Jeanneau 53 | BIG FELLA THANKS

Sail boat · Kalkara Marina · Y Knot Yachting

6 cab 12 berths 16.06m 2014
Verified

Available Weeks

Typical weather at Kalkara (3-year mean, Open-Meteo)
Jan
17°
9h 27
Feb
16°
9h 26
Mar
18°
11h 28
Apr
20°
11h 27
May
23°
12h 25
Jun
29°
13h 19
Jul
33°
14h 20
Aug
31°
13h 18
Sep
29°
11h 20
Oct
26°
10h 21
Nov
22°
9h 23
Dec
18°
8h 25
Prime Shoulder Off-season
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Gallery · 15 photos

What you'll pay

Charter pricing is famously opaque. Here's everything the operator will charge — mandatory items paid at the base, plus optional add-ons you can opt into.

Paid at the base (mandatory)

Service pack - 170
includes: final cleaning, water / 1x cooking gas bottle at the departure, batteries, linen equipment ( towels included ) for each crew member
€170 per rental mandatory
Refundable security deposit
Held at check-in (card pre-auth or bank transfer), refunded after charter if the yacht is returned without damage. Deposit-waiver insurance is one of the optional extras below — reduces the held amount in exchange for a smaller non-refundable premium.
€4,000 refundable mandatory

Services & extras (optional)

MA: SUP (+ 300 EUR security deposit)
€45 per week optional
MA: Extra bedlinen
€12 per rental optional
MA: Grill/Barbecue/Plancha
€45 per week optional
Harbour and marine fee
for the first and the last charter-night
Free optional
MA: Railing net (Safety net)
upon availability
€150 per rental optional
MA: WI-FI - unlimited
€70 per week optional
Early Check in 250
Embarkation at 13:00h option is subject to the condition that the yacht returns without damages from the previous charter
€250 per rental optional
MA: Hostess
Cook's / Hostess' meals are not included & are covered by the customer. Crew Cancellations: If canceled less than 30 days prior to departure: 50% of crew services fee is due.
€210 per night optional
MA: SY Non refundable deposit/ insurance
without security deposit; Minimum Charge: 7 days-Maximum Charge: 20 days If the above is purchased: + 200eur Security Deposit will be required to cover fuel for Sailing yachts (paid by card) - This will be increased by 75% for booking sailing to Sicily
€60 per night optional
MA: Skipper
Skipper's meals are not included & are covered by the customer 25% charge applicable if Skipper is cancelled in less than 4 weeks before the departure.
€235 per night optional
MA: Welcome package
Includes: washing up liquid, sponge, rubbish bags, matches, toilet & kitchen rolls, fruit plate, water, orange juice, wine, packet of biscuits, individual sachets of tea, coffee, sugar, milk.
€75 per rental optional
MA: Cook
Cook's / Hostess' meals are not included & are covered by the customer. Crew Cancellations: If canceled less than 30 days prior to departure: 50% of crew services fee is due.
€235 per night optional
6 Cabins
12 Berths
4 Toilets
16m Length
Specifications & Equipment
Length16.06m
Beam4.77m
Cabins6
Berths12
WC4
Year2014
TypeSail boat
Deposit€4,000

Equipment (11 aboard · 41 not)

  • Refrigerator
  • Cockpit speakers
  • Cockpit cushions
  • Autopilot
  • Chart plotter
  • Lazy jack
  • Lazy bag
  • Bimini
  • Sprayhood
  • Outboard engine
  • Dinghy
  • Air condition
  • Heating
  • Coffee maker
  • Ice maker
  • Dishwasher
  • Washer/Dryer
  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Radio-CD player
  • Game console
  • Wi-Fi & Internet
  • Convertible table
  • Electric toilet
  • Generator
  • Solar Panels
  • Inverter
  • Water maker
  • Holding tank
  • Outside Steering Position
  • Chart plotter in cockpit
  • Radar
  • Spinnaker
  • Gennaker
  • Racing sails
  • Electric winches
  • Bow thruster
  • Rudder blades
  • Flybridge
  • Hydraulic gangway
  • Tender garage
  • Tenderlift platform
  • Swimming platform
  • Swimming pool
  • Underwater lights
  • Teak Cockpit
  • Teak deck
  • Railing net
  • Barbecue grill in cockpit
  • Diving equipment
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Stand up paddle
SailChecker Expert View

Who it suits This 53-footer is ideal for larger groups, friends or extended families, looking to split costs across 6 cabins and 12 berths. It's a solid, proven Jeanneau platform that handles well for mixed-ability sailors without demanding expert-level seamanship.

Standout features You get genuine comfort kit here: lazy jacks and lazy bag make sail handling relaxed, autopilot takes the strain on longer passages, and the bimini plus sprayhood keep everyone sheltered in variable weather. The dinghy with outboard opens up exploring anchorages properly, not just mooring off.

Value assessment At a €4,000 deposit, the pricing looks fair for a 2014 build with decent systems and six-cabin capacity. You're paying for space and practicality rather than cutting-edge luxury, which makes sense for group charters where amenities matter more than showiness.

One honest note The boat's age (2014) means you'll want to confirm engine and electrical systems have been well maintained, ask Y Knot Yachting directly about recent surveys and service records before committing. Nothing alarming, just sensible due diligence on a 10-year-old vessel.

AI-assisted insight based on yacht specifications. Our charter experts can provide personalised advice.

The marina & destination

Based at Kalkara Marina, in Kalkara, Malta. BIG FELLA THANKS is operated by Y Knot Yachting.

Kalkara Wharf

Why this is a great starting point

Kalkara Marina sits in the Grand Harbour area of Valletta, offering immediate access to Malta's central cruising grounds and the sister islands of Gozo and Comino, all reachable within a day's sail. Week 1 typically involves exploring the sheltered anchorages around Comino, the northwest coast toward Mellieha Bay, and day trips to Gozo's harbours at Mgarr or Xlendi, with consistent northwesterly winds providing reliable sailing. The marina's position in one of the Mediterranean's finest natural harbours means you can clear customs and provisioning on arrival before heading out, minimising admin before your holiday begins.

Frequently asked questions
Can BIG FELLA THANKS be rented with or without a skipper?
You can charter BIG FELLA THANKS bareboat (you skipper) if you hold the relevant sailing licence, or hire a professional skipper alongside the yacht. The choice is yours when you request the quote.
What sailing licence do I need to charter BIG FELLA THANKS?
Bareboat charter typically requires a recognised sailing licence (RYA Day Skipper, ICC, ASA, or equivalent) plus a VHF radio licence. The exact requirements depend on the country of charter — we confirm with the operator when you enquire.
What's included in the charter price?
The charter fee covers the yacht, standard equipment, and insurance for the dates booked. Tourist tax, transit log (final cleaning + bed linen), fuel, food, marina fees during the trip, and any optional extras (skipper, paddle board, etc.) are normally extra and paid at the base.
What additional costs should I expect at the base?
Typical mandatory extras are the transit log (often €200–€350), tourist tax (a small per-person-per-day fee), and a refundable security deposit (often €1,500–€5,000 depending on the yacht). Optional extras like a skipper, hostess, paddle board, or early check-in are listed on the quote.
How does the security deposit work?
The deposit is held by the operator at check-in (usually card pre-authorisation) and refunded after check-out if the yacht is returned without damage. Many operators offer a deposit-waiver insurance product that reduces the held amount in exchange for a smaller non-refundable premium.
Can I cancel my charter booking?
Cancellation terms vary by operator. Most allow cancellation with a full refund if requested more than 60–90 days before the start date, with progressive penalties closer to departure. Some operators offer a flexible-cancellation insurance product when you book.
Is the yacht insured?
Yes — every yacht is insured by the operator against damage and third-party liability. The insurance covers the yacht itself; personal effects and trip cancellation are not covered and are worth insuring separately.
What documents do I need to bring?
You'll need your passport, sailing licence (if chartering bareboat), VHF radio licence, and proof of payment. The operator will send a check-in form ahead of time covering crew details and any special requests.
What payment methods are accepted?
Charter fees are normally paid by bank transfer in advance (often a 50% deposit at booking, balance 30 days before charter). On-base extras are usually paid by card or in cash.
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