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The Finer Points
Besides a top-notch crew, there are numerous other features that will make your yacht more inviting. Have the ability to provide guests with plenty
of linens, fresh towels and sheets whenever they like. Accomplishing this means plenty of storage, and the appropriate laundry facilities with plenty of power
to keep them going. Offer your guests luxurious bathrobes, fine toiletries and lots of "give-away's" like t-shirts and hats. Even the wealthiest people enjoy
freebies. When designing the common areas, provide a space for a guest pantry and wet bar where guests can help themselves to refreshments when they wish. For
those guests who do require a lot of attention, incorporate a service light which can alert crew in various parts of the boat when a guests requires assistance.
This feature is not only beneficial to the guests but to the crew as well. If the stewardess is busy folding laundry, she will not feel obligated to stop to
check on the guests, and the guests can relax without the crew constantly "hovering."
For most charterers, there is an expect ion of elegance at meal time. Guests not only want a superb meal but to be seated at a glamorous table.
Ideally a boat has at least two sets of china and stemware; a casual set and a formal set. Some yachts carry more. Competitive charter yachts have a large assortment
of table linens and accessories which enable the stewardess to present an endless array of table settings. Again, this is another consideration for the build, as
there will need to be storage for these items. If the yacht is so large that dining areas are situated far from the galley, incorporate a dumbwaiter into the design
so meals arrive at the table hot. If one crew member can single-handedly make or break a charter, it is the chef. Attention paid to the design and equipment of the galley should rival that of
the wheelhouse. Every chef will have his or her own preferences with regard to cooking surfaces and appliances;
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therefore this is another area where a crew consultation is essential. Be sure to allow ample space for dry storage, refrigeration and freezers which are the
unsung heroes of convenience. Do not skimp on quality, as lesser quality appliances can consume far more money in the form of lost provisions than they save at the
time of purchase. All refrigeration and ovens should be configured with doors opening towards the bow so these appliances can be used when the boat is underway
and in a variety of sea conditions. For deck refrigeration, or areas where a fridge cannot face forward, consider using refrigerated drawers. Not only do refrigerated
drawers hold their temperature better, but they will not dump their contents if opened while the boat is moving.
With so many considerations for layout, amenities, storage, versatility, safety, practicality and adaptability, it is possible to lose sight of one other
very important detail: you want the boat to be beautiful. Avoid the common pitfall of jamming a hull so full that the finished yacht just doesn't look right. Though
some charters are blissfully unaware of when they are on an ugly boat, many are not. And yachting is an industry of aesthetics.
Establish A Marketing Strategy
Preparing a yacht for the charter fleet requires a market strategy. Charter marketing professionals can start to generate interest in your vessel
even while it is still in the process of being built. Hiring a known charter crew ahead of time will not only give charter professionals some comfort in representing
an unfinished yacht, but involving the crew early will expedite the commissioning of the yacht when the build is complete. A yacht is most desirable in its first
year, so do not waste valuable time. Have your charter marketing and crew in place, have a brochure ready to print once photos can be taken, and have all related
acquisitions (tenders, toys, china, etc.) ready upon delivery of the boat in order to maximize that first year. Though the idea of |
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custom building the perfect charter yacht can be very alluring, it is not a project that is well suited to everyone. A successful charter yacht
is far more than a nice yacht with lots of pretty stuff. The ultimate charter yacht is a well planned, meticulously thought-out venture requiring far more than
just a check with a whole lot of zeros. But if you are truly dedicated, and you have the right team beside you, you can build your sea of dreams, and "if you
build it, they WILL come."
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