120 Luxury Charter Yachts in 10 days

Gathering from all parts of the world, the Luxury Charter Group team met in Genoa, Italy for the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Charter Show. This is one of the most significant international exhibitions where charter professionals can engage with Captains and crews and experience first-hand the attributes of each yacht, from the accommodation to the cuisine onboard.

Luxury Charter Group's point of difference is that we have personally inspected the selection of yachts in our retinue and have personally explored many of the world's charter destinations. Our expertise is in matching a yacht to our client's preferences and to meet, if not exceed your expectations. We can't do that online, via email or from the comfort of an office. We have to meet Captains and crew in the flesh and see them in action so we can back our words with our word. 

At Genoa this year there were 65 luxury motor yachts and sailing yachts for charter, ranging from 70 to 240-feet. We refined our selection based on their quality, style, specialties and activities onboard, as well as our knowledge of our clients' tastes and predilections.

Over the week, we inspected our hand-picked yachts from stern to bow, and met Captains and crew, which are the essential element of a client's charter experience, determining the ambience, quality of service and satisfaction of guests. It's our objective to note and remember the differences, sometimes subtle, mostly very evident, among the yachts, classifying them on how they would appeal to our clients who come from every continent, and all walks of life.

Added to this strenuous routine, the shows present seminars on current charter laws, taxes and other industry issues we must keep pace with.

One of the best aspects of the shows is the private lunches onboard which give the Chef and Crew a chance to put their best foot forward. The crews are keen to be remembered for all the right reasons, so dining is a lavish affair – from the best silverware and table decorations to the most extravagant dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients that showcase the Chef's talents. All the better for our most accurate reporting to clients since the dining experience is generally one of the highlights of a luxury crewed charter, and involves much more than exceptional food.

At the end of the week, bursting with information and added kilos, we flew to Greece to attend the Charter Shows for the Greek Yachts, first in Nafplion and then in Poros, comprising another 60 yachts.

This time, we inspected Greek yachts that operate in the Eastern Med, including the Greek Islands. These are very different types of shows, abounding in Greek hospitality, with authentic food at every occasion, music, entertainment and a zealous pride in their yachts.

Captains and crews know they have one shot to show their yacht in the best light, convey its unique attributes and service, so that we are best informed to pass on these characteristics to our clients.

The key to conquering the Charter Show circuit in Europe and the Caribbean is to spend adequate time on each yacht, ask the right questions of Captain and Crew and really absorb the distinctive features of each yacht, plus take copious notes. It can be a hectic whirl, but with a combined total of over 30 years of show attendances, our Team has it down pat – a professional balance between investigating and socialising.

In an industry that is always changing, it's our duty to travel to Europe and the Caribbean to inspect yachts, and update our knowledge so we can fulfil client demands. Only through first-hand experience can we deliver to our clients the most accurate information.

After the Greek shows, Sharon and Radek stepped aboard a charter yacht to explore the Peloponnese coastline and Saronic cruising grounds. They visited Spetses, Hydra and the island of Aegina. They were able to experience life onboard, go over every detail thoroughly and gauge which clients the yacht would suit. Jeni went on to Turkey to attend the Gulet Show which is her stronghold in the market, but that's another Blog!

As anybody who travels for a living will attest, it's sometimes arduous work, certainly the flying can be tough, but we love our work and the reward that comes from the confidence to recommend charter yachts that deliver the ultimate vacation for our discerning clients. We are satisfied we've done our job when you are thrilled with your charter experience.