In 2019 the Mediterranean was the most sought-after charter destination with 76% of charterers choosing its iconic shores.
The most popular spot was Greece, accounting for 23% of Mediterranean bookings – not surprising since The Cyclades and the Ionian Islands offer a perfect mix of idyllic, off-the-radar anchorages and cosmopolitan nightlife, putting islands such as Mykonos on the global map.
The second most popular place with 17% of bookings was the French Riviera, one of the most glamorous yachting destinations in the world. Its ultra-chic beach towns and hilltop villages are breathtakingly beautiful while special events such as the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix attract the international yacht jet set. Taking the third spot with 11% of bookings was the Amalfi Coast with Positano, Sorrento and Ravello offering old-world Italian glamour and photo-worthy backdrops best viewed from the deck of a superyacht.
An increasing demand for far-flung destinations
While the traditional hotspots remain strong in 2020, with charters in Southeast Asia in particular up a whopping 170% and six times more requests. Charterers are discovering the appeal of the uninhabited islands and paradise beaches of Thailand and Indonesia - the perfect remedy for busy CEOs and their families seeking total escape. Interestingly, 87% of charterers are families compared to 13% corporate bookings.
Yotha.com features a multitude of guides to the world's most desirable yachting locations. Once the user has selected their dream destination and vacation dates, they are invited to browse a selection of available motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans, whose price is negotiable online directly with the yacht's owner.
Modern motor yachts still soaring ahead
Since the platform's creation, 230+ luxury vessels have signed up – with 114 superyachts joining in both 2018 and 2019 and a growing fleet in the Caribbean predicted for 2020. Yachts in the 35-45-metre range are still proving the most popular charter request and represent 32% of bookings, with yachts over 45 metres accounting for 28% and yachts in the 25-34-metre range comprising 26%. In terms of motor yachts versus sailing yachts, the former wins by far with double the amount of bookings compared to sailing yachts.
Currently, Yotha's top three most requested yachts are 47-metre motor yacht “Sirocco” with African-inspired interior and state-of-the-art technology, 52-metre motor yacht “Seven Sins” with glass-bottom pool, Jacuzzi and ocean-side balconies, and 60-metre sailing yacht “Germania Nova”, a classic schooner with a modern makeover.
In general, boats that have been recently refitted, especially those with outstanding amenities such as swimming pools, cinemas and exhilarating water toys are very popular. More than ever before, there is a demand for exceptional "toy boxes" which now include not just jet skis and sea bobs but flyboards, hoverboards and trampolines. Indeed, the internet is exposing a whole new audience to the yachting experience and Yotha is now curious to see how this will evolve.
"Looking back on a successful year of charters, we are excited to say that Yotha has created the world's first onboard app dedicated to the charter journey as well as having a very active community of charterers and owners. As chartering becomes increasingly popular outside of traditional yachting circles, it is attracting more first-timers than ever. In the 2020s we expect to see that trend continue as well as a rise in the number of charters in remote parts of the world.", Carlo Benveduti, COO of Yotha.
