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NO SLOW-DOWN IN SIGHT FOR EXCLUSIVE YACHT CHARTER VACATIONS
The popularity of yacht charter vacations took o during the pandemic as yacht inventory fell and more and more people discovered the many bene ts of being on the water during an unprecedented time of isolation.
Even now, as things open back up, there’s no slowdown in sight. People are incredibly eager to make up for lost vacation time and to decompress from a stressful 18 months with travels to some of the world’s most beautiful and enchanting places.
Which means, at least for the foreseeable future, the days of booking last-minute charters are slim. Demand is incredibly high for luxury yacht charters right now. In pre-COVID times, clients could usually book a charter 4-8 weeks out. Now, booking three months out is tough and, in some cases, it’s longer, especially as travel rules and requirements of di erent states and countries are easing and people are more ready than ever to travel, explore, and get away from home.
So, if a luxury yacht charter dream vacation is on your radar, plan ahead, be patient, and be ready to consider alternative destinations.
High Demand
Charter inventory is low right now. Industry professionals, like HMY’s Yacht Charter Director, Susan Harris, have never seen anything like it. It’s a perfect storm of factors.
· While more countries are opening to travelers, some still have very strict vaccine and quarantine requirements, limiting the number of usual Fall and Winter options.
· Retail boat sales are doing great, further reducing inventory. Some popular charter yachts, like Lady Carmen, are for sale and the owner doesn’t want to charter with o ers on the table.
· Owners typically prefer a 7-night minimum commitment. While owners of some smaller boats will entertain a 2-, 3-, or 4- night trip, many owners in HMY’s focus area of 80’-150’ yachts aren’t interested in booking those shorter trips and are holding out for 5 nights or more.
· September and May are when yachts go into the shipyard for maintenance, further reducing on-water availability.
· The most popular charter yachts are already booked. TAIL LIGHTS, one of the most sought-after charter yachts, is booked solid through April of 2022!
In some cases, it takes extra time to nd a suitable yacht. But, with preparation, patience, and exibility, booking a luxury yacht charter for Fall 2021 or Winter 2022 is still within reach.
We recommend planning your next charter now for Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year 2022, and even out to
spring break 2022.