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).
Valentine’s Day. Specifically, the yearly opportunity to profess our love to that special someone in our lives. For many of us, we turn to traditional gifts like chocolate, flowers, or a romantic dinner to express our affection.
UPSCALE GIFT GIVERS
Ah, but the uber-wealthy are different. Even gifts of jewelry pale in comparison to the grandiose gestures some HNWI’s (high net-worth individuals) bestow on their significant others and loved ones.
Yep, when it comes to over-the-top, what says “je t’aime mon tresor” more than a gift of a private superyacht???
THE ULTIMATE GIFT
Of course, the ultimate enhancement to the ultimate gift – naming your yacht to honor the one you love…
TOP 5 LOVING NAMES OF YACHTS
In celebration of Valentine’s Day 2016, we share our favorite 5 private yacht charter vessels with names inspired by love. Some names are whimsical and cute, others haughty. Our favorite name, # 1, is simple and oh-so-perfect — boasting the two most famous words uttered by almost every man who understands (and appreciates) who’s really the boss!
5. 4YOU – Imagine the surprise when this owner turned to his wife and handed her the keys to a 180 foot megayacht, aptly named, 4YOU. Launched in 2012, this spectacular yacht from the Amels Limited Edition 180 series was designed by Tim Heywood, and features a stunning modern-chic interior by Laura Sessa Romboli. Up to 12 guests can enjoy a Greek yacht charter vacation, from €280,000 per week
4. DREAM PRINCESS – Sure, lots of guys call their lady a, “Princess.” But a DREAM PRINCESS? That’s ramping it up another notch. A popular yacht for special events (e.g. Monaco Grand Prix yacht charter, MIPIM yacht charter, etc.), this Princess 64 motor yacht is a vessel with a real sense of occasion. She offers exceptional performance and boasts a sleek, sporty profile hiding a spacious three-cabin charter layout. Her interior is light, with elegant details. Rates from €18,000 per week
ADDITIONAL YACHTS
3. HONEY BEAR – Every once in a while, we find a yacht named by a woman for the man in her life. The 28 meter Sunseeker 90 yacht HONEY BEAR is a fast, fun yacht for sophisticated yet informal Monaco yacht charter holidays. Her modern yet warm interior offers plenty of space for relaxation, and her open deck areas are perfect for enjoying the sunshine. She provides accommodations for 8 guests in 4 staterooms and is priced from €45,000 per week
2. LADY BRIT – there are lots of “Ladies” in the charter fleet, Lady Sheila, Lady Victoria, and more. Still, one stands out for her simple, elegant name – the epitome of European class: LADY BRIT. Surprisingly, the yacht was not named for the owner’s wife, but rather, in honor of his mother. The 207 foot Feadship yacht LADY BRIT offers the ideal platform for a resort-style St Barts Yacht Charter in the Caribbean, as she features a wellness spa, gymnasium with panoramic views, outdoor cinema, and an authentic Finnish sauna with private access to the water. Weekly rates start at $445,000 per week
FINAL YACHT
1. YES DEAR – what man hasn’t uttered those two words to his special someone??? She is a Voyage 580 Virgin Islands catamaran charter vessel. Sail yacht YES DEAR is 58 feet long and 31 feet wide. This is the perfect design for maximum comfort and stability. She features 5 cabins for up to 10 guests. Her weekly rates start at $24,000. Funny side note. Her dinghy is named, “No Dear.”
The age of wellness is upon us. Everywhere you turn, people seek to boost their wellness and make healthy living a priority in both daily life and travel.
YACHTS AND HEALTH
Taking a queue from this growing trend, the newest and largest yachtsfor charter are being designed and outfitted to accommodate adventurous, wellness-oriented travelers.
WELLNESS TRENDS ON BOATS
Wellness trends on superyachts include the latest gym equipment, fully-staffed mini-spas, and healthier menu options. The yachts and the overall charter experience are moving beyond the traditional yachting, for example, spa experiences throughout.
There is more onboard space for wellness. For instance, fitness areas and private deck space for meditation is typical now. Galleys are stocked with fresh, all-natural foods. Chefs accommodate foodies and draft more heart-healthy menus.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
“The market has redefined the charter experience,” says Jana Sheeder, President of superyacht rental syndicate 1-800 Yacht Charters and SailAway Yacht Charters. “We’re witnessing a renaissance – a shift from the traditional cruise mentality to a sea-based adventure that nurtures the body and feeds the soul.”
TYPICAL YACHTS IN PAST
For years, the typical Caribbean yacht charter vacation focused on extremes, if not downright decadence. Yachts would burn fuel at dizzying rates to motor from one tropical island to the next, and guests would feast on lavish meals and exotic fare.
Now, the modern charter guest seeks to balance a respect for eco-sensitive travel with a desire to focus on wellness and health.
Sheeder is keenly aware of the shift in priorities.
“The opportunity to truly relax and focus on mind, body, and soul is paramount to the modern charter customer,” she says.
CHEFS
Onboard the superyachts, chefs have revised their cooking styles and their menus. They now incorporate more organic foods, along with reduced sodium and lower sugar alternatives, to cater to the growing demand by charter guests for health-conscious meals.
ENTERTAINMENT
The nature of onboard entertainment is evolving as well. Crews report guests spend less time watching TV and movies, and more time pursuing wellness activities. Charter brokers report more customers now inquire about the availability of exercise equipment and spa services.
HEALTHY ACTIVITIES
New yachts are now built with large gymnasiums, as well as spa amenities and on some vessels, beauty salons. Older yachts are converting some cabins from sleeping quarters into workout areas or meditation rooms.
LADY BRITT SUPERYACHT
A shining example of this new commitment to wellness is the brand new Feadship yacht charter motor yacht LADY BRITT. With accommodations for 12 guests, the 208 foot vessel exudes the luxury, style, and sophistication commonplace on modern yachts. What stands out, however, is the onboard equipment and amenities dedicated to wellness.
HEALTHY ROOMS
The yacht features a wellness spa (offering Elemis massage, beauty and hair treatments), a fully-equipped gymnasium (with Technogym equipment), an outdoor cinema, and an authentic Finnish sauna with a private meditation deck and access to the water.
HOW TO BOOK A WELLNESS YACHT CHARTER
Enjoy a wellness cruise in the Caribbean or Mediterranean onboard motor yacht Lady Britt. Her rate is €445,000 per week, plus expenses. Click HERE for more information about superyacht Lady Britt.
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