Oh darling ... don't go to the villa, take the yacht ... ~ The 2009 Antigua Charter Show
Last week I attended the 2009 Antigua Charter Show, open only to professionals within the yachting industry. This show provides an intimate viewing opportunity of both motor and sailing yachts. After touring many boats some trends begin to emerge, such as exercise rooms, large bathtubs and unique interior design.
One of the most prominent trends this year is for a charter to provide everything that a four star resort would, then to exceed those expectations with quality service. As one associate said to me, "We don't want them to rent a villa, we want them to take the yacht."
Today's charter yachts seek to differentiate themselves to provide signature service and a unique charter experience. Now we are seeing an owner's dream or a designer's vision come to life in unexpected ways. Unless if boats use the same designer, rarely do two look alike, making the Antigua show never to be missed and rarely forgotten.
"Other than it floats, what is great about your boat?" This was the opening question I posed to captain and crew of each boat to identify the one aspect of each boat that sets it off from the rest of this year's charter fleet. I received many colorful responses and had a good time listening to the crew working to come up with the best one-liner possible. Captain Allen of Brazil wins first prize and should consider a career in advertising with his caption: "Cool boat, warm crew, hot price." Here's a compilation of my favorites with just a little hint of the total package.
131' M/Y Brazil "Cool boat, warm crew, hot price"
To give you more of an idea its other tag line was, "A lot of boat for your buck." Brazil is a large boat. It has space comparable to other boats in its class. A rich interior sculpted by its dark woods and use of living areas is what sets this boat apart. 180' M/Y Altitude "Effortless entertainment" Touring the boat, I was astounded by all of the open space provided by this floor plan. I mentioned it to my tour guide and she said that the owner does take advantage of the space quite often to throw parties. Conveniently, Altitude comes equipped with a disco ball and a crew member that doubles as a DJ. The quote to receive an honorable mention for this boat is: "Hot crew."
230' M/Y Sherakhan "The difference is in the details"
Anything said in this synopsis cannot do Sherakhan justice. Everything in this boat is done with thoughtfulness, heart, and an attention to detail. Apparently, the owner was very involved with the interior design of the boat after gutting the original interior of what was once a teaching vessel. At every corner is a different story waiting to be revealed by its exuberant interior.
192' M/Y Unbridled "It's all in the name"
We always hear of what guests can do on a boat and a little bit about what they can do off the boat. Unbridled challenges the status quo by providing every water toy imaginable. On the aft deck are tenders, wind surfboards, Laser sailing boats, and diving equipment just to name a few. Unbridled also offers unique amenities on board including outdoor air conditioning for dining areas and fitness equipment.
177' M/Y Hurricane Run "Unexpected modernity"
Walking onto Hurricane Run is an experience. Looking around you notice that everything is in the same color family, or 'mono-chromatic.' Because everything is generally the same color it forces the designer to use many different textures and finishes resulting in a stunning visual effect. The most exotic and memorable aspect of this boat is its dining area complete with a goatskin dining table and a stingray skin covered buffet. 173' M/Y Passion "It's not the boat, it's who runs it" While I was not able to tour this lovely boat, crewmember Ben was the only person to mention the longevity of the crew. He informed me that the shortest amount of time any crewmember has spent on the boat is two years and the longest six. Each boat provides amazing amenities but the staff is truly the most unique feature on any yacht and makes the difference on a charter.
214' M/Y Trident "Chic, stylish and utterly relaxing"
Trident sets itself apart from the rest by providing expected amenities in unexpected ways. For example, the exercise room comes with its own air conditioner that brings in new air and exhausts directly out of the boat so that the air from the gym does not circulate into the rest of the boat. Crew will also be kept happy with its own lounge that doubles as an extra bed room for other staff, such as a pilot or nanny.
153' M/Y Big Aron "Delivers an extravagant getaway in a classic setting"
A trend seen on many yachts today is an interior that is edgy and modern. The classic interior on Big Aron is what makes it so unique from other yachts in its class. With its wainscoting and dark woods, being on this boat is similar to being at a summer retreat in New England. No need to miss the pool at home, there's heated pool on the top deck.
124' M/Y Aerie "Timeless comfort"
Over the years Arie has provided many unforgettable cruises for the owner and guests. The interior is light, airy and comfortable.The boat comes equipped with the usual: new sound system, televisions, bars, and fabulous staterooms. Arie also comes with unexpected surprises such as a fine selection of artwork inspired by natural materials and a large fish tank on the aft deck which the crew stocks with sea life so guests can enjoy a peak underwater without getting wet. The tank (formerly used as a live bait well) is the perfect height to fascinate children.
"Yes, yes, we all know you're on a boat ..." In closing, I need to give special thanks to all the crew that provided personal tours and so many fascinating details. I would just like to say, in case no one else does: Your shammy-ing does not go unnoticed. Your smiles are lovely. Your pleasant attitudes and good humor are greatly appreciated. It was really you that made this show a great success and I wish you safe travels in the future.
Post by Martha Datlen
Read more boat show posts:
- Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show report 2010
- New York City 2010 video
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show videos 2009
- Laser Advertising's YouTube channel
- Stidd display at FLIBS 2009
- Antigua Charter Show 2009 with Martha
- Tour Eagle's Nest at Antigua Show 2009
- Workboat New Orleans 2009 by Charles Datlen
- Newport Spring Boat Show 2009
- Bay Harbor, Michigan in-water boat show 2009
- Newport International Boat Show 2009
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