To most of the outside world, chartering a Superyacht is a distant dream and gives the impression that it’s only attainable by the mega rich. Not so! There are ways of “ordinary folks”, us mere mortals, being allowed to enter and enjoy this world of extreme luxury at a similar price to that of a week in a five star hotel. How is this possible I hear you ask ?

Yacht sharing is the simple answer. Let’s look at an example.

“Ace Six”, currently on offer by Bluewater Yachting here in Palma is a 25 metre classic motoryacht, built in 1987 but having benefitted from a major refit in 2013, is available from 21,000 euros per week. She has four ensuite double cabins, with plenty of deck, dining and lounging space to avoid a feeling of being on top of each other. So, split the cost between four couples and you have a super value week on a classic charter yacht for around 2500 euros per head! This is what you get for your money:

ACE SIX- New to the Spanish charter market through Bluewater Yachting in Palma, this classic yacht has everything to offer for a luxurious charter in the Balearics at a great price. Based in and around Mallorca and Ibiza during the summer she is a perfect choice for someone who wishes to explore the islands and everything it has to offer. A very spacious yacht with an impressive upper deck perfect for sunset cocktails and bbq’s. Walking through the doors brings you into a spacious saloon, with recently re-fitted furnishings in relaxing tones of cream, and a forward dining area for more formal entertaining, comfortably seating up to 8 guests.
Ace Six accommodates 8/10 guests in 4 en-suite cabins, all in great style and comfort. The beautiful master cabin is full beam and located aft with a spacious walk in wardrobe, seating area and vanity unit complete with en suite shower room and his and hers sinks.
The full beam VIP cabin is located forward with double bed, plenty of wardrobe space and a seating area. The two twin cabins are located mid ship with 2 Pullman berths; perfect for families.

For more information, please contact : charterpalma@bluewateryachting.com

A company in Canada, Oceanscape Yachts, founded by Todd Beechey, who was a guest speaker at The Superyacht Conference here in Palma in 2013, spotted this niche in the market a few years ago, when he and his wife yearned to have a holiday on a luxury yacht rather than their annual holiday aboard a cruise liner. When he looked into the cost, he found it was prohibitive for just himself and his wife, even though he was a man of substantial means, but had the idea of seeing if a group of friends would be interested in joining them on a Superyacht holiday , thus diluting the cost. A group of friends and family agreed to the idea and they had the most wonderful holiday experience they could have imagined, visiting places only accessible by sea and with the expert local knowledge of the Captain and crew were able to wake up to a different view each morning. This brought the holiday cost per couple down to a similar amount they had previously paid for their cruise holidays, but now they had the freedom and five star personal service, unlike on a 3500 passenger liner!

When he explored further the idea of sharing holidays afloat with friends, family or simply like-minded people, he found there was a great reluctance by the industry to facilitate this idea.

So, he founded Oceanscape Yachts(   http://www.oceanscapeyachts.com/ )   to provide the platform for this type of experience, and has since expanded the idea to ski holidays where chalets are shared by groups of people with similar interests. The idea has been well received in Canada and the USA, where most of the Oceanscape Yachts are based. I am sure it won’t be long before a European based company begins to offer a similar service, and what’s more, I am sure it will be a great success. There are more and more shared ownership schemes for all types of things these days including boats, cars, aircraft etc, making experiences previously unattainable become a reality and this idea is just another extension of that theme. You can of course just arrange your own party via friends and family direct with a broker, why not try it for a special occasion?