Moshi Anahory
The invitation
A yacht invitation has a particular magic. The coastline becomes the view from your breakfast table, the itinerary is flexible, and a professional crew can make the smallest detail feel effortless. Yet the best guests understand one simple truth: life on the water is different from life at a hotel. Good yacht etiquette is not about knowing an obscure code of luxury. It is about recognising that a yacht is simultaneously a home, a workplace and a vessel at sea. A little consideration goes a surprisingly long way.
Start with the captain's briefing
When you arrive, resist the temptation to head directly for the sun deck. The crew may first explain safety equipment, emergency procedures, restricted areas and the plan for the day. Listen carefully. The sea can be calm at breakfast and uncomfortable after lunch; professional crews make decisions based on conditions, not only on the holiday schedule. Ask where lifejackets are stored, how to move around the decks while underway and whether children need additional supervision. Follow the captain's instructions about tenders and water toys. These are not formalities designed to interrupt the fun. They make the enjoyable parts possible.
Let the yacht set the dress code
On many yachts, the first rule is also the easiest: shoes off. Delicate teak decks and interior finishes are not particularly fond of hard soles, grit or high heels. Some yachts provide indoor footwear; others prefer barefoot guests. If unsure, ask before stepping aboard. Choose soft, breathable clothing that suits the conditions rather than the impression you hope to make. A smart linen shirt or easy summer dress can move comfortably from lunch on deck to an early evening ashore. Bring an extra layer: even a warm Mediterranean day can feel cool when a breeze rises underway. One understated detail matters more than an expensive outfit: use luggage that the crew can store easily. Soft-sided bags tend to work better than oversized rigid suitcases in cabins with limited storage.
Respect the spaces you do not see
The crew performs a huge amount of work out of sight. The galley is a professional kitchen, the bridge is an operational area and crew accommodation is a private place to rest. Do not enter these spaces unless invited. The same principle applies to other guests' cabins and personal belongings. And unless everyone agrees, avoid posting images that reveal fellow guests, a yacht's live location or private details. Discretion is a form of luxury in its own right.
Communicate your preferences early
A thoughtful crew can accommodate much more when they know what you need in advance. Tell your charter broker or host about dietary requirements, allergies, accessibility needs and any special occasion. If you would like a quiet anchorage instead of a lively beach club, say so. Your preferences are useful information, not an inconvenience. What does not help is changing every plan at the last minute while expecting weather, berth availability and travel distances to disappear. Great charters leave room for spontaneity, but the sea still gets a vote.
Treat water toys as equipment, not props
Jet skis, Seabobs, tenders, paddleboards and inflatable toys are part of the appeal of many modern yachts. They also demand attention. Ask for the relevant safety instructions, observe local operating rules, wear the appropriate protective equipment and never assume that a toy is ready for independent use merely because it is on display. Children require particular care. A crew may happily help organise activities, but professional yacht staff should not automatically be treated as babysitters. The responsibility for a child's supervision needs to be agreed clearly.
A little courtesy travels far
Learn a few crew members' names. Be patient when tables are being laid or the tender is being prepared. Thank people for work well done. If something is not right, raise it calmly with the appropriate person instead of creating a scene in front of everyone. For a charter, crew gratuities may be customary but are discretionary; ask your broker for the appropriate local and contractual guidance rather than relying on a fixed universal percentage.
The most memorable guests
The best yacht guests do not need to perform wealth, expertise or importance. They are curious about the sea, respectful of the people around them and comfortable allowing plans to evolve. They notice the coastline rather than only the champagne service. On a yacht, elegance is rarely loud. More often, it looks like listening carefully, travelling lightly and letting everyone on board enjoy the day.