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 News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged 3 ways to avoid getting ripped off, Make an offer, what is a Central Agent?, Best Price Guarantee, written cost proposal, 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
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After 30+ years in the business, 1-800 Yacht Charters is still doing the things that earned them the title of “World’s Best Private Cruise” as recognized by Forbes.com.
So how does the company continue to attract active, well-traveled clients when many of their competitors offer the same yachts? According to 1-800 Yacht Charters company President, Jana Sheeder, it’s all about “Focus.”
“We don’t charter yachts,” says Sheeder, “we deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients.”
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT
Sheeder goes on to explain her company’s philosophy. “Our mission began with a simple question. ‘What would happen if we built our business for #generosity?’ Instead of assuming that people want to simply maximize self-interest, our decision to focus on generosity allowed us to cater to our clients’ deeper motivations to make the world a better place.”
“This focus has propelled us to move beyond the basic rental of yachts and to deliver a true Superyacht Experience. While our competitors focus on finding the customer the “right boat,” we choose to take a more holistic approach.”
When a #luxury yacht charter inquiry comes in, Sheeder and her team of consultants interview the potential clients to learn what makes them tick.
“Today’s affluent world travelers are looking for more than just a static vacation on a yacht, says Sheeder. “They’re wired, connected, and driven by sustainability and the greater social good.”
Furthermore, Sheeder says the clients hope to immerse themselves and participate in unique cultural events and #voluntourism. Their chartered yacht serves as a platform to an eco-friendly adventure. “It’s a chance to reconnect with family and friends, embrace diverse cultures, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit,” says Sheeder. She chuckles and adds, “Besides, we often don’t even discuss particular yachts until our second or third conversation.”
Sheeder admits some clients are puzzled at first. Most charter brokers immediately try to match the client to a particular yacht and crew. “At some point, they realize our entire focus is on them,” says Sheeder. “We share with them our sense of purpose, our commitment to promoting yachts and crews dedicated to protecting our environment, and how we created our business for generosity. Then, we explain our ‘Best Price Guarantee’ – something no other yacht charter brokerages offer in our industry.”
For Sheeder, focusing on generosity, sustainability, and taking the time to learn what motivates her clients is a recipe for success and fosters a deep sense of fulfillment. “We create a bond where we and the client work together [holding her hands together with fingers entwined] – synergistically – not only to create a special experience, but also to make a difference in the world.”
1-800 Yacht Charters – Delivering Your Superyacht Experience Since 1976(TM)
For instance, Benetti, Trinity, Lürssen, and Feadship
In addition, Oceanco, Heesen, Perini Navi, and more
For example, Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific and Asia, and Florida, Bahamas, and North America
Further, South America, South Pacific, New England, Thousand Islands, NY, Canada, and more
-International Superyacht Society
-Florida Yacht Brokers Association (now “IYBA”)
-Caribbean Yacht Brokers Association
Choose the Best Yacht, the Best Price, and Best Environmental Sustainability!
Make the BEST choice — choose 1-800 Yacht Charters
This entry was posted in Destinations News Testimonials Reviews Frequently Asked Questions Educational Yacht Charter and tagged luxury, sustainability, voluntourism, freegifts, FilmFestivals, wellness yacht charters, best yacht charter company, Formula1, Jana L. Sheeder, Best Price Guarantee, best yacht charters, FIFA, affluent travelers, Olympic, best selection of yachts, fashionweeks, Jana Sheeder, dronegrandprix, generosity, eco, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, giftivism, the superyacht experience, makeadifference
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What are you planning for your next vacation?
A survey by USA Today found most people rank spending time with friends and family at the top of their wish list, followed by the urge to see new places, and the desire to kick back and relax.
There’s a great vacation option that gives you the chance to do all these things – a crewed luxury mega yacht charter.
Charters offer the exclusivity of yacht ownership, without its costs and responsibility.
There are more yachts available for hire than ever before, and great deals abound – from discounted prices to extra free days.
Take advantage of one of these great destinations and offers:
Bahamas
140′ motor yacht NEVER ENOUGH (12 passengers) – save over $42,000 and enjoy 10 days for the price of 7. Available all spring. $100,000 per week, plus expenses.
Amazon River
147′ motor vessel ARIA (32 passengers) – $10,000 savings on all 2011 charters. Embark on the voyage of a lifetime, sailing the Earth’s mightiest river – the Amazon. Reduced rate is $161,280 per week, plus some expenses.
Mediterranean
98′ motor yacht SALU (8 passengers) – Save 21% for charters in May, June, and September 2011. Was €70,000 per week, plus expenses – now €55,000 per week, plus expenses.
Caribbean
1-800 Yacht Charters offers discounts on CATAMARANS! Now through June 30, take 5% off ANY crewed catamaran charters. Any boat…any dates.
Suggested boats:
65′ catamaran WORLDS END (2011 model; 10 passengers) – €23,400 per week, plus expenses.
62′ catamaran IN THE WIND (2011 model; 8 passengers) – $27,000 per week, plus expenses.
50′ catamaran NUTMEG (2008 model; 8 passengers) – $13,000 per week, ALL-INCLUSIVE.
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There are MANY more yacht charter specials available at destinations around the globe. Contact your 1-800 Yacht Charters specialists HERE with your desired dates and destination to check for last minute savings. We’ve got you covered!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Special Offers and tagged 1-800 Yacht Charters, Salu, Best Price Guarantee, yacht charter Mediterranean, eco-friendly, multihulls, yacht charter Caribbean, cats for rent, private luxury yacht charter, powercats, benetti yacht charter, sail cat charter, motoryacht charter, aria, Discounts, worlds end, Bahamas yacht charter, nutmeg, Superyacht, never enough, catamaran yacht charter
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We’ve all seen the images. For instance, a silhouette of a sailing yacht, lying at anchor near a secluded beach, the sun setting in the background, or the massive superyachts docked side-by-side in a marina along the Côte d’Azur. It’s not hard to imagine you and your family inserted in those yachting images, enjoying la belle vie.
Think you can afford a holiday at sea on a private yacht?
Let’s start with understanding exactly what a yacht charter is all about…
If you’ve ever stayed at a resort, you’ve already experienced the premise of a yachting vacation on a crewed yacht. From accommodations, to meals, activities and amenities.. Everything you and your family need are available in one location. The biggest difference is that your location “moves” when you charter a yacht!
For example, a Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel. Other travelers stay ashore and see the same view from their hotel window. For you, on the other hand, each day you can wake up and experience a new location. Your yacht cruises from island to island. Forget a virtual online slideshow. This is the real deal!
While onboard, you’ll be pampered by a crew of trained professionals. From a captain to navigate, to a host/hostess to serve you, and a chef to prepare your meals. The actual number of crew depends on the size of yacht you charter. It also depends on the level of service you request. There are often be more crew members than charter guests!
Just like the resort, the yacht offers accommodations, areas to relax and socialize, and a wide variety of recreational toys to enjoy. For example, snorkel gear and sandup paddleboards. The larger yachts offer a wider variety of toys and amenities. For instance, waverunners, cinema rooms, exercise equipment, and even ondeck Jacuzzi wellness spas.
There is one more distinguishing difference when compared to a resort – it’s completely private – only you and your family and friends and your crew are onboard – no one else! Your confidentiality is assured with 1-800 Yacht Charters.
Again, the comparison to seaside resorts best illustrates the locations available for enjoying a yachting holiday – if it’s on the ocean, chances are there are yachts in the area available for hire!
Here’s a partial list of the most popular destinations for chartering a crewed yacht:
If you guessed that we would once again go back and look at a resort for the answer – you’re right!
The price options for enjoying a crewed yacht directly compare to the prices of staying at a resort. Basic resorts in popular destinations can be very affordable for a family vacation, and so too can be the cost of a private yacht charter. Conversely, ultra exclusive resorts in posh settings charge premium rates – as do the most luxurious private yachts.
To put this into realistic perspective, here’s a sample of yachts and their prices:
The owners of charter yachts rely on a network of professional yacht charter brokers to serve as the go-between for owners and anyone interested in securing a yacht for hire. 1-800 Yacht Charters has been delivering The Superyacht Experience to their clients for over 30 years, and maintains a database of more than 500 crewed charter yachts around the world.
Only 1-800 Yacht Charters offers a Best Price Guarantee and makes a donation to a recognized charity in your name when you make your reservation.
Jana Sheeder and her company stand ready to book your private luxury yacht charter vacation for you right now. Please call us toll-free in North America (at +1.800.922.4824) or locally and internationally (at +1.305.253.7245) or fill out our online booking form at email us at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in Educational Yacht Charter News Frequently Asked Questions and tagged Amels, why to book a yacht charter, Italian Riviera, Mediterranean yacht charter, how to book a yacht charter], St. Barts, where to go on a yacht charter, More Magic, Bahamas yacht charter, what is a yacht charter, Jodi Lee, Croatia, professional crew, Here Comes the Sun, virgin islands yacht charter, resort versus yacht charter, caribbean yacht charter, slideshow, florida yacht charter, can I afford a yacht charter, cote d'azur, what does a yacht charter cost, Best Price Guarantee, French Riviera, donation made to charity in your name, the superyacht experience, Spanish Balearic Islands
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“My husband and I are thinking about taking the family on a boating vacation. We plan to go to the Florida Keys late Spring/early Summer. I’m assuming it’s more affordable to rent a boat and run it ourselves. Do you agree?”
Pam K, Coral Gables, FL
What a great idea, Pam! Since you live in South Florida, a Florida yacht charter vacation in early summer is a great way to explore your “backyard.” As you know, most tourists have left the area by this time. Fewer crowds equates to quiet anchorages!
As a general rule, it IS more affordable to “DIY” (Do It Yourself) and drive your own bareboat. (A bareboat is a boat that you rent without a hired crew). Affordability, however, is not the only important concern.
Deciding if a Florida Keys #bareboat yacht charter or a crewed Florida yacht charter is your best bet depends upon three primary factors. First, Capability. Second, Responsibility. and Third, Budget.
When you rent a car, you are required to have a driver’s license. No license is required to rent a bareboat, however, you ARE required to demonstrate experience and competency. You initially submit a cruising qualifications resume. Finally, you made be deemed incapable of operating a bareboat, yourself. If so, you are required to retain a professional crew to operate your rental boat.
You are qualified to rent a boat without crew. Next you must decide if you want the responsibility of operating your own yacht. When you rent a bareboat, you do it all. For instance, safe navigation and reading maps, cooking, and cleaning. Some people love the hands-on experience. Of course, this is not for everybody. Some prefer to sit back, relax, and leave all chores and responsibilities to someone else. If this better describes you and your family, then a crewed yacht is the way to go. On a yacht charter with crew, they are fully-responsible for the operation of the yacht. In addition, cleaning/maintaining the yacht and preparing the meals for the guests are their duties.
Like most vacations, your desired budget will often dictate which option is best for you. IF you are capable and enjoy the responsibility of operating a boat on your own, a bareboat #yachtcharter will give you the best bang for your dollar. If you want and can afford more than a “bare bones” vacation, try this. It is one where you are served and #pampered the entire time. A a private luxury crewed yacht charter is the way to go for you.
A 47 foot bareboat power catamaran in #Miami, suitable for 8 passengers, can be rented in the late spring, early summer for under $10,000 per week. In addition, you need to factor in the local tax (about 7%) and mandatory damage insurance (estimated at $50 per day). Of course, don’t forget to consider the cost of food and beverages for your family for the week (or for however long you charter your bareboat).
A similar-sized crewed yacht, such as a 51 foot power catamaran, will cost approximately $21,000 per week, but this rate includes your meals, beverages, and a professional crew of 2. The only “unknown” expenditure is an optional gratuity for your crew.
Here’s the good news! Whichever type of chartering is right for you – with or without crew — there is surely a boat out there within your budget and in line with your qualifications, capabilities, and desires. Let’s go #boating!!!
For price quotes and availability, contact 1-800 BAREBOAT for self-drive, DIY boating options, and 1-800 YACHT CHARTERS for fully-crewed luxury yachts. #1800yachtcharters #1800bareboat
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Yacht Charter Destinations News and tagged Best Price Guarantee, 1-800 Bareboat, capability, responsibility, cruising resume, sailboat charter, budget, do i have to know how to sail, crewed yacht charter, can i rent a bareboat without license, Miami, is there a bareboat license, bareboat, what if i don't know how to sail, yachtcharter, pampered, boating, bareboat yacht charter, 1-800 Yacht Charters, self-drive
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