Gulf Craft

43m Eastern Shipbuilding

from $68,000 p/w eek

Blue Devil 10

42m AB Yachts

42m   2007/2022

from $130,000 p/w eek

Douce France 12

42m Alumarine

42m   1998/2021

from $108,000 p/w eek ♦︎

Serenity 12

41m IAG Yachts

41m   2016/2022

from $145,000 p/w eek

Marybelle 8

40m Feadship

40m   1970/2023

from $80,000 p/w eek

40m Westport Yachts

40m   2008/2023

from $115,000 p/w eek

Pipe Dream 10

from $140,000 p/w eek

Rule No.1 12

40m   2011/2023

Serengeti 12

40m   2002/2014

39m Northcoast Yachts

from $110,000 p/w eek

Impetuous 10

39m   2003/2022

from $105,000 p/w eek

38m Feadship

38m   1978/2019

38m Sanlorenzo

from $179,000 p/w eek

Leverage 10

38m Palmer Johnson

38m   2003/2020

Persistence 10

38m Gulf Craft

38m   2017/2022

Sacajawea 12

38m Lake Washington Shipyard

from $70,000 p/w eek

38m Breauxs Bay Craft

38m   1979/2023

from $69,000 p/w eek

38m Broward

38m   2007/2019

from $85,000 p/w eek

Fore Aces 12

38m Delta Marine

38m   2003/2018

Temptation 8

37m Palmer Johnson

37m   2005/2023

Gale Winds 8

37m Delta Marine

37m   1997/2022

37m Flagship

37m   1993/2017

Lady Victoria 8

37m Feadship

37m   1991/2022

from $72,000 p/w eek

Real Summertime 12

37m Sovereign Yachts

37m   2000/2022

from $95,000 p/w eek

Safari Quest 22

37m Shear Yachts

37m   1992/2005

from $222,100 p/w eek

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• Home  
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• / Vladimir Soloviev, prophet of Russia's conversion

VLADIMIR SOLOVIEV prophet of Russia’s conversion

T HE conversion of Russia will not be the work of man, no matter how gifted he may be, but that of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary, the Mediatrix of all graces, because this is God’s wish, which he revealed to the world in 1917. The life and works of Vladimir Soloviev are a perfect illustration of this truth of Fatima. He whom our Father regards as « the greatest Russian genius of the 19th century », was in his own way a prophet of the “ conversion ” of his beloved Country, announcing the necessity of her returning to the bosom of the Roman Church. «  Rome or chaos  », such was his catchphrase, Rome whose anagram is not a matter of chance, but a providential sign, a definition: ROMA , AMOR . Led by this incomparable guide, we would like « to anticipate in our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers this consecration, this long-awaited conversion, which must mark the beginning of a time of sacred peace throughout the world, the beginning of the universal reign of the Most Blessed and Immaculate Heart of Mary, and through Her, of God’s Kingdom » (English CRC, December 1982, p. 23).

A PERSONAL CONVERSION

Through the example of his life, Soloviev recalls the indispensable means of this immense work: self-renunciation, personal and collective sacrifice, in Russian the podwig , the only way in which the Church, nations, saints and heroes can become the instruments of God’s designs. If he managed to surpass his master Dostoyevsky by his « truly universal Catholicism and far superior mystical vision », this was not without without a conversion of mind and heart on his part.

Our Father summarises the principal stages of his life as follows: « Born of an honourable Muscovite family, of part Kievian ancestry, Vladimir Soloviev began, in a world where only Germany counted, by being a victim of all the poisons of the West. He himself relates how he was a zealous materialist at the age of thirteen, had read Renan’s Life of Jesus at fifteen, and had become an evolutionist and therefore (!) an atheist and a nihilist at eighteen, in « It was Spinoza and then Schopenhauer who pulled him out of this bottomless void. Whereupon in 1872 a mysterious encounter with “  Wisdom  ” suddenly shook him out of the scientific naturalism in which he had been vegetating and made him aware, as he says, of invisible Beauty, the “  Sophia tou théou  ”, the daughter of God. He thus became the fervent witness of Wisdom’s indwelling in the world and of Her desire for total incarnation and universal queenship. His quest for wisdom, scientific, aesthetic and mystical, had commenced. He was nineteen years old. The quest would never end for this new style Russian pilgrim ; it would be of an unparalleled fruitfulness despite its touching brevity. He died of exhaustion in 1900, at the age ! » (English CRC, December 1982, p. 35)

We will limit ourselves in this article to his prophetic insights on the Union of the Churches. In his Lessons on Theandry (1878) – he was then twenty-five ! – our philosopher applies himself to contemplating the Wisdom of God at work in history, perfectly incarnated in Jesus and His virginal Mother, as well as in the Church as she awaits her eschatological transfiguration. The most serious sin, throughout this history, has been that of schism. Who is responsible for this vast Vladimir Soloviev began by throwing all responsibility for it on the Catholic Church, so much so that he provided the inspiration for Dostoyevsky’s famous “ myth of the Grand Inquisitor ” in The Brothers Karamazov . But, at the beginning of the 1880’s, through studying the question more closely, he understood that the sin of schism was in fact that of the East. This was a stroke of genius on his part for which our Father commends him greatly:

« I must beg pardon of my master Msgr. Jean Rupp, of Solzhenitsyn, Volkoff and so many others, but it seems obvious to to me, as it did to Soloviev in the end, that the schism of Moscow in setting itself up as the third Rome was the beginning of all the ills suffered by these admirable Christian peoples of European Russia . And I must say so because this rupture still weighs heavily on the world of today and because it is precisely of this rupture that Our Lady of Fatima speaks when She foretells “  the conversion of Russia  ”. (English CRC, December 1982, p. 24)

Let us follow Soloviev in his commendable mystical conversion which has opened up a path of light for his people, allowing a spring of grace and mercy to gush forth.

AN EVANGELICAL DISCOURSE

In 1881, Soloviev published a long article, still very antipapist, entitled Spiritual power in Russia . There the pope was presented as Antichrist institutionalised ! Our theorist placed all his hope in the regenerative mission of Holy Russia and in the Tsar who was to be her « divine figure, religious guide and animating wisdom ». But were the Russian people still capable of accomplishing such One particular event was to shake Soloviev’s patriotic faith. On March 1, 1881, Alexander II was assassinated by revolutionaries. A few days later, Soloviev gave a Discourse in which he recommended that his successor, Alexander III, show mercy to the regicides. Certainly not as a matter of weakness or abdication before the Revolution, even less out of the spirit of non-violence that a certain Tolstoy was already preaching, but « as an example of Russian piety », that famous podwig « which lies at the heart of the Russian people’s evangelical soul, of which the tsar is the living icon ». Alas, Soloviev was not understood... This was a painful stage in his life, the first step he had taken beyond his master Dostoyevsky.

The following year, he published another article entitled “  Schism in the Russian people and society  ”. Delving deep into the past, he accused Metropolitan Nikon of having broken, at the time of Peter the Great, the communion, the Sobornost , so beloved of the Russian people, by excommunicating Raskol, the fierce guardian of traditional popular religion... Ever since then, the Orthodox hierarchy, enslaved to the imperial power, had proved powerless to govern and sanctify Orthodoxy. It was nothing now but a shrunken, secularized “ local Church ” which, if it were to be restored and revived, would need to open itself up to “ the universal Church ”.

In the spring of 1882, Soloviev was powerfully affected by an unusual dream. In his dream he met a high-ranking Catholic ecclesiastic and entreated him to give him his blessing. The priest refused, so Soloviev insisted, declaring, « The separation of the Churches is the most disastrous thing possible. » Finally, the ecclesiastic agreed to give him his blessing.

This premonitory dream was to awaken in Vladimir Soloviev a burning desire for reconciliation with Catholicism, and to stimulate him to write a series of articles to be published every month in his friend Aksakov’s slavophile newspaper Rouss and then to be collected together in a work with the resonant title: The Great Controversy and Christian Politics . One particular maxim constantly reappeared under the Russian writer’s pen:

«  FIRST AND FOREMOST WE MUST WORK TO RESTORE THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH, AND TO MAKE THE FIRE OF LOVE BURN IN THE HEART OF CHRIST’S SPOUSE . »

By an irony of fate, the term “ Controversy ”, which for Soloviev referred to the conflict between Rome and the East, was going to give place to a bitter controversy between himself and his Orthodox and slavophile friends.

A MARVELLOUS AND ADORABLE WISDOM

T HE world’s beauty appeared to Soloviev as a living figure, a real existence, changing and yet immortal. He saw her and held her as the queen of his spiritual universe under her venerable name of Sancta Sophia . At the end of his life, in 1898, he celebrated the Three Encounters he had had with this Beauty which for him was Wisdom.

“ Three times in his life he had been overwhelmed by the radiant visit of Wisdom who appeared to him in the form of an absolutely heavenly female being, dazzling him and enlightening him profoundly. Not without reason certain authors think that all his religious and even philosophical works derive from this illumination. ”

And let us immediately point out, in order to acclimatize the Western reader who is highly likely to be disconcerted by these accounts, that trustworthy interpreters of Soloviev have attributed a marian character to these visions. For them, the whole of the Philosopher’s work derives from the AVE MARIA GRATIA PLENA . “ It is a marvellous perspective ”, adds Msgr. Rupp. “ Wisdom is closely allied to the Immaculate who is its seat. ” ( Le message ecclésial de Soloviev , p. 340)...

What I am going to say next will perhaps surprise my reader. Nothing is more biblical than this vision, and I am astonished at the astonishment of theologians and their impatient criticisms. This Sophia was already well known, hymned and even boldly adored by the scribes of the Old Testament under this very name of Wisdom. Far from being “ pantheist ”, this idea, this vision touches the essence of created beings, and is clearly poles apart from the Platonic idea and far more profound than Aristotle’s substance; it lies at the very heart of being, there where nothing exists except relationship to God, the term of a will and a wisdom that are infinite, there where exists a pure reflection, a fragment of the image of God’s beauty.

George de Nantes , A mysticism for our time , French CRC no. 133, p. 7.

THE GREAT CONTROVERSY

In January 1883, he fired the opening shots with an open letter to Aksakov: « As I reflected on the means of curing this interior disease (of Christianity), I became convinced that the origin of all these evils lies in the general weakening of the earthly organisation of the visible Church, following her division into two disunited parts. » He demonstrated that, in order to establish herself on earth and to endure throughout history, the Christian religion had need of a higher authority, and he explained that it was therefore essential to restore « the union of all Christian and ecclesiastical forces under the standard and under the power of one central ecclesiastical authority ».

On February 19, Soloviev gave a talk in homage to his master Dostoyevsky. It was almost a panegyric of the Roman Church ! He declared his ardent hope for the reconciliation of the two Churches, for the two parts of the universal Church which should never have been separated and whose centre lay in... Rome . As a result of this speech, he saw himself banned from speaking in public. The newspapers made no mention of his speech. For the first time, and it would not be the last, Soloviev was the victim of the censure of Constantin Petrowitch Pobiedonostev, Russia’s Grand Inquisitor and the Tsar’s adviser on religious matters. Pobiedonostev championed a sacral conception of political power, akin to that of the French legitimists of the time, but he was fiercely Orthodox, and any opening towards the Catholic religion was pitilessly censured.

Soloviev responded to this censure with a smile. So his speech had been described as « infantile chattering » ? « If we are not converted », he said to his friends, « and become like little children again, we will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. » He went on: « When I was a pretentious little boy [teaching German philosophy: Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche], people listened with great respect to my “ truly infantile ” prattling. And now it is fitting that the only way I can attain the perfection of humility is by everyone ! »

At the same time, he wrote to Aksakov: « It is necessary to defend Catholicism against the false accusations being brought against it... Consequently, in advocating a reconciliation with Catholicism, I assume that Catholicism is not in principle erroneous, for one cannot be reconciled with error . » Now there we have a true ecumenism ! The life of Soloviev, writes our Father, « was ».

To the charge of “ papism ” levelled against him, Soloviev responded in March 1883 with an admirable profession of faith, already Catholic:

« It seems to to me that you concentrate only on “ papism ” whereas I focus first and foremost on the great, holy and eternal Rome, a fundamental and integral part of the universal Church. I believe in this Rome, I bow before it, I love it with all my heart, and with all the strength of my soul I desire its rehabilitation for the unity and integrality of the universal Church. And may I be accursed as a parricide should I ever utter one word of condemnation against the Holy Church of Rome . »

THE REALISATION OF THE DREAM

In May 1883, on the occasion of the coronation of the Emperor Alexander III, the Moscow press complained that too many concessions were being made to restore diplomatic relations with the Vatican broken in 1866, but Soloviev protested: such an agreement was necessary, were it only to improve relations with the Catholics of Poland. The Pope was represented at the ceremony by his special envoy Msgr. Vincenzo Vanutelli. Had not Alexander III written to Leo XIII shortly beforehand: « Never has unity between all Churches and all States been so necessary, in order to realise the wish expressed by Your Holiness of seeing the peoples abandoning the disastrous errors responsible for the social malaise and returning to the holy laws of the Gospel... »

A few days after the ceremony, Soloviev was crossing Moscow in a hired car. Suddenly, he recognized the route he had followed in his dream the previous year. Soon he came to a stop in front of a house from which a Catholic prelate was just leaving: it was Msgr. Vanutelli in person... There was the same hesitation of this latter to give his blessing to a schismatic, and the same entreaties of Soloviev, who finally !

In the summer of 1883, our author wrote two articles on The Catholic Question . According to Soloviev, it was for Russia to take the first step towards the Catholic Church. Imagine !

His articles were not of the sort to leave his readers indifferent. On the Orthodox side, there was an increasing irritation, while on the Catholic side, surprise soon gave way to enthusiasm. The news crossed the borders, spreading to Poland and even to Croatia, where Msgr. Strossmayer was finally seeing his desires realised. The jurisdiction of his diocese of Djakovo extended into Bosnia and Serbia, that is into Orthodox territory. Endowed with a superior intelligence and animated by great apostolic zeal, this Croatian bishop keenly felt the need for a true, intelligent and benevolent ecumenism. He wrote in 1883 to one of his friends, Father Martynov:

« In my opinion, the principal task of the Catholic Church and of the Holy See this century is to draw as closely as possible to the Slav nation, principally the Russian nation . By winning it over to the divine unity of the Catholic Church, we would at the same time win over everyone in the world who still possess a positive faith. »

IN THE RADIANCE OF THE IMMACULATE

In the summer of 1883, Soloviev wrote five long letters to a Russian Uniate priest on the subject of The Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary . At the same time he translated Petrarch’s “ Praise and prayer to the Most Blessed Virgin ”, wherein he contemplated Her “ clothed in the Sun, crowned with stars... Her glance radiating infinity ! ” It is highly significant that Soloviev was simultaneously attracted by the mystery of the Catholic Church and the mystery of the Immaculate Virgin. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was the first Catholic dogma which he embraced, and his favourite painting was the Immaculate Conception by Murillo.

In The Foundations of the Spiritual Life (1884), he exalted the « All Holy and Immaculate » Virgin Mary. In Russia and the Church Universal (1889), he would praise Pope Pius IX for having quoted, in support of his dogmatic definition, the Old Testament texts referring to Wisdom, the “  Sophia  ” of his personal intuitions:

« If, by the substantial Wisdom of God, we were exclusively meant to understand the Person of Jesus Christ, how could we apply to the Blessed Virgin all those texts in the Wisdom books which speak of this Wisdom ? However, this application, which has existed from the very earliest times in the offices of both the Latin and Greek Churches, has today received doctrinal confirmation in the bull of Pius IX on the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin. » (quoted by Msgr. Rupp, Le message ecclésial de Soloviev, p. 338)

In September 1883, when the sixth chapter of The Great Controversy was published, a rumour spread through Moscow that Soloviev had “ passed over ” to Catholicism, but there was no truth in it. Moreover, curious though this may seem to us, he was not looking “ to pass over to Catholicism ”, but only to open Orthodoxy up to the universality of the Roman Church.

His seventh and final chapter aroused a lively debate, one that is ever topical. The question turned on the attitude of the Byzantine Greeks in conflict with the Crusaders of the West. Soloviev wrote: « On the day that Constantinople fell, seeing the Turkish armies poised to attack, the final spontaneously expressed cry of the Greeks was, “ Better Islamic slavery than any agreement with the Latins. ” I do not mention this as a reproach to the unfortunate Greeks. If, in this cry of implacable hatred, there was nothing Christian, then neither has there been anything especially Christian in all the formal and artificial attempts to reunite the Churches… »

Aksakov, his Orthodox pride deeply irritated by this remark, retorted: « What does he mean, nothing Christian ? May the Greeks be blessed a hundred times over for having preferred a foreign yoke and bodily torture to the abandonment of the purity of their faith in Christ and for having thus preserved us from the distortions of papism at the precise moment [ the beginning of the 13th century ! ] when it had reached the height of its deformity. May they win eternal glory for this ! »

Nonetheless, Soloviev continued his search for truth, surmounting every obstacle. His article “  Nine Questions to Father Ivantsov-Platonov  ” published in December 1883, created a deep stir even in the West. Here he put nine questions to his former master in Orthodoxy on those points of controversy which set the Church of the East against the Church of Rome. Here is the setting:

« How is it that the countries of the East are separated from the Roman Church ? Did the latter proclaim an heretical proposition ? One would be hard pushed to maintain this, for the addition of the Filioque to the Creed, which is put forward to justify the separation, does not have the character of a heresy. Furthermore, it is absurd to say that the Roman Church is in a state of schism with regard to the Eastern Churches. Thus, the latter’s separation from the former has no basis. Let us acknowledge this and, putting aside all human viewpoints, let us work towards Unity or rather let us work so that Unity, which already has a virtual existence, may become a reality. »

THE THREAD OF AN ANCIENT TRADITION

During 1884, the Russian philosopher studied Catholic dogmatics. He read the works of Perrone, the theologian of Gregory XVI and Pius IX, as well as the texts of the Councils. He was particularly interested in Popes Gregory VII and Innocent III, whom he read in the original text.

At the same time he had a great enthusiasm for the Croatian priest George Krijanich who « had come from Zagreb to Moscow in the 17th century to spread the ideal of the Holy Kingdom of God, Roman Catholic and panslavic, gathering together under the sceptre of the tsars and the crook of the Pope all the Slav peoples who would thereby be freed and protected from the twofold burden pressing them on both sides like a vice, the Germanic powers and the Turks. Thus the Croats would work to free themselves from Austrian control and at the same time they would assist the Serbs, their Orthodox brothers, to shake off Moslem domination.

« To realise this grand design, capable at one blow of powerfully advancing the Kingdom of God on earth, Krijanich came to Moscow and preached on the subject of Russia’s reconciliation with Rome . This should not be difficult, he said, because the Russians had only fallen into schism through ignorance and not through heresy or malice. He himself was already preaching that everyone should recognise their own individual faults, be they unconscious or involuntary, and the need for expiation. God’s blessings would follow as a result, immense and eternal blessings. Sergius Mikhailovich Soloviev, our great man’s father, a historian and the author of a monumental history of Russia, admired Krijanich as “ the first of the Slavophiles ” and also, in his eyes, “ the most paradoxical ”, so alien did Catholicism then appear to the Russian consciousness. » (English CRC, December 1982, p. 32)

Soloviev intended to prove the contrary. And it was just at this time that he entered into friendly relations with the Croatian Bishop Strossmayer, thereby resuming the thread of an ancient tradition, one which was apparently marginal but which in reality was pregnant with a splendid future. Early in December 1885, Soloviev for the first time received a letter from the Croatian bishop. He replied to him on December 8, “  the blessed Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin  ”:

« On the reunion of the Churches », he wrote, « depends the fate of Russia, the Slavs and the whole world. We Russian Orthodox, and indeed the whole of the East, are incapable of achieving anything before we have expiated the ecclesiastical sin of schism and rendered papal authority its due . » And he ended with these words: « My heart burns with joy at the thought that I have a guide like you. May God long preserve your precious leadership for the good of the Church and the Slav people. » In his pastoral letter of January 1886, the bishop of Djakovo quoted large extracts from this letter.

Encouraged by such support, in 1886 Soloviev undertook a study on Dogmatic development and the question of the reunion of the Churches , which provoked the fury of Orthodoxy. However, at a conference given at the ecclesiastical Academy of Saint Petersburg, Soloviev attempted to justify himself: « I can assure you that I will never pass over to Latinism. » He thereby sought to register his attachment to the Eastern rite. No question for him of adopting the Latin rite ! After that, he set out on a journey to Europe.

FIRST STAY IN ZAGREB (1886)

At the beginning of July, he was the guest of the honourable Canon Racki, President of the Yugoslav Academy of Zagreb, founded by Msgr. Strossmayer, and a personal friend of the latter. Every morning the Orthodox Soloviev assisted at the Catholic Mass with great enthusiasm. He made the sign of the cross in the Catholic manner, but prayed in the Greek manner, crossing his arms on his chest. He willingly admitted to his host – and this was not due to any desire to please on his part – that Croatian Catholics, like the Ukrainians, were more religious than his Orthodox compatriots !

Following an article published in the Croatian journal Katolicki List , Soloviev for the first time encountered opposition from a Catholic priest.

During his stay in Zagreb, he also published a letter in the Russian newspaper Novoie Vremia , wherein he refuted the widespread opinion in Russia that the Croats were the instruments of the Austro-Hungarian government’s attempt to Latinize the Eastern Slavs.

In August, he joined Msgr. Strossmayer in the Styrian Alps, and spent ten marvellous days with him. These two minds were truly made to get along. The mutual admiration they felt for one another reinforced their spiritual friendship. But Soloviev continued to receive Holy Communion at the hands of the Orthodox priest of the Serb parish of Zagreb... Rising above the inevitable criticisms, he then wrote a letter to Msgr. Strossmayer, summarising their initial conversations:

«  The reunion of the Churches would be advantageous to both sides . Rome would gain a devout people enthusiastic for the religious idea, she would gain a faithful and powerful defender. Russia for her part, she who through the will of God holds in her hands the destinies of the East, would not only rid herself of the involuntary sin of schism but, what is more, she would thereby become free to fulfil her great universal mission of uniting around herself all the Slav nations and of founding a new and truly Christian civilisation, a civilisation uniting the characteristics of the one truth and of religious liberty in the supreme principle of charity, encompassing everything in its unity and distributing to everyone the plenitude of the one unique good. »

Such was his transcription of the well known Catholic principle: «  In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas : unity in essentials, liberty in matters of doubt, and in all things charity . Such must be the Charter of Catholic ecumenism under the crook of the one Shepherd. From the start of this crisis, such has been the invitation we have made to our bishops and to our brothers. Today, it is also the will of the Holy Father », wrote our Father in his editorial for September 1978, dedicated to John Paul I, another Saint Pius X without knowing it (English CRC no. 102, p. 6).

When he informed his friends of Soloviev’s letter, Msgr. Strossmayer presented its author as « a candid and truly holy soul ».

Msgr. Strossmayer and Soloviev had agreed to meet again in Rome for the jubilee pilgrimage of 1888. The Croatian bishop decided to pave the way in Rome by writing to Leo XIII’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Rampolla. He presented his Russian friend as «  toto corde et animo catholicus  ». The Pope at first took a personal interest in the affair: « Here is a sheep », he said, « who will soon be clearing the gate of the sheepfold. » But curiously, there was to be no follow-up. It seems that Leo XIII failed to appreciate Soloviev’s genius... However, things were different in France, where an unassuming and ardent rural parish priest latched on to everything that his apostolic zeal could extract from the lightning advances made by the Russian thinker ( see inset , p. 19).

Soloviev returned to Russia at the beginning of October 1886, rather discouraged by the criticisms directed against him on all sides: there were the Orthodox, some of whom had accused him of bringing Orthodoxy into disrepute abroad... and certain Catholics, like Fr. Guettée in France, a modernist priest with little to commend him, whom he had met in Paris in 1876 and who had recently published an article of rare violence against him !

THE “ RETURN OF THE DISSIDENTS ”

June 18, 1887: a young Capuchin, Leopold Mandic, from Herzeg Novi in Bosnia, under the jurisdiction of Msgr. Strossmayer, and studying at the friary in Padua, heard the voice of God inviting him to pray for and promote the return of the Orthodox to the bosom of the one Church of Christ. «  The goal of my life , he would later say, must be the return of the Eastern dissidents to Catholic unity; I must therefore employ all my energies, as far as my littleness allows, to co-operate in such a task through the sacrifice of my life . » Fifty years later, he would still remember this grace: «  June 18, for the record: 1887-1937. Today, I offered the Holy Sacrifice for the Eastern dissidents, for their return to Catholic unity . » Thus the Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate united, in this one same “ ecumenical ” work, the ardent heart of a young Capuchin destined for the altars, the apostolic wisdom of a bishop and the brilliant intuitions of a great thinker.

In January 1887, from the Monastery of Saint Sergius where he had celebrated Christmas, Soloviev wrote an article in which he provided philosophic justification for the three Catholic dogmas which the Orthodox reject, namely the Filioque, the Immaculate Conception and papal infallibility . Here is a « basis for working towards the reunion of the Churches », he explained. A few months later, he published in Zagreb (on account of the censure directed against him in Russia) his book The History and Future of Theocracy .

There he retraced the vast movement of history towards the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Universal Theocracy, the successor of Jewish Theocracy, cannot be conceived, he explained, without an integrally Christian politics, and he concluded with a splendid anthem to Christ Pantocrator receiving from His Father all power on earth and in Heaven and acting through His emissaries, the Apostles and their successors. Soloviev always believed in the privileged vocation of Russia within the Catholic community of Christian nations, even if he stigmatized what he called “ the sin of Russia ”, which was to oppress and hate all those it dominated, in particular Polish Catholics, Greek Uniates, Ruthenians and Jews !

Like a true prophet, he was vigorous in preaching repentance to his people . In order that they might be faithful to their vocation within the great Slav family, Soloviev asked them to give up their inordinate ambitions, to return to a truer and more Christian conception of their destiny, and to accomplish this within the only international organization which could direct its course, Catholicism, that is to say Roman universalism.

«  One of my theses is that the cause of the Reunion of the Churches in Russia demands a podwig (sacrifice) even heavier to bear than that which, already demanding great self-denial, was needed to ensure Russia’s receptivity to Western culture, an event truly disagreeable to the national sentiment of our ancestors .

«  Well ! this sacrifice consists in drawing closer to Rome and it must be attained at all costs. In this lies the remedy for the Russian sin . »

It goes without saying that Soloviev earned himself new enemies with his book. It cost him great personal suffering, but he could not fail the Truth, which he contemplated with ever greater clarity... What greatness of soul this universal genius possessed !

SAINT VLADIMIR AND THE CHRISTIAN STATE

1888 marked the ninth centenary of the baptism of Saint Vladimir, the first prince of Kiev, whose kingdom after his conversion became « the model of Christian States, with evangelical morals », writes our Father (English CRC, December 1982, p. 23). Soloviev used the occasion to give a conference in Moscow, where he reaffirmed that Russia’s destiny was to turn towards Rome, as King Vladimir had ! However, having hardened itself in its schism, the Muscovite hierarchy was no longer animated by the spirit of St. Vladimir. Hence the fury of the Orthodox hierarchs !

At the same time, Msgr. Strossmayer had gone to Rome for the Jubilee. In vain did he wait for Soloviev there. The latter, fearing perhaps that he had made a definitive break with the Orthodox world which he dreamed on the contrary of winning for the Union, had given up the idea of making this journey. It must also be said that Vatican diplomacy hardly inspired more confidence in him. Leo XIII was revealing himself less and less slavophile, reserving his favours for the Germany of old Bismarck and the young William II ! Msgr. Strossmayer lamented this in a letter to Fr. Martynov: «  The Pope is acting against the Slavs. The Roman prelates are like people insane and think only of temporal power !  »

What a difference between Leo XIII and his successor, St. Pius X, who was, in the words of Msgr. Rupp and our Father, the greatest slavophile pope of our times !

Early in May 1888, Soloviev was on a visit to Paris. To explain his thinking to the French public, he gave a conference on the Russian Idea , « the true national idea eternally fixed in the design of God », who longs to spread His light over the whole world. However, Soloviev remained lucid about his own Church: « If the unity of the universal Church founded by Christ only exists among us in a latent state, it is because the official institution represented by our ecclesiastical government and our theological school is not a living part of the universal Church. »

In passing, he described the destruction of the Greek-Uniate Church by the Orthodox as a «  veritable national sin weighing on Russia and paralysing her moral strength  ». That is still the case today...

In July, Kiev celebrated the feast of the baptism of St. Vladimir. From Zagreb Msgr. Strossmayer sent a telegram in which he exalted Russia’s future role in the manner of his friend Soloviev. Scandal ! His remarks were universally reported by the press. Cardinal Rampolla informed the Croatian bishop that Leo XIII was seriously displeased ! The bishop of Djakovo also earned himself the bitter reproaches of Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria, which is more understandable given the rivalry existing between the two Empires.

In the summer of 1887, Soloviev published in the Universe , the newspaper of Louis Veuillot, three articles on St. Vladimir and the Christian State which caused a great stir. Then he journeyed to Croatia where he remained for one whole month with Msgr. Strossmayer. This meeting was rather sad, for the two friends were increasingly aware that their attempt to reunite the Churches would not succeed, at least in their lifetime.

It was in Djakovo that Soloviev finished the immense prologue to his magisterial book, Russia and the Church Universal , in which one can already glimpse signs of the discouragement that would overwhelm the thinker in the latter part of his life. We know from Fatima that the work of the conversion of Russia, something humanly impossible, has been entrusted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary who has a particular love for this Nation such as to inspire jealousy in others. But this only makes it all the more extraordinary that our prophet should have traced out the course of this conversion, like a true Precursor !

« RUSSIA AND THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL »

Soloviev does not hesitate to delve deep, extremely deep, into the past. To realise its designs in the world, divine Wisdom wished to become incarnate, and the Verb to take flesh like our own. As that was not enough, He also wished to unite to Himself a social and historical body, one that could reach the universality of mankind and communicate to all men His own divine Life. In this magnificent perspective, Soloviev compares the formation of that Body through which God wishes to be united with humanity to that effected in the womb of the Virgin Mary at the time of the Incarnation, and to that which operates every day in the Eucharistic mystery... What was needed for this work was a solid foundation, a Rock:

« This bedrock has been found », he writes, « it is Rome. It is only on the Rock [of Peter and his successors] that the Church is founded. This is not an opinion, it is an imposing historical reality . »

It is also an evangelical truth: «  You are Peter, and on this Rock I will build my Church . » Here Soloviev addresses the Protestants who seek to outbid each other in their attacks against the Primacy of Peter by quoting Jesus’ own words to His Apostle when he was obstructing the Master’s path: «  Get behind me, Satan !  » Soloviev’s response once again shows the clarity of his intelligence and his perfect knowledge of Catholic dogma:

«  There is only one way of harmonising these texts which the inspired Evangelist did not juxtapose without reason. Simon Peter, as supreme pastor and doctor of the universal Church , assisted by God and speaking for all, is, in this capacity, the unshakeable foundation of the House of God and the holder of the keys of the heavenly Kingdom. The same Simon Peter, as a private person, speaking and acting through his own natural forces and an understanding that is purely human , can say and do things that are unworthy, scandalous and even satanic. But personal defects and sins are passing, whereas the social function of the ecclesiastical monarch is permanent. “ Satan ” and the scandal have disappeared, but Peter has remained.  »

Soloviev’s doctrine agrees with that of Vatican Council I and with that of our Father who, at the same time as he makes us venerate Peter’s magisterium, magnificently illustrated by Blessed Pius IX, St. Pius X and John Paul I, accuses John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II of being instruments of “ Satan ” for the ruin of the Church.

However, Christ wished that it should be around Peter that the unity of faith and charity should be formed: «  Since the unity of the faith does not presently exist in the totality of believers, seeing that not all of them are unanimous in matters of religion, it must lie in the legal authority of a single head, an authority assured by divine assistance and the trust of all the faithful . This is the ROCK on which Christ founded His Church and against which the gates of hell will never prevail.  »

Why did this ROCK settle in Rome, and not in Jerusalem, Constantinople or Moscow ? Here we have a further brilliant response from Soloviev: historically Rome represented the order, civilization and terrestrial Empire that would best allow the Church to become the universal spiritual Empire desired by Christ. In a mystical view of the history of Salvation – we would say divine “ orthodromy ” – Soloviev shows how God, wishing to extend salvation to the whole world,  decided one day that His Kingdom should leave Israel for Rome, so that the capital of the pagan Empire should become “ the conjoint instrument ” of His designs:

« The universal monarchy was to stay put; the centre of unity was not to move. But central power itself, its character, its source and its sanction were to be renewed... Instead of an Empire of Might, there was to be a Church of Love. » One thinks of Constantine’s conversion and his imposition throughout the Roman Empire of laws favouring Christianity, and of Theodosius declaring the Christian religion the religion of State. What decisive support for the Gospel ! The remarkable Roman civilization, already the heir of Greece, was put at the service of the Cross of Christ !

Soloviev had some wonderful expressions to describe this, as for example the following: «  Jesus unthroned Caesar... By unthroning the false and impious absolutism of the pagan Caesars, Jesus confirmed and immortalised the universal monarchy of Rome and gave it its true theocratic foundation . »

« Let us not think », comments our Father, « that our theosophist loses his way in a contemplation of evangelical love and freedom. Fully aware of the frailty and shortcomings of humanity, he declares that it is essential, for its effective salvation, that supreme divine power be joined to the firmest social structure, to the virile principle , and not as formerly to the female principle of a virginal flesh for the Incarnation. This firm principle is the imperial monarchical institution which is Rome and Caesar. Converted, elevated and unabolished, the Power of Rome continues in the Pope for the service of the universal community.

« It is only this divino-human pontifical paternity that is capable of forming the basis of the universal fraternity of the peoples, not only through its spiritual influence but also through its authority and its supranational organization. In this monarchy, sacred but popular, the Pope, the Universal Emperor, clearly remains the servant of the servants of God and is, for that very reason, the sovereign Head of the Nations. Opposed to any kind of papolatry, antagonistic to all the encroachments of papism, and quite capable of denouncing such a Pope as Satan, Soloviev raised an imperishable monument to the glory of Rome and pointed out – him, a member of the Orthodox Church – the path of the world’s salvation, which lay in one place only, in the universal Christian order of a restored Roman Catholic Church ... » (French CRC no. 131, July 1978, p. 6)

In his lifetime, Soloviev ran up against a wall of hostility and incomprehension: « I am not so naive », he said, « to seek to convince minds whose private interests are greater than their desire for religious truth. In presenting the general evidence for the permanent primacy of Peter as the basis of the universal Church, I have simply wanted to assist those who are opposed to this truth, not because of their interests and passions, but merely because of their unwitting errors and hereditary prejudices. »

The final period of his life might seem to some like a decline and a renunciation of his prophetic insights, but our Father writes: « Soloviev was too great a mind to be discouraged or to modify his ideas in accordance with the fluctuations of his worldly success. What is certainly true is that his bitter experiences gave him a better knowledge of the Evil that was at work in the world, throwing up formidable obstacles to God’s designs and going so far as to erect a kind of caricature of them. This he denounced as the power of the Antichrist, the Prince of this world, announced in the Scriptures. » (French CRC no. 132, August 1978, p. 12)

At the beginning of the 1890’s, relations between Soloviev and the Orthodox Church deteriorated. «  Given the papaphobia reigning among us , he wrote to a friend, sometimes revealing its underhand character and at other times its stupidity, and always in any event unchristian, I considered and I continue to consider that it is necessary to draw people’s attention to the Rock of the Church laid by Christ Himself and to its positive significance . »

As he persisted in his criticisms, even going so far as to compare the Greco-Russian Church with « the Synagogue », the Orthodox hierarchy, in the person of Pobiedonostev, the Holy Synod’s prosecutor, employed the ultimate weapon at its disposal: it deprived him of the sacraments. One day in 1894, being seriously ill, Soloviev asked to receive the sacraments. His Orthodox confessor refused to give him absolution unless he renounced his Catholic views. Soloviev refused to yield, preferring to forego confession and Holy Communion.

AN AUTHENTIC CONVERSION

The moment had come. On February 18, 1896, he went to see Fr. Nicholas Alexeyevich Tolstoy, a Catholic priest of the Eastern rite exercising his ministry in Moscow. This priest, a former officer, owed him his vocation, his formation (Soloviev having been his teacher) and his conversion to Catholicism. That February 18 was the feast day of Pope St. Leo so dear to Soloviev. Before Mass, he read on his knees the Tridentine symbol of the faith containing the Filioque and a formula declaring that the Church of Rome must be regarded as the head of all the particular Churches. Then he received the Body of Christ at the hands of the Catholic priest.

On the following day, Fr. Tolstoy was denounced and arrested. He managed to escape and to reach Rome first, then France. It was only in 1910 that he would give an account in the Universe of the authentic conversion of Soloviev, and in 1917 that the two witnesses present at the scene would confirm the celebrated Russian’s profession of the Catholic faith. Nevertheless, this conversion was disputed not only by the Orthodox but also by Catholics imbued with a false ecumenism like Msgr. d’Herbigny of sinister memory. But in this matter the facts are indubitable. His entry into the Catholic Church did not, however, in Soloviev’s mind, exclude him from what he called « the true and authentic Eastern or Greco-Russian Church ». Never did he embrace the Latin rite. After the exile of Fr. Tolstoy, as there were no longer any Catholic priests in Moscow apart from those belonging to the Latin rite, Soloviev decided to refrain from receiving the sacraments...

In 1897, a census of the whole of Russia was carried out in which a question was asked about religion. «  I am both Catholic and Orthodox; let the police work that out !  » Soloviev answered.

« Self-important people from Rome and Moscow declared themselves scandalized », writes our Father. « The hour had not yet come for the podwig , for self-renunciation and reconciliation in truth and justice ( pravda ), and for the restoration of the wholly divine unity of communion in love ( sobornost ). Msgr. Rupp thinks that we achieved it with Vatican II. Alas, no ! I hope for and expect it to come with Vatican III... but only after the trial, after conversion and expiation... and after Our Lady’s humble requests have been met. » (English CRC, December 1982, p. 36)

UNDER THE SIGN OF MARY

«  This glow from Heaven emanates from Mary, And vain remains the attraction of the serpent’s venom.  »

On July 17, 1900, sensing death approaching, Soloviev sent for a priest. He was most insistent about this: « Will it be morning soon ? When will the priest come ? » The next day, he made his confession and received Holy Communion at the hands of an Orthodox priest. He died peacefully a few days later, on July 31, «  in the communion of Russian Orthodoxy to which he had ever been faithful, without however disowning the Catholicism of his heart, assured by the example of the Fathers of Russian Christianity, Saints Cyril and Methodius, Saint Vladimir, and so many strastoterptsi , innocents who had suffered the passion , and startsi , slavophiles and romanophiles at the same time, without schism or constraint, in the love of Holy Church and Holy Russia, the Kingdom of God to come !  »

But all this is too beautiful for us not to revisit it, so our Father has decided that we will study in more depth the work of this great Russian thinker, in three parts to appear in subsequent editions of Resurrection , Deo volente:

The vocation of Russia in the designs of God and the concert of the Christian nations: up to and including Putin ?

The Immaculate Virgin Mary , throne of Wisdom, essential beauty of the created world, our ultimate recourse !

The Antichrist unmasked by Soloviev . This was the last service the “ inspired prophet ” rendered to his beloved Russia: that of putting her on her guard against the seductions of the Antichrist. In Rome, at the same time, St. Pius X was also announcing his advent in his encyclical E supremi Apostolatus of October 4, 1903: « The Antichrist is present among us. The Evil shaking the world should not affright us, it will only last a short while. What must fall will fall, and the Church will be reborn from the trial, assisted by her Saviour and ready for extraordinary developments. »

Brother Thomas of Our Lady of Perpetual Help He is risen ! n° 8, August 2001, pp. 13-22

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