Whether on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or the web, just about everyone has seen ads for luxury yacht charter vacations. Gourmet meals, white glove service, and Ri¢hie Ri¢h toys are the benchmark of these lavish floating resorts. The essence of The Superyacht Experience™ is a passion for discovery, and a longing to reconnect with family and friends – fueled by a generous budget. We bring you three ways to avoid being ripped off on your yacht charter.
How do you know the rate quoted for a superyacht holiday is legitimate. In specific, not an arbitrary, marked-up price. Further, designed to take advantage of your affluence? Beyond the accuracy of the price, how do you know if it’s a good deal as well?
We have outlined three steps to take to guarantee your charter rate is accurate, fair – and a great value for the money invested. Following these steps will help you avoid price gouging and rip-offs by unscrupulous merchants.
Note: We’ve also included helpful advice from our company President, Jana Sheeder (1-800 Yacht Charters).
First, UNDERSTAND who sets the rate for a yacht for hire.
The first step to ensure you are quoted a legitimate price for your yacht charter adventure is to understand who determines the price. In the world of ultra-luxury yachts available for hire, the charter rate is set by the yacht OWNER. Luxury charter yacht owners typically hire a company referred to as a “Central Agent” to serve as their representative. The central agent (CA) maintains the yacht’s charter calendar, administers the charter paperwork, and collects the charter funds. Many CA’s will offer guidance to an owner to help establish a fair price for charter (often based on comparisons to similar yachts), but ultimately it is the owner who sets the rate, and the CA publishes that rate.
Secondly, CONFIRM the rate quoted is the rate set by the yacht owner.
Luxury yacht owners rarely make themselves or their CA available to the public – preferring to leave the business of chartering in the hands of professional Charter Brokers. These brokers perform much the same role as real estate agents – serving as the go-between for the Buyer (Charterer) and the Seller (Owner). Charter brokers have access to the CA’s and are responsible to confirm rates and date availability with the CA’s.
Once you have narrowed down your options to a specific yacht, ask your charter broker to provide a written cost proposal from the CA – ensuring the rate quoted is the rate established and set by the yacht owner.
“Some charter brokers will balk at the request of a written cost proposal from the CA, fearing the client will attempt to contact the CA directly to secure a better deal. If you sense hesitation on the part of your broker, tell your broker to ‘register’ your name and inquiry with the CA. To do this, send your charter broker a short, written note (via email) naming your broker as your authorized charter representative for the purpose of securing the charter of the specific yacht for specific dates. Your broker then shares that note with the CA and registers you as their client. Now the broker will feel protected and will be more inclined to seek written confirmation from the CA as to authenticity of the rate quoted.”
Thirdly, MAKE an offer!
Once your broker has communicated the published rate to you, and you have verified the rate is accurate, consider making an offer below the published rate. Again, think in terms of the real estate marketplace. Sometimes (but not all of the time), a property owner will accept an offer to purchase his or her real estate for an amount below the published selling price.
Unless you feel the published rate is fantastic, we can’t think of any reason not to ask for a discount! Think the owner is gouging a bit in high season? Ask for a discount. The owner may accept your offer, make a counter-offer, or simply say no. The point is – it’s your money, and you just might end up keeping more of it in your pocket!
“Before you make an offer, ask your broker if they have ever secured a discount from this owner in the past, and how much (%). The answer might surprise you. At the very least, it will help you formulate an offer based on the owner’s prior willingness (or lack thereof) to negotiate below the published rate.”
In conclusion, by following these three steps, you are safer. You ensure the charter rate quoted is not only accurate and fair, but also the best deal available. The Superyacht Experience™ includes honest, ethical advice from a yacht charter company serving discriminating clientele since 1976.
Take the promise of a great rate to a whole new level – only 1-800 Yacht Charters offers a “Best Price Guarantee.”
This entry was posted in Educational News Frequently Asked Questions and tagged honest advice by yacht charter company, Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, the superyacht experience, How to get best price on a yacht charter, 3 ways to avoid getting ripped off, Make an offer, what is a Central Agent?, Best Price Guarantee, written cost proposal
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“Do you prefer a sailboat or a motoryacht?”
The pendulum, however, seems to be swinging as more clients express interest in luxury sailing charter holidays.
“We are witnessing a shift in our sense of priorities when it comes to the world around us,” says Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, an international yacht rental agency. “The focus on sustainable lifestyles goes beyond how we live at home. Many travelers feel compelled to seek out an eco-friendly vacation, and sailboats are the perfect alternative to fossil-fuel powered motoryachts.“
But what about luxury and comfort? For years, sailboats were considered small and cramped, with far fewer amenities than their power-driven counterparts. “That’s all in the past,” says Sheeder.
“Advances in technology have come a long way. Naval architects have found ways to add upscale amenities to sailboats without compromising the yacht’s performance capabilities.”
Sail yacht KOKOMO is indicative of this direction. The 58 meter sailboat reflects new heights of excellence in terms of design, technology, engineering, performance, and quality.
With so much to offer, here are 4 great reasons to rent a sailing yacht:
1. Sailboats offer you the chance to experience and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
2. Sailing yachts are more environmentally-responsible (“green“) than motor yachts.
3. Sailboats offer greater fuel economy and less fuel consumption than motor yachts.
4. Sailboats can offer a more tranquil, relaxing experience than a cruise on a motor yacht.
This entry was posted in Educational Yacht Charter and tagged eco-friendly, trinity, motoryacht charter, Jana Sheeder, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Benetti, sailboat yacht charter, why choose a sailboat
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JANA – Feadship motoryacht
After this weekend’s 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Feadship motor yacht JANA will hoist her anchor and reposition for the winter season in the Maldives.
Expected to arrive in mid December, the classic 46-meter Feadship yacht charter vessel is currently available for a Christmas reservation.
Motoryacht JANA will remain in the Maldives through mid April and joins a growing list of yachts for hire in this Indian Ocean paradise.
There are other megayachts committed to the winter season in the Maldives. For instance,l the 64 meter Benetti motoryacht SILVER ANGEL and sail yacht PERLA DEL MARE. Additionally, the 60 meter motor yacht ARKLEY and the 150 foot motoryacht MOECCA.
Serving as a privately-chartered spectator yacht at this year’s Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi, Feadship yacht JANA will complete one more charter in Abu Dhabi in November before embarking for the Indian Ocean.
The prospect of offering alternative destinations for winter charters is exciting for JANA Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters. “Our team is committed to expanding the destination options available to our clients,” says Sheeder. “A winter holiday in the warm waters of the Maldives is an excellent alternative to the traditional Caribbean yacht charter vacation.”
The Maldives offer visitors the chance to enjoy crystal clear water and sugar white, sandy beaches. The Republic of Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean. It is an island nation. In specific, formed by a double-wrapped chain of twenty-six (26) atolls. The winter water temperature is amazingly warm. Specifically, about 31 degrees celsius (87 degrees fahrenheit). Opportunities for snorkeling and watersports are endless. There are hundreds of reefs. In addition, many in the shallow waters of enclosed lagoons.
“We hope to add even more megayachts to the growing list available this winter in the Maldives.”
This entry was posted in Destinations Yacht of the Week Educational Yacht Charter and tagged Arkley, Moecca, Feadship, Benetti, Maldives, silver angel, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, motoryacht JANA, Jana, Perla Del Mare
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Looking to throw a little wrinkle into the typical yachting holiday in the Western Mediterranean? Our charter department put their heads together and came up with 5 cool things to do to make your next yachting holiday a truly unique experience.
The French island of Corsica is often overlooked by charterers who spend most of their time exploring nearby Sardinia. Corsica is downright beautiful, with a colorful history and unique culture and atmosphere. You’ll find an eclectic mix of old world charm infused with modern French style.
For a truly gourmet French food experience, visit Le Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa. The elegant décor, stunning ocean views and private jetty make this a fantastic destination for a late afternoon lunch. The seasonal creations of chef Pascal Cayeux, rival the finest fare in mainland France. Pascla creates gourmet twists on traditional fare, with vegetables and herbs from the kitchen’s own garden.
The interest in a Balearic Island yacht charter experience continues to grow each summer, as more yachts secure the required Spanish charter licenses to explore Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca. While the nightclubs of Ibiza have their own appeal, the idea of a pristine beach sounds pretty food as well.
Take for example the beach at Cala Marcella. You’ll need your yacht’s tender to get there as this beach is only accessible by boat (lucky you). On most weekdays, you can almost be sure to find a quiet spot on the white sands of Cala Marcella [Tip: avoid the weekend, as crowds of local boaters invade this idyllic cove]. If you feel adventurous, bring a pair of walking shoes ashore, as there is a walking route that you can hike to the neighboring beach of Macaraletta. Here, you can walk to the top of the cliff and experience some of the best ocean views in all of the Balearic islands.
At the base of the 110 meter high cliffs of Cappo Caccia, along the northwest corner of Sardinia, lies the entrance to the Grotto de Neptuno – a stalactite-filled cavern and saltwater lake. Land-based visitors can enter by climbing down 654 steps from the top of the cliff to explore the underground grotto. You on the other hand, can simply have your captain nose your yacht into the entrance of the caves!
For snorkelers and divers, the adventure gets deeper at the nearby Nereo Cave, considered the biggest marine cave in the Western Mediterranean. With 10 entrances, arches and tunnels, novices can snorkel in waist high water while experienced/certified divers can dive down to depths of 35 meters.
You’ve missed this event for this year, but it’s never too early to plan your 2017 summer charter. Every June 16, on the eve of the feast day of Saint Ranieri, the city of Pisa is aglow with 70,000 “lumini” (candles in glass containers). The reflection along the Arno river is mesmerizing. It’s a peaceful, tranquil setting and the warmth of the Pisa residents will touch your heart. If this doesn’t remind you how the superyacht experience allows you to embrace diverse cultures, nothing will!
Just off the coast of Cannes, in the South of France, lies the small island of Saint Honorat. Here, visitors will find a very unusual vineyard. It has 8 hectares of vines cared for entirely by the monks of the Abbey of Lerins. The monks tend to every aspect of winemaking. For instance, from planting the vineyard, to harvesting the grapes. Additionally, to making and bottling the wine.
Truly unique vintages found nowhere else, we recommend the Saint Cyprien Viognier with a seasonal Mediterranean meal served by the monks in their own restaurant. After dinner, you can finish the day with a tasting of the fruit liqueurs as you enjoy the company of the monks and their staff, in this peaceful Monastic enclave.
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In conclusion, 1-800 Yacht Charters offers summer itineraries from the Côte d’Azur to the ancient islands of Greece. For a sampling of our luxury yachts, visit our interactive website at 1800yachtcharters.com.
This entry was posted in Destinations Educational and tagged Sardinia yacht charter, Grotto de Neptuno, Corsica, Blue Marino Underwater Caves, Menorca, Nereo Cave, Sardinia, Mallorca, Pisa, Western Mediterranean, Cannes, Epicurian - Culinary, Yacht charter Cannes, wine tasting, culinary delights, Cala Marcella beach, gourmet food, Le Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa, foodies, Cappo Caccia
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The naval architects at Espen Oeino International S.A.R.L. continue to raise the bar of superyacht design. Their latest offering is Sunrise Yachts motor yacht IRIMARI.
Delivered to her owner in July, the 63 meter yacht is currently cruising in the Greek islands. So far there is no word if the vessel will be entering the Greek yacht charter fleet.
Sunrise 63 yacht IRIMARI makes her official debut at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show.
Per our friends at Boat International, one exciting “superfeature” to be expected inside motoryacht Irimari is “…a video wall spanning two decks!”
Espen Oeino International is considered one of the leading design studios of private yacht charter vessels. They base in Monaco. Their specialty is in the category of Superyachts. Their portfolio includes Lurssen motor yacht MARTHA ANN, and the world’s largest yacht available for charter, Fincantieri yacht SERENE.
The launch of yacht IRIMARI marks the first of the Sunrise 63 series to splash down for the Turkish builder. The Espen Oeino designed yacht features interiors by Focus Yacht Design and naval architecture by Unique Yacht Design. Built with a high tensile steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the yacht has a transatlantic range of 5,000 miles, and a top speed of 17 knots.
Her owner initially plans spending time onboard. We hope to see this beautiful yacht enter the charter marketplace.
In conclusion, interested in chartering a yacht like this one? Here is a sampling of some of the newest yachts for hire.
This entry was posted in News Educational Yacht Charter and tagged Irimari, Greece, Mediterranean yacht charter, private yacht charter, newest yachts, Espen Oeino, Sunrise Yachts, yacht charter Greece, monaco yacht show, video wall
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MOONLIGHT II Superyacht
This entry was posted in News Special Offers Yacht of the Week Educational Yacht Charter and tagged motoryacht charter, Western Mediterranean yacht charter, large yacht, Moonlight II, yacht charter for large group, special offers on yacht charters, How do I rent a superyacht?, Alysia, Neorion Syros Shipyard, how to charter a yacht
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The Charter Yacht Brokers Association is CYBA. They announce 2017 winners of their campaign. This is the annual “Going Green To Save The Blue” cause. The crew onboard superyacht NERO places in the “Designer Water” contest. The contest recognizes crews of luxury yacht charter vessels. This award goes to crews acknowledging their “yacht-made” water. This is an effort to reduce. Disposable plastic water bottle use on yachts must decrease.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and a CYBA member, explains the program. The underlying message is unquestionably urgent.
“Importantly, the campaign is designed to encourage yacht owners and crews to reduce, and eventually forego, the use of plastic water bottles by both the crews and the onboard luxury yacht charter guests. The goal is to raise awareness as to the massive volume of water bottles that are consumed during charters, and the impact disposable plastic has in our landfills and more importantly, our oceans.”
The “Designer Water” contest is annual. It occurs at the opening of the Caribbean yacht charter winter/spring season. At this time, the season sees more than a dozen private yacht charter vessels. In addition, crews showcase their “flavored” waters. Specifically, the waters generate from onboard watermakers that convert seawater into clean, safe drinking water.
This year’s winners are first, 111 foot sailing yacht REE for Hibiscus Martini Water. Second, 183 foot sailing yacht ROSEHEARTY wins for Moranga-infused Detoxifying Water. Third, 265 foot mega yacht NERO wins for Coriander and Passionfruit Water.
It should be noted that the CYBA campaign, “Going Green To Save The Blue,” strategizes dually . It encourages yacht owners and crews to offer eco-friendly options. Private yacht charter guests participate in this sustainable initiative. Hopefully, the guests return home with a clearer understanding of the impact of plastic pollution. In addition, how they can incorporate simple changes in their daily lives. They can make a difference in safeguarding our environment for future generations.
“The ‘Going Green’ campaign highlights the numerous opportunities and options available to our private yacht charter clients, yacht owners, and crews – from avoiding plastic water bottles, to using green cleaning products, reef-friendly sunscreens, and solar panels for energy,” says Sheeder. “We congratulate motor yacht NERO and her owner and crew and all of the other Caribbean yacht charter teams for their commitment to the long-term health of our oceans and the marine environment.”
In conclusion, turn to 1-800 Yacht Charters for yacht rentals. We are the company with the industry-leading Best Price Guarantee. In addition, we charter a fleet of Eco-friendly yachts around the world. Call us toll-free in North America at +1.800.922.4824 or local and international at +1.305.253.7245 to plan your yachting vacation.
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged water bottles, caribbean yacht charter, Ree, protect the ocean, Rosehearty, award-winning, Charter Yacht Brokers Association, eco-friendly, CYBA, member, motoryacht charter, go green, designer water, Awards, designer, Nero, Jana Sheeder, campaign, protect the environment, eco campaign, solar, say no to plastic, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters
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Solar sunbed. It rotates. It mists. Ahhhh. With much of the northeast United States buried under a blizzard of snow, here’s a new superyacht amenity guaranteed to give you a “sunny” outlook!
LMV’s Lasy Solar sun bed self-orientates according to the position of the sun. How neat is that??
Imagine you are onboard your Lurssen Yacht Charter somewhere off the coast of Capri. Your solar-powered sun bed slowly rotates to keep the heat on your body. What’s that you say – it’s starting to get a little too hot? No worries – there’s a built-in Mist Breeze cooling system to cool you down!
Of course, total comfort is a must, so the bed is covered in marine-grade luxury leather.
Thanks to its solar power source, the Lasy Solar sun bed doesn’t need connecting to a yacht’s power supply.
The manufacturer plans to have the product website for Lasy Solar sun beds up and running soon.
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Experience the luxury of a private luxury Lürssen yacht like MARTHA ANN or HUNTRESS. Contact the yacht charter specialists at 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ to plan The Superyacht Experience for you!
This entry was posted in Educational Gadgets and tagged Lurssen yacht charter, solar, martha ann, eco, LMV Design Lasy Solar Sun Bed, rotating sun bed, misters, Huntress, eco-friendly, solar power source
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The yachting industry has long held to the belief that a successful luxury yacht charter vessel can expect 12 weeks of charter business a year. This expectation included both Caribbean yacht charter and Mediterranean yacht charter business.
Excluding the small sail boat charters that dominate the Caribbean market, in the world of megayacht and superyacht vessels, there are about 830 yachts 80 feet and larger available for a luxury yacht charter worldwide. What might be surprising to many is this fact: some 600 of these vessels do no more than 3 or 4 weeks of chartering each year.
Thus, the upcoming Mediterranean yacht charter summer season has a lot riding on it for boat owners and captains who have — perhaps ill-fatedly from the start — factored 12 weeks of megayacht charter business into their calculations.
So what does a 52 week year in the life of a superyacht look like? A recent industry survey breaks it down like this:
*Owner’s personal use – 6 weeks.
*Yard time (for repair and maintenance) and crossing time to reposition (Caribbean to the Mediterranean, etc.) – 26 weeks.
*Undesirable charter dates – 14 weeks
*Actual Possible Charter Time: 14 weeks.
Charter fleet managers believe there is a a realistic goal. In specific, a luxury mega yacht charter vessel is no more than 8 weeks per year…
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational Yacht Charter and tagged Superyacht, Megayacht, yacht owners, How many weeks of charter should a superyacht do per year?, life of a superyacht, year of a superyacht, yard time
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Crewed catamaran charters are a wonderful vacation for active and adventurous travelers.
Most catamarans feature a large assortment of water toys. For instance, sea kayaks, towable tubes, snorkel gear, and towable bananas. Also included in watersports activities are hamster balls (clear ball for walking on water), trampolines (that sit on the water), SeaDoos, paddleboards, and skurfers. There are many fun activities and toys to enjoy on a catamaran vacation. The previous items are just a few.
Many catamarans also offer SCUBA for certified divers. If guests aren’t certified but want to try it, they are able! They can take a resort course from the yacht, as well!
Bahamas yacht charter catamarans receive special treatment. They are often visited by swimming pigs that live on Big Major Cay, better known as “Pig Beach.” The pigs swim out to the boats. You can also swim with them, give them approved treats, and take lots of selfies!
This entry was posted in Educational Yacht Charter Good Times and tagged SCUBA, watersports toys, Big Major Cay, crewed catamaran charter, active travelers, pig beach, yacht with crew, swim with pigs, resort course, yacht charter Bahamas
Posted onSardinia Luxury Tax on Mediterranean Yacht Charter Vessels Abolished
LUXURY TAX ABOLISHED The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more. ABOUT THE TAX The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts. Anyone considering a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean is fortunate. The law […] read morePosted by admin
Ferretti Yacht SEA STREAM brings Luxury Charter to Seychelles
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […] read morePosted by admin
What to Pack for a Sailboat Vacation
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […] read morePosted by admin
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