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).
We return to the VAT subject from July. We previously informed our readers about the new French VAT regulations on yacht charters. The VAT applies to yacht charters in France.
New regulations exist. The new regulations apply from 15 July 2013 to charter agreements for yachts for the purposes of leisure travel.
First, question #1: What rate will apply to French charters after 15 July?
“The rate has been set at 19.6% and will increase to 20% on January 1, 2014. However, the taxable base can be reduced by 50% if the yacht is used outside European Union territorial waters, which by definition extend out 12 nautical miles from the coastline. Thus, if you started a charter in Nice, France, and cruised out beyond the 12 nm limit, and concluded the trip the next day in Sardinia, the tax would drop to 9.8%.”
Second, question # 2. Does it apply if the charter starts and ends outside France?
“No. The law reads VAT is applicable on the charter if the vessel is put, ‘…at the disposal of the charterer in French waters.'”
Third, question #3. Will charterers need to be involved with VAT registration and compliance in France?
“Not at all. It is the responsibility of the yacht owner to make the necessary arrangements to register his or her vessel with the French taxing authorities. As to the collection and processing of the tax, most owners are hiring local French-based fiscal agents.”
“As charter consultants, our responsibility is to clearly explain the new regulations to our clients. Many are repeat charterers who cruised multiple times in France in the past. For some, it will be a shock to hear their next Western Mediterranean yacht charter vacation may be subject to a tax of nearly 20%. We will work with them to modify their itineraries, in an effort to mitigate as much of the tax liability as possible.”
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT VAT?
Drop us an email at info@1800yachtcharters.com, and we will respond right away.
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