The yachting industry has long held to the belief that a successful luxury yacht charter vessel can expect 12 weeks of charter business a year. This expectation included both Caribbean yacht charter and Mediterranean yacht charter business.
Excluding the small sail boat charters that dominate the Caribbean market, in the world of megayacht and superyacht vessels, there are about 830 yachts 80 feet and larger available for a luxury yacht charter worldwide. What might be surprising to many is this fact: some 600 of these vessels do no more than 3 or 4 weeks of chartering each year.
Thus, the upcoming Mediterranean yacht charter summer season has a lot riding on it for boat owners and captains who have — perhaps ill-fatedly from the start — factored 12 weeks of megayacht charter business into their calculations.
So what does a 52 week year in the life of a superyacht look like? A recent industry survey breaks it down like this:
*Owner’s personal use – 6 weeks.
*Yard time (for repair and maintenance) and crossing time to reposition (Caribbean to the Mediterranean, etc.) – 26 weeks.
*Undesirable charter dates – 14 weeks
*Actual Possible Charter Time: 14 weeks.
Charter fleet managers believe there is a a realistic goal. In specific, a luxury mega yacht charter vessel is no more than 8 weeks per year…
A spectacular superyacht has a last-minute cancellation. We at 1-800 Yacht Charters are pleased to announce a special opportunity. This is your time to discover Antarctica this January on the world’s largest ice-breaking yacht. She is 77 meter (254 ft) motor yacht LEGEND.
THE ULTIMATE LUXURY EXPEDITION
We first introduced our readers to expedition yacht charter vessel LEGEND. We also discussed her upcoming schedule for Antarctica in a blog in October. Owner Jan Verkerk gave the green light to accept reservations in Antarctica through mid February, 2017. The ship is a commercial vessel from 1973. She was then purchased by Verkerk. He outfitted her in 2015-2016 as the ultimate luxury ice-breaker. This enabled charter clients the unique opportunity to explore one of the last great frontiers on the planet earth. This is from the comfort of a luxury yacht charter vessel.
ABOUT CHARTER YACHT LEGEND
The yacht is packed full of features. For instance, a helicopter and a 3-man submarine. Super yacht LEGEND allows her guests to explore the rare frozen world. She has an entirely new angle. Think of the early explorers who trekked across the frozen tundra in snowshoes and slept in tents!
Intimate gatherings and relaxation can be found in the cinema, the Balinese-themed spa, or bubbling away on deck in the heated Jacuzzi. There’s even a real fireplace in the saloon where you can cozy up and enjoy a good book.
Active guests can get their hearts pumping with a workout in the gym, exploring the ice packs on snow scooters, or hiking and coming face-to-face with the wildlife.
SUPERYACHT KEY FEATURES
Commercially-certified helipad
3-man submarine
Ice-breaking hull
Snow scooters
Balinese spa
Cinema
Swimming pool
Gym
26 guests in 13 staterooms
WHAT’S INCLUDED ON YACHT CHARTER?
The weekly rate for up to 26 guests is $460,000 plus running expenses, for example, food, fuel, dockage, bar, etc. (In addition, commercial passenger ship local taxes only when applicable). The charter fee includes personal laundry, normal communication costs, hotel supplies and basic internet. In addition, the speed is 248/512 internet speed. Higher internet speed is possible, but not included in the charter fee.
Further details of seasonal rates:
WEEKLY: € 460,000 per week
DAILY: € 76,667 per day – minimum 5 days
Delivery and re-delivery fees:
-Winter, Port of departure in the South, Falkland Islands
– Summer, Port of departure in the North, Bergen (Norway)
First 3 days at €20,000 per day; Extra days at €15,000 per day
These prices are plus fuel (450 liters/hr main engine + 70 ltr/hr per generator)
Delivery and re-delivery prices are fixed prices and don’t include fuel. Delivery fees are nonrefundable.
Helicopter (optional)Helicopter details: 4-5 Guests + 1 pilot / €260,400 per week including pilot insurance.
This is an estimated price, depending on the type of required helicopter and destination.
Submarine (optional)
Submarine: 2 guests + 1 pilot / €85,000 per week, including pilot, and insurance.Submarine: 2 guests + 1 pilot / €55,000 for 3 days, including pilot, insurance.
Discounts:
10% discount – 2 week charter
15% discount – 3 week charter
20% discount – 4 week charter
LEGEND BOOKINGS AND YACHT CHARTER CRUISING SCHEDULE
After spending time in Antarctica, equally important, the yacht will head to South America and the Caribbean, then on to the Mediterranean for the summer. Here are her current, confirmed expedition yacht charter vacations, and her schedule.
Bookings
21st December 2016 – 1st January 2017 / King George Island to King George Island, Antarctica
2nd – 9th January 2017 / King George Island to King George Island, Antarctica
10th – 17th January 2017 / King George Island to King George Island, Antarctica
12th – 19th February 2017 / King George Island to King George Island, Antarctica
18th – 28th March 2017 / Antigua to St Maarten
10th -17th June 2017 / Kangerlussuaq to Disko Bugt , Greenland
8th-15th July 2017 / Nice to Portofino
23rd – 30th July 2017 / Athens to Corfu (Option)
Cruising Schedule
December 2016 to February 2017: Antarctica & Patagonia (based in Falkland Islands)
March and April 2017: Patagonia & South America (based in Falkland Islands)
May to mid-June 2017: Greenland and Norway (based in Bergen)
There are many production 100-foot motoryachts in the Bahamas yacht charters market, but owners Dr. and Mrs. Emmons of luxury charter yacht SEAFARER didn’t want a cookie-cutter boat, particularly one costing $6 million. They wanted something that they could personalize to reflect their taste, their love of literature and the arts.
As a result, you will see throughout the boat bookcases built specifically for the Emmons, and nooks created especially to fit their fine collection of marine artwork.
Luxury charter yacht SEAFARER motor yacht is a 30-meter megayacht available for a Bahamas yacht charter vacation. Yacht SEAFARER has accommodations for eight (8) guests in four (4) cabins. This new mega yacht was built by superyacht builder Hargrave and was launched in 2008.
Bahama yacht charters are all about outdoor adventure in the sun, so a large inventory of waytertoys are important. This mega yacht charter vessel carries a 15′ widebody Nautica tender with 90hp Yamaha engine, two 2-person kayaks, snorkel gear, towable toys and tubes such as Boogie Boards, plus beach toys such as volley ball, Frisbees, and 4 bicycles.
You, your family, and friends can enjoy a week-long odyssey in the Bahamas onboard this yacht for only $42,500 for 8 guests. Running expenses (items such as food, fuel, and dockage) are extra. For more information, contact Jana Sheeder, CEO of 1-800-YACHTCHARTERS at jsheeder@1800yachtcharters.com
1-800-YACHTCHARTERS – Delivering The Superyacht Experience™ Since 1976
A weak US dollar could keep summer tourists away. Superyacht owners of charterboats in the Mediterranean are offering deep discounts.
FRANCE AND ITALY
Yacht owners offer 10% to 25% discounts on weekly rentals in June. Hopes are that price beaks will lure charterers to the med. Specifically, the Côte d’Azur and Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
JUNE SPECIALS
Check out these great June summer-savers:
JEMS — The 44 meter Heesen motor yacht JEMS leads the way with a 25% discount for mega yacht charters in June, 2011. Normally priced at €160,000 Euros per week plus expenses, the vessel with room for 10 is now priced at €120,000 Euros per week plus expenses. Motor yacht JEMS features truly unique and contemporary interior styling, coupled with elegant and functional exterior spaces including an outdoor cinema screen.
VICTORIA DEL MAR — At nearly 38 meters (121 ft), motor yacht VICTORIA DEL MAR offers comfortable accommodations for up to 10 guests. Amenities include an ondeck spa pool and a fast 10 meter (32 ft) towed tender with twin Yamaha 250 hp engines. The regular rate was €95,000 Euros per week plus expenses, in June. Likewise, The special price in June is now €75,000 Euros per week plus expenses.
POLYCARPUS — Classic motor yacht POLYCARPUS is actively seeking a Croatia yacht charter and is willing to offer a nearly 10% discount to attract some interest. The 35 meter (113 ft) yacht boasts exceptionally spacious decks for a vessel of her size. A superb family yacht, she offers generous accommodations for 12 guests in six well-equipped double cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms. Formerly priced at €65,000 Euros per week plus expenses, the discounted June rate is €59,000 Euros per week plus expenses.
AQUALIBRIUM — In addition to others, the stylish 40 meter (131 ft) motor yacht AQUALIBRIUM is offering a staggering50% discount for any 14 day charter between June 29 and July 15. With room for 10 guests in 5 staterooms, the owner is offering 14 nights for €112,000 Euros per week plus expenses – the exact same rate as a 7-night getaway! The owner will consider all inquiries from the south of France to Naples, Italy.
CHARTER A YACHT WITH A DISCOUNT
Take advantage of these and other super summer rates in Europe, the Bahamas, and even New England, USA. Contact our destination experts HERE to book right now.
If you owned a 228 foot luxury yacht charter vessel, would you paint it deep blue or polar white?
If you owned the massive motor yacht SHERAKHAN, the answer is — BOTH!
ALL ABOUT SHERAKHAN
Originally built in 1965, the current owner bought the commercial vessel in 2005 and undertook a massive refit – basically gutting the entire ship from bow to stern and rebuilt her into a yacht charter vessel with accommodations for 26 guests (most yachts are limited to 12 or fewer). The full rebuild featured all new plumbingelectrical systems, air conditioning, and generators.It also included a beautiful new paint job – a deep blue hull, with a white superstructure.
WHAT IS THE LATEST NEWS?
Fast forward to 2017, and the owner decided it was time for another refit. All new decks were installed, along with new soft fabrics throughout the guests areas and cabins, and a complete overhaul of all major equipment in the engine room.
As he did in 2005, the owner completely repainted the superyacht charter vessel – this time a clean, crisp white, with subtle grey accents.
CAN I CHARTER THIS YACHT?
The expedition style yacht is available in the Caribbean and will remain there through April. In the summer, the yacht will relocate to the Mediterranean (e.g. Monaco yacht charter or Grand Prix formula 1 races, etc.) for the summer.
WE WANT YOUR THOUGHTS
So what do you think? Do you think she looks better in blue or in white?
“Hey, 1-800 Yacht Charters. I saw ‘Serene’ while i (sic) was vacationing in France last summer. Beautiful yacht! Who owns her?”
Bill C. Atlanta, GA
OUR RESPONSE
Thanks for asking, Bill. There’s an old saying, “I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you!” LOL
SUPERYACHT PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
All kidding aside, one of the alluring benefits of luxury yacht charters is the element of privacy. We carefully guard the identity of our charter clients and their guests – both for reasons of safety and discretion.
The same discipline applies to the owners of the yachts we offer for charter, as most prefer to remain anonymous.
That being said, certain details were recently released to the public, so now we CAN share that information with you:
In an article on October 15th, 2016, the New York Times ran a story entitled, “Rise of Saudi Prince Shatters Decades of Royal Tradition.” The story disclosed last year, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince, “…saw a yacht he couldn’t resist.”
“While vacationing in the south of France, Prince bin Salman spotted a 440-foot yacht floating off the coast. He dispatched an aide to buy the ship, the Serene, which was owned by Yuri Shefler, a Russian vodka tycoon. The deal was done within hours, at a price of approximately 500 million euros (roughly $550 million today), according to an associate of Mr. Shefler and a Saudi close to the royal family. The Russian moved off the yacht the same day.”
WHO IS SHE?
Built in 2011, Fincantieri yacht SERENE is the largest yacht ever launched in Italy and features more than 4,000 square meters of interior space spread across seven decks, plus two helipads and a hangar. At the time of her launch, she was the 9th largest yacht in the world and thelargest yacht available for charter.
GROWTH BY YEAR
Each year, the newest yachts get bigger and bigger. As of mid-2016, the yacht had “dropped” to #13 on the list world’s largest yachts.
So there you have it, Bill – now you know the names of BOTH the former and current owner of superyacht SERENE!
Did you know? Your fully-executed yacht charter agreement is not guaranteed. It’s not guaranteed that your yacht will be delivered to your desired port of embarkation on the start date of your vacation. Many charterers understand about mechanical problems or acts of nature, like hurricanes. These things can force the cancellation or the delay of a planned yachting holiday. Few realize the sale of the yacht can also result in a cancelled charter. Unfortunately, there is minimal recourse for the customer.
SLUMP
This is similar to many segments of the receding global economy. Sales of the largest yachts are in a major slump. Financial woes push increasing numbers of yacht owners to put their vessels up for sale. The result is a glut of yachts for sale with prices dropping each month.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
“The fact that owners are actively marketing their yachts for sale, means charter clients must be keenly aware of whether or not their chosen yacht for their vacation is for sale,” statesJana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and The SailAway Group. “Most charter contracts have an escape clause for owners if they sell their yachts before the charter. Of course funds are returned to the customer, but there is no guarantee a suitable replacement yacht can be provided for the same price and the same desired charter dates.”
THE INDUSTRY
To hedge the odds in favor of the charterer, Sheeder and her team try to promote newer-model yachts to their prospective clients. “Statically, owners will want to enjoy their new yachts for a year or two before considering their sale. We try to take advantage of this situation and promote newer yachtsto our clients, to minimize the exposure to the potential sale of a yacht.”
CHARTERERS ENCOURAGED
Sheeder encourages charterers to ask their charter brokers about the sales status of any yacht that they consider renting. Ideally, they should seek a yacht that is not listed for sale. Says Sheeder, “If considering a yacht that is for sale, ask your broker for an analysis of how actively the owner is trying to sell, and see if there have been numerous or recent price reductions. Try to avoid any charter yacht that is actively for sale – or you could end up high and dry for your vacation.”
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