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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: Modernising MYBA: Exclusive interview with MYBA President Raphael Sauleau

• Charter updates: CA announcements from Camper and Nicholsons and Ocean Independence, and updated offers and availability from Thompson of Monaco, Burgess, Parsifal, Istion, Superyacht Sales and Charter and Eastwind Charter

• Charter photo: The aft deck space on Casino Royale 🌟

• Destination spotlight: The Balearics

• Post of the week: The sunset over Port Hercule during the Monaco Grand Prix 📸

TOP STORY

Modernising MYBA: Exclusive with MYBA President Raphael Sauleau

With his appointment as the President of the MYBA association announced in April, SuperYacht Times’ Jessamie Rattray and Francesca Webster sat down with Raphael Sauleau to find out how he intends to bring a fresh approach to the association that has just celebrated its 40th anniversary. 

What is your vision for your tenure as President of MYBA, particularly in respect of Yachtfolio and its development?

As an association, MYBA is run by panels and committees and so it is not the case of changing things as one individual, but our vision as the board is to review our processes and to become faster at developing projects and products for our members.

Yachtfolio, which we have been working hard on for the past two years, is going to be a major focus of mine. The platform was quite obsolete in its original format, but we have brought in a company to rebuild the platform and now we will be implementing the ads, because the platform has been missing elements that help brokers to perform. 

We are also going to have a thorough review of our existing processes, including the yacht show which has been successful this year, but which we can still improve. The location of the future shows are still up for discussion between Genoa and Sanremo and we will soon decide which one. 

So Yachtfolio is now functional and being used by brokers?

It absolutely is. Of course as we have rebuilt the platform there are elements that are new and which brokers are not used to yet – so there are some teething issues – but we are going to continue to develop it and iron out any bugs over the coming months with the developers. 

How does MYBA feel about other companies coming into the Yachtfolio space, launching alternative charter calendar software?

My take is very simple, we are the one and only tool which has been utilised by brokers worldwide. Obviously it went through some bumpy times with lack of improvement, but we have worked through these and are receiving very positive feedback from the brokers. 

It is also important to note that we undergo a lot of due diligence for brokers to become MYBA members. We are diligent with all of the yachts that are given access to the platforms because we want to ensure a certain level of charter boat. This does however mean that some smaller yachts and brokers are not given access to the systems, which is something that we are looking into for the future, perhaps creating a Yachtfolio for smaller boats. 

The Association has historically received some criticism, as you have outlined, what are the main advantages for brokers becoming MYBA members?

MYBA is the pillar of our industry. The association has gone through highs and lows, but the MYBA contract is the contract used by our industry and though it needs refreshment, it is the most recognised and respected out there. Its wide utilisation recognises its importance to the sector.

MYBA was founded 40 years ago, and I believe it has been proven as a reliable institution for our industry, irrespective of the bumpy time it may have gone through, I see it as a very strong association going forward. And obviously I'm here to make it stronger and stronger with the board and the members. 

If you look at the amount of companies applying for membership, and the waitlist for the shows alone, you can see that it has a solid reputation. 

Is there any conflict of interest as both the CEO of IYC and the President of MYBA?

Not at all. Each committee is run by people from each member company. The goal is to have perspectives from each company. Of course that also poses challenges, because we are all working pro bono which means it is harder to be very reactive - but this is one of the things we will be working to improve. 

For the upcoming conference with IYBA, do you already have topics on the table?

The industry is getting bigger and bigger with more members, and while MYBA is super strong in Europe, IYBA is extremely strong in America. So it's a very good thing that both Associations are getting together once or twice a year, and come up with initiatives such as the summit that is taking place in June. We have many interesting topics on the agenda again this year including environmental considerations, sustainable practices in newbuilds & refits, charter marketing, marketing tools and licensing & flag considerations.

I believe that collaborations of this nature will make us stronger as an Association so I look forward to our discussions next month. 

Finally, looking to IYC in Greece and Fraser’s recent acquisition of Atalanta Golden Yachts, how is the team feeling about another house in this region?

As ex-Fraser CEO, of course I knew that part of their strategy was to expand into Greece and it definitely increases the sense of competition having such a strong house making this kind of move. However, I would say that as IYC we are very strong in what we can do, we are here at MEDYS with more than 20 excellent yachts and we are regularly signing more vessels onto our charter management, so I am not concerned about the competition – it is always healthy. We plan to continue our organic growth, as seen by the acquisition of Yachtlove in January, and as always our greatest strength is the fantastic team that we have at the firm. 

LATEST CHARTER UPDATES

🚀 New CA for charter: Camper and Nicholsons is the new charter central agent for the 44.80-metre Viudes motor yacht Incal. She will be cruising in the West Mediterranean this summer.

The 52-metre recently refitted Amels motor yacht Deja Too is now available for charter in the South Pacific through Burgess.

The 72-metre Tankoa motor yacht Casino Royale is available for charter from 18 July with Thompson of Monaco.

She will be based in the South of France but also cruising Italy, Sardinia, Corsica.

Also available for charter this summer through Thompson of Monaco is the 34-metre Dreamline motor yacht Soulmate.

She is available until 14 June in the South of France and then again for all of September in Italy, the South of France, Sardinia or Corsica.

✨ Parsifal Yachting has advertised a 10% discount for all June charters on the 50-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Baracuda Valletta.

Ocean Independence is the new charter central agent of the 33.77-metre Mangusta motor yacht Iary.

🌟 Istion Luxury Yachts announced up to 10% discount on weekly charters throughout June to September onboard the 30.16-metre Trehard Marine 99 sailing yacht Aizu.

Special offer: Superyacht Sales and Charter advertised 20% commission offered to the first two charter brokers who book a week or more on the 53-metre motor yacht Mirage for July or August 2024.

Eastwind Charter advertised a special opportunity to fill the gap onboard the 55-metre Quinta Essentia and take advantage of the unique discount of 15%:

• June 10-19 in Croatia out of Split at the discounted rate of 272,000 euros per week + 30% APA + 13% VAT

• July 2-10 in Greece out of Athens at the discounted rate of 306,000 euros per week + 30% APA + 5.2% VAT.

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CHARTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Check out the aft deck space onboard the 72-metre Tankoa motor yacht Casino Royale. ✨

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

Travel Inspiration: The Balearic Islands 🐚

The Balearic Islands, situated off Spain's eastern coast, offer an unparalleled luxury escape. Renowned for their stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, the archipelago comprises Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, each island providing its own unique charm.

Mallorca, the largest island, is celebrated for its opulent resorts and historic grandeur. Stay at the exclusive Cap Rocat, a former military fortress turned luxurious retreat, offering panoramic sea views and world-class amenities. Explore Palma’s elegant boutiques and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, indulging in contemporary cuisine that highlights local flavours.

Menorca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, boasts pristine beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. Experience understated elegance at the Torralbenc, a beautifully restored farmhouse providing an intimate setting and exquisite local wine. Sail around the island’s turquoise waters on a private yacht, discovering hidden coves and crystal-clear waters.

Ibiza, famed for its vibrant nightlife, also offers sophisticated hideaways. Enjoy bespoke wellness treatments and dine on gourmet dishes crafted by renowned chefs.

Formentera, the smallest island, is a haven of serenity. Revel in the island’s natural beauty while savouring fresh seafood and fine wines at beachfront restaurants.

POST OF THE WEEK

@motoryachtloon shared this reel showing the sunset over the busy Port Hercule in Monaco during the Grand Prix. ✨🏎️ 🏁

motoryachtloon

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