BVI Charter Ownership Program
Turn your Bali catamaran into a profitable charter business in the British Virgin Islands. Professional charter management, proven income potential, and significant tax advantages.
How the MCC Clearinghouse Program Works
Professional charter management designed to complement your yacht ownership
List Your Yacht
Your yacht is professionally promoted through CYA (Central Yacht Agent), Charter Index, Ankor database, MCC's website, social media, newsletters, and broker networks. We create professional e-brochures showcasing your yacht, crew, specs, and guest reviews.
Secure Bookings & Payments
MCC manages your calendar, handles all charter contracts using industry-standard CYBA E-Contracts, and collects payments through secure CYBA escrow accounts in American banks. You retain the right to book charters independently without fees if you manage contracts and payments directly.
Receive Payment & Support
Charter funds are released 45 days before charter start or upon receipt of final payment. You receive monthly income/expense statements and future booking schedules. MCC provides crew training assistance, provisioning support, and operational guidance.
MCC Clearinghouse Program Benefits
Professional charter management designed to complement your yacht ownership with peace of mind
Exclusive Clearinghouse
MCC acts as your exclusive clearinghouse for charter bookings, ensuring professional representation in the Caribbean market.
Maximum Visibility
Featured in CYA, Charter Index, Ankor database, plus MCC's website, social media, and professional broker networks.
Secure CYBA Escrow
All charter funds collected via CYBA escrow accounts in American banks, ensuring full transparency and security.
Owner Flexibility
Retain the right to book charters independently without fees, as long as you handle contracts and funds directly.
Services Included
- Professional e-brochures with photos, video, crew profiles
- Full calendar & reservation management
- CYBA E-Contract standard contracts
- Monthly income/expense statements
- Crew training & provisioning assistance
- Operational support for smooth charters
Yacht As A Business Program
Structure your yacht ownership as a legitimate business to access substantial tax advantages while generating charter income. This is the smartest way to own a yacht for US buyers in high income tax brackets.
What Is A Yacht Business?
A yacht business is structured much like any other for-profit business. By placing your yacht into a corporation (usually an LLC) and operating it actively for profit—either directly or through a charter management company like MCC—you can generate substantial tax advantages that offset the cost of ownership.
Most yacht owners use this program as an avenue to acquire their dream cruising catamaran at a huge discount. Others use the charter revenue together with business tax deductions to reduce the costs of owning a luxury yacht they can enjoy now.
Key Benefits
- Cover all ownership costs including mortgage payments with income and tax advantages
- Enjoy owner use of your vessel while generating charter revenue
- Asset protection through LLC ownership structure
- "Owner Operator" option for those wanting a career change
How To Set Up A Yacht Business
Establish Business Purpose
Define your charter operation: luxury bareboat, crewed charter, dive/adventure charters, or educational charters.
Form an LLC
Create a limited liability company to hold the yacht, providing asset protection and business structure for tax benefits.
Partner With Charter Management
Work with MCC Clearinghouse or similar professional management to ensure active business operation and compliance.
Maintain Proper Documentation
Keep detailed business records demonstrating active charter operations as required by the IRS for active LLCs.
Important IRS Compliance
The goal is to structure your yacht business with the intent and ability to make a profit. You cannot structure the business with a flawed plan of "limited charter" and purposely run it at a loss to avoid wear while taking tax deductions. The IRS requires genuine business activity that can withstand scrutiny.
Section 179 & Bonus Depreciation
The IRS allows businesses to deduct operating expenses and depreciate qualifying equipment purchased or financed during the tax year
Section 179 Deduction
Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment in the year it's placed into service, rather than depreciating it over many years.
2025 Tax Year Limits
* Congress made the Section 179 deduction limit permanent, providing predictability for yacht business planning.
Tax Savings Example
Example calculation for a $1,500,000 yacht purchase placed into active charter service:
Effective Cost After Tax Savings: $945,000
Deductible Business Expenses
When your yacht serves legitimate business purposes, various expenses can be deducted:
* Tax benefits vary by individual circumstances. VIYB is not a licensed tax attorney or CPA. Consult with your tax advisor for specific benefits applicable to your situation.
Charter Income Potential
Generate substantial revenue from your yacht when you're not using it
BVI Charter Market
The British Virgin Islands is one of the world's premier sailing destinations with strong year-round demand. Well-maintained luxury catamarans command premium rates in this market.
Combined Benefits
The "Yacht As A Business" program combines charter income with tax advantages to dramatically reduce the true cost of ownership:
Calculate Your Potential ROI
Use our interactive calculator to estimate charter income, tax benefits, and return on investment
Try the ROI CalculatorWhat Yacht Owners Say
Real experiences from VIYB charter ownership program participants
"VIYB made our dream of yacht ownership a reality. Their expertise in the charter ownership program has turned our investment into a profitable venture. We couldn't be happier!"
Michael & Sarah Thompson
Bali 4.8 Owners, 2023
Charter revenue: $180K/year
"The professionalism and attention to detail from the VIYB team was exceptional. They guided us through every step of purchasing our catamaran and setting up with MCC."
Robert Chen
Charter Owner, BVI
Positive ROI in year 2
"We used the 'Try Before You Buy' program and it was invaluable. Spending a week on the Bali 4.5 convinced us it was the perfect yacht for our family. Highly recommend VIYB!"
Jennifer & David Martinez
Bali 4.5 Owners, 2024
6 weeks personal use/year
BVI Charter Ownership FAQ
Common questions about Bali catamaran charter investment in the British Virgin Islands
How much can I earn from charter revenue?
Charter revenue varies based on yacht size, amenities, season, and market conditions. Weekly charter rates typically range from $15K to $100K depending on the vessel. With 15-30 charter weeks annually and a 70-80% revenue share after MCC's management fee, well-maintained yachts can generate substantial income. Luxury catamarans and motor yachts in the 50'+ range with premium amenities command the highest rates.
What are my responsibilities as a charter owner?
MCC handles marketing, bookings, secure payments through CYBA escrow, calendar management, and provides operational support. As an owner, you're responsible for yacht maintenance, crew management, and ensuring your vessel meets charter standards. You'll receive monthly financial reports and maintain full control of your yacht. You can also book charters independently without MCC fees if you manage contracts and payments directly.
How many weeks can I use my yacht personally?
With the MCC Clearinghouse Program, you maintain full control of your yacht's calendar. You can block dates for personal use as needed, coordinating with MCC to manage charter bookings around your schedule. The program offers flexibility to balance charter income with personal enjoyment based on your priorities.
What are the tax benefits for US owners?
US taxpayers may qualify for 100% bonus depreciation in the first year, mortgage interest deductions, and operating expense deductions. The specific benefits depend on your tax situation and how you structure ownership. We recommend consulting with a tax advisor familiar with yacht charter businesses. Learn more on our Bonus Depreciation page.
What happens when I want to sell my yacht?
You can sell your yacht on the open market at any time—charter yachts with proven revenue history and professional management often command premium prices. VIYB will assist with the sale process, provide documentation of charter income history, and can help transition the yacht to a new owner who may continue with the MCC program if desired.
Can I try charter ownership before committing?
Yes! Our Try Before You Buy program lets you charter the yacht model you're considering for 7-14 days. Charter fees are credited toward your purchase if you proceed. It's the best way to experience the yacht and understand the charter guest experience.
Popular Bali Catamarans for BVI Charter
Explore our range of Bali catamarans optimized for Caribbean charter business
Start Your BVI Charter Business Today
Schedule a consultation with our charter ownership specialists to discuss your goals, review available yachts, and create a customized ownership plan