MarineMax Vacations is launching a new charter base in Tortola that is expected to open December 15.

The program may be new, but the team members behind the scenes cut their teeth in other chartering operations and bring more than 10 years of charter expertise to the fledgling company.

“MarineMax chose Dufour Yachts for their reputation for durability, comfort, and performance,” said Raul Bermudez, vice president of the newly formed MarineMax Vacations. “We are offering a premium experience but we still expect to be competitively priced.”

With their new tag line, “Maximize Your Enjoyment On the Water.” MarineMax is focused on the total luxury yacht charter experience. Besides offering a choice of high-end boat models, MarineMax expects to differentiate themselves from other charter companies with personalized service, organized group activities, and tours. The target customer will be the serious boater seeking performance sailing on their tropical vacation. Additionally, anyone who may be shopping for a Dufour can now easily spend a week thoroughly real-world testing all that the brand has to offer.

The new boats will have more than $50,000 worth of modifications and amenities such as water makers and enhanced electronics. The initial order is for five Dufour 405 models and eight Dufour 425s, an older design newly built for this venture. The sailboat focus is a departure for power-oriented MarineMax, and the long-term plan is to also offer powerboat for charter. No brand has been specified yet but the company is expecting to offer 38- and 45-foot power catamarans.

The first base on Tortola is still being negotiated, and additional locations will be added in the future. In addition to complete charter services, MarineMax Vacations will also offer a yacht ownership program, complete with financing options. The base is expected to open for operations on December 15.

For more information, visit MarineMax Vacations.

– Zuzana Prochazka

Kiriacoulis offers a variety of charter options, including flotilla charters.

Twenty-nine new yachts from 36 to 54 feet are slated to be added, including monohull models from Beneteau, Jeanneau, Dufour, and Bavaria. Four new catamarans from Lagoon will also join the fleet. All 2012 yachts, regardless of their size or model, will be equipped with solar panels to help power stereos, navigation electronics, refrigerators, lights and climate systems that are increasingly found on charter yachts everywhere. These new boats will join Kiriacoulis’ existing selection of over 350 yachts worldwide.

Kiriacoulis also has bases in the Caribbean.

Kiriacoulis is also expanding geographically by adding two new bases to its existing locations, which include France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia, Martinique and St. Lucia. Mykonos, in the center of the Cyclades, is the seventh Greek base for the company. It is perhaps the most renown 33 square miles in the Mediterranean and is very popular with European vacationers and celebrities alike.

The company’s base in Gocek in Turkey has moved to a new operating marina from its previous location.

Chartering is an excellent way to get to know an area or scope out a new vessel model. For example, the new Jeanneau 409 is now available from Kiriacoulis’ Bormes Les Mimosas base in France. If this model is on your short list of purchase options, what better way to get familiar with it then on a week-long charter, testing out its sailing characteristics, layout and equipment?

Contact Kiriacoulis for more information on all their new models and locations.

At 121 feet, Olga provides a truly luxurious getaway for two.

Even better, your charter broker can work with the yacht’s captain and crew to arrange for romantic surprises throughout the experience. This is far different than selecting from a pre-packaged menu of options. Think of onboard or on-the-beach massages for two, whenever the urge strikes. Or champagne and strawberries being served to you in the top-deck hot tub as the sun sets. Or a steel-drum band brought onboard to serenade you with soft, tropical music while you enjoy a romantic dinner for two. If you can imagine it, a good charter yacht (like Olga, pictured above) can make it happen.

Several styles of charter yacht are available for honeymoon vacations. The first is a bareboat, which lets you and your new spouse work together as a team to manage everything from docking to raising the sails. If you are an experienced sailor and want to enjoy ultimate privacy, then a bareboat might be the ideal honeymoon charter for you.

Olga's hot tub provides a romantic spot to enjoy a sunset.

Next are the smaller crewed yachts that are typically found in locations such as the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. These yachts, which range in length from 40 to 80 feet, typically accommodate charter parties of two to six guests and generally have two to four crew members onboard. That means you and your partner can still enjoy a great deal of privacy, and you also can relax completely while the crew run the boat.

Larger yachts that take 10 to 12 guests are also available for honeymoon vacations. These feel palatial with only two guests onboard, especially when you consider that crews of eight to 12 people are onboard to serve you—and only you. These yachts often have full spas in the master suites, media rooms with plush sofas, and more water toys than you could use in a month. If ultimate pampering is your goal, then a charter aboard a yacht 80 feet or larger is the way to go.

Onboard massages are offered on larger yachts like Olga.

In terms of pricing, the larger yachts are almost always the most expensive. However, many charter yachts offer staggered pricing that depends on the size of your group. A yacht may have one price for two people for a week, and another price for six people for a week. Most yacht owners will negotiate a reduced rate if you’re coming aboard for a single week with only two people, a discount that you can receive by working with a good charter broker who is experienced in contract negotiations.

Yacht charters can also turn your honeymoon into a family affair. If you are celebrating a second marriage and the blending of two sets of children, then a yacht charter honeymoon can be an excellent opportunity to bond. Many yacht crew are experienced in creating memorable experiences for children such as treasure hunts, sailing contests, and water-skiing rides. While the crew or your nanny are helping the children get to know one another in a fun setting, you and your new spouse can relax aboard the yacht with a chilled drink and a romantic, private lunch.

Editors’ Note: Photos of Olga courtesy Churchill Yacht Partners.

Industry insiders predict that the megayacht industry could soon see some major companies merge or fold.

On the first day I attended a delicious luncheon aboard the 130-foot Christensen motoryacht Sweet Escape, as a guest of management company Northrop and Johnson. I could write volumes about the seared scallop, filet mignon, and wasabi mashed potatoes, but the real story is the conversation that occurred around the table. Top charter brokers and media from the United States and Europe sat overlooking the Antigua Yacht Club, in a warm island breeze, and shared tidbits that they had heard here and there in recent months.

The consensus was that, within the next year or two, some serious, brand-name shipyards are likely to be forced into mergers, or out of business altogether.

It would be unfair of me to name names. Suffice it to say that the shipyards seen as most vulnerable are well-known and well-respected, on both sides of the pond. The trouble is a lack of new megayacht orders, something that Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout spoke about less than six weeks ago at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

As he explained it then, virtually all of the megayacht shipyards are in the same position following the global recession. They are completing the orders they had before the downturn—these yachts take about three years to build—but have no new orders coming in. The few clients who have begun calling again after a dismal 2009 are once again interested in buying, he said, but banks have tightened lending so much that financing is impossible to attain.

The gourmet luncheons are one of the highlights of the Antigua show.

These same realities were the focus of my luncheon discussion, with charter brokers trying to anticipate how the megayacht shipyard situation will affect the charter industry a couple of years down the line. Right now, according to the brokers I spoke with, yachts larger than about 150 feet are having little luck booking charters this winter in the Caribbean. While the less expensive end of the market is beginning to show signs of recovery, these megayachts may not enjoy a serious return of business until there is once again more demand than supply—something that may only occur when the new-megayacht shortage hits in the next three or four years.

That’s a dire prediction for the next few Mediterranean and Caribbean charter seasons, and it’s an unfortunate new parlor game that is likely to continue for some time. The one certain thing is that, as with any business, perception can become reality—and the perception right now, at the tables where people-in-the-know are talking quietly amongst themselves, is that not even the most historic yachting brands are immune from continued economic turmoil.

Read more on Boats.com: Custom Megayacht Builders: a Dark Economic Forecast

Kim Kavin is an award-winning writer, editor and photographer who specializes in marine travel. She is the author of six books including Dream Cruises: The Insider’s Guide to Private Yacht Vacations, is editor of the online yacht vacation magazine www.CharterWave.com, and writes the blog at www.BrokerageBoss.com.

Large charter boats are struggling in the current climate.

That’s not to say the industry is challenge-free. On the contrary, the most constant description I heard about business is that “it’s better, but different.”

I think charter broker Mary Crowley of Ocean Voyages summed it up most eloquently during a luncheon that I attended this afternoon aboard the 130-foot Christensen motoryacht Sweet Escape: “Business is coming back, but it’s mostly high-end clients looking for deals,” she said. “Everybody has learned to be sure that the broker negotiates the best possible deal.”

The heads of other top charter brokers at the lunch table all nodded in agreement. Several added that the negotiation challenge seems to be greatest at the top end of the market. Boats larger than about 150 feet, say in the $200,000-a-week and higher price range, are struggling the most in the current climate. The owners of such substantial yachts aren’t used to having to negotiate anything in life, let alone the charter rate of their yachts, while the clients in that price range are savvy enough to know the owners have no other choice because they’re currently staring at completely open calendars. There seems to be something of a stalemate going on at that top end of the market. Not with every megayacht, but with enough of them that the scenario is now seen as common.

Who will blink first–megayacht owners or clients–is impossible to say. But right now, the staredown seems to be leaving countless large yachts with far fewer charter bookings than they otherwise might have for this winter’s Caribbean season.

On the other hand, a good number of brokers told me that their phones are ringing with clients for both the current Caribbean season as well as the 2011 summer season in the Mediterranean. Many clients want smaller yachts than in years past, but they are calling, which the brokers see as a sign that the industry may finally be starting to ease into recovery mode. Price negotiations are likely to be a continuing element for years to come, they say, but owners and clients in the small- and mid-range charter market are not nearly as far apart on deal-making as owners and clients at the top end of the market.

The latest yacht available at Oman Charter is a brand new Orana 44 catamaran.

The Omani Government believes sport and cultural activities generate desirable tourism, so visiting sailors are most definitely encouraged. Bandar al Rowdha Marina, a fine example of what Oman has to offer, is a modern and well- equipped facility just outside the capital city. The excellent and very friendly Blue Marlin restaurant serves local and international dishes all day, complimented by an alfresco poolside bar that is fully licensed with free wireless internet access. The marina itself has 500 berths inside a substantial breakwater, and it also offers an impressive slipway and lift-out facility.

Bandar al Rowdha Marina is a modern and well- equipped facility just outside the capital city of Muscat.

The highlight of the year for the marina is the Muscat Regatta, which takes place in mid-November. Now in its second year, the Muscat Regatta offers an excellent dinghy-racing event, followed by an offshore race, the Bank of Beirut Chairman’s Cup.

The Muscat Regatta offers an excellent dinghy-racing event.

Professionally managed by GWM Racing, the 2010 edition attracted 49 boats ranging from Hobie 16s to RS QB’As. Backed by sponsors including Bank of Beirut, Oman Air and Aston Martin, there are substantial cash prizes, totalling US$80,000. Attracting competitors from abroad is very high on the agenda.

“Oman has a long tradition of seafaring,” commented Saleem Q. Al Zawawi, chairman of the Bandar al Rowdha Marina. “The Muscat Regatta and Bank of Beirut Chairman’s Cup brings people together that love to sail. The events bring life and activity to our marina but we welcome visitors all year round, we have plans to improve the facility, even more, including a purpose-built yacht club and a boutique hotel at Bandar al Rowhda.”

Besides running the Muscat Regatta, Bandar Al Rowdha Marina offers a huge range of on the water activities, from day trips to weeklong bareboat charter. Whales and dolphins are a common sight and the sea is teeming with tropical fish. Turtles nest in numbers matched by no other country on the planet.

Charter opportunities are scarce in the Middle East, due to legislation regarding the use of boats. But there is a first class operation based at the Marina that is partly funded by an Omani Government initiative: Oman Charter.

Oman Charter offers a wide range of ways to explore this amazing destination. The company is run by British ex-pats who provide modern well-equipped sailing and motor yachts ranging from coastal fishing boats to ocean going catamarans. The latest yacht for charter is a brand new Orana 44 catamaran. It is comfortable, easy to handle and sleeps eight in four cabins with two crew cabins.

Oman has over one thousand miles of coastline along the Indian Ocean, but just a few miles from Bandar Al Rowdha Marina, there are remote islands, a network of breath-taking fjords which are safe to navigate, and some of the best dive sites and fishing grounds in the world.

Breathtaking scenery lies just a few miles from the capital of Oman, Muskat.

The uninhabited Daymaniyat archipelago has excellent diving and big game fish.

Just a few minutes from Bandar Al Rowdha Marina, the natural harbour of Bandar Kayrhan is recognised as a world class diving location. With remote sandy beaches and warm crystal clear turquoise waters, it is a dream to visit. Yachts can anchor in its safe confines overnight or enjoy a day-tripping lunch in a jaw-dropping and secluded location. Bandar Kayrhan is also an amazing place after dusk; with virtually no light pollution, the night sky is truly awe-inspiring.
The shores around Banda al Rowdha Marina are a game fishing paradise. Inshore, kingfish and barracuda are in abundance, but the real deal is offshore. About 20 miles out from the marina lies the uninhabited Daymaniyat archipelago, which has 17 diving sites and some awesome big game fish. Access to the Islands and surrounding coral reefs is controlled, but Oman Charter can organise permits for just a few dollars.

To get to the islands took just under an hour in a brand new Gulf Craft 31, which had good protection from the sun. Boat captain Ahmed was hell bent on landing Mahi-Mahi. Also known as Dolphin Fish or Dorado, mature adults range from 7-22lbs and there are shoals of them around the Daymaniyat Islands.

Oman lies at the eastern end of the Arabian peninsula.

It wasn’t long before one of the rods whacked around its holster, proclaiming the first catch of the day. A rainbow-coloured Mahi-Mahi arched out of the water, thrashing its dorsal fin and glinting in the sunlight. In all we landed seven of these beauties, about 70lbs in total. Ahmed and his family would be eating well for a few weeks and because of that he was just as happy as me. Ahmed is typical of the Omanis, who love their country and want to see that you enjoy yourself whilst you are here.

Like the Omanis I love my home country, but tomorrow I fly back to England where the weather forecast is for sleet and temps from 1 to -3 degrees C. It is going to be a shock to the system after ten days in Oman. Considering the spectacular weather and virtual paradise of activities on the water, it’s no wonder Oman was recently voted among the world’s top ten travel destinations in the world.

So says Fraser Yachts Worldwide in the new edition of its e-newsletter, which describes the charter industry as a global marketplace filled with last-minute deal-making and more supply than demand.

I was struck by the bluntness of the following statement, which pulls no punches about the recent Mediterranean season. Based on what I’m hearing right now from top charter brokers, it’s likely that this market assessment by Fraser will remain true into the upcoming Caribbean season, as well:

“With very few exceptions, charter bookings came in very late over the summer period. While we used to see vacations being booked six to eight months in advance, this summer saw the majority of bookings being finalized just a couple of weeks in advance. Some yachts were booked with only a few days notice before the charter commenced. The number of yachts available for charter has risen steeply in 2010, although there has been a slight decrease in the overall number of weeks booked. The wider choice and availability put serious pressure on the weekly rates, and we saw a lot of heavy discounting. We worked closely with yacht owners to devise an array of innovative offers, adding value, offering complimentary relocation and other incentives. The market is getting tougher.”

Fraser’s e-newsletter goes on to say that the current market conditions are not all gloom and doom. They represent a real chance for seasoned charterers to snap up great deals, Fraser says, as well as a chance for the industry to attract first-time charterers through added-value vacation offers. I think that’s very true, and cause for optimism if leading companies act on the opportunity.

Also worth noting is Fraser’s new assessment of the market for crew placement. The recession, it seems, has weeded out “backpackers” who thought working on yachts might be fun, and has left the industry with serious, career crew members seeking the vast majority of jobs. That’s good news for charter clients who want to receive outstanding service. When combined with the previously mentioned predictions, it means you will be able to get a better charter value for less money, at least in the near future.

International Yacht Collection, LLC, has acquired The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals, a leading full service superyacht charter and brokerage company.

IYC’s acquisition combines one of the top branded charter and brokerage companies in the USA with IYC’s international network of full service superyacht professionals.

“Our companies share similar values,” said Felix Sabates, chairman of IYC. “We both put our clients first and are committed to new ideas to improve their yachting experience. As partners, together we offer a compelling first class service to charter clients, owners, captains, crew, and shipyards around the world.”

According to Jennifer M. Saia, president and charter specialist of TSGYP, “Today the superyacht world has blossomed into a vibrant and professional business, and we feel by joining forces with IYC that we can benefit from the company’s vision and global reach to deliver a more enjoyable yachting experience for our collective clients worldwide.”

With this acquisition, the group’s combined fleet of charter, brokerage and management yachts will total over 160, what amounts to over 20,000 linear feet of yachts (4.17 miles, or almost four times the length of the Brooklyn Bridge of New York).

Sabates concluded, “As we continue our program to expand and strengthen our company, the acquisition of TSGYP supports IYC’s mission statement: Our commitment to better serve our client base internationally and in ALL aspects of yachting!”

YCO says the app, which will make its debut later this month at the Monaco Yacht Show, is designed to be a portable, interactive catalogue of superyachts. It is intended to let yacht brokers, buyers, and charterers search available yachts, toys, tenders, and more.

“When the iPad was launched, we immediately saw the potential to create portable sales and charter catalogs,” said Gary Wright, managing partner at YCO. “It’s greener than printing off reams of paper and less cumbersome; it’s interactive and easy to keep fully up-to-date.”

I asked YCO to forward me some visuals of the new app, and they sent the photograph at right. Obviously, this image doesn’t give away many details about how the app will work. YCO apparently wants us all to wait until next week’s Monaco show for the full announcement.

It’s encouraging, though, to see a charter management company making this technological investment. Previously, the only app-creation buzz I’ve heard was from Boatbookings, a charter-booking company (that does not manage a fleet of yachts). It launched an iPhone app back in February. Hopefully, YCO’s market leadership in terms of the iPad will spur more tech-friendly innovations for charter clients to use.

Editor’s Note: Boatbookings is a sponsor of CharterWave, where this blog originates.

It is still too early to say whether such deep discounts will be offered en masse during the upcoming Caribbean season, as only a few early offers have come to my attention thus far. They include price breaks aboard the 115-foot Crescent motoryacht Kapalua and the 254-foot motoryacht Samar. Those discounts have followed the traditional pattern seen this summer, with either a straight percentage discount or an extra day onboard for free.

Which is why I am so intrigued to receive a new announcement from management house Edmiston and Company regarding the 169-foot Alloy sailing yacht Mondango (that’s Mondango‘s main salon in the photograph at right). The yacht’s owner, instead of offering a traditional discount this winter in the Caribbean, has instead decided to include the crew’s gratuities in the yacht’s lowest weekly base rate of €185,000.

Since clients regularly tip charter yacht crew anywhere from 5 percent to 15 percent of the yacht’s base rate, this offer amounts to a savings for the charter client of €9,250 to €27,750.

Could this be the first in what will become a new trend in charter yacht discount offers? I’m certainly staying tuned. I can see why yacht owners and management companies would prefer this type of discount, for sure: It helps to retain the value of the yacht’s regular base rate for when the global recession ends.