Recently, we blogged about the Thai government’s efforts to lift the restrictions that kept superyacht charter vessels away from Thailand. Now that the door has been opened for foreign-flagged yachts. In addition, American charterers and tourists are welcome. Here are some cultural taboos that could save you from being branded an “Ugly American.”
Keep in mind almost 95% of the Thai population is Buddhist. As in much of southeast Asia, there are cultural taboos that non-Buddhists would not know, some of which are considered religiously offensive.
Three things NOT to do on your yacht charter Thailand:
Always use your right hand to pass or receive an object. [Sorry left-handed charterers.]
In conclusion, one of the great joys of a yachting vacation is The Superyacht Experience™. It is the chance to embrace diversity, participate in unique cultural events, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. By avoiding these taboos, think how much more enjoyable your Phuket yacht charter vacation will be. You won’t offend the wonderful people of Thailand, and your mother won’t scold you for putting your feet up on the yacht’s furniture!
For more information on chartering a yacht in Thailand, contact us today. The team at 1-800 Yacht Charters +1.800.922.4824 / toll-free in North America or +1.305.253.7245 stands by to educate and assist you. Feel free to use our convenient online contact form, if you’d rather. #knowbeforeyougo #yachtcharter
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged Traditions, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, What to never do, Jana Sheeder, What to always do, 1800yachtcharters, Ugly American, Education, Where did the term, Trivia, come from?, yacht charter Thailand, Is the head sacred in Thailand, Taboo, Are the feet sacred in Thailand, Buddhism
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“My neighbor recently rented a boat with a crew for a family vacation in the Virgin Islands. It sounds like fun but I wonder if it’s safer to take a cruise on a big ship. Any thoughts that might sway me? Thanks.”
Marilyn W, Miami, FL
Great question, Marilyn. In our opinion, private yachts are actually safer.
Cruise ships visit numerous ports of call (often referred to as, “tourist traps”). It’s no secret that pickpockets and other petty-theft criminals prey on unsuspecting tourists in these busy tourist areas. Private yachts tend to stay away from these hot spots, and since the yachts are smaller, they can anchor in small, quiet, uncrowded coves.
Speaking of crowds, there are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of strangers onboard a cruise ship. We’ve all seen the news reports about Norovirus breakouts on cruise ships. In their defense, the cruise lines are diligent in cleaning their vessels, but with so many people onboard, it’s a tough task. That’s not the case on a Virgin Island yacht charter vessel – the only people onboard are you and your private crew.
In terms of training, both the crews on cruise ships and private yachts are trained to international standards in case of the rare chance of an onboard emergency. Remember – the crew on a private yacht has to attend to the yacht’s owner when charter guests are not onboard. It is a safe bet that most yacht owners want the finest professionals operating their yachts!
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What do you think? Do you agree with our opinion? Are private yachts safer than cruiseships? Please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
This entry was posted in Good Times Educational and tagged private yacht safety, Novovirus, yacht charter crew, private yacht charter, 1800yachtcharters, sailboat charter, Education, cruiseships, Ask The Pro's, cruiseship safety
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QUESTION
“I’m planning a 10 day private yacht charter in St. Tropez and the South of France in July. My broker say VAT is 20%. That’s seems a lot. Is there way to not pay this?”
Xavier E, Barcelona, Spain
Answer provided by Jana Sheeder, President 1-800 Yacht Charters:
“The bad news, Xavier, is all charters that take place in a European Union (EU) country are subject to VAT (Value Added Tax). However, we have good news as well – there is a simple, legal strategy that can cut your VAT expense in half.
Instead of paying 20%, this strategy will reduce your VAT to 10% of your base charter fee – a significant savings!
Each EU country can set their own level of VAT on commercial yachts for hire. In France, if the yacht undertakes a coastal cruise in French territorial waters, the VAT is 20% of the base charter fee (the base fee is the cost to rent the yacht before factoring in other running expenses such as food, dockage, etc.). So, for example, if you began your charter in Saint Tropez, and cruised along the Côte d’Azur and concluded your trip in Antibes, you would incur a VAT expense of 20%.MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VAT
However, IF you plan a portion of your charter to cruise in international waters, your legal responsibility for VAT drops to 10% – a savings of 50%!
So how do you do this? Here’s how: When you are planning your itinerary with the yacht’s captain prior to the commencement of your charter, let the captain know that you would like to, “visit a port that requires you to cruise in international waters and beyond the coast of France.”
You could, for example, leave the French coast and cruise to the island of Sardinia. This is approximately a 5-7 hour cruise from the South of France.
Ask your captain to undertake this crossing overnight, while you and your guests are sleeping. Then, when you rise in the morning, you’ll be able to spend a full day, or longer along the coastline of this fabled Italian island before heading back to France.
So there you have it. With a little strategic planning, a slight deviation in your St Tropez yacht charter can result in big savings; possibly thousands of Euros depending upon the cost of your charter.”
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT
Have a question about a yacht charter vacation?
Submit your question to me, and my team will help you.
If we print your question in our blog, we’ll send you a complimentary Eco-tote bag.
Email me at jsheeder@1800yachtcharters.com
Thank you, and keep those questions coming!!!
This entry was posted in Destinations Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged Tips and tricks, Ask the Yacht Charter Pros, Discounts, VAT value added tax, private yacht charter, Jana Sheeder, 1800yachtcharters, Education, Ask The Pro's, Save money on a yacht charter
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Thanks to Lee Stephens for this article.
This article is beneficial to people who enjoy private yacht charter vacations or who operate their own private yacht or enjoy sail boat charters.
Boating safety education requirements have changed in Florida effective January 1, 2010.
Boat operators who were born on or after January 1, 1988 must pass an approved boating safety course and possess photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to legally operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more.
“We want to encourage everyone, regardless of when they were born, to take an approved boating safety education course, because all of us can learn something new, even if we have been boating all our lives,” said Captain Carol Keyser of FWC’s boating and waterways section. “For some, it is now required to take the course.”
There are a few exceptions. For instance, a person born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a boat within 90 days after purchasing it, does not need a boating safety education identification card if a bill of sale, which meets the requirements of Florida law, is onboard. After the 90-day period ends, the boat operator needs to meet the educational requirements. Those who possess a current United States Coast Guard license are also exempt.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters comments,
“Licensing is always a good thing when dealing with on-water motor vehicles. There are simple rules for right-of-ways, for example, that must be followed on the water. We’ve seen too many accidents on the water because of incompetence related to boating. I applaud the FWC for upgrading the licensing and rules so that everyone is on the same page on the water.”
For inquiries, contact FWC‘s Division of Law Enforcement at 1-850-488-5600.
This entry was posted in Educational and tagged FWC, BSE, bobber, Know the rules, Licensing, boating license, Conservation Efforts, Safety, Laws, Education, Boating safety education
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Yacht, Ship, or Boat?
One naval recruit said that it is common lore that a ship rolls outward in a turn, while a boat rolls inward.
Many articles have been written about 1-800 Yacht Charters (aka SailAway Yacht Charters), crewmembers, celebrity clients, and yachting vacations.
Do you have another answer for the difference between a yacht, a ship, and a boat? Contact us HERE and let us know!
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged Education, definitions, difference between a yacht ship and boat, boating, ship, yacht, Frequently Asked Questions, 1800yachtcharters
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There is a big hurdle for large families and groups. These people seek to enjoy a private yacht charter vacation in Malta. The hurdle is partially lifted by the yachting registration authorities in Malta.
Specifically, late December, 2016, Transport Malta made a change. They are the administrative authority that oversees regulations for yachts flying the flag of Malta. They introduced new guidelines for private yachts. In addition, the rule applies to yachts carrying more than 12 guests.
This issue is long a stumbling block to the charter industry. Most private charter vessels are restricted to carrying no more than 12 passengers. Moreover, even if enough cabins were available to accommodate more than 12 guests. Yacht owners who wanted to bypass this restriction had problems. They were forced to build their vessels to standards established for commercial ships and cruise liners. This added enormous costs to the project. Most yacht owners elected to avoid the extra costs and burdensome regulations. They build luxury charter vessels for 12 or fewer guests.
Maltese authorities saw an opportunity to reduce restrictions on private yachts built to high safety standards, and to allow these safe, well-built and professionally-operated vessels to carry more than 12 passengers. Ivan Sammut, registrar general for the Maltese flag, explain how Malta saw a gap in the market. “You have to evolve to stay relevant in this marketplace,” states Sammut. “Malta hopes to be more than just a European flagging alternative; we have a holistic view of the superyacht market and want to become a turnkey destination for private and commercial superyachts alike.”
The new certification summary is in the “Guidelines for Pleasure Yachts Carriage Capacities.” It is part of an ongoing Maltese initiative to introduce contemporary standards. Specifically, in the area of private yachting. To qualify, a superyacht seeking to register in Malta and fly the Maltese flag.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, views the new regulations as long overdue. “It’s discouraging to turn away a large, extended families of 13 or more from their dream of enjoying the superyacht experience together on one yacht. We anticipate many superyacht owners with vessels that feature cabins and capacity for more than 12 guests to register their yachts in Malta. This is one more contemporary component in the growth of our private luxury yacht charter industry, and we hope other flagging authorities will follow Malta’s lead.”
This entry was posted in News Educational Yacht Charter and tagged rules, yacht charter malta, large family yacht charter, yacht construction, large group yacht charter, Jana Sheeder, yacht charter large group, Laws, yacht charter for 12, Education, Superyacht, Malta, yacht charter Mediterranean, family yacht charter, 12 passenger yachts
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In January, 2014, we alerted our clients to new rules. These rules regard a VAT increase imposed on Croatia yacht charter rentals. The government increased the VAT rate from 10 % to 13%. This was to combat the country’s economic woes.
We, therefore, focused on saving money for clients. We encourag our clients to commence their charters in nearby Montenegro. They could then cruise into Croatian waters, tax-free.
In spite of this, good things sometimes come to an end…
Effective this month, new regulations take effect. These eliminate the loophole that allowed tax-free cruising in Croatia.
This February, the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs made an announcement. The regulations that govern the Croatia yacht charter market were amended to, “…bring the regulations in line with other European Union Member States.” The main change was, therefore, the imposition of VAT on charters starting outside of Croatia.
As succinctly explained by 1-800 Yacht Charters company President, Jana Sheeder,
“As of May 1st, 2018, charters commencing outside Croatia that then cruise into Croatia, will now have to pay 13% VAT on the time spent in Croatian waters.”
The new regulations are not retroactive. Thus, any charters booked prior to the regulation change are exempt.
On a positive note, other regulation changes designed to encourage an increase in yacht charter Croatia activity will also go into effect. The government has lifted the restriction that banned non-European Union charter yachts under 40 meters from chartering in Croatia. As explained by Rory Jackson of SuperyachtNews, “These restrictions, which prohibited non-EU commercial vessels under 40m chartering in Croatia, had been implemented to bolster the domestic market. However, they proved to be more costly than beneficial.”
Non EU flagged yachts under 40 meters will need to secure a charter license to operate in Croatia. The license will be required even if the charter starts outside Croatia.
Are you considering a private yacht charter vacation in Croatia or elsewhere in the Mediterranean this summer? Click https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/superyacht-charter/ for a sampling of superyachts available this summer.
Come enjoy The Superyacht Experience as only 1-800 Yacht Charters can deliver!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations News Educational and tagged VAT value added tax, Jana Sheeder, Education, Superyacht, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, yacht charter education, yacht charter croatia, charter restrictions, Croatia yacht charter, summer yacht charter plans, Mediterranean yacht charter
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While direct booking of a self-drive bareboat is common and the norm, the same cannot be said for renting a crewed yacht. Organizing vacations on crewed yachts, especially ultra-expensive superyacht charter vessels, requires assistance. Intermediary experts are important since few owners have the time. Additionally, they do not have patience or interest in dealing directly with prospective charter customers. After all, few yacht owners became billionaires by chatting with strangers on the phone!
It’s hard to dispute the important role retail brokers play in arranging crewed private yacht charter vacations. Most have an extensive understanding of the industry. For instance, first-hand experience of inspecting charter yachts and interviewing the crews. In addition, preparing charter agreements. A good broker is key to a successful and unforgettable (The) Superyacht Experience™.
Using a retail yacht charter broker, however, is not a guarantee of a great yachting vacation. There are many misconceptions – some promulgated by the brokers themselves. Exposing these fallacies can save headaches and money. Let’s look at, and debunk, three common myths associated with the services of a retail charter broker.
This is the most common misconception. Subsequently, many brokers quickly use this line to encourage a prospective client not to call competitors. It is partially true. There is a published “rack rate” available to all retail brokers. As compared to upscale resorts, villas, and jets, sometimes there are multiple pricing options.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters explains,
“In situations where we have delivered multiple charters to a particular yacht owner, we are in a unique position to secure ‘best column pricing’ for our preferred clients – prices that other retails brokers cannot obtain.”
Sheeder goes on to explain how relationships and reputations also play a role in securing preferred pricing.
“If you’re honest and respectful, over the years, you build relationships with captains and yacht managers. I can’t tell you how many times we have reached out to a captain to ask for a professional courtesy discount for one of our clients. The captains have the ear of the owner and often can encourage an owner who would normally not offer any discounts, to give our client a special rate.”
The bottom line – the best brokers can, on occasion, secure rates not available to other brokers. When considering the hiring of your charter broker, directly ask the broker if all brokers gets the same prices. If he or she says “Yes,” move on and find another broker!
It serves as a great marketing phrase for many brokers. “My advice to you is free.” Consequently, it is simply untrue. Yes, the commission check received by the broker comes from the yacht owner’s account, but just as in real estate, the list prices have been adjusted to account for the fees earned by brokers.
Sheeder bristles at the notion of free advice. “Many brokers are quick to state their services are free, and you’ll see this marketing slogan prominently displayed on their websites. We have greater respect for our clients. While there is great value in the services we offer – nothing is free, and an educated consumer is aware that the prices offered by a yacht owner include the cost of the retail charter broker’s services.”
This is even more evident when booking a bareboat yacht charter, as bareboat companies take in direct reservations and will often give customers discounts of 10 to 15% – the amount they save if no charter broker is involved.
Sheeder feels complete transparency is the best course of action. “We tell our clients exactly how much our services cost in terms of a commission. We don’t apologize for what we earn, and we bend over backwards to deliver killer customer service. I believe our clients appreciate our confidence and our candor.”
Sample actual luxury yacht charter competitors’ promises to you:
“Our advice is free…”
“…provide you with free advice…”
“…THAT GIVES YOU FREE INDEPENDENT CHARTER ADVICE”
The bottom line. Don’t fall for flashy marketing terms and buzzwords. Nothing is for free, and you, the buyer, are paying the cost of the charter reservation services rendered to you.
Many brokers are employees of large yacht management companies. These companies, sometimes called “Central Agents,” handle crew placement, yacht sales, and charter management.
Sheeder explains how this multi-service model can lead to bias on the part of a retail broker: “A retail broker who is employed by a central agency is in a position to present a potential charterer with yachts that are managed in-house. Not only is a commission generated when an in-house managed yacht is booked for a charter, but an additional ‘management’ fee is earned by the central agency.”
In other words, a central agency makes more money when their own retail brokers book yachts in their own fleet. Those yachts are not necessarily the best choice for your customized charter.
The bottom line – To minimize bias, Sheeder recommends retaining an independent retail yacht charter broker. Similar to hiring an independent insurance agent who represents multiple product lines, an independent charter broker is more likely to present prospective clients with yacht selections from a multitude of Central Agency fleets.
Thinking about a private charter vacation? Speak to the industry team with more than 30 years’ experience. Call 1-800 Yacht Charters today at 1-800-922-4824 or 305-253-7245, or fill out our convenient online contact form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged myth busting, yacht charter costs, preferred pricing, yacht charter commission, why use a yacht charter broker, what myths exist about yacht charters?, Education, are yacht charter brokers important?, Trivia, bareboat vs. crewed yacht, Superyacht, rack rates, Ask The Pro's, pricing options, retail yacht charter broker
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