The 2023 yacht charter season: A panoramic view from industry insiders

• 11.10.2023.
• News, Management

What is the yacht charter industry really like? In addition to being challenging and changeable. We spoke to five experienced industry experts to give you a complete 360-degree view. From the digital ways and revolutionised booking to the ups and downs of customer demand, they told us all about how they work – and thrive. Find out how they turn challenges into triumphs with a focus on digital.

The 2023 yacht charter season has been a whirlwind, to say the least.  
 
With the industry navigating through pricing challenges, quality concerns, and market fluctuations, this year presented an opportune moment to connect with the helm of the business - charter agents.  
 
We caught up with five experts - Francesco Rizzi, Christa Wilde, Christopher Lait, Anne de Vries, and Lidija Amižić - to offer you a 360-degree view of what went down in the high seas of the yacht charter industry.  

Francesco Rizzi - BeBlue Italy  
Thriving in a roller coaster year with digital mastery 

Francesco Rizzi, co-founder and COO of BeBlue (Italy), comes from a lineage of skippers and has been sailing the yacht charter industry's waters for over two decades. Specializing in cabin charters, flotillas, and boat rentals, BeBlue also offers skipper training via its nautical school. 
 
For BeBlue, 2023 was a roller coaster year, with booking highs and lows, notably in April, June and July. Namely, Rizzi emphasizes how the spring was a golden period, where bookings soared past previous records.  
 
The only obstacles that arose were May - June booking indecisions that were successfully resolved thanks to marketing.  
 
In terms of collaboration with yacht charter companies, BeBlue enjoyed stable partnerships. "Our selected partners have proven to be reliable," shares Rizzi, pointing towards a synergy that has likely contributed to the company's overall positive performance in 2023.  
 
When it comes to preparations for the next season, Rizzi emphasizes that BeBlue is always on the hunt for new destinations and travel proposals. Alongside that, BeBlue’s winning strategy for the upcoming season includes launching several new fleets and routes. In that manner they are better prepared for the upcoming season.  
 
The yacht charter industry has undergone a significant digital transformation in recent years, revolutionizing how businesses like BeBlue operate. BeBlue was conceived with a strong affinity for the digital world; from the first day, the company has managed all reservations exclusively online.  
 
"We were born digital," claims Rizzi, who indicates that their digital presence is a top priority, ensuring that BeBlue is well-equipped to navigate through the constantly changing landscape of the yacht rental industry. 

 

Christa Wild – Marine Project  
Navigating highs and lows on digital wave 

Christa Wild, co-founder of Marine Project, also gives her insights on this year's fluctuating yacht charter season. Starting business in 2006, Wild emphasizes that Marine Project is 100% in their ownership and that they don't have any investors.  
 
Initially focused on bareboat charters, the company has shifted more towards crewed charters in recent years. For approximately ten years, they have been using the MYBA e-contract and, since last year, became Yachtfolio members. They are also members of IYBA and CYBA. 
 
This year started off promisingly for the Marine Project with a surge in client interest. However, many tourists have postponed their yachting adventures until 2024, opting instead for luxury homes and high-end resorts.  
 
According to Wild, the season was marked by unprecedented discounts on crewed yachts. On the other hand, Wild recalls memorable moments such as a special event in Palma with loyal clients, as well as several profitable last-minute yacht bookings. 
 
Although summer revenues experienced a decline, the company smoothly navigated without any financial difficulties. "From a strategic standpoint, everything is in excellent condition," assures Wild, adding that plans to refocus efforts for the next year are already in place. 
 
Partnerships with yacht charter companies have remained stronger than ever, with no noticeable changes impacting operations. As for the influence of digital transformation on the business, Wild confirms that everything went smoothly.  
 
"We caught the digital wave a few years ago, so for us, this season was nothing out of the ordinary," she said. 
 

Christopher Lait - SailChecker  
Bridging the 'digital dark ages' with real-time data 

Christopher Lait, Founder and CEO of SailChecker, opened up about the rollercoaster of 2023 yacht charter season. "The market is adjusting," Lait states, noting a slower-than-expected volume growth, attributing the decline in boat quality to the lingering impact of Covid-19, labor shortages, and supply chain issues. 
 
One surprising trend was the phenomenon of "price dumping" by large online service providers. Clients would consult SailChecker's expert advice and then pivot to a discount broker for their bookings.  
 
Despite these challenges, the company has seen growth even in adverse market conditions. The main feature was a significant increase in the popularity of SailChecker’s blog and an increase in the average value of their rental packages. 
 
Regarding obstacles, Lait mentioned that SailChecker has redirected towards advising on newer boat models and sharing business intelligence with clients. "We're not afraid to have the tough conversations," he adds, emphasizing the strength of their partnerships with yacht charter companies. 
 
Looking forward, SailChecker has ambitious plans, including a listing on a London-based exchange. As for digital transformation, Lait expressed skepticism.  
 
"Compared to other travel sectors, we're still in the dark ages," he said, stressing that the industry will only really enter the digital era when booking platforms share real-time data.  
 

Anne de Vries - Tubber 
Flotilla triumph meets 24/7 support: tubber's ethical charter blueprint  

The 2023 yacht charter season was anything but smooth sailing for the industry, but for Tubber, founded by Anne de Vries, it was a voyage of opportunity.  
 
De Vries, who balances entrepreneurship with fatherhood, focuses on providing idyllic sailing experiences in Greece and Croatia while supporting sustainable tourism. 
 
De Vries claims how the 2023 season had some distinctive dynamics in comparison to previous years. It was marked by cautious customer behavior, attributed mainly to inflated yacht charter prices and costly flights. Despite these hiccups, Tubber observed an increased demand for their unique offerings.  
 
"This season, customers were notably discerning, likely waiting for the most cost-effective deals," de Vries notes.  
 
However, he notes a shift in trend: many returning clients who had previously booked sailing trips during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic are now opting for different types of vacations, possibly seeking a new environment or activities. 
 
The real wave of success came with Tubber's flotilla sailing holidays. These group sailing experiences sold out before the end of June, a first for the agency. Moreover, upgraded yacht quality led to happier customers and rave reviews. "Charter companies upped their game, making sailing more enjoyable," says de Vries. 
 
Bookings for our simpler sailing options such as cabin charters and skippered charters have grown dramatically, attracting travelers who wanted light and guided adventures in Croatia and Greece. The 2023 season is proving to be an exceptional year for Tubber.com, marked by a flurry of last-minute bookings, better quality yachts and higher demand for all types of our sailing packages. 
 
When asked about plans for the upcoming season, de Vries reveals a focus on enhancing customer service and expanding the already popular flotilla options. "We’re doubling down on 24/7 customer support and aiming to foster an ethical environment within the charter industry," he explains.  
 
As de Vries states, clients may have questions or require assistance at any time, and they aim to be there for them whenever they need them.  
 
Though cooperation with yacht charter companies remained stable in 2023, de Vries expressed concern over quality issues from some larger entities. Furthermore, on the digital front, platforms like Floatist and Navily are modernizing the charter experience, from booking to sailing. 
 
Anne de Vries believes the industry is at a pivotal juncture and that digitalisation is reshaping the yacht charter industry in profound ways. "Digitalization is a game-changer," he says, underscoring the role of data and AI in future strategies, especially as climate change looms large on the horizon.  
 
With the winds of change at its back, Tubber seems poised to make the most out of the unpredictable waters of the yacht charter industry. 

 

Lidija Amižić – Feel Yachting 
Luxury yachts, digital smarts & transparent pricing 

About navigating the choppy waters of 2023, talks Lidija Amižić, Charter and Sales Manager, in Feel Yachting, a renowned company based in Split, Croatia. With its sub-brands Croatia Charter, Croatia Yacht Charter, and it's sister company Plavetnilo, they've become a lighthouse for sea lovers seeking top-notch yachts. 
 
Despite a decline in the overall number of inquiries, partly attributed to competitors offering unsustainable low prices, Feel Yachting has held its ground. "We've always prioritized fair and transparent pricing. That's what sets us apart," says Amižić.  
 
The approach seems to be working; Feel Yachting’s move into the more luxurious segment of the yacht charter market has been marked as a season-high point. Amižić claims how their agency maintained a commitment to providing value without resorting to large discounts, setting themselves apart from competitors who "exaggerated their prices initially and were later forced to offer substantial discounts to attract clients". 
 
In times when many competitors use large discounts as a hook, Feel Yachting leans on digitalization investments and a CRM system to understand their clients better. "Digital tools empower us to be more precise in our operations and offer targeted value propositions to different client segments," Lidija explains.  
 
While the demand for yacht charters may have fluctuated, Lidija states how their digital tools have helped them be more productive, create all sorts of content more efficiently as well as target and engage with different client segments more effectively. 
 
The high point of the 2023 season for Feel Yachting has been its successful sail into the realm of luxury motor yachts. The expansion plan included not just offering the yachts but offering experiences. 
 
As the industry sees a digital transition, including the use of AI tools and online booking platforms, Feel Yachting plans to continue investing in digital solutions. "We're also looking to establish stronger partnerships with compatible charter companies to pool our resources and knowledge," says Amižić. 
 
In the next season, Feel Yachting aims to further grow in the luxury yacht charter space while tackling volatile customer demand. By strengthening collaborations with like-minded charter firms and leveraging digital tools, the company plans to boost productivity and provide value-driven, transparent pricing to clients. 
 
While 2023 may have been a year of highs and lows, Lidija Amižić and her team at Feel Yachting and Plavetnilo seem to have skillfully steered through challenges, guided by a strong moral compass and modern tech tools. 
 

Yacht charter experts turn challenges into triumphs 

The yacht charter industry's 2023 season was like navigating unpredictable moments, marked by pricing issues and fluctuating demand.  
We connected with five industry experts to offer an insider's look.  

Francesco Rizzi of BeBlue shared their company's strong digital focus and successful marketing strategies.  

Christa Wild from Marine Project discussed last seasons memorable moments and embracing digitalization.  

Christopher Lait of SailChecker cited labour shortages and emphasized the importance of real-time data.  

Anne de Vries of Tubber talked about their focus on customer service and the omnipresent role of digital tools.  

Lastly, Lidija Amižić from Feel Yachting shed light on the company's move into the luxury sector and the outstanding advantages of digitalisation.  
 
While the challenges of 2023 tested the resolve of the yacht charter industry, it also presented opportunities for innovation and deeper client engagement.  
 
It's clear that, armed with modern digital tools and a focus on customer experience, these industry experts are not just weathering the storm - they're successfully using it to their advantage.  
 
And what about you? How’s your standing on the last season? 
 

• Share:

---