We started Vela because too many charters get let down by brokers. We're sailors first — and we do the job properly.
Vela Yachts was born out of frustration. Like a lot of sailors, we'd been let down by charter brokers — promised boats that turned out not to exist, a booking that was never actually paid so the yacht wasn't there when we arrived, and "perfect" recommendations that were nothing like right for our crew. A week afloat is hard-won and expensive to lose. So we built the brokerage we wished we'd booked with.
The problems we set out to fix
01
Boats that didn't exist
We'd been sold yachts that weren't really available. So we only offer boats we've confirmed are real, bookable and as described — the boat you book is the boat you sail. No bait-and-switch.
02
Bookings that fell through
One holiday was scuppered because a broker simply forgot to pay the base. We manage every reservation end to end and confirm it in writing, so your yacht is there, paid for and ready when you step onto the dock.
03
The wrong boat for the crew
We were pushed yachts that suited the broker, not us. We recommend the boat that genuinely fits your experience, your group and your plans — even when it isn't the priciest one.
Run by sailors, for sailors
We're not a faceless booking site. Vela is run by people who actually sail — who've handled these boats, moored in these harbours and learned these cruising grounds the hard way. When we suggest a yacht, a base or a route, it comes from real experience on the water, and from wanting you to have the kind of holiday we'd want ourselves. That passion for a genuinely great sailing week is the whole reason Vela exists.
Our promises to you
✓
Honestly represented, properly booked
The right boat, described accurately, with the reservation confirmed and paid — no nasty surprises at the base.
✓
Matched to you, not to commission
We steer you to the boat and destination that fit your crew and experience, and tell you honestly what to expect.
✓
No booking fee, honest pricing
Our service is free to you — the charter base pays our commission, not you — and we itemise every cost up front.
✓
Real people, before and during
A proper plan for your week, a briefing for your destination, and someone on the phone if anything needs sorting while you're away.
In short: we do the simple things properly — because we've felt what happens when a broker doesn't. More about how we work →
Frequently asked questions
We were started by sailors who'd been let down by brokers, so we fixed the things that go wrong: we only offer boats we've confirmed are real and available, we manage and confirm every booking so it's actually paid, and we match the yacht to your crew rather than to our commission — all with no booking fee.
Yes. We only list boats we've confirmed are genuinely available, and we book the specific yacht for you and confirm it in writing. If anything ever changed on the base's side, we'd tell you straight away and sort a proper alternative — not spring it on you at the dock.
No. We recommend the boat that fits your experience, group size and plans — even if it's a cheaper one. Getting you on the right yacht is how we earn repeat bookings, which matters to us far more than one booking's commission.
None. Our advice, planning and support are free to you. The charter base pays our commission, so you pay exactly what you would booking direct — with a lot more help and a lot less risk.
Tell us your dates, group size and experience and we'll match you to the right yacht, plan your route and handle the booking properly — at no extra cost over booking direct.