What is APA, and what does it cover?

Martina Asmus
Co-founder, DMA Yachting

APA is a prepaid fund the captain spends on fuel, food, drinks, dockage, laundry and anything else you ask for that is not in the charter fee.

It is set at 20 to 25 percent of the charter fee on a catamaran or sailing yacht and 30 to 40 percent on a motor yacht, because the percentage tracks fuel consumption.

You pay it before boarding and whatever is left is returned to you at the end. It is a working budget, not a second charter fee.

Ask the captain for a running total mid-week. You are entitled to an itemized account with receipts at the end, not a single closing number.

Related: When are the final payment and APA due, Are food, drinks and fuel included, How much does a crewed yacht charter cost.

Full guide: How much does a yacht charter cost.

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