#superyacht charter Med

[blueiscoool]

The 170-Foot Sailing Yacht 'Reposado'

'Reposado' is available for charter in the Med, with rates starting at roughly $146,800 per week.

The custom 170-footer, which was recently delivered by Tramontana and listed for charter with IYC, combines the cruising capabilities of a high-tech sailer with the lavish amenities of a luxury superyacht.

Penned by the Croatian yard’s in-house team, Reposado features a sleek, contemporary exterior and an expansive, light-filled interior. The vessel is centered around a generous main salon that showcases elegant decor and bespoke furniture inspired by nature. The warm, inviting space is adorned with a plush L-shaped sofa, a coffee table, and a sophisticated bar from which you can enjoy your favorite reposado. Forward of the salon lies a formal dining area with a custom 12-seat table.

The Reposado can sleep 12 in six convertible cabins. Both the owner’s suite and the VIP measure the full width of the 28-foot beam. Seafarers (and any furry friends) will be attended to by a highly experienced crew of 10.

The exterior decks are geared toward entertaining. The sundeck is adorned with a wet bar, a fire pit, and an alfresco dining table at one end and a huge lounge at the other. Toward the center of the deck, an eight-seat Jacuzzi and sizeable sun pad sit beneath one of the two towering masts. At the aft, Reposado is outfitted with a giant beach club that gives guests direct access to the sea. The vessel also has a full arsenal of water toys, including a chase boat and Jet Skis.

In terms of grunt, Reposado is powered by twin Caterpillar C18 engines that enable a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 14 knots.

[ramtracking]

More than 100 superyachts make their way to Nafplio ahead of 9th Mediterranean Yacht Show [ Greece ]

More than 100 superyachts make their way to Nafplio ahead of 9th Mediterranean Yacht Show [News Summary] The five-day charter show (from April 27 to May 1) promises to be another record-breaking year with 102 yachts planning to attend… Opening its doors for a highly anticipated 20th edition, the East Med Multihull & Yacht Charter Show (EMMYS) welcomes industry professionals… The island of Poros…

[mediterraneanyachtcharters]

Mediterranean Yacht Charter

A yacht rental with Mediterranean Yacht Charter is an excellent way to explore the best coastline on earth, including national parks, secluded bays, sparkling azure waters, vibrantly coloured marine life, and a variety of nightlife options. You can experience freedom and choice in some of the most breathtaking places on a yacht vacation.

The most common summer destination is always a yacht charter in the Mediterranean. Here you can read testimonials from hundreds of our clients. Imaginary locations include the French Riviera, Monaco, Italy, Croatia, Sardinia, Spain, and Greece. You can find a wide range of fascinating locations and cultures to explore in this area, which is also where the majority of the big crewed superyachts are based. Everything is in the Mediterranean, also known as the Med. The region includes a wide range of nations, cultures, landscapes, and events. However, the great thing is that they are near to one another, making it very simple to plan convenient itineraries that are jam-packed with activities.

[eastmedyachting]

OURANOS

Ouranos is a 50 metre luxury superyacht based in Athens. This magnificent yacht offers superb accommodation for 12 guests in 6 beautifully furnished cabins. With 3 decks Ouranos offers an incredible amount of outdoor space. The decor is minimalist with neutral colours to create a relaxed, yet elegant atmosphere. For more info check out our charter guide or have a look through our suggested itineraries. Why charter with East Med Yachting Ltd? We assure you of a professional, friendly and knowledgeable service. Furthermore, we take pride in our personal relationships, with our customers, owners, yacht crews and provisioners. Over the years East Med Yachting has continued to gain local knowledge of each area we charter. Consequently we are very familiar with the yachts and gulets we have on our website. Charter Yacht Disclaimer. The information we provide on this page is not contractual. We present the yachts and features in good faith and whilst we believe these to be correct, we cannot guarantee the accuracy. Accordingly East Med Yachting Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warranty. To aid your selection an East Med Yachting charter consultant is available by phone or email. We are happy to discuss the yacht, area or any other aspects of your charter. Generally prices displayed are in Euros and are for a one-week charter, unless we state otherwise. We will present you with accurate pricing and other details for agreement before a charter contract is drawn up. To start the process, you can simply click on the Check Availability button and fill out the form. After submitting we will get back to you (normally within 24 hours). Alternatively you can drop us an email if you have a specific yacht in mind. Read the full article

[yourboatholiday]

The 50 meters superyacht built by @benettiyachts Alexandra is based in Athens and available for charter in Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and the rest of the East Med. View more at https://www.yourboatholiday.com/yachts/boat-rental/alexandra-motor-yacht-for-charter-in-greece/ Follow us @yourboatholiday #yourboatholiday #benetti #benettiyachts #alexandra #alexandrayacht #yachtalexandra #50mtbenettiyacht #alexandrabenettiyacht #50metersbenettiyacht https://www.instagram.com/p/CVczkDdMcGH/?utm_medium=tumblr

[yachtingboat]

Port Denia Welcomes Superyachts from Caribbean

Port Denia Welcomes Superyachts from Caribbean

Spanish shipyard and marina Port Denia, after only a minor closure, is fully operational and ready to welcome yachts for the Mediterranean Summer season.

Many superyachts had delayed their return from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean as COVID-19 disrupted international travel, but as sailing and charter slowly return, so too are the yachts.

The Port Denia Shipyard continues to welcome new superyacht projects, with 55m Insignia becoming the latest to enter the yard. Maintenance project on other superyachts, including 44m Perini Navi S/Y Paz, have been able to progress by following strict government guidelines.  S/Y Paz recently had her mast removed at the shipyard before entering for a general service, while sister ships Chronos and Rhea have both been accommodated in the marina. The shipyard is able to take on projects up to 130m in length in its technical marina, while it has a lifting capacity of up to 1200GT. Some notable projects have included Top100 superyacht Lady Moura, who stayed for 5 months at Port Denia where she underwent a variety of works in the water.  

Port Denia benefits from a prime location on the Spanish East Coast, just 45 miles from Ibiza.  The Marina, situated just opposite the shipyard in the town centre, is ideal as either a stopover or summer berth. Superyachts of all categories can be accommodated, with stern-to berths of up to 65m and a 138m berth alongside. While the attraction of Ibiza will draw plenty of interest, there is also much reason to stay and enjoy the port city of Denia. As a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, Denia can certainly fulfil appetites for fine dining, while there are also golf courses, blue flag beaches and a vibrant nightlife to explore.

For superyachts returning to the Med, Port Denia presents an attractive option for either ‘between season’ works or a luxury stop off to enjoy the treats of the Spanish coast. It is promising to see the return of sailing within Europe and to have facilities like those at Port Denia open and available, we hope that superyacht owners and charter guests will soon return to the seas and enjoy their summer season.

Port Denia Welcomes Superyachts from Caribbean

Port Denia Welcomes Superyachts from Caribbean

Port Denia Welcomes Superyachts from Caribbean

Port Denia Welcomes Superyachts from Caribbean

[nord-engineering-blog]

3 OF THE BEST LUXURY CHARTER YACHTS FOR FITNESS AND WELLNESS Action-packed luxury yacht charters are all about indulgence and fun, but if you want to enjoy all the delights of being on board, then you might want to select a superyacht with a gym and/or spa on board. Whether you dream of exercising while taking in the sea views or enjoying a relaxing beauty treatment, there is a wide range of choices available. Here are some of the best luxury yachts available for charter for self-care fans:

1. Titania

Fresh from a major interior refit Titania is packed with features to help you enjoy an active charter. The 73 metre Lurssen has a climate-controlled gymnasium and a personal trainer on board to help tailor a personal plan to achieve your goals. There is also plenty of fun to be had on the water as she has a complete water park that can be deployed from her beach club. This includes a trampoline, climbing frame and one of the largest superyacht slides ever built, which is 13 metres high.If you are looking for a spot of pampering after your workout Titania has a beauty therapist and hairdresser on board who can offer a range of treatments in the dedicated spa room. Her crew of 21 also includes two Michelin-trained head chefs that can follow any specific diet plans or requirements.With accommodation for up to 12 guests in seven cabins, including two master suites, her new light interior offers plenty of spaces to relax in. Other stand out features include her beach club, which has a sauna and a bar and be converted into a nightclub, and a large pool with swim-up bar located on her upper deck.

Свежий из основного интерьеров Titania оснащен функциями, которые помогут вам дать наслаждаться активной хартией. В 73-метровом Лурсене есть спортивный зал с контролируемым климатом и персональный тренер на борту, чтобы помочь составить индивидуальный план. Существует также много развлечений, которые можно было бы сделать на воде, поскольку у нее есть полный аквапарк, который можно развернуть из своего пляжного клуба. Это включает в себя батут, альпинистскую раму и один из самых больших суперяхт, когда-либо построенных, высотой 13 метров.Если вы ищете место для отдыха после тренировки, у Titania есть терапевт-косметолог и парикмахер на борту, который может предложить различные процедуры в специализированном спа-зале. Ее команда из 21 также включает в себя двух шеф-поваров, подготовленных Michelin, которые могут следовать любым конкретным планам или требованиям диеты.В жилых помещениях до 12 человек в семи каютах, в том числе в двух основных люксах, ее новый светлый интерьер предлагает множество мест для отдыха. Среди других отличных особенностей - пляжный клуб , в котором есть сауна и бар, а также конвертируется в ночной клуб, и большой бассейн с плавательным баром, расположенным на ее верхней палубе.

2.  Firebird

Guests can enjoy a more adrenaline-pumping workout with Firebird, which offers ski touring using the yacht as a mobile base camp in Arctic Norway. During the summer months, she can be chartered off the Damation Coast where guests can enjoy plenty of sailing action alongside a healthy Mediterranean menu. Additionally, the onboard chef is also a yoga instructor and provides private lessons on the deck surrounded by beautiful scenery.Delivered in 2016 by Oyster, 27.08 metre Firebird can sleep up to seven guests in four cabins. Below deck she features a sleek main saloon with vast windows and a dining/lounge area. Up on deck, there are numerous sunbathing spots, comfy sofas and an al fresco dining area. Гости могут насладиться более интенсивной тренировкой  с Firebird, которая предлагает катание на лыжах с использованием яхты в качестве базовоголагеря в Арктике. В летние месяцы она может быть зафрахтована с побережья Damation, где гости могут насладиться множеством парусных действий с здоровым средиземноморским меню. Кроме того, бортовой шеф-повар также является инструктором по йоге и предоставляет частные уроки на палубе.Поставляется c 2016 годf Oyster, 27.08 метров Firebird может разместить до семи гостей в четырех каютах. Под палубой имеется гладкий главный салон с обширными окнами и обеденным  лаунджем. На палубе есть многочисленные места для принятия солнечных ванн, удобные диваны и обеденная зона на свежем воздухе.

3. Ouranos

Escape on a luxurious wellness break in the Med on board 50 metre Admiral superyacht Ouranos, which can sleep up to 12 guests in six cabins. Delivered in 2016, she boasts a wellness hub within the beach club terrace aft. Here guests can work out in the fully-equipped gym before heading to the treatment area for a massage or to the steam room. Additionally, her fold-down balconies are the perfect spot for some waterside yoga.Her other on-board highlights include a beautiful contemporary main saloon and dining area, a gorgeous TV lounge and a dedicated cocktail bar. Out on deck, there's a Jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads on the sundeck as well as numerous al fresco lounge and dining areas.

На роскошном оздоровительном перерыве в Med на борту 50-метровой адмиральной суперяхты Ouranos, которая может расположить до 12 гостей в шести каютах. Поставляется с 2016 года, она может похвастаться оздоровительным центром на террасе пляжного клуба на корме. Здесь гости могут позаниматься в полностью оборудованном тренажерном зале, а затем отправиться в лечебную зону для массажа или в парную. Кроме того, ее раскладные балконы - идеальное место для йоги.Ее другие основные элементы включают красивый современный салон и столовую, великолепный лаундж с телевизором и специальный коктейль-бар. На палубе есть джакузи, окруженная солнечными ваннами на террасе, а также многочисленные лаундж и столовая на свежем воздухе.

[boatlagoon-blog]

Experience the World of Luxury Yacht Charter with Boat Lagoon Cruises

Luxury Yacht Rentals and Charters Available in Phuket, Thailand

South East Asia is becoming one of the favorite destinations of tourists from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Often referred to as the Med of Asia, South East Asia offers cruising grounds that are roughly three times the size of the Mediterranean Sea.

The increase in the number of yachts available for charter across the region has made it both affordable for the mass market tourist industry and very accessible for the High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) looking for an exclusive lifestyle experience on a luxurious Superyacht.

Clients choose to charter a boat either as part of their holidays or just for a one-day experience far from the crowded beaches.

The main reasons for chartering a yacht are affordability which is fairly new in South East Asia and mainly due to the increased offer of charter of small vessels (22m and more), convenience which is on the increase thanks to the opening of new marinas and infrastructures across South East Asia and freedom which is the top criteria for all.

For more information, please visit our website: http://www.boatlagooncruises.com/

[blueiscoool]

The 295-Foot Superyacht ‘Nero’

Superyacht fans around the world will instantly recognize Nero, the one-of-a-kind 295-footer that defines the term “modern classic.” First launched from Corsair Yachts in 2007, Nero was commissioned as a replica of the famed 300-foot Corsair IV owned by J.P. Morgan, which, when launched in 1930, was the world’s largest yacht.

British entrepreneur Neil Taylor loved the look of Corsair IV, but didn’t want the expense of restoring a vintage yacht—which would’ve been impossible with Corsair, since it had transitioned into a high-end cruise ship in Asia and eventually sank off the coast of Mexico. Instead, Taylor set about building a beautiful replica with a modern hull and interior.

Taylor actually established the Yantai Raffles Shipyard in China and hired 400 workers to build the yacht, which took nearly four years to complete. Two years after her delivery, she took Best Motor Yacht over 246 feet in the ShowBoats International Design Awards. The 1930s lookalike has since undergone two major refits, the latest just completed at San Giorgio del Porto in Genoa, Italy, to become an even more modern version of the original classic.

“Nero’s original build was fairly complex, so this refit was a great opportunity to technically upgrade her to the latest regulations,” Capt. Marcel Busse told Robb Report. “I’ve overseen numerous large refits on other boats, but this one takes the cake on many levels.”

The icing on that cake is the sundeck gym filled with Technogym equipment, including a Kinesis, treadmill, cross trainer and cardio bike. The area also has loose weights, yoga and Pilates equipment and, naturally, a certified physical trainer is part of the crew. A large Jacuzzi just steps away on the sundeck makes a perfect post-workout de-stressor.

“It used to be a ‘snug’ salon, but was underused,” says Busse. “Now it’s a fully-fledged gym with mirror-fronted storage lockers, fridge and TV. We’ve got a lot of space on the sun deck, which is monstrous compared to other boats of her size.” An 18.7-foot-long resistance pool is also located on the foredeck. The original gym has become a beauty salon and massage area.

Nero’s owners have been careful to preserve its inimitable historical look, including the long bowsprit and yellow funnel in the center. The sleek exterior lines that herald the golden age of yachting haven’t been touched, though her striking black hull and superstructure have received a fresh coat of paint. One key area that has been rehabbed: The air-conditioning system, which could spell the difference between heaven and misery on such a large yacht. “It’s key for a black-hulled boat like Nero,” says Busse.

Nero underwent a nine-month refit five years ago that included an updated interior by designer Laura Pomponi. “The owners spent a lot of time and money in 2016 upgrading the interior from dark wood to lime-washed wood with light-colored carpets,” says Busse. “We’ve maintained the lime wash and given the interior a Hamptons beach-house vibe.”

Pomponi was brought back for Nero’s most recent refit, giving the interior turquoise hues with blue and red accents. Handmade carpets run throughout, including the owner’s duplex suite with separate lounge, study and his-and-hers bathrooms. Most soft furnishings, fabrics and sofas have been replaced. In the sky lounge bar, a new maple-and-oak hardwood floor delivers a wow factor in what looks like a classic yacht.

For onboard entertainment, a newly installed and upgraded Icon Connect AV/IT system delivers the latest technology. A collection of water toys, including an inflatable slide, keep everyone happy in the water.

As part of the refit, Nero’s original custom 31-ft. limousine tender also got a makeover, with new paint and varnish, upholstery and interior lights to update her classic beauty.

Despite the classic look, Busse says the yacht has a modern hull that cruises well at 14 knots, while consuming the same amount of fuel most yachts her size would use at 12 knots. “She has two sets of stabilizers, giving her four in total, so she’s quite stable,” he says.

Nero is available for charter in the Med through Burgess Yachts, with weekly charters starting at about $590,000

By Julia Zaltzman.

[ramtracking]

More than 100 superyachts make their way to Nafplio ahead of 9th Mediterranean Yacht Show [ Boat show ]

More than 100 superyachts make their way to Nafplio ahead of 9th Mediterranean Yacht Show [News Summary] The five-day charter show (from April 27 to May 1) promises to be another record-breaking year with 102 yachts planning to attend… Opening its doors for a highly anticipated 20th edition, the East Med Multihull & Yacht Charter Show (EMMYS) welcomes industry professionals… The island of Poros…

[worldyachtgroup]

Here is one for Superyacht charter connoisseur - brand new super yacht is available for charter this summer on the MED. 💥💥💥. Superyacht Liquid Sky is a brand new 47m beauty. Link in bio⚓️⚓️⚓️ Or you can check her out in details ⚓️ on dedicated website www.YachtLiquidSky.com 🔥.🔥🔥 Contact us for current availability or to book at info@worldyachtgroup.com and tag your friends in a comment 👍🏻#worldyachtgroup #yachtblog #liquidsky

[touristguidebuzz]

New App Offers Yacht-Sharing for $120 a Day

A still from a Float promotional video, highlighting the speed and ease of using the app. Float

Skift Take: Cruising is already one of the cheapest ways to travel, but this yacht rental startup could be giving cruises a run for their money.

— Sarah Enelow

Yachting the French Riviera carries connotations of Champagne-fueled deck parties, zipping around the turquoise sea on jet skis, and having a crew to spray your sun-dappled face with Evian mist — all for the bare-minimum price of $10,000 per week.

Until now, those without five- and six-figure budgets have had a hard time living the yacht life. Either you “know a guy” who can rent you a boat for the day, or you go through official channels with a charter agency. A few hours on a small catamaran in Cannes? It can run upwards of $1,000 after rounds of contract negotiations, commissions, and carbon-copied forms.

Or you can bypass the system and live out your booze-fueled seafaring dreams for a mere €99 ($117) per day.

That’s the promise behind Float, a disruptor that launched this past June in Monaco and St. Tropez — and that’s quickly expanding to other major seafaring markets. Think of it a bit like Airbnb. The accommodation site lets you rent a room in an apartment or the full apartment, depending on how much you’d like to splurge or save. So too does Float: It lets you book just one “seat” if you don’t have seven friends to defray the cost of a yacht charter, or you can gather a group of friends and buy out a sleek little cruiser. Take the former approach, though, and you may end up making new friends when you drop anchor for a swim.

How It Works

“We’re more like NetJets than a water taxi,” says Float co-founder Jean-Jacques Boude, drawing a comparison between his startup and the Berkshire Hathaway Inc.-owned pioneer for fractional private jet ownership, which took a hit during the recession but is stable and growing after 53 years of operation. Airbnb and Uber, he says, have also inspired his approach. “We sell day charters by the seat or by the cabins for a few days on board, all through a fully digital app,” he says. (The model compares best to NetJets’ jet card program, which lets you buy “flight hours” on an a la carte basis.)

Indeed, the service is more experiential than a water taxi. Though Float will shuttle you to a buzzy beach club in Pampelonne or La Mala for the day, the appeal is more about being on the water than getting from Point A to Point B. You sail, you clink glasses, you swim in the Med, maybe even go fishing or take out some jet skis. Eventually you make your way to the destination port for a few hours before turning back around to the place where you first started.

Booking takes two to three minutes, tops: You sign up on the app or website, pick your origin and destination, select the number of seats you want to book, and input your credit card. Moments later a boarding pass is sent to your Apple Wallet. No contracts, no surcharges, and no hidden costs. (That’s a distinguishing factor, says Boude, noting that traditional charter companies liberally pile on fuel and food charges during rounds of contract negotiations.)

The Experience

Despite the slimmed-down cost — which mostly cuts out overhead — you don’t get a particularly slimmed-down service. Ruinart Champagne and canapés are included, as well as a full crew. A concierge service will also book you dinner at the hot new restaurant of your choice, or help you bring a DJ on board for private dance parties.

But Float is still a small company, and its fleet follows suit. These aren’t megayachts in the vein of Azzam, the record-setting 591-footer owned by the Emir of Abu Dhabi. Currently, Float’s two vessels are of much humbler proportions — one clocks in at 49 feet (15 meters); the other at 59 feet (18 meters) — but the company is investing in larger motor yachts as it readies to launch in other global destinations. If all goes according to plan, Boude says, Float will be operating three ships in Miami by November; next year, he told Bloomberg, he’ll launch in Ibiza, Mykonos, and Corfu. By then, he expects to secure at least one 104-foot superyacht, which will offer overnight trips from Miami to the Bimini islands for $1,000 per person per night.

A Reasonable Ride

Sort of like Bolt Bus or MegaBus, Float is built on the principle of dynamic pricing: If demand is high, the €99 rates might climb. (Boude expects the prices to max out at €199, or $235.)

And that price point does imply certain limitations. While there’s hot food to go with those fabulous drinks, it’s preprepared and then heated by a basic onboard crew — you’re not splurging on a private chef. If you want to add an experience like jet skiing or fishing, that’s an extra cost.

“Most of our clients, about 90 percent, never eat on board anyway — they go to restaurants instead,” says Boude, adding that thus far the service has been especially popular with Formula One drivers such as Max Verstappen.

What remains to be seen is the size of Float’s margins, which may be the point of scrutiny as the startup enters its second round of funding. “This is a demanding business in terms of cash flow — we may be doing fundraising every three months,” Boude jokes. But he says the company’s wide appeal has investors knocking. “For people who have never been on a yacht or could never afford it, it will allow them to do that.”

  ©2017 Bloomberg L.P.

This article was written by Nikki Ekstein from Bloomberg and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.

[yachtingboat]

Bilgin Flagship 80m Tatiana: For Charter with IYC

Bilgin Flagship 80m Tatiana: For Charter with IYC

The launch of 80m flagship Tatiana in February this year indisputably propelled Bilgin Yachts into a new dimension on the global superyachting stage. The first hull of the Bilgin 263 series, which made headlines as the largest superyacht to ever be built in Turkey, is now available for charter with brokerage firm IYC.

The welcome addition to IYC’s charter fleet is available for a Mediterranean charter this summer; an experience which promises to be quite unlike any other. 

The standout superyacht is remarkably unimposing for her size, owing to a streamlined and exceptionally sleek profile crafted by Bilgin favourite Unique Yacht Design. Her interiors have been carefully crafted by British design studio H2 Yacht Design, led by Jonny Horsfield.

Working for an experienced yacht owner with a clear design concept for Tatiana, Horsfield commented, ‘We tried to bring a crisp and contemporary feel by using a rich palette of colours. Also, the exterior decks have a rich warm theme that completes this design approach.’

The crew experience can make or break a good charter. With room for 20 doting crew onboard this luxury vessel, every guests’ want and need will be dutifully tended to, leaving charterers free to enjoy at their leisure the fantastic amenities Tatiana has to offer. 

Whether it is an immersive experience in Tatiana’s plush cinema room, a cocktail in her pool bar or working up a sweat in her fully-equipped gym, IYC is offering charter groups a chance to truly escape any daily stresses this summer. And for those with a penchant for life’s more high-octane thrills, Tatiana comes fully equipped with an array of exciting water toys for guests to make the utmost of their stay on the water.

Completed by a choice of spacious and stylish dining and socialising spaces, Tatiana was truly built with the most sumptuous of charter experiences in mind - and is an opportunity not to be missed in the Med this summer. 

Bilgin Flagship 80m Tatiana: For Charter with IYC

Bilgin Flagship 80m Tatiana: For Charter with IYC

Bilgin Flagship 80m Tatiana: For Charter with IYC

Bilgin Flagship 80m Tatiana: For Charter with IYC

[charterworld-luxuryyachtcharters]

[rollinbrigittenv8]

New App Offers Yacht-Sharing for $120 a Day

A still from a Float promotional video, highlighting the speed and ease of using the app. Float

Skift Take: Cruising is already one of the cheapest ways to travel, but this yacht rental startup could be giving cruises a run for their money.

— Sarah Enelow

Yachting the French Riviera carries connotations of Champagne-fueled deck parties, zipping around the turquoise sea on jet skis, and having a crew to spray your sun-dappled face with Evian mist — all for the bare-minimum price of $10,000 per week.

Until now, those without five- and six-figure budgets have had a hard time living the yacht life. Either you “know a guy” who can rent you a boat for the day, or you go through official channels with a charter agency. A few hours on a small catamaran in Cannes? It can run upwards of $1,000 after rounds of contract negotiations, commissions, and carbon-copied forms.

Or you can bypass the system and live out your booze-fueled seafaring dreams for a mere €99 ($117) per day.

That’s the promise behind Float, a disruptor that launched this past June in Monaco and St. Tropez — and that’s quickly expanding to other major seafaring markets. Think of it a bit like Airbnb. The accommodation site lets you rent a room in an apartment or the full apartment, depending on how much you’d like to splurge or save. So too does Float: It lets you book just one “seat” if you don’t have seven friends to defray the cost of a yacht charter, or you can gather a group of friends and buy out a sleek little cruiser. Take the former approach, though, and you may end up making new friends when you drop anchor for a swim.

How It Works

“We’re more like NetJets than a water taxi,” says Float co-founder Jean-Jacques Boude, drawing a comparison between his startup and the Berkshire Hathaway Inc.-owned pioneer for fractional private jet ownership, which took a hit during the recession but is stable and growing after 53 years of operation. Airbnb and Uber, he says, have also inspired his approach. “We sell day charters by the seat or by the cabins for a few days on board, all through a fully digital app,” he says. (The model compares best to NetJets’ jet card program, which lets you buy “flight hours” on an a la carte basis.)

Indeed, the service is more experiential than a water taxi. Though Float will shuttle you to a buzzy beach club in Pampelonne or La Mala for the day, the appeal is more about being on the water than getting from Point A to Point B. You sail, you clink glasses, you swim in the Med, maybe even go fishing or take out some jet skis. Eventually you make your way to the destination port for a few hours before turning back around to the place where you first started.

Booking takes two to three minutes, tops: You sign up on the app or website, pick your origin and destination, select the number of seats you want to book, and input your credit card. Moments later a boarding pass is sent to your Apple Wallet. No contracts, no surcharges, and no hidden costs. (That’s a distinguishing factor, says Boude, noting that traditional charter companies liberally pile on fuel and food charges during rounds of contract negotiations.)

The Experience

Despite the slimmed-down cost — which mostly cuts out overhead — you don’t get a particularly slimmed-down service. Ruinart Champagne and canapés are included, as well as a full crew. A concierge service will also book you dinner at the hot new restaurant of your choice, or help you bring a DJ on board for private dance parties.

But Float is still a small company, and its fleet follows suit. These aren’t megayachts in the vein of Azzam, the record-setting 591-footer owned by the Emir of Abu Dhabi. Currently, Float’s two vessels are of much humbler proportions — one clocks in at 49 feet (15 meters); the other at 59 feet (18 meters) — but the company is investing in larger motor yachts as it readies to launch in other global destinations. If all goes according to plan, Boude says, Float will be operating three ships in Miami by November; next year, he told Bloomberg, he’ll launch in Ibiza, Mykonos, and Corfu. By then, he expects to secure at least one 104-foot superyacht, which will offer overnight trips from Miami to the Bimini islands for $1,000 per person per night.

A Reasonable Ride

Sort of like Bolt Bus or MegaBus, Float is built on the principle of dynamic pricing: If demand is high, the €99 rates might climb. (Boude expects the prices to max out at €199, or $235.)

And that price point does imply certain limitations. While there’s hot food to go with those fabulous drinks, it’s preprepared and then heated by a basic onboard crew — you’re not splurging on a private chef. If you want to add an experience like jet skiing or fishing, that’s an extra cost.

“Most of our clients, about 90 percent, never eat on board anyway — they go to restaurants instead,” says Boude, adding that thus far the service has been especially popular with Formula One drivers such as Max Verstappen.

What remains to be seen is the size of Float’s margins, which may be the point of scrutiny as the startup enters its second round of funding. “This is a demanding business in terms of cash flow — we may be doing fundraising every three months,” Boude jokes. But he says the company’s wide appeal has investors knocking. “For people who have never been on a yacht or could never afford it, it will allow them to do that.”

©2017 Bloomberg L.P.

This article was written by Nikki Ekstein from Bloomberg and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.