A new, higher VAT (Value Added Tax) rate went into effect. All charters that commenced after July 20, 2015 in Greek waters are subject to the tax.
Greek yacht charter vessel at anchor
The new legislation raised the overall VAT from 13% to 23%. Specifically, lower rates apply to certain charters, based upon the duration of the hire.
There are two VAT categories for charters lasting 3 days or longer:
For charters up to 48 hours, there are no discounted rates. Full VAT of 23% is due (previously 13%).
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, points out the new VAT rates affect ALL charters taking place after July 20, 2015 – even if the charter agreements were signed in prior months. “With the current economic crisis in Greece, we’ve been anticipating some form of VAT austerity,” says Sheeder. “With each charter agreement we prepare, we add a clause indicating that the charterer is responsible for any increase in VAT – this way, there are no surprises. The more details we cover with our clients, the smoother their Superyacht Experience will be.“
How will the increase in VAT on private luxury yacht charter vacations in Greece effect the number of yacht charters?
Will clients seek alternate destinations or, “grin and bear it” to enjoy a Greek yachting holiday?
Let us know your thoughts. We will share your comments with our readers AND send you a free complimentary Eco-tote bag! Email your comments (and your mailing address!) to info@1800yachtcharters.com
This entry was posted in News Educational and tagged Eastern Mediterranean yacht charter, VAT value added tax, eco-tote, greece yacht charter, free gift, sailing yacht charters, Q & A, motoryacht charter, Greece, Mediterranean yacht charter
Posted on
Superyacht SOLO
It’s hard to find a consensus among charterers. For some, it’s all about the destination. Others appreciate the chance to reconnect with family and friends.
Yet almost all returning yacht charter clients comment about the Michelin menus and the jaw-dropping talents of their yacht’s onboard chef.
Great meals, dazzling presentations, and the infusion of local ingredients and cultural components. These are trademarks of the superyacht chefs in the yacht-for-hire industry.
A great chef can elevate a charter from a “vacation on a boat,” to a true “Superyacht Experience.”
Our associate Nicolas Fry sat down with Gionata Rossi, Executive Chef onboard the 72 meter Tankoa yacht SOLO. This vessel is one of our newest rental luxury yachts. She can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 staterooms. Her cruising grounds include France, Italy, and the Western Mediterranean.
We share more information about super yacht SOLO at the bottom of this blog. Here is Nicolas’ interview with Chef Rossi. Foodies enjoy!
Chef Gionata Rossi
1. Why did you decide to become a chef and to work as a yacht chef?
“Cooking has always been my passion. I started at a very early age. Earned my master at the hotel school in Massa and started working immediately. A Chef for 25 years and I have worked in some of the best restaurants in the world. I have received a Michelin star at casa del nonno 13 and have been reviewed in the best gourmet guides. Joined yachting because it combines my primary passions: cooking and travelling”.
2. What is your favorite cuisine and can you prepare different styles of cooking?
“I cook different styles but the contemporary one based on traditional cuisine is what I consider the most interesting. As a Chef on a superyacht charter vessel I believe that the cuisine served is not only a show but a nutritional experience as well. My passion for food varies from creating the perfect roast dinner to a 7-course degustation where I can display a whole range of different cooking techniques and products. My main talent is Italian and French cuisine whilst still offering Asian and Japanese menus.”
3. Is there a chef you admire above all others and why?
“If I have to mention only one, then it is Raffaele Vitale, an important Italian chef, as I had definitely the best experience working with him. I have many friends but the research of taste and knowledge of raw materials with Raffaele were essential for me. Which nationalities tend to be the best charter guests? Gionata: I am lucky, I have always had good relationships with guests from many different nationalities. Having said that, I have worked a lot with Russian yacht charter guests and they generally love my food.”
4. Which is your favorite destination and why?
“Greece and Turkey are always in my heart for the quality of fruit and vegetables you can find on the markets”
5. How are trends driving guest expectations and how do you stay up to date?
“In my kitchen and galley I take pride that everything is made from scratch with fresh products. Stocks, sauces & dressings are always made on board, ice creams are churned to order, pastas and gnocchi rolled fresh, fresh bread baked daily and our meats and seafood are always fresh. I also specialize in vegan, vegetarian and low-calorie diets”.
6. What trends are you noticing in wine and food pairings?
“I drink only biodynamic wines and I think that this trend is on the increase therefore also the combination must go in that direction even if I consider fundamental to combine food and wine. By the way, my favorite wine is the Pinot Nero!”
7. Can you share with us a spring menu you would prepare for affluent charter yacht guests?
“Marinated spring onion and tomato with lime sorbet, cold tomato soup with fresh spaghetto garlic oil and chilli, cold english cream with berries and apple crumble.”
8. When are you happiest at work?
“Cooking demonstrations with the guests either at the table or in the kitchen! This is a special touch I like to offer to luxury yacht rental guests. I wish to share my passion for food with my clients and create an amazing atmosphere for their dining experience. When I can establish a good relationship with the guests, the rest is easy.”
9. BONUS: What are the strengths that make you a great superyacht chef?
“In order to offer a great superyacht experience, a huge amount of organization needs to be in place. My organizational skills allow me to present food the way that it is intended. I am also up to date with all the latest cooking techniques, methods & equipment so that as a private chef I can still rival the best and most fancy restaurants.”
Regular readers remember our blog about three Jaw-Dropping New Yachts at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show. We highlight 228 foot motor yacht SUERTE, built by Tankoa Yachts in that blog post. Two years later, Tankoa Yachts unveiled Suerte’s, “Big sister,” the 236 foot SOLO. Our inspection of this beautiful lady left us in awe.
Our associate, Nicolas Fry, has spent numerous hours onboard the yacht. Here is his overview:
“SOLO is the perfect combination of performance and luxury designed by Francesco Paszkowski and built by Tankoa. Her contemporary interior, designed by Margherita Casprini, will sleep up to 12 guests in six well-appointed staterooms. The master suite features an independent office, a king size bed with panoramic views, a private terrace with a Jacuzzi and lounge beds offering complete privacy.
Guests can be accommodated in a large VIP, two double and two convertible twin staterooms. SOLO features impressive living spaces, with a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas. Guests will love the vast beach club with for example, a lounge/bar area, a hammam, a sauna with its own fold-out terrace and a chilled water shower. This wellness center is complete with the gym & massage room equipped with the latest Technogym equipment and its private terrace on the sea. On the main deck, the 7m infinity pool is another great area to spend time with your guests. The sky lounge aft feature a Jacuzzi. In addition, a touch-and-go Helipad that be converted into a dance floor (is there, as well).
The sundeck offers never ending views from its sun loungers. SOLO also offers several options for entertaining and dining including all-weather alfresco table on the upper deck aft, the main salon or upper deck salon.
The yacht’s rates are from €650,000 per week. To check availability for your favorite dates, please call the team at 1-800 Yacht Charters at 305-720-7245 or email info@1800yachtcharters.com today. Rather send your inquiry online? Go to https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ . Talk to you soon!
UPDATED! Passengers! Too many can make your yacht charter illegal
This entry was posted in Reviews Frequently Asked Questions Yacht Charter Educational News Yacht of the Week and tagged 1-800 Yacht Charters, foodies on yachts, yacht charter France, yacht chef, private luxury yacht charter, interview, Q & A, Frequently Asked Questions, Tankoa, motoryacht charter, Gionata Rossi, Gourmet meals, Solo, Mediterranean yacht charter, motoryacht Solo, foodies, foodie
Posted onSardinia Luxury Tax on Mediterranean Yacht Charter Vessels Abolished
Posted by admin
Ferretti Yacht SEA STREAM brings Luxury Charter to Seychelles
Posted by admin
What to Pack for a Sailboat Vacation
Posted by admin
Recent Comments