Travelers clamor for unique vacation destinations nowadays. In lieu of that, a stalwart vessel of the Mediterranean yacht charter fleet makes an announcement. Above all, it plans to relocate to the Indian Ocean for the upcoming winter season.
SILVER ANGEL
Benetti motor yacht SILVER ANGEL bases in the Seychelles. She is available for hire as early as the first week of December there. In reality, charters in the Maldives will also be considered.
She launched in 2009. The 211 foot yacht SILVER ANGEL, by the famed Italian shipyard, Benetti, is gorgeous.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Silver Angel accommodates a maximum 12 guests in 7 guest cabins. A crew complement of 21 is onboard to operate the vessel and pamper her guests.
RATE
Winter rental rates are $450,000 per week plus running expenses. Relocation fee for charters in the Maldives is approx $22,000. This covers the fuel cost for the 3-day delivery from the Seychelles to the Maldives.
“We are excited to offer our clients the opportunity to relax onboard one of the largest yachtsin the world, in the eco-unique setting of the Indian Ocean.”
After 30+ years in the business, 1-800 Yacht Charters is still doing the things that earned them the title of “World’s Best Private Cruise” as recognized by Forbes.com.
“We don’t charter yachts,” says Sheeder, “we deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients.”
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT
Sheeder goes on to explain her company’s philosophy. “Our mission began with a simple question. ‘What would happen if we built our business for #generosity?’ Instead of assuming that people want to simply maximize self-interest, our decision to focus on generosity allowed us to cater to our clients’ deeper motivations to make the world a better place.”
“This focus has propelled us to move beyond the basic rental of yachts and to deliver a true Superyacht Experience. While our competitors focus on finding the customer the “right boat,” we choose to take a more holistic approach.”
HOW A YACHT CHARTER INQUIRY IS PROCESSED
When a #luxury yacht charter inquiry comes in, Sheeder and her team of consultants interview the potential clients to learn what makes them tick.
“Today’s affluent world travelers are looking for more than just a static vacation on a yacht, says Sheeder. “They’re wired, connected, and driven by sustainability and the greater social good.”
Furthermore, Sheeder says the clients hope to immerse themselves and participate in unique cultural events and #voluntourism. Their chartered yacht serves as a platform to an eco-friendly adventure. “It’s a chance to reconnect with family and friends, embrace diverse cultures, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit,” says Sheeder. She chuckles and adds, “Besides, we often don’t even discuss particular yachts until our second or third conversation.”
SHEEDER CONTINUES
Sheeder admits some clients are puzzled at first. Most charter brokers immediately try to match the client to a particular yacht and crew. “At some point, they realize our entire focus is on them,” says Sheeder. “We share with them our sense of purpose, our commitment to promoting yachts and crews dedicated to protecting our environment, and how we created our business for generosity. Then, we explain our ‘Best Price Guarantee’ – something no other yacht charter brokerages offer in our industry.”
For Sheeder, focusing on generosity, sustainability, and taking the time to learn what motivates her clients is a recipe for success and fosters a deep sense of fulfillment. “We create a bond where we and the client work together [holding her hands together with fingers entwined] – synergistically – not only to create a special experience, but also to make a difference in the world.”
“When these difficult times return to normal, our family is interested in booking a yacht charter for late summer in Greece.
We’re worried if unforeseen coronna (sp) virus issues could arise we might be forced to cancel, and we don’t want to lose our deposits.
Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves?”
-Vanessa A, East Fallowfield, PA
ANSWER
“Hi, Vanessa. The short and simple answer is:
‘YES. There are things 1-800 Yacht Charters can do to protect you should you need to cancel your charter due to Covid-19 issues.’
There are insurance products available for trip cancellations, but they are not uniform in their coverage options. I have developed and implemented a 2-part strategy to protect our clients.
As a general rule, yacht charter contracts are written to protect the yacht owner and his/her asset (the yacht). This is in the event of damages or cancellations. The rationale is simple. Specifically, the client may be paying thousands of dollars to enjoy a vacation on a yacht. However, the owner’s exposure is far greater. Moreover, many yachts are worth millions of dollars. Owners wisely use a well-crafted, legal charter agreement to protect themselves.
One example of how owners protect themselves is known as the “Force majeure provision.” This clause is inserted into most luxury yacht charter agreements. It gives the owner the right to cancel a charter due to “Acts of God.” These are acts/events that prohibit the yacht and crew from proceeding with the charter.
This relates to the Covid-19 virus situation. Under the force majeure provision, a yacht owner has to return the charter money to the customer. This is if the yacht cannot perform due to marina closures, virus-infected crew members etc. That’s good news for the charter customer. However…
IF THE CHARTERER CANCELS
IF the charterer is the one who cancels, things work differently. Even due to Covid-19 issues (for instance, due to a quarantine or flight cancellation), the Owner has the right to claim ALL of the installments paid and due from the Charterer. In other words, the Charterer forfeits any and all monies paid to date for the charter! The owner is not obligated to reschedule or to give the funds back.
OUR OPINION
We believe that the force majure provision is the main reason potential charterers withdrew their inquiries for spring and early summer. Some clients willingly canceled their trips. They know they would lose their initial deposits. They wanted to stop the bleeding now. Stop it before second and third deposits were due as the charter dates draw closer.
CHARTER CANCELLATIONS – THE SOLUTION
1-800 Yacht Charters now offers a penalty-free Covid-19 refund policy* on a large selection of luxury charter yachts. To insure the yacht owners comply, we prepare an addendum to the standard charter agreement. This addendum clearly states the owner of the yacht agrees to a full refund. This is if the charterer is forced to cancel due to Covid-19 issues.
Now charterers can protect their deposits in 2 ways. They can either reschedule their trip(s) to a future date or receive a complete refund.
WANT MORE INFO?
Would you like to review the Covid-19 charter addendum? Send an email request to info@1800yachtcharters.com today. Please include your full name and phone number in your email. In conclusion, we have your back. Our team at 1-800 Yacht Charters values your business and vacations. We protect you.
TO WHAT DOES THE * (ABOVE) APPLY?
*This new policy does not apply to all yachts. It also may depend upon the charter destination and charter dates. Certain restrictions apply. Please check with your yacht charter consultant before proceeding with your reservation. More importantly, clarify this before making any deposits or payments.
At this wonderful time of the year, we at SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants and 1-800 Yacht Charters wish our “yacht charter family” of discriminating clients, superyacht owners, professional crew members, management professionals, vendors, corporate and special event attendees, personal assistants, agents, concierges, and EVERYONE with whom we’ve had the privilege and honor to work and spend time with this year, a very happy holiday season.
YOU MAKE US WHO WE ARE
We are eternally grateful to you for your patronage, readership, comments, suggestions, and interest in our offerings. Whether superyacht charters, renting a private yacht, bareboat charter, or yacht charters in locations such as Greece, the Virgin Islands, St. Barts, or the French or Italian Riviera. Further, Ibiza, the Bahamas, New England, or anywhere else in the world. We SINCERELY appreciate you.
THANK YOU
Thank you for being in our lives and for helping us to make a difference in this world. In addition, for being valuable members of Team SailAway, 1-800 Yacht Charters, bareboat.com, and The SailAway Group. Here’s to a wonderful year and future ahead for all.
Every summer, hundreds of well-heeled travelers migrate to the Western Mediterranean. They travel there to enjoy a private yacht luxury charter vacation. Coastal towns like Nice and St Tropez in France participate. San Remo and Portofino in Italy also host dozens of superyachts. The boats bring charterers from around the world. It is an affluent vacation. Even the wealthy cringe. Specifically when their exclusive yacht rental holiday receives VAT charges often in excess of 12%. They know the value of their hard-earned dollars. We make sure that their memorable and valuable vacation funds are spent wisely.
HIGH TAXES
Imagine spending €725,000/wk to rent a yacht. For example, Admiral superyacht PLANET NINE as your holiday hire. Just envision incurring an additional €87,000 in VAT? Ouch!!!
THE SOLUTION TO LOWERING TAXES
Over the years, we composed many blogs about the challenges of VAT taxes. Yacht rental guests need to stay aware of the laws. In some years, yacht charters were VAT exempt. In others, the exemption was rescinded. The rates go up, down, and often vary among various European Union countries, like France, Spain, and Italy.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Fortunately, with a little advance planning, it might be possible to reduce your charter’s VAT liability by up to 50%. Jana Sheeder, our company’s President explains:
“If you rent a luxury yacht for a vacation in the South of France, say, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and neighboring Monte Carlo (in the principality of Monaco), you will incur a VAT charge of 12%. However, if leave European Union waters during your charter, the VAT is reduced by 50%. The easiest way to accomplish this is to schedule an overnight run to the island of Sardinia, off the French coast. Spend a day of so in the area, then cruise back to the South of France. Not only is this a worthwhile itinerary, you’ll also enjoy a tremendous discount in your VAT expenses.”
MAKING IT LEGAL
To accomplish this, and to be in full, legal compliance with the European Union statutes, Jana adds a clause. In specific, to the client’s yacht charter agreement that reads, in part,
“It is agreed between the parties that the yacht will cruise in international waters for part of the itinerary, which has not been determined, so VAT will only be charged on the 50% of the charter fee. In the event the yacht does not cruise in international waters and VAT becomes due on the total amount of the charter fee, the charterer hereby agrees to pay the outstanding VAT on the total amount of the charter fee in cleared funds and without delay to the stakeholder. VAT is calculated with a lump sum reduction of the time spent in EU waters in application of BOI-TVA-CHAMP-20-50-20-20120912 Article 90.”
SAVE MONEY ON FRANCE AND ITALY CHARTERS
In addition to reducing VAT expenses in France, it’s also possible to find similar savings in other Western Mediterranean destinations. Similar money-saving strategies apply for charter yacht luxury vacations in Italy as well.
1-800 YACHT CHARTER STRATEGY
For example, if a charterer wants to start and end a 10 night trip in Naples, Jana will encourage the client to end the charter in Sardinia, to the west, or Sicily to the south, in order to cruise through international waters, and qualify for a reduced VAT fee.
CONTACT US FOR BEST PRICE GUARANTEE
In conclusion, with just a little advance planning, it’s possible to save thousands of dollars on your next luxury rental yacht vacation!
Informa’s British-based global exhibition division makes an announcement. It acquired Yachting Promotions Inc. Yachting Promotions is doing business as (d/b/a) Show Management. They produce three of the world’s largest in-water boat shows. For instance, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Yachts Miami Beach, and the Palm Beach International Boat Show. Yachting Promotions Inc. owners are Active Interest Media. AIM is a magazine publishing company. It is co-headquartered in El Segundo, CA and Boulder, CO, USA
THE PLAYERS
ACTIVE INTEREST MEDIA
Headquarters: El Segundo, CA
Number of employees: 400
Founded: 2003
Type of business: Private
INFORMA PLC
Headquarters: Zug, Switzerland
Number of employees: 6500
Founded: 1998
Type of business: Public
THE PRICE
Informa paid $133 million for Yachting Promotions Inc. (YPI). It was purchased specifically from AIM – Active Interest Media.
THE STORY
Show Management produced the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. It is held at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center in perpetuity. The company also produced the Palm Beach International Boat Show. In addition, they produce the Miami yacht and Brokerage Show. The Miami yacht show recently renamed Yachts Miami Beach. Other shows include St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show and Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota, Florida, additionally.
In 2006, Active Interest Media (AIM) purchased Show Management. Show management was formally renamed Yachting Promotions, Inc.
A prepared statement by Andrew Clurman, AIM’s president and CEO follows. Moreover, the sale of Show Management to Informa is part of the company’s long-term strategic plan to accelerate their growth.
“AIM will reinvest the proceeds from this sale to grow our digital video, online education, marketing services, and events in our other verticals.”
Informa’s acquisition of Show Management equals the company’s plans. Specifically, to expand its global exhibitions business in the U.S.A. They also produce the Monaco Yacht Show. This acquisition consequently makes Informa Exhibitions unique. It is the world’s leading yacht show organizer. How will shows change with the new purchase? Will the yacht shows now have red carpets? Specifically like the Dubai International Yacht Show (DIBS)?
THE YACHT CHARTER PERSPECTIVE
Our company president, Jana Sheeder, recently attended the 2017 edition of Yachts Miami Beach. She and Team 1-800 Yacht Charter team inspected several private luxury yacht charter vessels. For example, Lurssen motor yacht MARTHA ANN, James Bond yacht SKYFALL, and the brand new Benetti motor yacht 11.11. Jana comments on the acquisition of Show Management by Informa.
“Informa operates over 200 trade and consumer exhibitions around the world annually. With their global resources, I believe Informa is positioned to focus on the continued growth and success of the world’s finest boat shows. In terms of exposure of charter yachts to prospective clients, this should be a good opportunity for cross promotion; for example, we should be able to promote a winter/spring Florida yacht charter vacation to a client while a particular yacht is here in Miami at Yachts Miami Beach – then bring that client to Monte Carlo in September and host them on the same yacht during the Monaco Yacht Show. I’m excited by the chance to extend customer relationships across multi-show platforms and destinations.”
HOW TO BOOK A LUXURY YACHT CHARTER
In conclusion, learn how a private yacht charter vacation can help you. You reconnect with others. Family and friends joyfully spend time with you. Embrace diverse cultures. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. We call it “The Superyacht Experience™.” We want to share it with you!
Kevin Lawrie calls himself a “Facilitator.” Some superyacht captains have a more fitting moniker for him: “Miracle Man.”
Since 2015, Lawrie has operated Mango Mango Yacht and Villas Services, on the island of St Barts in the Caribbean.
WHO IS MANGO?
Lawrie is a yacht agent, a rather non-descriptive title. He is an integral participant in most private luxury yacht charter trips passing through the Caribbean. For example, St Barts and other nearby ports of call (e.g. Nevis, St Kitts, Anguilla, etc.) need him. A yacht agent’s services include assistance with immigration and port services. They also include banking, provisioning, and charter guest and yacht crew concierge services. Lastly, they make medical arrangements and purchase yacht parts.
“Our responsibility is to deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients,” says Sheeder. “The hiring of the yacht is just one component of a successful charter. Our goal is to use the yacht as the platform to deliver an unequalled and flawless vacation for our clients. While the captains of the yachts are responsible to create an itinerary for the clients, it is often the yacht agent who coordinates the logistics for the yacht before it arrives at a particular destination.”
WHAT CAN THE MANGO TEAM DO FOR YOU?
They can
First, arrange dockage for a yacht days before arrival in St Barts. Once in port, assist the crew in clearing the charter guests through customs
Second, order provisions. Crews will often send Lawrie a list of provisions requested by the onboard guests, and Lawrie will make arrangements for these items to be delivered to the yacht
Third, organize onshore activities. Captains will call Lawrie before arrival with a list of activities the charter guests wish to enjoy while in St. Barts
YACHT CHARTER MAVEN / PRESIDENT COMMENTS
“A captain and his crew need to focus on the safe operation of the yacht while the charter guests are onboard,” explains Sheeder. “You don’t want a captain or the crew spending time on the phone or Internet trying to organize sighstseeing tours, arranging dockage, or making restaurant reservations.”
YACHT AGENT EXPERTISE
This is where Lawrie and Mango Mango excel. Many important details are handled by yacht agents. When performed well, it’s a seamless, professional process – invisible to the charter guests. All the charter guests see is an empty slip in a marina, ready for their arrival. As they disembark, a driver is standing by, with a car or limousine – ready to take them where they want to go. There’s no need for charter guests to stand in line at the local customs office, because Lawrie has already cleared the passengers, using passport details forwarded to him via email by the yacht’s captain. Fuel and fresh provisions will be delivered to the yacht, so when the charter guests are ready to depart for the next port of call, the yacht and crew are ready to go.
YACHT OWNERS REACH OUT
Many times, a yacht owner who normally keeps his/her yacht in the Mediterranean will decide to re-position to the Caribbean for the winter season. Often, the crews of these yachts are not familiar with the islands of the Caribbean, and are at a loss when it comes to necessary yacht services – fuel bunkering, entry requirements, foreign currency exchanges, etc. For these yachts and crew, Lawrie is truly a miracle worker. Sheeder points out, “Not only does Kevin handle the typical yacht services, he’s available 24/7 for the little things that seem to pop up out of nowhere. If a crewmember suddenly breaks a tooth, Kevin will jump right in and secure an emergency appointment with a local dentist.”
YACHT OFFICER COMMENTS
Scott Macahonic, Chief Officer of M/Y Spirit understands the value of a local yacht agency like Mango Mango:
“We have used Kevin numerous times over the last two seasons in St.Barths, and I can’t even tell you the number of ‘potential guest situations’ he has gotten us out of! New Year’s eve table reservations, 20 person taxi with no warning, coconuts immediately, fresh fish when needed. You name it…he’s helped us always in a professional, quick and friendly manner. We will definitely be using him the next time we can get back to the beautiful island of St.Barths.”
VILLA SERVICES
Mango Mango has expanded their services to also include villas. They provide:
Villa Management
• Arrangement & coordination of all contractors (pool, garden, plumbing, electric)
• Administration & payment of all accounts & services for the villa
• Housekeeping, chefs, babysitting & personal security services
• Meet & Greet at the airport / yacht / ferry
• Freshest products provisioning
• Exclusive concierge services
ST BARTS OPEN-4-BUSINESS
While recent hurricanes Irma and Maria brought much destruction to the Caribbean including St Barts, Lawrie states the island is up and running and ready for visitors.
“St Barts is effectively open for business this winter season,” says Lawrie, “and we would love to see you down here and we can promise that it will be a memorable season offering you the same level of professionalism as usual and you will be welcomed with open arms and a warm smile wherever you go ashore.”
Well said, Miracle Man!
HOW TO REACH MY YACHT AGENT?
For up-to-date information about scheduled post-hurricane restaurant and hotel openings in St Barts, or to rent a luxury villa, contact Mango Mango Yacht and Villa Services at + 590 690 77 81 13 or email: hello@mangomangosbh.com
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