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There has recently been an enormous increase in the size and density of private yachts.

SAS Marine Services was founded on a desire to make the superyachts industry more accessible than ever, not just for those looking to buy or charter a luxury yacht. Making available the most recent yachts for sale in the world is therefore only one aspect of the work our forward-thinking team of experts specialises in.

Our brokerage team visits hundreds of yachts every year, maintaining regular contact with thousand yacht owners. This allows us to provide you with some of the latest trends in the boat brokerage industry.

Size matters

All-inclusive yachts with fully-fledged crew are perfect for family trips, yet groups of couples are becoming an ever more popular choice, allowing customers to split the cost of larger, luxurious vessels.

The same principle can be applied to bareboat charters: here people are opting for floating palaces alike. There has been a shift from a focus on boat performance to greater considerations of size and comfort. Patrons are more willing to spend extra money and opt for a larger superyacht for a number of couples, strengthening this high-end market.

Technology

As technology advances and people accustom themselves to luxurious living, it was only a matter of time for the superyacht industry to catch up to their client’s desires.

Not only does one have to add autopilot, chart plotters and wind gadgets; technologies like Wi-Fi, cellular connection quotas and an array of videogame platforms is also becoming the norm.

This was accompanied by a growing customer preference for technology passenger yachts and a constant redefinition of the design and purpose of relatively traditional boats.

A common theme between both types is the increase in water toys like stand-up paddleboards and blow-up slides on motor yachts. Beach-inspired designs – complete with umbrella, lounge and bar – is also another novelty that’s on a steady rise.

Simple health cuisine

Multiple course meals with complex food are exquisite yet do not go down as well with some children. Accordingly, some charter guests prefer simpler food that is fancy enough for adults yet just right for the kids.

Fresh produce and dietary requirements such as gluten free menus are being increasingly asked for and hence catered for by most on-board chefs.

There are two main types of yacht chartering: bareboat charters and group charters.

Bareboat charters refer to renting by individuals who may skipper the boat or superyacht themselves, while group charters involve the help of a chosen crew.

Accordingly, given particular specifications, demands and desires for different experiences, there are 5 essential things you should really set out to find before chartering your yacht:

1. Know what you want

Consider thoroughly what you want out of your experience. This allows you to tailor your holiday and make it either family-friendly or else ideal for a smaller group of people or even an individual.

Think about whether alone time is important for you or whether you want to have an unforgettable party; the type of crew plays a pivotal role here. And definitely ask about the quality and speciality of the food on board!

2. Know your location

This definitely depends on the ability of your broker to provide you with the necessary information, something that we at SAS Marines take pride in doing. Always ask which location is best for a particular season or even which season is best for a specific location.

We will surely be able to advise you on destination aspects that vary with the time of year. The weather and water visibility are paramount criteria, for example the Mediterranean is best experienced in summer.

3. Crew attitude

Apart from the type and size of crew, their attitude is crucial and plays a great role in determining a quality experience you will never forget. This definitely depends on whether you want a family experience or a full-blown party.

If opting for a family holiday, make sure the crew is good with children and allows enough time alone for privacy.

Alternatively, if chartering a superyacht for a party, you’re looking for a lively crew that’s sure to keep you entertained. Here’s something to mull over: would you consider a crew that provides you with an educational experience of the surroundings?

4. Yacht design

Choose a yacht that makes you feel at home and goes along with your personal style. There are traditional yachts and also modern ones, those built for relaxation and also those replete with video-games and visual entertainment akin to a technological paradise. Consider whether your broker has worldwide partners as this definitely helps for you to hone down on your interests.

5. Know your broker

This is essential. A good broker guides you through every step of the chartering process, is patient and available when required.

Tell-tale signs of a good broker include an established office – compare this with a broker who only communicates by mobile phone – quality up-to-date information and honesty when it comes to boat quality. You should always know out what to look for in a professional yacht broker

Profession yacht brokerage is more than just acting as a middleman. Choosing the ideal yacht broker for you depends on many factors one might not consider at first glance.
Essentially, the good broker is one that is in the business as a career and not just a weekend warrior. Along with good advice on brokerage, a good company does not engage in ethical shortcuts and values repeat customers.

This means that education is part and parcel of the trade.

Fraud, misrepresentation and other unethical practices are guarded against by the integrity of the company. As this is explicitly stated in both the Certified Professional Yacht Brokers (CPYB) (for North America) and the European Maritime Certification Institute (EMCI) code of ethics, it is paramount that you make sure a business has the necessary brokerage accreditation.

In the latter case, it is the EMCI Registered Yacht Broker® that one has to look for. While this accreditation is a necessary but insufficient criterion, honesty, the amount of time a company has been in business and their brokerage speciality is particularly valuable information.

Alternatively, one can look for membership in a yacht brokerage organisation such as the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA). Both these can assure you that the necessary continued professional development is being undertaken by the company.

Moreover, a company’s reputation – apart from obvious tell-tale signs of untrustworthiness, look out for things like how patient they are and good rapport – and process of payment are worth checking out. Having an idea of their spread in the international market can help you conclude whether a broker is the right one for you.

Local knowledge is highly esteemed in the industry, especially since the latter deals with both money and information business. Small efforts on your part can assure you whether a company has team of experts ready to support, advice and assist you in every aspect of selling and chartering your yacht or vessel.

In a nutshell, good brokers act as a bridge between buyer and seller, and value long-term commitment since customers are likely to return.

Given that the superyacht industry is more accessible than ever, look out for how busy a company is and whether they have an office – always a good sign. If it is a representative passenger vessels brokerage company, the price is likely to be less negotiable than a company that owns yachts herself.

Expect professional expertise and extensive market knowledge, information from advanced databases, full specification sheets listing all of a yacht’s features and links with the global market. The more forward-thinking a company is and the more it gives you the impression of regular contact with clients, the more you can rest assured.

Finally, brochures, extensive use of social media and as much history, photos and advises on possible problems are really something to look out for. Your ideal should be an insider acting in your best interests throughout the steps of your yacht buying or yacht selling process.