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areas for whatever water sports are offered. Yachts that offer fishing and scuba diving are well advised to have a cockpit. The yacht should
have an appropriately-sized swim platform for water sports, swimming and for boarding and disembarking the tenders and water toys. With regard to ultimate convenience,
some yachts have a separate swim platform that deploys on the side of the boat, well out of range of the exhaust portals.
Guests enjoy being able to observe the captain and crew as they maneuver the vessel. For both the captain and interested guests, it is beneficial
to have ample space in the pilot-house and on the flybridge, where guests can comfortably watch vessel procedures without the risk of interfering. As the deck
space is being allocated in the design process, make sure the decks are amenable not only to leisure activities but to operational needs as well. Poorly planned
yachts require the crew to interrupt meals or dash through the saloon during docking procedures. If design needs eliminate the possibility of walkaround decks, then
make sure that appropriate footing and handrails are provided to ensure the safety of your crew. It is a fool-hardy owner who sacrifices the safety of his crew for
the comfort of his guests. 
Amenities
There are a host of other amenities that will factor into the popularity of a charter yacht. Fitness rooms with top-of-the-line equipment are
in popular demand (one often made right after the request for a very talented chef). On-deck spa pools will catch the attention of the charter brokers, as will
massage tables and massaging chairs. Many charter guests have a need to remain in constant contact. There is a clear advantage in having the best possible communications available which includes wi-fi internet access. Audio-visual equipment should also be state of the art with an ample and up to date supply of music and movies. However technologically advanced, the A/V system needs to be easy to operate, so the guests can use the system without constant instruction from the crew.
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Not only do charter guests want the ultimate in comfort and convenience
from the yacht, but from the tenders also. There should be at least one tender large enough to carry the entire charter party (and the necessary crew) comfortably
for day trips and excursions. The most popular tenders are center console boats like Intrepid or Contender in the 30ft+ range. These boats tend to have a dryer
and more comfortable ride. Smaller yachts will have to tow a boat this size, which is another consideration that should be addressed during the build. Another desirable
convenience, which requires some forethought for deck space, is a supplemental inflatable tender which gives guests the flexibility to plan multiple excursions
or activities simultaneously. Large yachts are well advised to carry two inflatable boats, one for the guests and a second for crew use and emergency back up. Boats
over 150 feet should have helicopter capability. Even if the vessel does not carry its own helicopter, it should have the ability to rendezvous with one. Amongst
charter yachts, there is a universal truth in the expression "he with the most toys wins." Wave runners, snorkel gear, scuba gear, wind-surfers, kayaks, fishing
gear, water-skis, wake boards, scooters, trampolines, jet-skis, aqua-golf... more is more. However, the boat should be designed to store these items in a manner
that does not make their use inconvenient or in a way that makes the decks feel cluttered. There will be many options regarding toy allocation on the boat, so
it is important to factor them into the design process.
The Crew
The final, and perhaps most important, element that distinguishes one yacht from another is its hospitality factor. Guests should feel comfortable
and "at home" on board. The crew is the supreme factor in this effect. It is very important not to lose sight of just how much of a difference the crew can make
in not only the boat's ability to charter but also in how well your investment is maintained. If you want the best yacht in the fleet, you'd better have the best crew.
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