niche yachting

The VERANDA Insiders' Guide to Yachting

A modern look at life onboard and in port.

It’s not your grandmother’s day out on the water—the boats are faster, the rosé is flowing, and posh destinations are limitless. Regardless of whether you set sail on a sexy, 40-meter superyacht or a spry picnic boat for weekend day trips, “yachting is about having fun on the water, and in the water—don’t miss out on the opportunity to let your hair down and have fun,” advises mariner Doug Gray of luxury yachting membership group Barton & Gray. Here, he offers a glimpse at what’s making waves on the yachting scene today, along with insider advice for making the most out of a day (or week, or month?) at sea.

Racing is the New Cruising

"The most notable thing I’m seeing out on the water is a real shift toward competitive sailing,” says Gray, likening modern sailing to more of a Formula One pursuit than a gentleman’s pursuit. The trend is due, in part, to a notable decrease in the time people have to spend cruising. “People used to go out for six hours; now they go for three,” he notes. It’s an observation echoed by his mariner contemporaries. He also attributes the shift to a surge in quality sailing programs in high schools and colleges. “Even younger kids are learning and building the skills early.”

The rise in racing is drawing more than just competitors. “It’s become a huge spectator sport,” says Gray, whose crews often take clients out to watch the action from the water. “It’s the best platform for catching everything from kids’ races to the trials—a fantastic summer pastime.”

Sandbars Now Double as Dining Rooms

Think of it as taking clambakes to the next level. “I won’t give out the longitude and latitude, but we’ve found some key spots to set up dinners on a sandbar,” says Gray. “You time it with the tide, send a catering crew out ahead of time, and then boat the party over. You enjoy dinner on this temporary little island, and the later it gets, the farther the tide comes in and the more intimate it becomes. Then you climb back on your yacht.”

Rosé Still Reigns Out on the Water

It’s still the queen bee out on the water, says Gray. “And not just rosé—anything pink. But just in the last year, Chardonnay has been coming back into favor,” he adds. No matter your poison, what’s important on deck is that it’s easy. Here, three spirits to stock (and stir) onboard this summer.

Think Beyond the Pink

Business Lunches are Happening on the Water

“In places like New York, boating hasn’t traditionally been an outing that comes to mind, but that’s changing,” says Gray. “People are renting yachts for client lunches or whale watching. You get to know cities like Manhattan, Chicago, and Boston in a way you haven’t experienced before: from the quieter stage of the water.”

Learn the Lingo...And More Basic Rules for Climbing Aboard

Know the port side, the starboard side, that there’s no downstairs on a boat,” says Gray, who suggests everyone bone up on jargon. “I’ve found that the people who have the most fun are those with a fundamental understanding of the boat.”

Mind Your Shoes. No matter how formal the outing, high heels are the ultimate misstep (bad for decks, not to mention dangerous). Wedge heels are a better bet, especially when stopping off for dinner is likely.

Respect the crew. “They see to everything from your safety to your comfort. Plus, people who choose this life tend to be infinitely interesting. Getting to know them can give you a better grasp of the inherent culture of yachting.”

Play is part of the program. “No matter the size of the yacht, the experience is as much about what happens in the water as it is onboard. Be prepared—and open to—letting your hair down, jumping in, and enjoying the day.”

Consider Trying Before Buying

Luxury yachting companies have grown wise to the idea that modern owners have less time for idle cruising, let alone shepherding their boats through the decidedly less-glamorous tasks that come with it (from prepping vessels to go out to dry docking as storms approach). Explore your options: Hinckley has expanded into members-only programs tailored for clients who prefer to navigate waters on their own but hand off maintenance and storage hassles. Gray’s mariners club offers crewed yacht memberships that give clients fractional ownership and take care of everything else—even mixing the drinks.

Dress for on Deck…and in Port

Veteran sailor Amanda Wakeley on how she gets it right on deck and in port.

Bring easy wardrobe changes. “On a sailing yacht, you need to be ready to dress for all occasions, so the key words are versatility and ease. I wear something casual so I can move around the deck easily—like cutoffs with a silk scarf threaded through the belt loops—but I always have a caftan and some chunky jewelry on hand.”

Embrace your inner boho— from the knees down, anyway. “I keep in mind that I may be hopping on and off people’s yachts in the harbor, so it’s best to wear shoes that are easy to remove.” Equally as important, she adds: Make sure any outfit changes actually work without the benefit of heels.

Assume the temps will shift. “On the water, things can change very quickly, and yacht clubs are in areas that tend to have good breezes. Be sure to bring a chic wrap for keeping warm.”

Add a hint of maritime style. “I like to nod to the nautical without going full-on striped T-shirt and sailor pants. I have a gorgeous red, white, and blue silk scarf from Yacht Club de Monaco that I like to twist around the handle of one of my handbags when berthing there.”

Do your homework. Yacht club dress codes vary, so consult the standards before you pack. “For instance, the yacht club of Saint-Tropez is very informal, while Monaco is, as you would expect, more formal and dressy. One thing they all have in common, though, is that they know how to have fun.”

Classic Design Has Never Looked More Modern

“It’s always been a very social boat,” says Hinckley’s Pete Saladino of the vessel’s open-air pilot house and intimate aft seating that has eliminated the central walkway to bring cruisers closer together. But a big part of its appeal is the absence of traditional propellers, which “tend to get caught on the lines of lobster pots,” he adds. “Water jets eliminated that problem, but with a mere two-foot-two-inch draft, also allow the vessels to breeze through shallow waters into little passageways.”

As it hits the quarter-century mark, the Picnic Boat remains true to its original—and delightfully nostalgic—design. “As beautiful as these boats are, their form is one that has evolved over time,” says Saladino. “How it cuts a wave, the curved tumble home to support hoisting a lobster pot...Picnic Boats are built off history.”

Featured in our July/August 2019 issue

The Ultimate Yachting Guide

A Yacht's Timeless Design Refresh

What To Wear on the Water This Summer

An Historic Wooden Yacht Returns to Glory

The World’s Most Beautiful Yacht Clubs

The Fastest Superyacht of Its Time

18 Outdoor Fabrics for Summer

7 Luxury Watch Brands Saving Our Oceans

Meghan Markle Is Launching an Instagram Account

40 Fabulous Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Queen Camilla Is Taking a Break from Royal Duties

Kensington Palace Shares an Update on Kate

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

North America

From the icy mountains and lush forestry of British Columbia through to the rich boating heritage of New England, from Alaska’s Arctic passages to palm-tree studded marinas in Miami, nowhere else can be found such exciting diversity and unforgettable cruising grounds.

North America is a vast continent home to abundant stretches of coastline waiting to be explored. No other continent can claim such a tantalising multiplicity of cultures, people, landscapes and climates as North America, making a trip to this ‘land of dreams’ an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. City Escapes ‘The Big Apple’ that is New York City is a must-see for urban-dwellers taking a North America trip. Here, world class marinas meet ‘the city that never sleeps’; streets lined with skyscrapers, designer brands and a disorientating array of boutiques, world class eateries and stylish bars.

For those preferring a more temperature climate and sunnier shores while still seeking a city escape, Miami or Fort Lauderdale in Florida offer a unique urban allure to the yachting aficionado. Up-and-coming marinas and boat shows signal the rise of Florida’s long-cherished yachting scene to the world stage, with Miami being dubbed the ‘Monaco’ of the USA.

The USA’s Capital city, Washington D.C., is steeped in history, famous for its neoclassical architecture popularised by the White House, Capitol and Supreme Court, and home to a plethora of world-class galleries and museums.

Indeed, America’s star-studded shores have certainly earned their esteemed reputation. From the block-buster film releases of Hollywood to the architectural icon of Chicago, America’s city attractions are as diverse as they are world-renowned.

Canada’s major cities include Vancouver, Toronto and Ontario; stunning cityscapes set alongside bustling waterfronts make up their unique appeal. There is nothing quite so breathtaking as seeing a sprawling urban paradise against the backdrop of snow-topped mountains and raw, wild landscape. Welcoming locals, world-renowned dining and a thriving yachting scene completes Canada’s unique urban appeal.

South of the border in Mexico, this desert-laden country is far more than just pristine white beaches and world-class resorts. On the northeast coast of the Yucatan peninsula lies Cancun, famed for its Caribbean lifestyle, turquoise seas and buzzing nightlife. Venture further inland to Mexico City for Aztec temples, baroque architecture and a rich Latin culture to match.

Natural Beauty North America boasts without doubt some of the most stunning and alluring shores in the world. Often visited for its bustling cities and sites of cultural attraction, the thriving charter scene in North America is often understated on the global stage. From America’s welcoming and rural Midwest region, home to the glassy waters and fascinating wildlife of the Great Lakes, to the rolling mountains of British Columbia, there is truly something for everyone in North America. Further south, Mexico’s Baja California offers a tempting alternative to the Bahamas for a winter charter escape, combining sunny climates with unspoilt beaches. The Florida Keys is also an ideal cruising ground for a taste of Bohemian lifestyle without having to venture too far from the city.

Further inland in Arizona, the world famous natural wonder that is the Grand Canyon continues to attract millions of visitors year on year, or for those preferring uncharted grounds, Alaska’s glittering lakes and ravines provide a tempting explorer destination in the summer months.  

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Why Charter Homepage
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• ALL 3,568 Yachts For Charter
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Special Offers
• by Destination

Yacht Reviews

• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Charter Advice
• Why Use a Yacht Broker
• Charter Costs Explained
• Add my yacht
• Yacht Charter Destinations

• Ideas & Tips
• Itineraries
• See & Do
• Eat & Drink

Nice Inspiration & Tips

Written to help make planning your charter escape to Nice even easier, this section reveals the very best things to see and do while visiting Nice by superyacht. Our in-depth articles aim to bring you the latest travel tips and insider secrets from charter professionals with expert knowledge on the region.

Steeped in history and culture, the French Riviera boasts plenty of museums, art galleries and public gardens. Discover them all on a luxury yacht charter.

From snails to sea urchins, France is renowned for its delicacies. Be brave on your yachting vacation to the South of France and try out one of the following dishes - you may be pleasantly surprised.

Book with Ease - Speak with a Charter Expert

Our yacht charter experts will:

• Discuss your vacation plans
• Check availability & shortlist suitable yachts
• Negotiate booking & prepare your itinerary

Enquire now for yacht availability & free consultation.

• See All Reviews

Featured Luxury Charter Yachts in Nice

To help you in your search for your perfect luxury charter yacht for your next vacation, we’ve selected some of the finest and most exclusive superyachts and megayachts that are currently available for charter in Nice.

81m | Oceanco

from $881,500 p/week

73m | Lurssen

from $668,000 p/week

68m | Nobiskrug

from $525,000 p/week

67m | Alloy Yachts

from $353,000 p/week

61m | Abeking & Rasmussen

from $646,500 p/week

Lady Kathryn V

61m | Lurssen

from $488,500 p/week

60m | Benetti

from $456,000 p/week

Ocean Paradise

55m | Benetti

from $287,500 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on X
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Charter Regions

• Greece Yacht Charter
• Turkey Yacht Charter
• Virgin Islands Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter
• Bahamas Yacht Charter
• Croatia Yacht Charter
• Seychelles Yacht Charter
• Dubai Yacht Charter

Popular Charter Yachts

• Nirvana Yacht Charter
• Serene Yacht Charter
• O' Mega Yacht Charter
• Big Fish Yacht Charter
• Serenity Yacht Charter
• Kismet Yacht Charter
• 'Alfa Nero' Yacht Charter
• Maltese Falcon Charter
• or try our Name Search Tool

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Advertisement

The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

- d - h - min - sec

How yacht marketers achieve incredible results in luxury marketing

• Facebook Messenger

By Rumble Romagnoli | Founder

The Drum Network article

This content is produced by The Drum Network, a paid-for membership club for CEOs and their agencies who want to share their expertise and grow their business.

August 27, 2020 | 5 min read

Listen to article 4 min

In this strange and unprecedented Covid-19 world, where so many industries have been turned on their heads, luxury brands are scrambling for ways to stay relevant to their consumers’ changing lives.

Nowhere has this been more the case than in the travel industry, with many big names in the luxury sector calling in the help of specialist marketing agencies to help kickstart a very difficult year.

With conventional marketing tools such as international shows and press trips being off the cards, it has never been more important to make sure that a brand’s approach to marketing luxury travel is world-beating. Often this will mean employing the help of an industry expert – but how do you know if you have found the right one?

Yachting is a significant part of the $545bn luxury travel industry, estimated to be worth $6.5bn in 2020 and reach $9bn in 2025 , and for that reason, specialist yacht marketing agencies have been springing up for several years now. After all, yacht marketeers are integral to the success of this small yet powerful industry.

Having worked in luxury marketing, with a niche in yacht marketing, for over a decade, I can happily say that there are some truly fantastic yacht marketeers around today. However, you have to know what to look for to find them.

Here are five things that make yacht marketeers worth their salt:

1. Experience

First and foremost, any great yacht marketing agency should have prior experience and proven results in the uber-competitive world of luxury yacht sales and charters. The multi-billion pound industry revolves around no more than 10,000 superyachts in the world, and everyone knows everyone within this tight-knit sector, so it’s not hard to find out which agency has worked with whom if you ask around. As a yachting brand searching for an incredible marketeer, why not look at your competitors who are really excelling and find out who is responsible for their success; that way you can be confident you are securing a yacht marketing agency who will get results .

Ultimately, in-depth knowledge of the superyacht industry is imperative to provide valuable insights and information about yachting that a client’s UHNW audience demands. In such a specialised field, there is no room for bluffing.

2. Global reach

Members of the yachting industry live all over the world. The superyachts currently in action are spread out across the globe, as are their owners, prospective buyers and charter clients.

To know everyone who’s anyone in yachting, you need to be close to the ground, wherever that ground may be. This means that any good yacht marketeer should have offices in major yacht hubs across the world. Key hubs include Fort Lauderdale and Monaco, with spots such as Mallorca, Miami and Singapore also being important.

Great yacht marketing agencies will also have multilingual staff that are able to speak and produce intelligent and coherent copy in a number of key languages such as English, French, Italian, Russian and Chinese, depending on your target audience.

3. Experience in working with UHNWIs

If you consider that there are only about 10,000 superyachts in the world, the pool of potential clients means that you are dealing with a tiny percentage of the population. But with the average superyacht costing around $275m, these people are not your average client. A successful yacht marketing agency will have experience in dealing with UHNWIs and an understanding of what makes them tick, the values that are important to them, and how to sell to them.

4. Digital services

Never before has it been so important for yacht marketing agencies to offer digital services, including web design, digital marketing, SEO and social media services. With crucial industry events such as the Cannes Yacht Show being cancelled due to the Covid-19 crisis, the onus is on brands to ensure that their digital marketing strategy is well-structured and captivating – otherwise, they risk dropping off their clients’ consciousness. This will be a lot easier to do with a specialist digital agency by your side, particularly if you have typically focused on more traditional marketing methods.

But you will not get anywhere without a real passion for yachting from your marketeer. As with any leisure activity, the superyacht industry is driven by individuals that are truly passionate about yachts, sailing, and travelling, and any yacht marketing agency with its weight in gold will share the same passions. Find yourself an agency who is completely in love with everything yachting.

That concludes my five-point checklist for great yacht marketeers – of course, there is no reason that these cannot be adapted when searching for any luxury marketeer with a specialism in HNWs and UHNWIs, with each of my points resonating within any industry. To discuss what makes a fantastic luxury marketeer in more detail, please get in touch .

Rumble Romagnoli is chief executive officer at Relevance.

Content by The Drum Network member:

Relevance is a strategic and creative digital marketing agency specialising in profiling and targeting Ultra-High-Net-Worth-Individuals for the world's most exclusive brands and companies. Our agency has been marketing high-value goods, services, and experiences to this audience for over a decade, successfully driving the world's wealthiest individuals to take action. From niche collaborations to 360° support, we can provide a full-service solution or work on a project-by-project basis. Based in Monaco and the UK, our team of international and multilingual experts excel at building brand identities, delivering cutting-edge websites and creating innovative digital strategies with SEO, paid and social advertising, media buying, social media, influencer marketing, PR, content marketing, and CRM to help our clients grow their businesses. We work with a select portfolio of clients within the ultra-luxury sector, including real estate and hospitality, private travel (yachts, jets and supercars), wellbeing, gastronomy, fashion and apparel, jewellery and accessories, and finance.

More from Marketing

Industry insights.

Marketing 101 for new charter yachts

Home > Digital Marketing > Marketing 101 for new charter yachts

Posted by Gemma Harris 27 Mar 2023

The charter market has become increasingly competitive in recent years. New charter vessels need a robust marketing strategy to stand out from the crowd and capture the attention of charterers.  

With new online yachting marketplaces and increased interest, demand has spiked for yacht charters. According to the IMARC Group, the yacht charter market reached US$7.18 billion in 2021. The group expects the market to reach US$12.12 billion by 2027, a growth rate of 8.50% from 2022-2027. The market’s sheer size can make it increasingly challenging to stand out. 

Traditional yacht marketing techniques are currently being challenged; with so many yachts vying for attention, you must have a solid strategy and adopt new marketing techniques to set you apart from the crowd. 

Relevance Yacht specialises in working with the world’s leading yacht brokerages, helping to market new charter yachts. Our tailored approach is designed to boost marketing efforts and attract Ultra-High-Net-Worth customers with carefully curated, tried and tested strategies. 

Here is a basic yacht marketing 101 blueprint to consider when listing and marketing a new charter yacht. 

New yacht charter marketing 101

1 – identify your audience .

To stand out in the charter market, you must know your target clients. Defining the yacht’s niche and unique selling points helps you hone in on your audience. 

Review the yacht’s features, amenities, and specifications to determine which types of clients it will appeal to most. For example, a boat with spa and wellness amenities may appeal to clients seeking relaxation on holiday. In contrast, a superyacht with a huge garage full of toys may appeal to a fun-filled family holiday or a group of friends ready for adventure. 

Yacht charter marketing relies heavily on competitor research in their niche to see how competitors position themselves in the yachting world. Once you have identified your potential clients, following trends and preferences to have as much data about them as possible is important. 

The market constantly adapts, and yachts should be aware of and focus on the changes. Currently, a younger, more environmentally conscious generation is entering the industry, and leading brokerages are now expanding into emerging markets, such as Southeast Asia, and other noteworthy markets, including Japan and Canada. Tapping into these new markets and audiences will help ensure a charter yacht is marketed to the largest, most qualified audience possible. 

2 – Provide unique experiences 

Second on our yacht marketing 101 guide is providing unique experiences. In such a crowded industry, new charter yachts must offer something original. One way to do this is by providing unique and personalised experiences. 

Think beyond the standard watersports and fine-dining offerings, and consider more bespoke and personalised itineraries, special events or even sustainable charters. A stand-out strategy and communicating this key message across all mediums will help attract new clients. 

Northrop and Johnson have partnered with EMBARK beyond – a luxury travel advisory company that specialises in curating extraordinary experiences for charter clients. These types of initiatives enabling one-of-a-kind experiences help new charter yachts to stay ahead of the competition. 

A unique offering will attract new clients fed up with the norm and encourage repeat business and positive word-of-mouth marketing. 

3 – Leverage social influence

Building and maintaining a social presence as a new charter yacht is essential in a rapidly changing marketing and digital world. First, you must create a buzz and excitement about the boat before launching it into the market. 

Once in the market, you should put out cohesive messages across all platforms about the yacht, its offerings and its story. Storytelling is a powerful marketing tool and is essential in any strategy. It can stir up emotions in your target audience, which gives them a better sense of engagement and understanding of your values. Storytelling, when marketing a yacht, can shine a light on the experience the client can have from chartering. 

You should also collaborate and network with the correct influencers via social channels to showcase the lifestyle you want to portray. Building these relationships with industry influencers will help you reach a wider audience and establish the yacht’s credibility. 

An effective social media strategy and leveraging the correct influencers will help heighten the yacht’s visibility and position it in front of the right target clients within the yacht market. 

4 – Create engaging and high-quality content 

Putting out the right messages about the unique lifestyle you are selling onboard your new yacht charters is vital.

Engaging content can be created through several content channels, such as the yacht brokerage’s website and social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The content should be captivating and inspiring to draw new clients in. Consistency is also important; fresh content should be released regularly through news articles and newsletters. 

This content should be high-quality to provide value to potential clients and position your yacht brand as a thought leader. 

To ensure increased quality in search results, Google has rolled out its Helpful Content Update. The search platform’s algorithms will downgrade pages that are deemed unhelpful, meaning it is even more essential to produce high-quality content. 

At the end of last year, Google also recently upgraded its EAT concept for rankings with an additional ‘E’ for Experience. The new ‘EEAT’ acronym stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Demonstrating that first-hand experience is increasingly important for search rankings, Google wants to see more content produced by someone with real experience on the topic. 

This first-hand, legitimate experience can be the difference in potential charter clients choosing to charter your yacht after reading the first-hand experiences. 

Finally, Search Engine Optimisation through publishing high-quality content can help the yacht’s brand visibility appear higher in search engine results and drive more organic traffic to the yacht’s website and social channels.

5 – Use eye-catching visuals 

Beautiful visuals are vital as this will be the first time anyone will see the new charter vessel and are an essential 101 yacht marketing strategy .  In order to capture the attention of new clients, the yacht must appeal to the eye. Good visuals will help showcase the yacht’s features and amenities in the most positive and appealing light. 

You must use high-quality imagery and videography throughout your marketing strategy and sales mediums. Ensure you have a compelling media kit and digital PR brochures to send out to news and brokerage websites to increase your chance of increasing the yacht’s exposure. 

You should also utilise newer technology, such as drone footage and virtual tours of the boat. This will set you apart from the many current yachts on the market that are still using the more antiquated still-imagery methods. 

Through the use of engaging reels and videos, Silver Star Yachting produces eye-catching visuals of their current charter yachts. They also showcase destinations within their visual content, enabling clients to picture themselves at a charter destination. 

6 – Build a reputation 

Once a new charter yacht has clients, it is essential to draw from these clients for future marketing efforts. Be sure to have a post-charter process that gathers client information about their charter experience. 

Yachts can increase trust and credibility in their offerings by utilising this user-generated content as a helpful tool through customer reviews, testimonials, and social media posts. This type of content is authentic and relatable to clients, with existing clients promoting the yacht with tangible experiences. 

A good reputation is significant in the yachting industry, so it is important to highlight positive client feedback to potential clients. 

7 – Analyse and monitor 

Our final 101 yacht marketing tip is to analyse and monitor. When you have a marketing strategy for a new charter yacht, monitoring its effectiveness and adjusting as necessary is important. 

Tracking metrics such as client feedback and testimonials are vital for enhancing your offerings for the future. Through analysing this feedback, you can use it to identify areas for improvement. 

As well as the yacht’s clients, it is essential to stay informed about the latest market trends and your competition. Keeping an eye on competitors can help you stay ahead of them. The yachting industry is rapidly developing, so it is essential to adjust your marketing strategy based on these changing times.

Relevance Yacht can help you curate a robust marketing plan and adjust the strategy when necessary. 

As an award-winning, full-service luxury digital marketing agency, Relevance Yacht works with the world’s leading luxury yacht brands helping to manage and grow their presence through carefully crafted marketing campaigns designed to resonate with UHNW clients.  

To learn more about our marketing services, contact Relevance Yacht.

Read more articles by this author

Beginners Yachting Guide

March 24, 2021 By : Administrator

From our Nomad: Life on Water Series

We all dream of a gorgeous luxury vacation at one point or another… someplace where you can feel the sand between your toes, hear the rush of the ocean waves, and simply relax. Maybe your dream includes adventure sports like jet skiing or parasailing, or maybe you’re more interested in simply exploring new destinations. Perhaps you want to float between islands in the teal waters of the Caribbean, or maybe the deep jewel tones of the Mediterranean call to you like a siren song. 

Maybe you’re looking for more than just a vacation, but an entirely new lifestyle…Yachting is the solution. 

Yachts come in all sizes and types and charter for (or book to go to) all kinds of destinations. Yachting can be a luxury vacation, a new lifestyle, or even a new vocation. Yachting is a rich world of exploration and enjoyment for just about anyone (not just the uber wealthy!) 

In this beginner’s yachting guide we will cover all of the basics about yachting including:

What is Yachting?

• History of yachting

Who goes yachting?

Where do yachts go, what kind of yachts exist, what amenities do yachts have, how do i book a yacht, how much does it cost to take a yacht vacation, who crews a yacht, how do i work on a yacht.

• Yachting guide terminology

Safe Yachting Guide

And much, much more. So if you want to uncover all the secrets in the yachting world, let’s dive in to this yachting guide!

One of the most important parts of yachting is staying safe while overseas. We always recommend travel medical insurance that includes adventure sports coverage. To learn more about travel medical insurance and what plans are available, click here!

Yachting is the use of a boat designed for recreation or leisure to cruise or race.

Yachts are boats that differentiate from working boats like shipping or fishing boats because they are specifically tailored to include luxurious amenities and travel to various vacation destinations. 

Boats that are considered yachts can typically house up to twelve guests in staterooms onboard, as well as crew members like deckhands and stewards to keep the boat in “ship shape”, or clean and ready to sail. 

Yachting can be a short charter for a vacation of one or two weeks, or it can be an entire lifestyle. 

History of Yachting

No yachting guide would be complete without a bit of history. While sailing has been around since before recorded history, yachting has its roots in more recent nautical history. 

The first mentions of the word “yacht” appear in reference to boats designed for racing in 17th century europe. Boat racing became the pastime of the royals and the wealthy in England, Holland, France, and Spain. Eventually open ocean yacht racing became popular all the way to America and Australia. 

Yacht races are still commonly held to this day, and include various lengths from crossing small bodies of water all the way up to racing around the world. 

Yachts originally were designed as light, nimble ships in the water custom designed for speed. Their sizes ranged from that of a dinghy to ships that rivaled military battleships. These racing vessels were eventually classified into different sizes resulting in some of the terminology used to describe different ships to this day. 

These days yachts are not only defined as ships designed for racing. In fact, the majority of yachts are not designed for speed at all. Now yachts are known as the height of luxury in life on water, specializing in leisure over work. 

The simple answer? Anyone!

Yachts are designed for so many different types of lifestyles and people that there is no one kind of person that goes yachting. 

These ships are great for people who want to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of a 9 to 5 job and enjoy being on open water for a few days. Yachts are also great for large families or groups that would like to vacation privately together. Yachts are even good for small families looking to explore many different destinations in one single trip!

As you can see, there is no single group or type to go yachting because each charter is tailor made for the person or group booking the ship. 

Like a tailor-made yachting charter, it’s also important to protect yourself with a tailor-made travel or expatriate medical insurance plan. Learn more about travel medical insurance that includes adventure sports in the video below!

Yachts can go pretty much anywhere where there is relatively smooth sailing water and reasonable access. Depending on their size yachts can be on smaller bodies of water like lakes such as the Ozarks and Great Lakes in the United States, or they can call the entire ocean home and sail around the world regularly. 

According to LuxuryDefined some of the best destinations for yachts include: 

• The French Riviera
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Palm Beach, Florida
• Costa Smeralda, Italy
• St. George’s Parish, Bermuda 
• Newport, Rhode Island 
• Nantucket, Massachusetts
• Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island

Source: https://christiesrealestate.com/blog/9-of-the-worlds-best-yachting-locations/

Yachts typically have a “season” in which they are most active. Depending on their home harbour, yachts will be most active in the summer months (May- August in the northern hemisphere) or the winter months. Spring and Fall seasons are generally times in which the boat is resting or preparing for the next active season. 

There are many different types of yachts from those that sail exclusively with motors, to those with two hulls called catamarans. Here is a basic yachting guide for the different types of yachts and their definitions: 

Sailing Yacht: a yacht mainly propelled via wind and sails

Motor Yacht: a yacht propelled via one or more motors

Gulet Yacht: a hybrid yacht with both sails and motors

Open Yacht, Cruiser, Cabin Cruiser, Express Cruiser: an otherwise uncategorized standard yacht for cruising and entertaining

Luxury Yacht: a yacht that includes high-end finishes and features and the latest in modern performance technology. The term ‘luxury’ can precede any type of yacht, i.e. “luxury motor yacht”, “luxury sailing yacht”, etc.

Sports Yacht: a yacht geared towards fishing, water sports, or cruising with a sleeker design and more powerful motor for faster cruising speeds. The term ‘sports’ can precede other types of yachts as well, i.e. “sports motor yacht”.

Catamaran Yacht: a yacht with two hulls (pontoons) often made of fiberglass that can be used in shallow waters.

(source: https://vanislemarina.com/when-is-a-boat-a-yacht/ )

As you can see, yachts include a wide variety of types of ships with different methods of propulsion and design. Just like there isn’t one type of person that goes yachting, there isn’t just one type of yacht available. The opportunities and options are boundless when it comes to yachting!

Stay tuned for our next blog article all about sailing and the different types of ships that can be commissioned for vacation, or even a new lifestyle powered by the wind!

Basic yacht charters include provisions (food and consumables) as well as entertainment such as adventure sports equipment like scuba, snorkeling, or other water sports. Many yachts will include lifestyle amenities like wifi, cable TV, pools and jacuzzis, and indoor and outdoor seating or gathering areas to enjoy all the views the yacht will have to offer on charter. 

Amenities are dependent on the yacht itself, so be sure to clarify with your broker what specific amenities you want when booking your vacation, or hiring crew. 

Some of the craziest yacht amenities we’ve heard of include: 

• Tennis Court
• “Nemo Lounge” or underwater observatory
• Drive in Tender Bay
• Outdoor Cinema

(Source: https://luxatic.com/coolest-luxury-yacht-amenities-on-superyachts-that-you-didnt-know-existed/ )

According to boatinternational.com some of the amenities you can expect to be available on different yachts include: 

• Beach Club (water level rear deck)
• Salon Services

And of course, plenty of places to work on a tan.

(Source: https://boatinternational.com/charter/luxury-yacht-charter-advice/a-life-of-leisure-onboard-a-superyacht–1811)

Booking a yacht can seem like a daunting process, especially if you’ve never been before. Well, the experts at International Yacht Charter Group have put together a yachting guide to make it much easier. Here are their steps: 

1. Choose a Yacht Charter Specialist.

Find a specialist who makes you feel comfortable with the process and who willingly seeks your input. This is the best way to ensure you book the ideal charter yacht. Choose a specialist without ties to specific charter yachts; you want information on the whole range of options, not limited to a small “in-house” selection. The specialist should be experienced and very competent so that you will feel confident about your yacht charter booking.

2. Select the Yacht and Destination.

Browse online to start gathering information about all your yacht and destination options. You will choose between motor and sailing yachts as well as what part of the world you want to explore. The specialists at International Yacht Charter Group visit many yachts worldwide each year and have extensive knowledge about what will work best for individual clients.

3. Fill Out Paperwork.

Once the ideal yacht is chosen for the dates you want, it will be reserved with a yacht charter contract between you and the charter yacht owner. Booking a yacht charter is different from reserving a plane ticket or villa! A standardized contract is drawn up, which is then discussed in depth with your specialist. The signed contract and 50% deposit will prevent anyone else from booking the yacht.

4. Prepare to Travel.

Prior to boarding the yacht, your charter specialist and the Captain and crew will prepare the yacht for your vacation. You will have filled out a preference sheet regarding food, wine, and activities (as well as your arrival/departure information). That way the yacht will be provisioned according to your preferred items. The Captain will prepare a draft itinerary for your yacht charter based on your thoughts and ideas, which you are encouraged to discuss via email or phone prior to departure.

Before you depart make sure you purchase travel medical insurance for all travelers that includes emergency evacuation. You can see travel medical and evacuation plans here and get a fast and simple quote simply by clicking on the orange “Quote” button in the top right corner. 

5. Enjoy the Vacation!

While on charter, the Captain and crew are obviously your primary point of contact for questions about activities, meals, etc. Your Captain and crew act as concierge for your land-based adventures and on board activities. It’s recommended to discuss plans in advance whenever possible. Overall, a private yacht charter means there is no fixed itinerary, and typically some plans change en route.

Source: https://internationalyachtchartergroup.com/How-to-book-a-yacht-charter.php

You can contact international Yacht Charter Group to book a yacht by simply filling out their contact form: https://internationalyachtchartergroup.com/contactus/contactus-landing.php

The cost of renting a yacht depends on the size and type of ship, and the kinds of amenities desired in a ship. 

According to worldwideboat.com, “the average weekly cost of a 100-foot sailing yacht is between $50,000-100,000. A weekly 80-foot catamaran charter runs around $40,000-100,000, and a week-long 100-foot motor yacht rental is anywhere between $50,000-80,000.”

A 100-foot yacht will typically comfortably house 12 guests in complete luxury, meaning each person can expect to contribute around $5000 for their week long vacation. While this is quite the luxury vacation, it is priced similarly to a high end all inclusive resort, and less expensive even than some of the high end cruise lines where your vacation is shared with hundreds of people!

If booking a yacht for a vacation isn’t the right choice for you, but you are interested in exploring the world or working on a yacht, this next section is for you!

Yachts can have crews anywhere from a single captain to nearly 100 people. Depending on the size and amenities of the ship, the crew will include many different positions. Yacht crews are divided into four different departments, or categories: deck, interior, engineering, and galley. 

On deck there are different levels of crew, the names of which are classically in the common lexicon including members like the captain, the first mate, and deckhands. 

The people on deck are responsible for the navigation and bridge operation, safety, maintenance of the exterior, communication, and tender and recreation activities. 

The interior department includes stewards and amenity specific positions like bartenders, salon services, masseuses, laundry, and finances. 

Those assigned to the interior are responsible for the service on board, cleaning and maintenance of the cabins and living spaces, event planning and entertainment, and the indoor amenities offered onboard. 

Engineering

The engineering department is responsible for all things related to the engine, electrical system, sanitation and environment control, planned maintenance, and troubleshooting issues on board. 

Engineering generally consists of a smaller department of a chief engineer and either several specialists or simply a 2nd under them. 

The galley department is responsible for all things food and beverage related. This department is always run by the head chef who will place provisional orders and with the help of a sous chef or other cooks will design and prepare a menu specific to the preference sheet of the guests. The galley is also responsible for provisions for the crew most often. 

Getting a job on a yacht starts with appropriate training. Depending on the department or type of work you want to do, the training can vary from a few weeks all the way up to getting licensed as a captain. 

Most deck crew have what is called a 6-pack captains license which allows them to captain the tender, or the smaller boat that takes people to and from the yacht when it is anchored. 

Generally, the interior crew and galley crew are required to have food handlers certifications as they are serving food and alcohol regularly to guests. 

After training, typically you would apply for positions in the months before a season and then maintain a position on a specific vessel for the entire season. Some crew management companies specialize in placement on different types of yachts, but typically the first year or two is spent on smaller vessels. 

Getting into the yachting industry can be difficult as there is always competition due to the shorter seasons of work. Yachting requires workers to be away from home for many weeks at a time as well as includes strenuous physical labor. This means most yacht workers are young, single, and highly independent. 

Before taking off on your new yachting job, make sure you have the right kind of international medical insurance. Learn more about international medical insurance to cover a roaming lifestyle at sea now!

Start your yachting career by searching for specific entry level positions in the department you’re most interested, and be prepared to travel!

Yachting terminology

Want to know more about yachting? Well, this yachting guide includes some terms we’re sure you’ll run into throughout your adventure:

1. Aft – The back of a ship. If something is located aft, it is at the back of the sailboat. The aft is also known as the stern. 

2. Bow – The front of the ship is called the bow. Knowing the location of the bow is important for defining two of the other most common sailing terms: port (left of the bow) and starboard (right of the bow). 

3. Port – Port is always the left-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, port is used to define the left-hand side of the boat as it relates to the bow, or front. 

4. Starboard – Starboard is always the right-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, starboard is used to define the right-hand side of the boat as it relates to the bow, or front. 

5. Tender- a vessel used for servicing and providing support and entertainment to a private or charter yacht. They include utilitarian craft, powered by oar or outboard motor, and high-speed luxury craft, supporting superyachts, powered by inboard engines, some using water-jets.

6. Charter- the practice of renting, or chartering, a sailboat or motor yacht and travelling to various coastal or island destinations. This is usually a vacation activity, but it also can be a business event

Now you know the lingo, it’s time to get off on your adventure!

Whether on crew or on vacation on a yacht, one of the most important things is safety. While yachts are remarkably safe on water, it’s important to always listen to crew members and follow instructions. 

By nature yachts can be slippery due to moisture on deck, difficult to balance due to waves and wind conditions moving the boat, and challenging to move through with smaller hallways and lower ceilings than typically seen on land. 

Before going on any yachting adventure, in addition to a yachting guide, it’s important to make sure you have the right kind of protection in your pocket. That’s where international medical insurance comes into play. 

Protecting yourself with an international medical plan, whether it’s just for a short trip of one or two weeks, or for an entire season offshore, is the most important step you can take to ensure your safety. 

Travel and expatriate medical plans can cover you in the event of injury, illness, trip cancelation, evacuation, and much more. Plans are less expensive than you think starting at less than $1 a day, and you can get up to $1 Million in coverage or more depending on the plan of your choice. 

Your safe yachting starts on dry land with your purchase of the right international insurance plan today. Click “get a quote” to get a quote now for your upcoming vacation, or explore plans by clicking on “plans” in the menu at the top of this page. 

Good Neighbor Insurance is always here to answer any questions you may have and make sure you get the best insurance for your situation. Call our Gilbert, Arizona office at 480-813-9100, or click “chat with us” to get started right away!

Happy yachting!

Administrator

Search results, what happens if an employee misses open enrollment.

October 12, 2015

What Happens if an Employee Misses Open Enrollment? Open enrollment can be an extremely stressful and overwhelming time for both you and your employees. It is typically the only time during the year in which employees can make changes to their benefits choices, such as adding or dropping coverage, adding or dropping dependents, or enrolling […]

How to get the most out of your international group health insurance policy

September 10, 2010

1. Every year or two look around at other insurance options in the marketplace, as the insurance needs of your organization may have changed.  Talk to your broker or agent, or call Good Neighbor Insurance, an international health insurance brokerage, at 1-866-813-9100 or 480-813-9100. We will be glad to look at insurance options for your staff […]

How to Submit a Claim to IMG – International Medical Group

March 17, 2015

Many of our clients are on the IMG (International Medical Group) plans that we provide, so we have published this article to explain how to submit a claim to IMG. Since we have been in business serving our clients starting in 1997, we know from experience that IMG is one of the best international medical insurance companies […]

7 Best Volunteer Trips You Can Do to Make a Difference

May 13, 2020

Let’s take a few seconds to look at the following images:  How do you feel when you see them? Sad? Angry? Do you wish to be there to help clean the beach? Do you feel the urge to help build houses for those disaster victims? As a volunteer myself, seeing these images break my heart, […]

What are Travel Documents, and Why Are They Important?

June 26, 2020

You’ve been planning your trip for months. Meticulously finding the best prices for airfare, hotels, and transportation. Whether it’s an important work meeting or a fun get-away, it’s been on your mind for a long time.  You pack, get a ride to the airport, and go through security only to find out that you have the […]

The 7 Best Ways to Make a Difference Overseas in 2021

September 15, 2020

We all have a desire to make the world a better place, to leave a lasting impact. The trouble is, where do we start? There are so many needs, and it feels like one person can’t make much of a difference. There are probably hundreds of needs around the world today. We have done some […]

Concert promoter Live Nation is getting into the ultra-luxury cruise business — see what it'll be like on weeklong superyacht sailings starting at $3,000 a person

• Live Nation's Vibee is getting into the ultra-luxury cruise business.
• The music event curator says it'll charter two superyachts for three weeklong Croatia cruises this summer.
• Like other vacation operators, Vibee says it's seen increasing demand for cruise and yacht-based trips.

Forget concerts — Live Nation wants music fans to start going on yacht vacations .

In 2023 and amid a boom in experiential travel , the entertainment company established Vibee, a music-based event curation arm. Less than a year later, Vibee has already executed affairs like a weekend Bahamas getaway headlined by singer Lionel Richie and a three-day Cabo San Lucas, Mexico party featuring DJ Tiësto.

Now, it's moving off-land and to the high seas with its new segment: Vibee Yacht Club.

This summer, Vibee says it'll charter two superyachts for three weeklong Croatia itineraries that are set to be, of course, centered on music.

Vibee is capitalizing on yet another increasingly popular concept: themed cruises.

Themed cruises can vary vastly, from Star Trek-centered sailings to itineraries helmed by famous comedians. And as of late, many of these niche voyages have been selling out faster than ever before.

Themed cruise operator Sixthman's November 2023 hip-hop itinerary sold out in less than five days with no publicly announced lineup.

Similarly, Vibee's first cruise, the 2023 EDSea — a wordplay on the electronic dance music festival Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC — was fully booked in three days, again with an undisclosed lineup.

Armed with EDSea’s success, Vibee wants to dive deeper into the cruise segment — this time with a luxurious spin.

"We see the desire for cruise and yacht experiences continuing to rise," Harvey Cohen, president of Vibee, told Business Insider, echoing sentiments of the cruise industry's booming demand.

And not just the mass-market players: Over the last year, luxury cruise lines have also seen a rise in interest.

In its fourth-quarter earnings report from February 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said its two high-end brands, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, had both seen "strong demand."

The latter had launched its latest $517.9 million luxury ship a few months prior, complete with caviar and a $6 million art collection.

Luxury cruises and superyachts aren’t known to be super-affordable.

Vibee says it's chartering the 141-foot-long Lupus Mare and nearly 161-foot-long Prestige for its three yacht sailings.

Vibee Yacht Club's cheapest option starts at $3,100 per person for a two-person cabin. Comparatively, EDSea's 2024 itinerary starts at $1,405 per person for a double occupancy interior cabin.

Yet, it could be a bargain for some superyacht fans: Weeklong charters for Lupus Mare start at about $71,000 a week, according to YachtCharterFleet.

Everything is better on a yacht. Champagne? Tastes better on a yacht. Cruises in general? Better on a yacht.

Going to an international music festival? Well, Vibee thinks it would be better to stay on a yacht than in a hotel.

On July 13, the first itinerary would start on day two of Ultra Europe, a popular three-day electronic dance music festival in Split, Croatia.

Following the event, the two yachts would sail to three Croatian islands before concluding in Hvar, Croatia. Along the way, the itinerary would include daytime swims, a sunset winery visit, and several parties (day and night).

Unsurprisingly, Vibee expects the itinerary to draw in younger travelers, specifically Gen Zers and millennials.

Lupus Mare is set to be chartered for two more itineraries: “Rock the Med” and “Marafiki on the Adriatic.”

A three-person cabin for both starts at $3,500 per person.

On Rock the Med, the week is set to begin with VIP tickets to a Lenny Kravitz show at the historic Pula Arena.

Afterward, it would sail to Croatian destinations with an itinerary that would include beach excursions and clubs.

Marafiki on the Adriatic isn’t centered on a single music event.

Instead, the roundtrip Split itinerary would feature on-board musical performances, daily yoga, "cultural outings," and, of course, beach clubs.

A bonus trip to Sonus Festival, a five-day rave, is an optional add-on.

Like a typical luxury cruise, travelers would have preorganized water taxis, chefs to prepare daily breakfasts and lunches, and all the yacht amenities.

The 20-cabin, 40-guest Prestige flexes indulgences like an indoor lounge, a hot tub, and a sundeck with plenty of beds.

Meanwhile, the 15-cabin, 34-guest Lupus Mare has comforts like a sauna and gym.

Travelers could wind down in the yacht's movie theater or hot tub. Or, they could take a slide into the water.

It’s no surprise Vibee is going the more sumptuous route with its itinerary-focused yacht concept.

" Revenge travel " might as well be known as "regular travel" at this point: People have continued to spend big on extravagant vacations, especially on luxury small cruise ships and trips planned around experiences and adventures.

Both are niches Vibee is trying to carve out for itself: Looking ahead, the new brand is already planning more music and sea-based vacations, Cohen told Business Insider.

• Main content

Positioning Your Brand to Stand Out in Boating

How to develop your unique brand niche within the boating industry and claim your stake in the market.

One of the most powerful marketing tools that your business has is your brand… what it stands for and the promise it delivers to your customers.

A strong brand will drive your business – fueling partnerships, sales and market share growth. But developing your brand takes time and dedication, with consistent messaging and business execution.

Define Your Brand’s Niche in the Market

I think a first important step to building a strong brand is identifying your business niche in the boating industry. What unique offering does your marine product or service deliver that no other company can match? You need to carve out your niche in the market and take ownership of that niche.

That niche may be an entirely new product or service, a new way of doing business, special unique services, or maybe a special focus on a specific segment in boating. For other companies, their niche simply becomes as aspect of their business that they do really well, and it makes them stand out from the competition.

Whatever your niche, you need to stake your claim on it to build your brand positioning.

In some cases it may be necessary to secure patents to be sure that your market niche is protected from competitors. For SureShade, we invented a product unique to the boating industry with our self-supported retractable sunshade technology . We knew we had invented a solution that would be filling a specific and important niche in boating (a better marine shade solution), so securing patents for our technology was important to protect the brand we were building. Then, we went full-speed ahead in positioning our company’s brand as the new standard for boat shade.

I believe that it was SureShade’s brand, strong messaging and aggressive PR push that positioned us in a way that no one could try to steal, claim ownership, or even attempt to copycat our product niche.  The combination of our branding and patent protection secured our position in the market.

Invest in Your Brand Positioning

An investment in your brand positioning doesn’t necessarily need to be monetary. It means a dedication to building your brand in everything you do – from public relations to social media, to your website and customer communication touch points (such as email, sales proposals, business cards, trade events or boat shows).

Many boat builders are beginning to position their brands within specific niches with varying levels of success. You see builders attempting to corner a boating segment by investing in a boat style, size or price point. Other boat builders are continuing to raise the bar with new options and features that position their brand as innovative.

Marinas and boat dealers also have great opportunities to position their brands within their local markets by offering customers value-add products and superior customer service.

If you are an entrepreneur trying to introduce a new product or service in the boating industry, start with some thorough competitive analysis that involves brand positioning in addition to market potential. Defining your brand early on is the best way to build your business fast and really stand out.

• Latest Posts

Dana Russikoff

Latest posts by dana russikoff ( see all ).

• Selling Boats with American-Made Components to U.S. Boat Buyers - September 27, 2016
• How OEMs are Using Early Debuts of New Boat Models to Generate Market Buzz - October 6, 2015
• Building a Strong Patent and Brand Strategy as a Startup in Boating - March 12, 2015
• Turning Boating Problems into Value-Add Products and Services - June 25, 2014

Search Travel Market Report

• Packaged Travel
• Hotels & Resorts
• Destinations
• Retail Strategies
• Niche & Luxury
• Training & Resources
• Brian Israel
• Briana Bonfiglio
• Dan McCarthy
• Dori Saltzman
• Jennifer Arango
• Kelly Fontenelle
• Keri-Anne Slevin
• Louis Intreglia
• Tom McCarthy

Try A New Niche: Yacht Charters

Agents might want to consider yacht charter vacations following Oracle Team USA’s dramatic comeback in the America’s Cup. With the increased interest in yacht racing, yacht charter vacations are a perfect—and profitable—fit for upscale agents. Target clients include those with a sense of adventure and an interest in smaller cruise boats. Many who buy yacht charter vacations have some familiarity with sailing; for others it may be a first-time experience. “It’s for everybody,” said Mary Crowley, founder and CEO of Sausalito, Calif.-based Ocean Voyages, which has been selling yacht charter vacations for 34 years. “Yachts are great for families, extended families and groups of friends. It can be ideal for three or four or five couples who want to go off and share these wonderful trips together.” Lucrative business Yacht charters are profitable bookings for agents.Ocean Voyages pays 10% commissions on most yachts. (The commission rate is lower for its most expensive yachts.) Yachting vacations are definitely high-end, with prices ranging from $200 or $300 per person, daily, including meals, to as high as $25,000 per person, according to Lisa Prosser, director of corporate travel management for The Travel Agent in Carmel, Ind., a Virtuoso agency. “It’s not a vacation that a lot of people take, but once they do they’re hooked,” Prosser said. “It’s repeat business. I’ve had clients who charter every summer.” A sense of adventure Prosser  defined the yacht charter client as, “someone who likes a sense of adventure and enjoys the water.” “Demographically it would be people with an average annual household income of no less than about $80,000 to $90,000,” she said. “Most of the people I have dealt with have had some introduction to sailing, but not necessarily a lot. Maybe some people were in the Navy or they have a friend with a boat.” Group yacht charters In addition to offering vacations, companies use yacht charters for high-end incentive groups, board meetings and executive brainstorming sessions. One of Prosser’s clients, a company CEO, was considering a significant acquisition and decided to do some serious brainstorming with his four key principals by chartering a yacht for four days. They had their own masseuse and chef on board. “He said it was one of the most effective strategic brainstorming session they had ever had,” she said. Popular destinations The most popular destinations for Prosser’s clients are French Polynesia and the Caribbean, which is accessible by direct flight for her Midwestern clients. Crowley said there’s virtually no limitations to the destinations for charter yachting. One of the most popular destinations is the Galapagos. The Mediterranean – France, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey – are rapidly growing in popularity. Her company also does yacht charters in off-the-beaten track destinations like Antarctica and the Arctic as well as French Polynesia, Fiji, Indonesia and Thailand. Typical charters are for seven or eight days, Crowley said. But she also sells charters for as long as three to six weeks and even 12 to 18 months.

MOST VIEWED

• American Queen Voyages Ceases All Operations
• Royal Caribbean Monitoring Haiti Violence
• Labadee Cruise Calls Unaffected by Haiti Violence, But Excursions Canceled
• GOGO Vacations Shuts Down
• United Airlines Is Increasing the Cost of Checked Bags
• Another Lufthansa Strike Will Impact Travel on Thursday
• Royal Caribbean Adds Third Set Dining Time
• Lufthansa Strike Update for Monday
• Royal Caribbean Reverses Course, Cancels Labadee Cruise Calls
• Delta Air Lines Raises Checked Bag Fee
• Alaska Airlines Will No Longer Print Boarding Passes at Airport Kiosks
• An Inside Look at the New Sandals Dunn's River Resort

News and articles

CYC yachtsmen were bored for only a week on self-isolation, and then they returned to duty ... To the online regatta!

Yachting shoes are different. Alas, classic models most often have a flat insole, which causes pain and discomfort when worn for a long time. We have selected five interesting models for the spring-summer period with orthopedic insoles that will allow you to sail around the clock - and forget about the inconvenience (or just improve your swimming experience).

Allures Yachting is expanding its range of possibilities by doubling its offer. The new Allures 45.9 lifting keel version is now available alongside the legendary Allures 45.9 version which includes a centerboard.

• +44 7424 656 301
• [email protected]

• Terms And Conditions

This document outlines the terms and conditions under which Niche Yachting provides valuable information about the industry to potential candidates as well as recruitment services to clients and candidates .

• Services offered :
• Niche yachting provides recruitment services for yacht crew positions. We will assist clients in finding suitable candidates for job vacancies available and will help potential candidates in finding suitable job opportunities. 
• Niche Yachting provides crew with valuable information in order to proceed and start their yachting dream. 
• Registration:
• All clients must complete a registration process with Niche Yachting before candidates can be presented to them. 
• All candidates must complete a registration process with Niche Yachting before they can be considered for any available jobs with a client. 
• Niche yachting will screen all clients to make sure that the clients that we work with are MLC Compliant and that potential candidates are being treated fare according to the MLC regulations act. 
• Nice Yachting will screen potential candidates to ensure that they meet the qualifications and experience specified by our client.
• Niche yachting will only present candidates that best suit the clients requirements. 
• Confidentiality:
• Niche Yachting will maintain the confidentiality of all client and candidate information. We will not disclose any information without the consent of the client and candidate. 
• Information accuracy:
• Candidates must at all times provide accurate information about their qualifications, limitations and experience. 
• Qualifications and Passport
• Candidates are responsible to ensure that they have the right certificates and qualifications to legally work onboard a boat.
• Candidates are responsible to ensure that they have a valid passport with enough blank pages to travel. 
• Available Jobs:
• Niche Yachting will post available job vacancies on our website and social media platforms. We will also promote job opportunities to our network of available candidates and industry contacts.
• Non – Discrimination:
• Niche Yachting will not discriminate based on religion, sex, race, national origin, race, color, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristics during recruitment and services offered.
• Niche Yachting charges a fee for our services, we will typically charge one month’s salary of the candidates initial salary.  Unless otherwise agreed on by the client. 
• Payment terms:
• The fee is to be paid within 14 days of the invoice date. Unless otherwise agreed on.  
• Guarantee period:
• Niche yachting provides a guarantee period for its placements, which is outlined in the registration process with the client. 
• If a candidate leaves within the guarantee period. Niche Yachting will provide a replacement candidate at no additional cost. 
• Limitations of liability:
• Niche yachting will not be held responsible for any losses or damages incurred by potential clients or candidates as a result of using our services. With that said, we will make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information provided, but we cannot guarantee the suitability of any candidate or job opportunity. 
• Termination of services:
• Niche Yachting reserves the right to terminate our services to a client or potential candidate should we discover any information that has not been disclosed with us and can be of risk to the client or potential candidate. Clients and candidates may also choose to terminate our services at any time but may result in fees. Depending on the circumstances. 
• Governing law:
• These terms and conditions shall be governed by and constructed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which our agency is based. You can find our SAMSA & MCA accreditation on our Website. 
• Conflict Resolution:
• Any disputes arising from the recruitment process or employment relationship will be handled in a friendly and professional manner. If the involved parties can’t come to an agreement, it will be resolved through arbitration. 
• Amendments:
• Niche yachting can amend the terms and conditions at any time. The latest version of our terms and conditions will always be available on our website. We will also insure before starting a relationship with a potential client or candidate that they have read our latest terms and conditions. 
• Intellectual Property:
• Niche yachting owns all rights to its website, software and other intellectual property used in its recruitment process. Clients and candidates agree to not use such intellectual property without the written consent from Niche Yachting. 

By using our services potential clients and candidates agree to these terms and conditions.

How can we help?

Recruitment done right, quick links.

• Crew Recruitment
• Yacht Recruitment Solutions

Privacy And Terms

• Privacy Policy
• Terms Of Service
• Complaints Procedure

Social Media

WhatsApp Us

Food Industry News

Expo west: the ozempic effect on snacking, clean labels and more trends, corn milk, monk fruit and inclusive marketing at natural products trade show.

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek , the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save .

Eating breakfast before hitting the floor at Natural Products Expo West is a rookie mistake, since the annual food conference could easily qualify as the biggest multi-day sampling event in America.

Held last week at the Anaheim Convention Center just south of Los Angeles and in the shadow of Disneyland, the trade show pulled in some 70,000 attendees and 3,000 exhibitors of “natural, organic and conscious products” spanning food, supplements, and health and beauty, per organizer New Hope Network.

The shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, along with the show’s 512,000 square feet of real estate, may help to reenergize a category that has taken some lumps recently for its pricey goods and elitist marketing .

“The turnout speaks to the interest in the whole sector,” Tom Spier, founder and managing partner of investment firm BFG Partners, told ADWEEK. “The numbers suggest there’s real staying power in this industry—it isn’t a passing fad.”

While it’s not a here-and-gone segment, it may take a new form in 2024, experts say, with the proliferation of brands in recent years and the current economic climate setting off a merger-and-acquisition boom. Some brands will survive, some won’t, and some could be gobbled by CPG behemoths looking to amp up their better-for-you bona fides.

Eyes bigger than stomach

In addition to full bellies, the retail buyers and distributors, investors, entrepreneurs and lookie-loos on site got a taste of emerging and ongoing trends. Those range from the continued explosion of world flavors like Asian, Indian, Mexican and African to the omnipresence of faux meat jerky, “ugly” fruit snacks, adaptogen-boosted coffee and a Yo Egg plant-based poached egg that was practically indistinguishable from the real thing.

Dates and hot honey are having a moment, and mushrooms are still going strong—as a supplement, an ingredient and a stand-alone product in various forms. Paul Stamets, a mycologist known for his key role in the Fantastic Fungi documentary and companion book, got a rock star’s reception with consistently long meet-and-greet lines at his Host Defense Mushrooms booth.

Pistachio and pecan milk are no longer the new kids on the non-dairy block—that distinction goes to corn milk, a longtime staple in Asia and Central and South America, but largely unknown here. A startup called Maizly, readying its first U.S. distribution deal, aims to break through with its non-GMO alternative to plant- and nut-based drinks. (And speaking of alternatives to traditional milk, Lattini’s sunflower milk is also coming soon.)

Latest Oatly and ‘Got Milk?’ Ads Bring the Dairy Battle to a Boil

Regenerative farming was an oft-cited marketing buzzword, as was “clean label” though the definition is often unclear, and monk fruit (as a sugar substitute) was everywhere. Grab-and-go convenience items were all the rage, as were gummies of every variety. Read on for more cherry-picked morsels:

Welcome to the club

If the goal is to go from cult favorite to mainstream—and for most companies it most definitely is—brands in the plant-based products space cannot continue the regrettable practice of preaching only to the choir, as some marketers have publicly acknowledged. 

Executives at Impossible Foods have been outspoken on the issue recently, using it as a hook for a brand revamp that includes new packaging and an arms-wide-open message for flexitarians. 

The move coincides with Impossible’s new hot dog launch ahead of summer barbecue season, and came to life in a massive blood-red, meat-themed booth at Expo West. (The purveyors of faux meat have been particularly hard hit by the criticism, and one of the segment leaders, the beleaguered Beyond Meat , was conspicuously absent from the show.)

Meanwhile, collaborations are bringing the plant-based and animal product worlds closer together. Kraft Heinz showed off its expanding line of plant-based products with partner NotCo , such as a dairy-free take on the iconic blue-box mac and cheese. And companies like Umaro Foods, which makes seaweed-sourced bacon, is debuting a breakfast sandwich at Whole Foods with real egg and cheese.

Gail Becker, founder of Caulipower—which promoted new products at the show like pizza bites and chicken bites—noted a communication problem in the industry when she launched her brand in 2017.

“There was a lot of preciousness—it was so exclusive,” Becker said. “I really wanted to create a welcoming brand, something that’s for everybody. We don’t food shame.”

The positioning, which Becker attributed to listening closely to consumer feedback, has helped the brand sell as well at Walmart as it does at Whole Foods.

Turning the tide for some brands may prove challenging, if they’ve established themselves even informally as products for only a select group of buyers.

“The big brands in the industry often think the consumer doesn’t know any better—they bet against the consumer,” Becker said. “We believe they do know better.”

Food as medicine

At its core, Expo West is about snacking, and companies continue to pack their products with more protein and fiber, fewer carbohydrates and calories—in short, offering the grazing public something other than junk food.

But what happens when snacking itself is under pressure? This year’s convention was coincidentally timed at the height of the GLP-1 craze, with retail giants like Walmart having already pointed the finger at drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy as the cause of a marked slowdown in food sales.

“The Ozempic effect is real, and it’s causing a bit of an identity crisis in the snacking category,” said Jennifer Stojkovic , founder of the influential Vegan Women Summit. “There was a lot of talk at the show about complex, healthy fibers and satiation—because Americans are fiber-starved—and brands were promoting themselves as ‘nature’s Ozempic.’”

Gut health was one of the major themes at the event, with brands battling against GLP-1 drugs with a “food instead of pharma” message, Spier said. 

BelliWelli was hyping its new dietary fiber and probiotics powder, debuting next month nationally at Walmart and online, while fast-growing beverage line Olipop was one of seemingly dozens of drinks touting its prebiotics and functional benefits.

Eric Greenspan ahoy!

Amid a sea of products that eschewed any and all animal products, celebrity chef and restauranteur Eric Greenspan was on hand to tout his premium American cheese made with aged cheddar, real cream and real butter.

Greenspan was stationed at the 4th & Heart booth, where workers were handing out samples of his New School artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches made with the brand’s ghee. Indulgent, bordering on sinful? Yes, please.

The entrepreneur, who beat Bobby Flay on Iron Chef and pioneered the ghost kitchen concept, spent six years on the recipe, aiming to disrupt a commodified category best known for mass-produced, plastic-wrapped slices.

But along with fine-tuning the product, Greenspan and partner Alan Leavitt have kept their eye on the business end, knowing that competition is inevitable.

“We have to make sure we’ve built a brand that’s as defensible as our product,” Greenspan told ADWEEK. “When somebody else goes, ‘Oh, that’s super smart to do a premium American cheese, we can do that too, and we have more money and more reach,’ if we’ve solidified our brand, we can protect our position.”

Vegan Nightmare: Plant-Based Daiya Brand Touts Real Beef Cheeseburgers in New Ad

Plenty of consumers, even at the foodie end of the spectrum, love American cheese for its nostalgia and comfort, but the lowbrow grocery staple was ripe for a thoughtful revamp, Greenspan said.

It is, after all, a $70 million niche market with few entrenched players outside of Kraft , whose label reads “pasteurized prepared cheese product.” For legal reasons, it can’t be called American cheese—it’s made mostly of whey, skim milk and preservatives.

“If I can get 1%—or less than 1%—of the market, I get a yellow-colored yacht called the S.S. Melty,” Greenspan said. “Which would be great.”

T.L. Stanley

• @TLStanleyLA
• [email protected]

T.L. Stanley is a senior editor at Adweek, where she specializes in consumer trends, cannabis marketing, plant-based food products, pop culture and creativity.