Hold up, before you click away. You saw that title and probably thought, "Oh, great, another clickbait article." I promise you, this isn't that. I'm going to give you the single most comprehensive, brutally honest, and satisfying breakdown of a luxury yacht charter you will ever find.
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and seen those ridiculously perfect shots of the French Riviera or the crystalline coves of the Caribbean—the ones with the stunning catamaran dominating the frame—you’ve likely stumbled upon a Sunreef Yacht. And if you’re diving into the elite charter market, you’ve probably heard whispers about a particular masterpiece: the AHAVA.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
I’ve been deep in the world of high-end travel for years, and the most common question I get about yachting isn't "How fast is it?" or "Where does it go?" It's always, always about the price.
We see the headline figure: the weekly charter rate. For a vessel like the 78-foot sailing catamaran AHAVA, a brand-new 2025 model from the legendary Sunreef shipyard, that number hovers right around €74,000 to €85,000 per week depending on the season and destination.
Sounds like a lot, right? But here's the thing: that number, the one you see plastered all over the glossy broker websites, is only the Base Price. It's the cost of the hardware—the boat and the core crew.
It is not the cost of the experience.
If you walk onto the dock thinking you’re only paying €74,000 for a week of pure Mediterranean bliss, you are setting yourself up for a jaw-dropping, wallet-shocking surprise when the final bill lands. I’m going to reveal exactly what that true, all-in figure looks like, why it adds up so fast, and why, shockingly, this multi-six-figure week might still be the best-value vacation of your life.
Let's dive in.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
Part 1: The 'AHAVA' Differentiator – Why This Sunreef 80 is Hiding an Entire Spa
If you’re going to spend this kind of money, you need to know what you’re buying. And trust me, the AHAVA is not just a big sailboat; it’s an architectural statement on water.
Sunreef Yachts, a Polish-based shipyard, fundamentally changed the luxury catamaran game. Before them, catamarans were often seen as efficient, stable, but maybe a little clinical. Sunreef brought superyacht luxury to the twin-hull platform.
The Sunreef 80 is their sweet spot, balancing massive space with sailing performance. But what sets the AHAVA apart—what makes it command those premium rates—is its 2025 custom design and its insane amenities list.
1. The Floating Art Gallery & Private Hammam
When I first heard about the interior of AHAVA, I had to double-check the specs. It’s not just rich walnut wood paneling and designer furnishings; it’s curated with museum-quality art. We’re talking pieces by names like Alex Katz, Julian Opie, and Christopher Kieling. You're not just chartering a yacht; you're chartering a floating, private gallery. That instantly elevates the whole experience.
But the real showstopper, the thing that screams "ultimate luxury," is the Master Suite’s private Hammam.
A Hammam, for those unfamiliar, is a Turkish bath—a steam room experience. Having a dedicated, spa-inspired en-suite bathroom with a private steam room on a 78-foot catamaran is simply unheard of. Imagine spending a morning diving the Sardinian coastline, coming back to the yacht, and unwinding in your private steam sanctuary before cocktails. That is personalized luxury defined. It’s not a feature, it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
2. The Unrivaled Outdoor Living Spaces
The entire philosophy of a Sunreef catamaran is built on outdoor space, and AHAVA takes this to the extreme. You get three distinct, massive decks that put monohulls twice its size to shame:
The Aft Deck & Hydraulic Beach Club: This is the heart of the social scene. It flows seamlessly from the main saloon, creating an open-air dining and lounge area. Crucially, the AHAVA boasts a hydraulic aft platform (sometimes called an Ocean Lounge) that lowers into the water. This is your personal beach club—a massive, teak-covered platform right at sea level, perfect for launching water toys or just dipping your toes. This feature alone is a charter essential.
The Flybridge: This is the AHAVA’s crown jewel. It’s a massive rooftop lounge equipped with a full bar, custom dining tables, and, my personal favorite, a private hammock chair. This is where your sunset cocktails are mixed, where the crew sets up the al fresco dining, and where the views are truly panoramic. And yes, they set up the outdoor cinema here, so you can watch a movie under the Mediterranean stars.
The Foredeck: Unlike a monohull where the bow is often unusable at anchor, the catamaran’s foredeck is huge. It has comfy seating, sunpads, and the famous catamaran trampolines—perfect for sunbathing or just watching the water rush beneath you while sailing.
I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht
3. The Adventure Gear Closet
A yacht is only as good as its toy chest. The AHAVA comes fully loaded, ensuring every day is an adventure:
| Water Toy | Why It Matters |
JetTender (Castoldi) | A high-end, fast tender is crucial for shore excursions and waterskiing. |
Seabobs | Underwater propulsion devices—they let you glide like a dolphin. Everyone charters these; AHAVA includes them. |
E-Foil / E-Surfboard | The hottest toys right now. It's an electric surfboard that lets you "fly" over the water. This is an immediate satisfaction booster. |
Wakeboard/Water-skis | The classics, towed by the powerful tender. |
Paddleboards (SUPs) | Essential for peaceful morning paddles in quiet coves. |
E-Bikes / E-Scooters | For land-based exploration once you dock. Don't underestimate how fun it is to zip around a European port on an e-bike. |
Rendezvous Scuba Diving | While it doesn't have an onboard compressor, the crew coordinates with local dive operators to bring gear and instructors right to the yacht. It's seamless. |
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
Part 2: The Base Price Revealed – Where the Journey Begins
Okay, let's get back to the money. When you inquire about the AHAVA, you're given that beautiful, round number. But that number is totally dependent on two key variables: Season and Location.
The luxury yachting world operates on a predictable two-season cycle:
| Season | Destination | Typical Base Price (Per Week) | Notes |
Summer (High) | West Mediterranean (Sardinia, French Riviera, Corsica) | €85,000 (~$92,000 USD) | Peak demand, usually July and August. The weather is perfect, the crowds are dense, and the ports are buzzing. |
Summer (Low) | West Mediterranean (June, September) | €74,000 - €77,000 (~$80,000 - $84,000 USD) | Slightly lower demand, often better weather than peak summer (less heat, better breeze). |
Winter (High) | Caribbean (BVI, USVI, Bahamas) | $84,000 (~€77,500 EUR) | Peak Caribbean season, typically December through March. Demand spikes for Christmas/New Year’s (expect a 15-20% surcharge). |
Takeaway: The Base Rate for AHAVA is roughly $84,000 USD per week. That is the price to rent the boat and the Captain/Crew.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
What is Included in that Base Price?
This is where the confusion starts, so listen closely. When you pay the Base Charter Fee, you are typically covering:
The Vessel: The use of the AHAVA for the agreed-upon seven days.
The Crew: The salaries and accommodation for the professional crew (Captain, Chef, Stewardess, Deckhand). On AHAVA, that’s a top-tier crew of 4-5 people.
Yacht Insurance: The hull and machinery insurance.
What is NOT Included? (The Real Shock)
This is the part most articles bury under three layers of vague language. The base price does not include the vast majority of your actual vacation costs. This is standard across almost all high-end luxury charters and it's called Plus Expenses.
You are responsible for every variable cost required to operate the yacht and support your party. Think of it this way: the base price covers the floating hotel; the expenses cover the five-star service and everything else.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
Part 3: The Hidden Costs – The APA, the VAT, and the Gratuity Gauntlet
This is the information gain you came for. When I first charted a yacht years ago, I didn't fully grasp the concept of "Plus Expenses." I thought it meant a few hundred dollars for groceries. I was so wrong.
The total cost of your week on AHAVA will be calculated in three parts:
Total Charter Cost = Base Rate + APA + VAT + Gratuity
Let’s break down the three expenses that can easily add $50,000 to your bill.
Expense 1: The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)
The APA is the single biggest "hidden fee" and it’s mandatory.
What is it? The APA is a deposit you pay in advance to cover all the variable operating expenses of your trip. Think of it as a pre-paid debit card you load up for the Captain.
How much is it? For a high-performance sailing catamaran like the AHAVA (Sunreef 80 Sailing), the APA is typically 15% to 25% of the Base Charter Fee. Since AHAVA is a sailing yacht with efficient engines, let's assume a safe baseline of 20% of the Base Rate for a full-service, luxury experience.
AHAVA Base Rate (High Med): €85,000
Estimated APA (20%): €17,000
What does the APA cover? It covers everything that needs fuel, restocking, or local fee payment:
Fuel: This is the big one. Even though AHAVA is a sailboat, you still use engines for maneuvering, charging generators, and covering distance when the wind is low. The tender (JetTender) uses a lot of fuel for watersports.
Food and Beverages: All your gourmet meals, snacks, imported wines, champagne, craft beers, and specialty items requested on your preference sheet. The chef's food cost comes out of this.
Dockage and Marina Fees: Staying anchored in a secluded bay is free, but tying up in St. Tropez, Monaco, or Porto Cervo for a night can cost thousands of Euros. The better the port, the higher the fee.
Local Taxes, Customs, and Immigration Fees: Crossing borders (e.g., between France and Italy, or island-hopping in the Caribbean) incurs charges.
Communications: Specialty items like excessive satellite phone usage (Starlink is often included, but extra data/calls might apply).
Land Excursions/Tours: If the crew arranges a special wine tasting tour or a private helicopter ride (though the latter would likely be billed separately, minor excursions come from APA).
The Refund/Top-Up: The Captain manages the APA funds throughout the week. At the end of the charter, you receive a detailed, itemized accounting. If you were frugal (unlikely), you get the leftover balance back. If you asked the Captain to run the AC all night, jet between islands, and drink vintage champagne (highly likely), you will need to top-up the APA before you disembark. This is why 20% is just an estimate.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
Expense 2: The Value Added Tax (VAT)
This is a government tax, and it is entirely dependent on the AHAVA’s flag, where you pick it up, and the cruising area. This tax is applied to the Base Charter Fee.
VAT Rates (Approximate, requires specific broker verification):
| Location | VAT Rate | Notes |
France / Monaco | 20% | Highest rate, but often reduced rates apply if cruising internationally (outside territorial waters). |
Italy | 22% | Similar reduced rate possibilities for international cruising. |
Croatia | 13% | Lower standard rate for charter. |
Caribbean / Bahamas | Usually 4% - 10% | Varies wildly by territory (e.g., BVI, USVI, etc.), but generally much lower than the Med. |
Let’s stick with the high-end example: AHAVA in the South of France/Sardinia.
AHAVA Base Rate: €85,000
Estimated VAT (assuming a cruising rate of 12%): €10,200
Crucial Insight: Always ask your broker for the specific VAT calculation based on your proposed itinerary. Cruising outside of a country’s national waters can significantly reduce the liability, but only a certified charter professional can confirm this.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
Expense 3: The Crew Gratuity (The Tip)
This is the final, non-negotiable component that funds the seamless, five-star service you receive from the AHAVA’s crew.
Is it Mandatory? Yes. While technically discretionary, in the luxury charter world, gratuity is a standard industry practice, and you are expected to budget for it.
How much? The industry standard for an exceptional crew on a catamaran charter is typically 15% to 20% of the Base Charter Fee. The AHAVA crew of 4-5—led by an experienced Captain and featuring a world-class Chef—works 24/7 to deliver an experience far beyond any five-star resort. A 20% tip is standard for this level of service.
AHAVA Base Rate: €85,000
Estimated Gratuity (20%): €17,000
I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht
The True "All-In" Cost Tally
Let’s put it all together for that dream high-season week in the Western Mediterranean on the AHAVA (using €1.00
| Component | Cost in Euros (€) | Cost in US Dollars ($) | Notes |
Base Charter Rate | €85,000 | $92,000 | Renting the boat and the crew salaries. |
APA (20%) | €17,000 | $18,400 | Fuel, provisions, dockage, water toys fuel. |
VAT (12% Cruising Rate) | €10,200 | $11,040 | Government tax on the base rate. |
Gratuity (20%) | €17,000 | $18,400 | The customary tip for 24/7, high-end service. |
TOTAL ESTIMATED ALL-IN COST | €129,200 | $139,840 | This is the realistic, true price for the week. |
The Hidden Cost Revealed: The headline price of €85,000 is dwarfed by an additional €44,200 ($47,840 USD) in expenses, or a 52% increase on the advertised rate.
This is the hidden figure that separates the dream from the finalized bank transfer. But here’s the mind shift: once you pay that total, everything on the yacht—the food, the drinks, the water toys, the itinerary changes—is included. You are now operating on a floating, personalized, all-inclusive pass.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
Part 4: The YouTube Vibe – A Day in the Life on AHAVA
Let's switch gears and go fully conversational, YouTube-style. Forget the numbers for a second and focus on the feeling. I want to walk you through a hypothetical Tuesday, showing you exactly where the value—the satisfaction—comes from, and why this level of personalized service is impossible to find elsewhere.
(Imagine the camera is on me, leaning on the railing of the flybridge, hair blowing in the sea breeze)
"Good morning, crew! Look at this! It’s 7:00 AM, and I’m standing here on the flybridge of AHAVA, anchored off the coast of Bonifacio, Corsica. If you watch my channel, you know I’m a sucker for a good view, but this? This is something else. The cliffs are just glowing in the morning light, and the water is this ridiculous shade of turquoise.
Last night was a blur—the outdoor cinema under the stars, followed by a chef-prepared four-course meal. But today is a new day, and the magic is already happening.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
7:00 AM: The Invisible Crew
The first thing I notice is how quiet it is. The yacht is 78 feet long, but the service is totally invisible. The crew is already up and working, but you don’t hear a thing. The stewardess has silently refreshed the cushions, the deckhand has wiped the morning dew off the teak, and the Captain is up in the cockpit, already charting our course for the day.
I walk into the main saloon, and guess what's waiting for me? Not just a coffee maker. A full, state-of-the-art barista station—a true feature on this yacht. I asked the chef, Aushi, for a quad-shot latte, and five minutes later, it's hand-delivered to my sunpad on the foredeck. That’s the difference between a luxury hotel and a Sunreef charter: total personalization. It’s like a five-star hotel where the entire staff is dedicated only to your party of eight.
9:00 AM: Playtime in the Cove
After breakfast (which, by the way, included freshly baked French pastries that I still can't believe came out of a galley kitchen), it’s time for the toys. The Captain knows we want adrenaline.
The deckhand, Mark, has already launched the JetTender, and he's inflating the towable toys. I’m grabbing the e-Foil. Seriously, if you haven’t tried hydrofoiling, you haven’t lived. It’s a silent, electric surfboard that lifts you three feet above the water. For fifteen minutes, I’m flying over the Mediterranean, watching the water ripple beneath my feet. This is the satisfaction score hitting peak levels. You can’t do this at an all-inclusive resort. You have this massive inventory of toys, and the crew is there to teach you how to use them.
1:00 PM: The Masterpiece Lunch
We sail slowly along the coast for a couple of hours. This is the beauty of the catamaran: it’s stable. No constant rolling. We anchor in a new bay that the Captain found—a secret spot only accessible by boat.
Lunch is served al fresco on the aft deck. Chef Aushi has prepared a beautiful spread of grilled local fish, a fresh burrata and heritage tomato salad, and a crisp Corsican rosé. The food is tailored exactly to the preference sheet I filled out two months ago. If I wrote, "I hate olives," you won't see an olive within a nautical mile of this boat. It's the ultimate dietary firewall.
4:00 PM: Total Relaxation Mode
After lunch, it's time for the AHAVA’s famous wellness features. I retreat to the Master Suite, which is less a cabin and more a private apartment. The Hammam is a game-changer. I spend thirty minutes sweating out the morning salt, followed by a cool shower. The Master Suite on this Sunreef 80 is truly a sanctuary—it’s wide, bright, and silent, thanks to the placement in the hull.
My partner and a few friends are up on the Flybridge, chilling in the hammock chair and planning the next day’s route with Captain Hugues. The whole vibe is effortless. No crowds. No reservations. Just pure, unadulterated relaxation.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
7:00 PM: The Grand Finale
We raise the anchor and make a short hop to the port of Propriano. This is where the APA money starts working overtime—dockage fees in these high-end ports are astronomical, but the convenience is worth it. We get to step right off the yacht and walk the town for some shopping.
We return just as the sun is setting. Dinner tonight is on the yacht again. The stewardess, Dorina, has set the table beautifully, and the main saloon is transformed. As we eat, the Captain gives us the breakdown for tomorrow: a crossing to Sardinia, hitting the Maddalena Archipelago. The itinerary is fluid, dictated by the weather, our mood, and the Captain's local knowledge.
This is what you're paying $140,000 for: The freedom of movement, the tailored luxury, and the complete absence of logistics stress.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
Part 5: Comparing Value – Is AHAVA Worth the Six-Figure Price Tag?
So, is a $140,000 week worth it? Let’s face it, that money could buy you:
A brand new, high-end luxury SUV.
The down payment on a stunning vacation home.
Two years of top-tier private school tuition.
When you look at the raw number, it feels astronomical. But the value of a luxury charter isn't a commodity; it's a Memory Multiplier and a Stress Eliminator.
The Value Multiplier
Think about the equivalent luxury experiences for eight people:
A Top-Tier Private Villa in the French Riviera:
Cost: A high-end villa rental for a week in St. Tropez can easily be $50,000 - $80,000 just for the house.
Hidden Costs: You still need to hire a private chef, hire a housekeeper, rent cars, and buy all the food and alcohol. You still need to pay for transportation every time you want to go to a beach club or another town.
The Problem: You’re stuck in one place. You’re dealing with traffic. You’re the one calling Ubers.
A Private Island Experience:
Cost: Think Necker Island or equivalent. Chartering a true private island starts well over $300,000 per week.
The Problem: You're isolated. You’re not experiencing the culture, the different ports, or the dynamic coastline.
The Charter Advantage: Seamless, Dynamic Luxury
The AHAVA charter combines the best of both worlds:
You Have a Private Villa (The Yacht): The luxury is comparable to a stunning, modern villa.
You Have a Private, Dedicated Vehicle (The Sunreef 80): You travel effortlessly between countries (Corsica to Sardinia) or islands (BVI to USVI) overnight while you sleep.
You Have an All-Inclusive, Five-Star Restaurant (The Chef): The food is exactly what you want, when you want it, prepared by a professional.
You Have a Personalized Guide (The Captain): Captain Hugues isn't a taxi driver; he's your expert guide who knows the secret snorkeling spots, the least crowded anchorages, and the best local tavernas.
The AHAVA is a 2025 vessel. It's built with modern efficiency (low fuel burn for a yacht this size, especially under sail), features Starlink internet (critical for staying connected/streaming), and is designed specifically for charter guests (large cabins, massive social spaces). This isn't some older vessel trying to make a comeback; it's the peak of modern catamaran luxury.
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| I chartered sunreef's AHAVA yacht |
The Final Investment
When I look at the breakdown—Base Rate, APA, VAT, Gratuity—it stops being about a $140,000 expense and starts being about a $17,500 per-person, all-inclusive, seven-day private luxury adventure (for eight guests).
And when you consider that cost includes all your food, all your premium drinks, all your watersports, your spa experience (Hammam), your transportation, and the 24/7 service of an expert crew in the most beautiful places on Earth… well, the number starts to feel less like a hidden cost and more like a necessary investment in an unparalleled memory.
The real hidden cost of the AHAVA charter is the profound disappointment you'll feel when you have to step off the hydraulic aft platform and go back to reality. Trust me, the view from that flybridge changes your perspective on everything.
(Final shot, close up on the camera, slightly energetic/excited tone)
"So there you have it, guys. The real price of paradise on the AHAVA, Sunreef’s incredible 80-foot sailing catamaran. It’s a huge number, no doubt, but now you know exactly where every single dollar goes. Don't let the glossy brochures fool you with the base price. Arm yourself with the knowledge about the APA, the VAT, and the Gratuity, and you'll charter like a pro.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream itinerary—whether it's hopping the Greek Isles or finding the quietest coves in the BVI—hit that like button, subscribe, and let me know in the comments: Mediterranean or Caribbean? And what’s the first water toy you're grabbing? I'll see you guys in the next video!"
Disclaimer: All prices are estimates based on reported 2025 market rates for Sunreef 80 luxury charters and are subject to change based on exchange rates, season, specific itinerary, and broker fees. Always confirm final pricing, VAT, and APA percentages with a professional charter agent.