Luxury yacht charter is an industry that has experienced significant growth in the recent years, and this is the case in our region. MennYacht Group offers a wide range of options, to choose from; from 10m daily bareboat rentals to 40+ m crewed luxury yacht charters. We discussed the topic with Eva Jeraša head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department, who explained the details of luxury yacht charters and everything you need to know before booking your dream holiday on board
What is your job as charter broker within MennYacht Group?
It is my mission to ensure our clients a dream vacation and a memorable experience at sea. In order to ensure that, one needs to possess in depth knowledge of the market, the variety of available yachts, their crew, the constantly changing and updating rules and regulations in the field on local, regional and international level, as well as yacht charter destinations and in each of them some secret spots like bays, restaurants, natural or cultural attractions. My job is assisting the clients through the whole process, offer guidance where necessary, preparation of contracts, itineraries in collaboration with the captain, help with the organization and liaising with the captain and crew during the charter to ensure smooth and highest quality service from start to finish.
Eva Jeraša, head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department
What is most important for a client when choosing a charter broker?
The market is big and the digitalization of our everyday life doesn’t seem to be the magic wand to bring solutions to all things which make us human. We are noticing that clients in general value above all the basics like willingness to listen and understand. Further from that, it is important to have experience and personal approach, to know well both the vessels and their crew, but also to be well acquainted with the territory and its laws. A good charter broker is capable of making the perfect match between the client’s requirements and desires and the vessel, its crew and the cruising destination. To ensure legal reliability we prefer to use the terms and conditions of the MYBA Charter Contracts, which are a guarantee for a good service/work and standards used in yachting.
Eva Jeraša, head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department
All charter brokers should know the Crew of the yachts, which they are offering to their clients. Like in hotel or restaurant business, the people you have interactions with and who are there to provide the services expected on a luxury charter, are the ones who, with their approach, make or break your charter holidays.
Each charter boat has its own brochure with a description, technical specifications, key features and photos, some of them their own video and even a website. But it is much better to offer a yacht which you know personally, one you have visited, have spoken with its crew and maybe even have past experience from past charters.
Once the right yacht is found, one proceeds to the contract in a written form, to regulate all the details of the agreement. I guess that the broker plays a major role here?
Exactly. At MennYacht, we prefer to operate under the MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) charter agreement, that has evolved over the last 20 years and is now regarded as the most reliable industry standard.
Eva Jeraša, head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department
The contract is standardized and does not permit any changes of the general clauses, except adding specific special conditions. The contract is constructed to reflect the good will of all the parties, so that in case of eventual disagreements, all parties are fairly protected and looked after. This assures a certain standard and commitment to an amicable solution, as well as a certain protection from the legal point of view. In case of any unforeseen problems, we always strive to find a most efficient solution. In such case, the broker plays a very important role to help reach a smooth settlement of disputes.
Eva Jeraša,
head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department
Tell us more about the charter contract and the procedure of its execution?
There are four parties included in the charter contract; the charterer, the owner of the vessel, central charter manager (stakeholder) and the broker. The Central Charter manager and the broker can be the same entity. Upon signing of the contract, the first instalment is due to be paid and one month before the charter starts the second instalment is due to be paid. Among the costs it is necessary to take into account also the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) that is usually 30% of the charter fee and covers the cost of guest during the charter, such as fuel for the vessel, marina fees, food and beverages for the charterer’s party, food and beverages for the crew and other expenses during the charter period. At the end of the charter the captain makes an overview of all the costs and the rest of the APA is returned to the charterer.
Eva Jeraša, head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department
Is the brokers work finished with the signing of the contract? What are the next steps?
At the time of signing and if there is enough time, details such as the itinerary, the places to be visited and various other requirements such as water sports and activities, special food requests, any allergies or health restrictions of any of the guests are defined. The “preference list” that consists of several questions for the guest regarding food & drinks, preferred activities, special occasions on board, etc. It should also be filled in with the guests’ details (for the crew list), flight times for logistics related to the guests’ trip. I like to get involved also by offering organization of transfers, hotel accommodation, restaurant suggestions and in some cases also private plane transfers. More information the client gives, easier is to organize the charter and consequently the complete service is on a higher level.
Eva Jeraša, head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department
How did COVID-19 change the charter market?
During the pandemic, MYBA prepared a special addendum to the contract allowing the client to postpone the charter, should it not be possible to come on board due to travel restrictions or border closures due to COVID-19. Most of the owners were very understanding and in majority of cases agreed to the postponement of the charters.
Eva Jeraša, head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department
As soon as the world got used to operating within the rules and restrictions caused by Covid-19, we noticed a significant increase in yacht charter requests, especially last year after the borders opened. A lot of yachts are already booked for the 2022 season. People prefer to be on a yacht in their own bubble with their family and close friends.
Beside the charter broker also the crew plays an important role. As there is not a lot of time between the charters, who takes care that everything runs smoothly and assure that the yacht is prepared for the upcoming guests?
The roles of the crew are standardized and defined, but the most important one is played by the captain, who is a sort of director and has to make sure everything works smoothly and that the guests in case technical or logistic problems do not notice a thing. He is responsible for passengers and crew safety. If the crew is larger, we have a chief stewardess who is managing the other stewardesses, the first officer in charge for other deckhands, the chief engineer and engineers, several chefs, sometimes a masseuse, a beautician or even a personal coach. In between the two charters, various external services are usually hired in the ports, including cleaning service. During this time food and beverage supplies are renewed (according to the preference list), as well as technical materials and any needed services/works on devices or equipment are done. Larger yachts (40m+) of course need more preparation time between charters, 2-3 days.
Eva Jeraša, head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department
What do you think differentiates you from the competition?
MennYacht Group has more than 27 years of experience in the yachting industry. Built on pride, passion and professionalism, our company is committed to delivering the optimum service in yachting. Our 16 offices, 10 of them across the Adriatic coastline allow us to provide expert advice and support for all our clients We have also a well-established and trusted relationships across the industry. Offering complete privacy and control, our clients can plan their journey down to the very last detail, in the safe hands of local, experienced, and dedicated professionals that will deliver a unique personal service.
Eva Jeraša, head of the MennYacht Group’s charter department
Contact: Mennyacht Group
