Q: I’ve read a few yachting articles that referred to superyachts seeking new cruising grounds as an alternative to the traditional “Milk Run.” What is a milk run in yachting? Amy S.
A: Thank you for your question, Amy. Let’s start with a quick peek at the definition of milk run in an online dictionary.
“Milk Run” – Noun…A routine, uneventful journey.
In the world of megayacht rental vacations, there are two primary offerings that account for the bulk of the charter business: Caribbean yacht charter vacations in the winter and spring, and Mediterranean yacht charter vacations in the summer and early fall.
Caribbean yacht charter scenery
WHAT DO CHARTER CLIENTS WANT?
Charter clients are like most other travelers – they want to “get away,” but most prefer to get to their intended destination quickly.
For North Americans, this means a short flight to the balmy Caribbean to sail, cruise, and visit islands like St. Thomas and St Barts.
The same holds true for Europeans, who can take drive or take a train to seaport destinations like St. Tropez, Positano, or Monaco.
CROSS THE POND
Like any business, demand dictates the industry. First, the owners of the megayachts instruct their crews to position in the Caribbean for winter/spring. Second, they “cross the pond.” Third, they reposition in the south of France or Monaco for the summer season.
Thus, it is this routine, somewhat uneventful journey between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean that boaters refer to as the, “Milk Run.”
EXOTIC DESTINATIONS
Side notes: A handful of yacht owners have recently made efforts to entice potential customers to break away from the traditional cruising grounds, and consider yachting holidays in more exotic locales. Some of the new up and coming destinations include:
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 more
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 more
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 more
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