Meet the Croatian brokerage house with global ambitions

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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: Meet the Croatian brokerage house with global ambitions

• Charter updates: Updates from Ocean Independence, Worth Avenue Yachts, Expersea Yacht Management, Fraser, Northrop & Johnson, and Superyacht Partners.

• Destination spotlight: Croatia ☀️

• Photo of the week: Arcon Yachts shares new images of 40m Mirage IV 📸

• Post of the week: @fraseryachts shared a reel of 57m Virtuosity 🎥

TOP STORY

Meet Splendid Yachting, the Croatian brokerage house with global ambitions

Q&A with Rainer Brendel, Splendid Yachting Partner & Assigned Managing Director

Croatian motor yacht and sale company Splendid Yachting is expanding into international markets. Beyond its Adriatic presence, the company will now offer services in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, the U.S., and the Caribbean. After 10 years of growth, this move aims to position Splendid Yachting as a global player in the yacht charter industry. Partner and Managing Director Rainer Brendel, will lead the expansion into new markets.

He brings over 30 years of experience in the yachting industry, and strong ties with European shipyards, and international broker houses. His experience spans roles with the Oceanfast Shipyard in Australia and Blohm & Voss and Nobiskrug in Germany. He then became Director of Solidmark, The George Nicholson Group, and Camper & Nicholsons for Germany and Austria. As Sales Director, he also played a key role in the set up of Sea Independence (now Ocean Independence). 

What guided the decision to expand Splendid Yachting’s operations?

In June, I was asked by Splendid Yachting’s Chairman and CEO, Stefan Breck, to expand the company into a full-service Brokerage House. In addition to our core Yacht Charter Division, led by Charter Director Betina Zupanovic, we will now focus on Yacht Sales and New Construction Projects. With a strong reputation in Croatia, the management team saw an opportunity to scale internationally by leveraging their expertise in yacht sales and charter. This expansion allows us to enter premium markets, build new partnerships with marinas, shipyards, and luxury service providers, and offer clients a more robust, global service network.

What are the biggest challenges in expanding your operations and how have you addressed them?

We face increased competition as it expands into global markets like the Mediterranean and US and Caribbean, each with its own regulatory challenges. We have built strong relationships with local authorities and industry experts, ensuring compliance with regional regulations for smooth operations. We have also developed a network of trusted local partners and expanded its management team to oversee multiple locations. 

For top notch service, we looks for crew members with professional expertise and certifications, exceptional customer service skills, and a range of qualities. These include discretion and professionalism, attention to detail, multilingual abilities and cultural sensitivity, teamwork and adaptability, and a passion for yachting and hospitality. To maintain service quality across regions, we implements continuous staff training, allowing us to uphold its reputation for excellence while transitioning into new markets.

What strategies will Splendid Yachting use to attract new charter clients in these regions?

We are expanding our Croatian charter fleet into the West and East Mediterranean through new partnerships, additional yachts, and a network of Brand Representatives. Our primary goal moving forward is to focus more on the sales market. In fact, we’ve added nearly 100 vessels to our charter and sales fleet over the past three months. Our fleet expansion will include motor and sailing yachts that align with current charter trends, focusing on luxury, innovation, and client demand for unique onboard experiences.

By partnering with experienced yachting companies like Contactyachts in Turkey, Yachtsman, and Continental Maritime in Greece, along with travel agencies and luxury concierge services, we aim to reach an established clientele seeking bespoke and private travel experiences. We have also built a network of Brand Representatives and trusted local partners in each region to maintain high global standards. We also expanded our management team in multiple locations.

What has contributed to making Croatia such a popular charter destination?

Croatia today is a top yacht charter destination. It is definitely a go-to destination for high-class yacht charters, offering a unique mix of nature, culture, and luxury. Due to a combination of its stunning natural beauty, diverse sailing options, and rich cultural heritage, Croatia offers a breathtaking coastline and unspoiled islands with ideal sailing conditions, historical and cultural richness, modern marinas and infrastructure, and a vibrant nightlife as well as its high-class, award-winning gastronomy. Croatia is located at the heart of Europe, therefore is easily accessible from many major European cities, making it convenient for clients to plan their yachting vacations.

What are the main trends you see in terms of destinations?

The yacht charter trends reflect a desire for diverse experiences, unique locations, and a growing awareness of sustainability in the yachting world. The world of yacht charter is evolving, and several key trends are shaping the most popular destinations, including emerging exotic destinations. While classic Mediterranean and Caribbean spots remain popular, there’s a rising demand for more remote destinations. Yacht charters are embracing eco-consciousness, from low-impact travel to eco-friendly yachts. With climate change extending warm seasons, destinations like Croatia, France, and Italy are seeing more charter traffic outside the traditional summer months. 

The “shoulder seasons” in spring and autumn are becoming more popular for a quieter and more relaxed experience. Destinations like Turkey, Greece, and Montenegro are seeing a resurgence as yacht charter hotspots due to their stunning coastlines, rich cultural heritage, and growing infrastructure. Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, the Greek Islands, and Montenegro’s Kotor Bay are becoming must-visit spots.

Due to recent global travel disruptions, many charterers are opting for destinations closer to their home countries. For example, Florida, the Bahamas, New England, and the Great Lakes in North America are witnessing increased demand as charter clients seek familiar yet luxurious local escapes. Many yacht charter clients are shifting focus from pure luxury to more adventurous itineraries. Destinations with a mix of adventure, such as New Zealand, Patagonia, and Scandinavia, are gaining popularity among those seeking an active and immersive experience.

To learn more, get in touch with Partner and Managing Director Rainer Brendel by phone at +49 176 31023925 or email [email protected]. Contact Marketing and Sales Director Ernst Nassl at +49 175 6428531 or email him at [email protected].

LATEST CHARTER UPDATES

Events: 66m AHS is available for charter in the Red Sea, Abu Dhabi & Dubai from this December onwards with Superyacht Partners. Built in 2005 and refit in 2020, the Oceanco superyacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms (inlcuding 2 supernumerary cabins) with 18 crew.

• Winter rates for charters in the UAE in 2024 and 2025 range from:

  • High: EUR 600,000

  • Low: EUR 500,000

• Contact: Gemma Necchi 

  • Tel: +34 616 855 919

  • Email: [email protected]

New CA: 41m M55, delivered in 2020 by Yildiz shipyard that is making its debut on the charter market with Ocean Independence. Accepting bookings for summer 2025 in France, Greece, & Italy, she can accommodate 12 guests in 6 staterooms with a crew of 7.

• Rates range from: EUR 200,000 to EUR 220,000 p/w (MYBA)

• Learn more here 

• Contact Laura Polotto:

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Phone: +33 62 104 02 99

Destination: Explore Antarctica & Patagonia aboard 90m Lauren L, for charter with Expersea Yacht Management. Built in 2002 with refits in 2008 and 2020, she accommodates 36 guests in 20 staterooms (including 1 master, 1 VIP, 8 double, and 10 twin staterooms) with a crew of 45. She is available for winter cruising in Antarctica and South America, in the areas around Patagonia, Chile, and Argentina, until March 2024.

• Charter rates start at: EUR 695,000/week + VAT + 30% APA

• Learn more here

Destination: 42.09m 138’ Richmond yacht, Miss Stephanie is available for this Winter in the Bahamas (starting from Florida), and open for Holiday Bookings (Thanksgiving and Christmas) with Worth Avenue Yachts. Built in 2004 and last refit in 2024, she can accommodate 12 guests in 6 staterooms, with a crew of 8.

• Charter Rate Winter 2024/25 in Florida/Bahamas 

  • Low Rate: USD 135,000 (per week + expenses)

  • High Rate: USD 155,000 (per week + expenses)

• View availability and Brochure 

• Contact Jenny Mullen:

  • Email: [email protected]

Destination: The 82m Golden Yachts Emir is leaving the Mediterranean this week for the Red Sea (Saudi and Egyptian coastlines), where she will be available for charter with Fraser (barring 22 to 29 October2024). Built in 2004, and refit in 2022, the yacht can accommodate up to 28 guests in 14 staterooms, with a crew of 28.

• Summer charter rates (Western Med, Eastern Med):

  • High Season: EUR 750,000 per week

  • Low Season: EUR 700,000 per week

• Winter charter rates (Red Sea):

  • High Season: EUR 750,000 per week

  • Low Season: EUR 750,000 per week

• Learn more here

• Contact Anais Jaber:

  • Mobile: +33 6 40 62 79 70

  • Email: [email protected]

New CA: 72m Dunya Yacht Axioma, is now available for charter with Northrop & Johnson. She will be cruising the Mediterranean during the summer (Adriatic, Venice and Eastern Italy, West Mediterranean, East Mediterranean, Greece, Dodecanese, Ionian Islands, Cyclades, Montenegro, Malta, Monaco, French Riviera, Sardinia, Italian Riviera, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Croatia, Turkey, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Corsica, and Spain).

• Charters start at: USD 562,500 per week, plus expenses.

• Sleeps 12 guests in 6 staterooms

• 2025 Summer Rates: 

  • Low Rate: EUR 562,500 (per week + expenses)

  • High Rate: EUR 625,000 (per week + expenses)

• Learn more and inquire here

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DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

Croatia

Croatia has emerged as a premier yacht charter destination, renowned for its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. With over 1,200 islands dotting the Adriatic Sea, this beautiful country offers diverse experiences for charter guests, from the vibrant city of Dubrovnik to the enchanting beaches of Hvar. Internationally, Croatia is celebrated for its exceptional sailing conditions, welcoming marinas, and picturesque coastal towns, making it a must-visit for luxury yacht charters.

The Dalmatian Coast is a highlight, featuring renowned yachting marinas such as ACI Marina Split and Marina Frapa. Popular destinations include the historic town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the serene beaches of the Pakleni Islands. The high season, from June to August, sees warm weather and bustling activity, while the low season, from September to May, offers more tranquil sailing and milder temperatures.

Guests can marvel at the rich marine life, including dolphins and colourful fish, while snorkelling or diving in the clear waters of the Kornati National Park. A suggested day trip includes visiting the Krka National Park, famous for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails, followed by a traditional lunch featuring local delicacies in the nearby town of Skradin.

Croatia’s vibrant culture is reflected in its local performances, such as traditional klapa music, often enjoyed at waterfront venues. Visitors can explore local crafts, including handmade pottery and lavender products, perfect for gifts or workshops.

Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in dishes like fresh seafood, black risotto, and peka, a traditional meat and vegetable dish cooked under a bell-shaped lid. The Restaurant Konoba Mate in Hvar is highly recommended for a true taste of Dalmatian cuisine, offering a memorable dining experience.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Arcon Yachts has shared new images of the 40.16m Princess yacht Mirage IV, refit this year. Take a look at her toys!

POST OF THE WEEK

@fraseryachts shared this reel of VIRTUOSITY, winner of the 2024 Captains and Crew Awards at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

fraseryachts

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