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Welcome to Yacht Charter Market, the weekly newsletter dedicated to the world of yacht charter.

In today’s newsletter:

• Top story: Brokers share their first-time charter tips

• Charter updates: 122m Lürssen M/Y Kismet joins the charter market with Cecil Wright 🚀, win a stay on Titania with Burgess’ charity auction 🍀, Artemisea & Gelly join the IYC fleet and Atalanta Golden Yachts becomes Fraser Yachts Greece 🇬🇷

• Charter photo: Crossed Sabre’s lush exterior spaces 🏄🏼‍♀️

• Destination spotlight: Saint Lucia

• Post of the week: Feadship’s M/Y Boardwalk in Portofino 🇮🇹

TOP STORY

Brokers share their top tips for first-time charterers

Few other industries offer the absolute privacy, or the world-class standard of luxury, which can be offered aboard a crewed charter yacht.

However, picking the right broker, yacht and destination can be a mammoth task, so we asked some of the leading brokers in the industry for their top tips for first-time charterers.

1. Look into booking your charter well ahead of time 📆

Yacht charter is in high demand, and vessels in sought after destinations, particularly in peak season, are booked up fast.

By getting in touch with your broker early, you eliminate the chance of disappointment and give yourself the best chance of securing your dream yacht charter.

Marie Molls, Partner, Fleet Manager and Charter Broker at Burgess Yachts said, “Look into planning your charter early. The popular yachts book up fast, especially in the high season weeks, so it’s best to book sometimes as early as 12 months in advance”.

2. Choose your charter broker carefully

Your charter broker is the person who you can rely on to find the perfect yacht for you, so finding the right broker is an all-important step. Doing your research online is crucial, and it is also a good idea to find a broker who speaks your language and understands your perspective.

Many brokerages have a selection of international firms, so spend some time searching for the company that matches your interests and your requirements. It is important not to just look for a yacht and go from there, because that can really limit your options!

Frances Edgeworth, Charter Broker at Fraser Yachts, added, “Make sure you work with a qualified broker with good credentials, such as being a MYBA or IYBA member. A broker’s role goes far beyond securing a yacht; by working with a trusted broker, you will be fully supported by an experienced professional throughout the process.”

3. Be Flexible 🌎

If you’re chartering for the first time, it's a good idea to be open to a variety of options and locations, this will help your broker research the best options for you and your guests.

Marie Molls of Burgess explained, “If you are ever uncertain, ask your broker's advice and recommendations, they are there to help find you the best vessel in the right location, and they have the experience.”

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for final costs 💰

For first-time charterers, defining the final costs can be confusing, but don't be afraid to ask your broker about the total costs of the charter.

Almost all charters have an additional provisional allowance, be it for food, petrol, drinks or port tax, and these are often not calculated within the initial charter fee.

It is important to speak to your broker about the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) and this will ensure you aren’t caught out by unforeseen costs.

Alice Newnham, Charter Consultant at IYC, said, “When working with your consultant to find the perfect boat for your charter, it is really important that you are transparent about what you are looking to spend. There are other fees such as VAT/tax and crew gratuity that your charter consultant will also brief you on prior to you making your decision.”

5. Utilise your crew 🧑🏼‍✈️

Lastly, it's important to remember that the crew are your best asset once you are aboard, they will know the vessel better than anyone, even your broker, and they have likely cruised to many of the locations you are visiting before.

The more information you give to them about your preferences, the easier it will be for them to cater to your desires and ensure that you have the best holiday experience possible.

Nicola Breymaier, Charter Broker at Fraser Yachts, commented, “Pay particular attention to the crew. Ensure your broker is aware of the kind of service you are expecting and that the crew will fit with that; be it formal, energetic, gourmet chef, sport specialists, etc. The crew is just as important, if not more important than the yacht itself!”

Alice Newnham of IYC reiterated this point, “The captain, together with their crew, explore the areas week in and week out to seek out the best anchorages, restaurants, and ports to give you a unique insight into the cruising grounds. They are knowledgeable - so use them!'“

6. Factor in enough time to thoroughly enjoy your charter ⏰

It is important to ensure that enough time is factored into your first charter to maximise enjoyment. Rather than rushing from point to point during your trip, make the whole trip as relaxing and enjoyable as possible by allowing enough time in each destination.

As Marie Molls of Burgess put it, “This is most likely going to be the most relaxing and exciting vacation you have ever had, so give yourself and your guests enough time in each destination to fully enjoy the yacht, the features and the food during this unique and luxurious experience.”

LATEST CHARTER UPDATES

🚀 New to market: Cecil Wright and Partners just announced the launch of the 122-metre Lürssen, Kismet (formerly Project Jag) in time for the 2024 charter season.

🍀 Charity auction: Burgess shared that the owner of the 71-metre Titania has kindly agreed to donate a week-long charter once again as part of an auction to raise money for Caudwell Children.

The charity aims to enhance the lives of severely disabled children. All proceeds from this charter will directly support the charity.

Contact Burgess for more information.

Brand new in Greece: Yachtsman shared the news that the 51-metre motor yacht Moka is brand new to the Greek charter market and will be available for charter there this summer season. 🇬🇷

Fraser Yachts announced the final integration of Atalanta Golden Yachts into the Fraser Yachts Group.

AGY and the full AGY team now operate under the Fraser Greece brand from newly opened premises in Athens, Greece. 🌟

☀️ IYC has a growing charter fleet: The brokerage has welcomed the 44.7-metre Artemisea and the 42.6-metre Gelly to its fleet this week.

Following a major refit in 2024, Artemisea can be chartered through Senior Charter Manager Anna Michail out of IYC’s Athens office.

The 42.6m Gelly will be managed by Charter Manager Lydia Barmpadimou.

New to fleet: Fraser Yachts is pleased to announce that the 47.55-metre motor yacht Fortuna has joined the Fraser Yachts charter fleet. ✨

Delivered by CMB Yachts in 2023, Fortuna features exterior design by Espen Øino and is complete with a 13.2-meter Venom luxury chase tender.

💰 Discounts: TJB Super Yachts announced exclusive offers on the 34.6-metre motor yacht Only Now.

For the entire month of May, Only Now is offering a 20% discount on week-long charters for eight guests, reducing her weekly rate to €68,000. Get in touch with TJB to find out more.

🇮🇹 New Central Agent: Equinoxe Yachts is the new CA of the brand new 27.43-metre Sanlorenzo SD 90 Akira.

🛥 Fill the gap: Large Yacht Corp has advertised that those who fill the gap, chartering Xo Of The Seas between 31 May to 19 June and end their charter in Corsica, enjoy the benefit of no delivery fees.

Yacht Charter Market: Presented by YachtEye

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Seamlessly connect your yacht, crew and guests on one platform to share the fun! Visit yachteye.com or contact [email protected] to learn more.

CHARTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK

🌊 Guests onboard the 43.8-metre motor yacht Crossed Sabre can enjoy easy access to the water via her swim platform, designed with space to sunbathe, relax and access diverse range of water toys.

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

Travel Inspiration: Saint Lucia 🏝

Saint Lucia is a place where life moves slower and tastes sweeter. The rich green rolling landscape, contrasting turquoise and cobalt waters and sprinkles of luxury make Saint Lucia an alluring Lesser Antilles locale. ✨

Famously characterised by the Pitons — Saint Lucia’s majestic twin volcanic spires — the island exudes an air of playful island leisure and ultimate escapism. ☀️

Great for: Splendid, secluded anchorages and unparalleled beaches such as Anse Chastanet Beach on the west of the island.

Wildlife: Take to the rainforests of Saint Lucia to catch a glimpse of iguanas, mongoose and over 30 species of birds, including the Saint Lucia parrot.

Don’t miss: Soak up the therapeutic properties of Saint Lucia’s Sulphur Springs. Guests can soak themselves in the healing mudbaths of this unique geothermal field.

POST OF THE WEEK

@theamazingyacht shared this video of the 76.5m Feadship motor yacht Boardwalk in Portofino, Italy. Not long until Italy’s Ligurian Riviera is busy with superyachts once again! 🇮🇹

theamazingyacht

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Click here to watch the video!

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