Captain John on the Polestar's entrance to the charter market

presented by

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

In today’s newsletter:

• Top story: Interview with Captain John Walsh of Polestar on her entrance into charter

• Charter updates: Yachts now available for charter in the Med this summer

TOP STORY

Interview with Captain John of the 70m new-for-charter Polestar

John Walsh discusses his background as Captain, and Polestar’s preparation for her first Mediterranean charter season after years of private operation.

By Emma Dailey

“I don’t really like being called ‘Captain’ – I’m John. Yes, I’m fully qualified, but my job is to make sure you and your loved ones go home with all your fingers and toes, beaming with smiles and incredible memories, wanting to come back again and again,” shared the rotational Captain of the 70.15-metre Rossinavi superyacht Polestar.

Launched in 2021, Polestar is a 1,546GT masterpiece of design and performance, created by Team for Design – Enrico Gobbi with naval architecture by Arrabito Naval Architects. Now available for summer charters in the Mediterranean, the yacht blends elegance with a guest-first approach. YachtCharterMarket.com sat down with John as he and his team prepare for their inaugural charter season — a milestone that’s been carefully planned down to the finest detail.

“It’s definitely a nuanced role — juggling personalities, safety, service, and expectations — but I love it. It’s what I do,” John shared. Raised on the Isle of Wight in a yachting family, he began his maritime career in 1995, pursuing a Merchant Navy cadetship and ultimately earning a Master’s Unlimited license. His career spans decades across both the commercial offshore and iconic 100-metre-plus yachts. In 2019, he returned to yachting, taking on senior captain roles aboard 100-metre-plus yachts including the iconic 83.50-metre Feadship Savannah, before joining Polestar in a rotational capacity to better balance his work and family life.

“I pride myself on being straightforward, easy to get along with, but extremely serious about safety,” he said. John’s leadership style is informed by his deep respect for crew and guests alike. “One of the reasons the new owner of Polestar wanted me was my decades of captaincy experience, but also because I had been onboard Savannah. He loved the vibe onboard and asked if I could bring that energy to his boat. I told him, ‘Absolutely, 100 percent.’”

That sense of positive energy and team spirit is central to John’s philosophy. “What he felt — and what really struck him — was the positive vibe on board. There were smiles everywhere. When you have a crew that’s happy, content, challenged, and feels appreciated — a crew that knows they’re being given every opportunity to grow — they want to be there and give their best every day.”

Respect and recognition are at the core of John’s approach. “My father always said, ‘Treat people how you’d want to be treated,’ and I carry that with me every day. The crew will give 120 percent to make sure guests have the most incredible experience, and they deserve respect for that.” After some initial turnover, Polestar now boasts a tightly bonded 17-strong crew that has remained consistent through the off-season.

Preparations for the first charter season have been meticulous. “We’ve been doing training — not just safety drills, but service training, water sports practice, guest interaction scenarios — everything to make sure we’re delivering at the very top level from day one.” The team also runs mock dinners, tests menus, and holds full-scale service rehearsals with brokers to ensure flawless delivery. “The only way to really know if we’re ready is by doing it,” John added, referring to these as “charter trials.”

Every operational detail has been considered — from provisioning chains and certifications to laundry systems and onboard tech. “With solid systems and continuity in place, we’re able to deliver near-perfect service,” said John. “Knowing we have that expertise gives me a lot of confidence in the service we deliver.”

For John, though, the real magic lies in creating the right atmosphere. “You can have the most incredible yacht, but if the vibe and energy from the crew aren’t right, you’ll never achieve that five-star experience.”

A strong believer in diversity, John has built a multinational crew — British, South African, New Zealand, Australian, Romanian, Ukrainian, and Belgian — that thrives on collaboration. “I’m a firm believer in having a mixed-nationality crew. That diversity brings a great culture and energy,” he said. “From a guest perspective, it also creates brilliant ice-breaking moments.” The team is passionate, skilled, and genuinely enthusiastic about delivering unforgettable experiences — whether that’s a deckhand entertaining a child with a beach day or a guest mastering the Flyboard.

“We even do neon parties on board and all the crew get into it — we’ve got neon gear, body paint, and everything, laser shows, nightclub-style setups. It becomes a real highlight,” said John. “We usually end up stealing the show in whichever port we’re in. Polestar knows how to have a good time.”

Beyond the crew, Polestar herself is a charter dream. “Polestar really caters to everyone,” John said. From serene spa spaces and yoga areas to beach club parties and advanced water sports, the yacht suits all ages and preferences. Family-friendly amenities include a cinema next to the bar and beach club, so parents can relax nearby. With intuitive flow, easy access between decks, and thoughtfully designed spaces, guests immediately feel at home. “When you step inside, it all just makes sense,” he said. 

• Learn more: Onboard 70m majestic Rossinavi superyacht Polestar

With a diesel-electric propulsion system, the yacht is also exceptionally quiet and stable. “She’s been built to exceptionally high standards in terms of noise and vibration control — honestly, it’s off the scale.” This allows for next-level comfort and stability onboard, perfect for older guests as well.

“We’ve got great retention, an amazing crew, strong packages, a fantastic boss, and an exciting program opening up to the charter world,” John concluded. His vision is clear: to deliver more than just a charter — but a truly exceptional experience at sea.

• Learn more about chartering Polestar with broker Vanessa Buck of Cecil Wright here

• Learn more about chartering Polestar with Fraser here

Yacht Charter Market: Powered by YachtEye

Yacht crew are going paperless into the 2025 Med season…

As the 2025 Mediterranean season approaches, one thing is clear: paper is out, and smart, seamless solutions are in.

With YachtEye, crews can update information instantly, communicate clearly, and keep everything in one place from anywhere on board. Here’s how:

1. Itineraries that evolve with your guests‍

The itinerary is more than just a list of stops. It’s the story of the trip. With YachtEye’s Itinerary Builder, you can craft a beautiful, visual journey showing each destination.

2. Crew introductions that are personal and professional‍

With Crew Profiles, guests know who’s who before they even step on board. Friendly bios and photos help build familiarity and trust from day one, while reducing the repetitive “what’s your name again?” moments.

3. Menus that update as quickly as your galley does‍

Whether it’s today’s wellness smoothies, tomorrow’s wine pairings, or a late-night cigar list, YachtEye’s Menus feature lets you share everything in one elegant, digital space.

4. The full toybox presented perfectly‍

Our Tenders & Toys section brings the yacht’s best fun to life. Guests can browse all available toys with photos, setup details, and usage notes, making it easier to choose and even easier for the crew to manage.

5. Documents without the desk clutter‍

From safety plans to welcome folders, everything that used to be printed can now live in YachtEye’s Documents section.

Want to enhance your charter experience? Contact us today! Seamlessly connect your yacht, crew and guests on one platform to share the fun! Visit yachteye.com or contact [email protected] to learn more.

LATEST CHARTER UPDATES

49.9m Lumiere

The superyacht has just joined the charter market with the FGI Yacht Group. The Benetti yacht will be available starting Summer 2025 in Greece for June and July, and South of France for August and September. 

• 12 guests in 6 staterooms with 10 crew

• Rates from: EUR 330,000 (per week + expenses)

• Jul 1 - Jul 15 | Athens/Athens | Booked

• Learn more here

• CA: FGI / Mateo Betancurth ([email protected])

34.95m Loulou

Spread across three expansive decks, LouLou offers everything from sun-soaked mornings by the Jacuzzi to alfresco dinners under the stars. Her elegant interior blends timeless glamour with comfort, featuring a chic main saloon, stylish dining area, and a relaxed skylounge perfect for sunset cocktails.

• Summer cruising: West Mediterranean

• 10 guests in 5 staterooms with 7 crew

• Rates from: EUR 105,000 (per week + expenses)

• Learn more here

• CA: Camper & Nicholsons

47m Acqua Chiara

The first hull of the Columbus Yachts 47 Atlantique series, she was delivered earlier this year and will be available to view at the MYBA charter show at the end of April. Acqua Chiara features exterior design by Hot Lab, with naval architecture by Columbus Yachts.

• Summer cruising: Mediterranean

• 10  guests in 5 staterooms

• Rates from: EUR 330,000 (per week + expenses)

• CA: Fraser Yachts / Lisa Airasca ([email protected])

POST OF THE WEEK

theyachtchef

103K followers

View more on Instagram

SHARE YACHT CHARTER MARKET

Share this newsletter with friends, colleagues and other interested parties.