(Fortune Magazine) -- Even if you can't afford to build your own superyacht - Bill Joy's boat could end up costing $50 million, depending on how many more man-hours he racks up at the Huisman yard in his quest for the best, plus $3 million a year to operate - there's a way to get onboard: Charter.

Many who are considering dropping a year's salary (or much more) on a sailing yacht start off by chartering a boat for weeks, months, or even an entire year.

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"Chartering before buying is a very big business," says Allison Terrell, head of marketing for charter-broker Fraser Yachting in Fort Lauderdale. "It definitely opens the door."

Elite brokerages such as Fraser, Northrop & Johnson, Camper & Nicholsons, and Nigel Burgess act as middlemen between the boat's owner and the chartering party.

All boats have a rate that's set by the owner, but brokers can help you find a boat with the right kind of crew and amenities for the type of trip you're envisioning, whether it's a week cruising the French Riviera before the Cannes Film Festival in May (a popular option) or a year hopping between islands in the South Pacific. Brokers also arrange travel to and from the vessel, sometimes by private plane.

So what does it cost to charter a great sailing yacht? At the low end, around $30,000 a week - at the top, up to $500,000 a week. (The Mirabella V starts at $300,000, excluding options like wine from the 600-bottle cellar.)

The price depends on more than just the size of the boat. A top-quality sailing yacht, in addition to being more than 100 feet long and elegantly decorated, may have a Michelin-rated chef on board, an experienced captain who knows hidden islands to visit, and a pool or grand piano.

Alex Lees-Buckley of Camper & Nicholsons in Monaco says that Parsifal III is now the hottest boat on the charter circuit, despite an asking price of $250,000 a week. If that seems too much, then join the yacht paparazzi at yachtspotter.com and track the movement of the superyachts from your armchair. At least you won't get seasick.

For a list of 10 of the finest yachts in the world, click here