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Yacht charters rapid growth
by Carolyn Smith |
The yacht charter industry continues to grow at a
rapid rate across the globe with new destinations
and larger yachts on offer every season.
Charter World Yachting Holidays’ Brook Felsenthal
says, 'The industry has grown massively over recent
years, with an explosion of operators and vessels in
all areas, but particularly the Mediterranean. Local
operators agree that bareboating has become, in
their words, 'touristic'.'
More people have seen the advantages of the holiday
style (probably from the shore) and have returned
next season to give it a go.
Generally, the formal qualifications remain minimal
and the operators, while happy to increase fleet
sizes and bookings, are admitting that damages
(albeit mostly minimal) are on the rise.
Brooks says that the low cost of the holiday style
continues to make it attractive.
'In terms of cost, yachts charters in the
Mediterranean have been stagnant for at least ten
years – yacht production costs with new technologies
have decreased and occupancy has increased.'
It is still possible to charter a near new French
40’ yacht with three double cabins for $600 per day,
which equates to only $100 per person per day for
your transport, accommodation and entertainment.
Bareboaters can now choose up to Jeanneau Sun
Odyssey 54’s or Beneteau 57’s, while the Lagoon 44
flybridge and Fountaine Pajot Salina 48’s are the
largest bareboat catamarans. Designers are also
getting more user friendly and innovative.
The new Lagoon 420 catamaran is fitted with electric
engines, which will hopefully lead the way for many
to follow. Besides the obvious environmental
advantages, the engines produce a smooth
acceleration and extraordinary torque. The most
amazing part is said to be the virtual silence of
leaving and entering on anchorage.
The supply of shore power is now so prevalent
throughout the Mediterranean, that charging issues
do not exist.
Power boaters also have an increasing choice
including Riviera 42’s, Beneteau 42’s trawler and
Lagoon Power 44’s. All are now available as
bareboats with cruising speeds of up to 20 knots.
Equipment levels have also continued to grow, with
bow thrusters, 220 volt power and even electric
genoa winches not uncommon.
Brook says that the largest growth area has been in
skippered and crewed charters. People who have never
had the experience or thought about a holiday afloat
are often grouping together to take a skipper at
approximately $200 per day between 6 or 8 people and
getting a free sailing lesson as well as a personal
guide.
This season, new charter operators have begun in
Vietnam, Montenegro and Malta, as well as a list of
new bases in existing areas allowing better access
to new cruising grounds.
Brook says that the industry is still dominated by
sole operators with a fleet size from 15 – 40
yachts. Usually, the operators are family run and
sell the brand of yachts they offer for charter, so
the service and spare parts is always on hand.
In Europe, yacht charter brokers such as Charter
World are the most common way to book a yachting
holiday.
The ability to offer choices and compare charter
destinations, operators and discount air and
associated travel options are just some of the
advantages, using this expert advice.
Charter World has produced a range of charter DVD’s
on many areas which offer an excellent insight into
the cruising areas.
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About the author
For further details on chartering, contact
Charter World Yachting Holidays,
www.charterworld.com.au (1800) 335039
or (03) 9521 0033. |
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SAILBOATS |
MOTORBOATS |
MOTOR-SAILERS |
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