APA Explained: How the Advance Provisioning Allowance Works
Why motor yachts charge an APA, how it is spent, and how to make sure you get the balance back.
What APA actually is
APA is a float - typically 25–35% of the base charter fee - wired before boarding and held by the captain as a running account for fuel, food, drinks, berthing and shore expenses.
How it is accounted
The captain keeps itemised receipts and gives you a running balance during the week. If the account runs low you top it up; if there is a surplus it is refunded in cash or by transfer at disembarkation.
What drives APA spend
Fuel is the big variable. A yacht that anchors quietly burns a fraction of one that runs six hours a day. Marina nights in Monaco or Porto Cervo during peak season can exceed €3,000.
Keeping control
Send a detailed preference sheet, agree an approximate wine budget in advance, and ask for a mid-week statement. Reputable captains volunteer it.
Want these numbers for your dates?
Send us the week and group size and we will return an itemised, no-obligation quote.