What makes the ultimate charter catamaran?

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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: What makes the ultimate charter catamaran?

• Charter updates: Holiday offers from Hill Robinson, Edmiston, Moran Yacht and Ship, Fraser, and Yachting Partners International

• Destination spotlight: Norway ☀️

• Post of the week: @yachtcharterfleet shared a reel of 77m La Datcha in Antarctica.

TOP STORY

What makes the ultimate charter catamaran?

Olaf Steckstor, Director of Sales and Development at Ultimate Catamarans, has a maritime career spanning over 30 years. Starting on naval and commercial vessels like the 93-metre NATO research vessel Alliance, he transitioned to superyachts, captaining charter yachts from 30 to 100 metres in length (LOA). Olaf shared how his background shaped the Spaceline design philosophy behind the German company’s aluminium eco motor catamarans.

What was your favourite yacht to captain, and why?

Every yacht I’ve captained had its unique charm, but the 61.8-metre RoMa from VSY stands out. It seamlessly combined advanced technology, guest comfort, and operational efficiency. Designed with the crew in mind, it enabled flawless operations and exceptional guest experiences.

My time as Project Manager and Build Captain for the 115.0-meter motor yacht Luna and the 162.5-metre motor yacht Eclipse was equally transformative. These roles deepened my understanding of yacht construction and operational integration. Managing these complex builds gave me insights into blending technical precision with practical functionality – knowledge I draw upon today in yacht design with models like our UC 88T.

What aspects of yacht design do you appreciate most as a captain?

As a captain, I value designs that integrate operational efficiency with guest luxury. Dedicated crew areas are crucial, offering comfortable spaces that support both rest and productivity. Enclosed bridges are another priority, ensuring privacy for guests while enhancing safety and navigation control. Intuitive systems simplify operations, making even complex situations manageable and promoting a secure onboard environment.

Sustainability is becoming indispensable. Features like hybrid propulsion systems significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions while creating a quieter cruising experience. Solar panels and advanced waste management systems further reduce environmental impact. Beyond their ecological benefits, these technologies cut operational costs, making them a practical and forward-thinking choice for owners and charter clients alike.

How has your experience as a charter captain influenced the design of Ultimate Catamarans?

My background as a charter captain and project manager for new builds has directly shaped the design philosophy of Ultimate Catamarans. Drawing from my experience with large yachts like Luna and Eclipse, I aimed to replicate superyacht-level standards in a more compact, efficient format. For instance, all guest cabins are on the main deck with private balconies, offering stunning views and easy outdoor access.

Crew quarters are equally prioritised, ensuring a motivated and well-rested team capable of delivering top-tier service. Hybrid propulsion systems, which reduce fuel consumption by up to 70%, reflect our commitment to sustainability. With roof-top exhaust, instead at the aft waterline, there are no noticeable fumes and noises on deck. Full-beam enclosed bridges, inspired by larger vessels, enhance both privacy and operational efficiency. These features were developed alongside experts like Hans Konings, designer Laura Pomponi, and our partner shipyard, Iskra, in Croatia, ensuring a perfect balance of luxury and functionality.

What makes a yacht particularly suited for charter?

The crew is the most critical component of a successful charter yacht. A happy, well-supported team provides seamless service and creates a welcoming atmosphere that guests remember long after their voyage. To facilitate this, crew areas must be spacious and designed with their comfort in mind.

Charter yachts should also cater to diverse guest needs. Spacious, well-appointed cabins – preferably on the main deck – offer a luxurious retreat. Multi-functional spaces accommodate everything from intimate family gatherings to lively social events. Modern charter clients expect ample storage for water toys, tenders, and other equipment. Eco-friendly propulsion systems, such as hybrid engines, are another must, reducing noise and emissions while aligning with sustainable yachting trends.

What feedback have captains provided on the Ultimate Catamaran design?

The feedback from captains has been overwhelmingly positive. Many praise the spacious crew areas, which contribute to team morale and efficiency. The catamaran’s stability, particularly its high bow height, is another highlight, making it ideal for ocean crossings and rough seas.

Captains have also commended the thoughtful integration of redundant systems, ensuring reliability even in challenging conditions. Crew cabins, starting at 10 square metres, have been singled out as a standout feature, as many catamarans compromise on crew comfort. These insights validate our design philosophy and encourage us to keep pushing boundaries. We’re excited to share the 3D render model of the UC 88T, accessible on our website as well.

What design features should become standard in the industry?

Guest cabins on the main deck should be a standard feature for modern yachts. This layout enhances guest comfort with easier access (as well for guests with different abilities) and panoramic views while reserving the lower decks for crew and service areas. Such separation not only improves privacy but also boosts operational efficiency.

Hybrid propulsion systems and solar power should also become industry norms. These technologies significantly reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact, aligning with the growing demand for sustainability. Redundant critical systems provide an additional layer of safety, particularly for long voyages. High bow heights improve seaworthiness, while spacious crew quarters ensure a well-rested team. These features set new benchmarks for combining luxury, practicality, and sustainability in yachting.

LATEST CHARTER UPDATES

Special offer: Seven Sins

Yachting Partners International is offering a 40% discount for Caribbean charters onboard the 52-metre Sanlorenzo superyacht Seven Sins. This offer entails a price reduction from $315,000 to $189,000 per week (+ expenses), for charters in St Maarten, between 16 and 23 December 2024.

• This 2017 yacht can accommodate 10 (+1) guests across 5 staterooms, with a crew of 11.

• Charter rates for winter start at:

  • High Season: $315,000 per week (+ expenses)

  • Low Season: $300,000 per week (+ expenses)

• View her brochure here

• Learn more and enquire at this website

Special offer: Wheels

Fraser is offering flexibility in this holiday season, with the option to charter 77.5-meter Oceanco superyacht Wheels for a week or less. She is available for charter in the Caribbean and Bahamas until 25th December, midday in the Grenadines. 

• Built in 2008 and refit in 2022, she features six double staterooms, accommodating up to 12 guests, and is attended by a crew of 21.

• Charter rates for winter in the Caribbean and Bahamas start at:

  • High Season: $890,000 per week (+ expenses)

  • Low Season: $860,000 per week (+ expenses)

• Visit this website to learn more or enquire

• View her brochure here

Special offer: Panakeia

Hill Robinson is promoting a special offer for charters onboard the 45.5-metre Astondoa yacht Panakeia: €130,000 (instead of €160,000 per week + expenses) for a 7-day charter from Langkawi to Phuket, in Thailand.

• Built in 2008, she can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 staterooms  with a crew of 9.

• She is available between 10 and 22 January 2025, and 3 February 2025 onwards.

• Read the brochure

• Visit the website

Special offer: Ventum Maris

Edmiston is offering a last minute discount of 25% off for Caribbean charters onboard 66-metre Amels yacht Ventum Maris, between 10 and 26 December 2024.

• Built in 2011 and refit in 2019, she can accommodate 12 guests in 7 staterooms with a crew of 18.

• Charter rates start at

  • High season: $550,000 per week (+ expenses)

  • Low season: $530,000 per week  (+ expenses)

• Discover the brochure here

• Visit this website to learn more

Special offer: Entourage

Moran Yacht and Ship is offering a 15% discount on charters aboard the 60-metre Amels yacht Entourage between 3 and 15 January 2025. This translates to a charter rate of $412,250 per week (+ expenses).

• Built in 2023, the yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms with a crew of 13

• Download the brochure here

• Visit this website to learn more

Special offer: Lady B

Fraser is offering a 20% discount for New Years charters in the Bahamas onboard 52-metre Benetti yacht, Lady B. This special promotion results in a $59,000 reduction, bringing the holiday rate down to just $236,000. Charters can begin starting December 30th, providing clients with the perfect opportunity to ring in the New Year in style.

• Built in 2008 and refit in 2022, Lady B can accommodate 11 guests in six staterooms, with a crew of 14.

• Charter rates for winter in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Florida start at:

  • High Season: $295,000 per week (+ expenses)

  • Low Season: $275,000 per week (+ expenses)

• Read the brochure here

• Visit this website to learn more or enquire

Special offer: Acta

Edmiston is offering a 15% discount on all January charter bookings aboard the 51.21-metre Feadship yacht Acta, in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Built in 2007 and refit in 2020, Acta has also seen a recent upgrade to her toy selection.

• The yacht can accommodate up to 10 guests with her five-stateroom layout with bridge deck master and private deck, with a crew of 11.

• Charter start at $182,000 per week (+ expenses)

• She is available:

  •  in the Caribbean and Bahamas for January

  • in the Bahamas from February to May

  • in New England for the summer

• Read the brochure here

• Visit this website to learn more and enquire

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DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT - NORWAY

Norway’s stunning fjords, rugged mountains, and coastal towns create an exceptional superyacht charter experience. Highlights include Geirangerfjord, the Lofoten Islands, and Bergen’s picturesque harbour, with marinas like Port of Bergen and Alesund Marina offering easy access.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, summer (June to August) is peak charter season, with long daylight hours, while winter (November to March) offers a chance to witness the magical Northern Lights.

Norway offers diverse marine life, with orcas, humpback whales, and seals often spotted. Clear waters provide excellent diving visibility, revealing shipwrecks and vibrant underwater ecosystems. On land, explore Trondheim’s medieval architecture, local craft workshops, and markets with handmade woollen goods and wooden sculptures. Traditional folk music and dance showcase Norway’s rich culture.

Fresh seafood is a highlight, with must-try dishes like rakfisk (fermented fish) and locally caught salmon. For a standout meal, “To Rom og Kjøkken” in Bergen blends local delicacies with modern flavours, perfect during a charter.

POST OF THE WEEK

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