Last week, we reported on an increase of newly-built superyachts entering the market, in combination with fewer weeks of yachting vacations being sold.
INCREASE IN SUPERYACHTS
In the category of yachts from 30 to 50 meters (about 100 to 165 feet), there was a 28 per cent increase in the number of yachts on the charter market in 2010. At the same time, the same market segment saw a reduction of 10.7 per cent in weekly base rates.
DECREASE
A decrease in the number of charter weeks sold worldwide (down 9 percent in 2010, from 2009) and increased competition due to a growing number of new yachts, means owners must look for new ways to attract potential customers.
MARKETING TREND IN YACHTING
So what is emerging as the newest marketing trend in 2012 to lure new and repeat clients?
WELLNESS VACATIONS…
Spa on a superyacht
SPA AND WELLNESS CHARTERS
The largest yachtsin the world have accepted the challenge to compete with the world’s best land-based spas. Exercise equipment, once a novelty on yachts and relegated to a small area on deck, has given way to fully-equipped onboard fitness centers and workout rooms.
Amels yacht, LADY S
LADY S YACHT
NFL Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, for example, recently purchased the Amels motor yachtLADY S. Spa type upgrades on the 70 meter yacht include a heated Jacuzzi dip pool with swim jets and in-water exercise bar, Summit-brand deck furniture, a Turkish sauna, and full gym with Woodway treadmills, Techno Multi Cross training platform, a Synchro Excite, and stationary bicycle.
HIGH POWER III YACHT
The recently-launched 70 meter motor yacht HIGH POWER III provides an entire deck for wellness. The existence of an true “Spa Deck” shows how unique this Italian-built yacht really is.
A sauna, steam room, and fully-equipped gym are complimented by a private outdoor area with comfortable sunbeds. Adjacent massage and beauty rooms serve as suitable options for total relaxation. Breakfast, light lunches, even barbecues can be enjoyed outside on the spa deck as well, for the outside forward area has been set up with a bar and barbecue.
TRENDS IN WELLNESS
Look for 2012 to be the year onboard masseuses and wellness crew members offering aromatherapy, meditation, and yoga classes becoming commonplace on many of the world’s newest yachts.
With her repeat clients pushing for the newest yachts with unique amenities, Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, understands the need to keep her finger on the pulse of the latest yachting design trends.
JANA SHEEDER, PRESIDENT, 1-800 YACHT CHARTERS ANALYSIS
Sheeder shares with us three over-the-top design trends she has noticed on upcoming new builds and recently-launched superyachts.
BALCONIES
Balconies are features of upscale villas and resort suites. The use of balconies (or “terraces”) is the ideal way to integrate interior and exterior areas. This amenity has now caught a foothold in superyacht design. Builders are adding balconies adjacent to interior dining rooms, beach clubs, and most impressively, off of master cabins. 66m ISA motor yacht OKTO, for example, incorporates a private balcony in her full beam master suite. The hydraulic balcony is controlled by the guests. Specifically, simply push a button. This is a distinct advantage over earlier generation balconies on older yachts. They require the assistance of the crew to open and close. The balcony comes with an air curtain to keep the interior spaces cool, while having the balcony open to the ocean.
POOLS
No, not Jacuzzi-style spa tubs – they are still an important superyacht amenity as well. We’re talking about cool, fresh water pools, large enough to frolic with the kids on a warm summer day (or swim in place with the aid of current-generating waterjets).
When you’re anchored in a cove near Ibiza on a hot July afternoon, a dip in cool freshwater is a pleasant alternative to the salty, warm ocean. Great examples of Balearic island yacht charter vessels with pools are 67.5m motor yacht ICON, and 108m Pride Mega Yachts 2018 motor yacht TOMORROW.
WELLNESS AREAS
The interest in wellness yacht charter vacations continues to grow, with more and more clients requesting yachts that offer amenities for mind, body, and soul. Saunas, steam rooms, gymnasiums, quiet yoga areas, as well as onboard nutritionists, beauticians, and massage therapists are a big draw. Sheeder believes yachts that cater to mindfulness and overall wellness will be in great demand in 2017 and beyond. Examples are the 85m Lurssen yacht SOLANDGE and Tankoa yacht SUERTE (69m).
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