Charter insight

As restrictions start to lift around the world, Y.CO has reported that demand is once again increasing, with the 28-percent increase in web traffic that was seen during the quarantine period now converting to enquiries.

In order to keep up with the rapidly evolving restrictions and provide up-to-date, reliable advice to clients desperate to get back out on the water again, Y.CO has put in place a dedicated resource to monitor the global situation carefully and compile up-to-date information on changing regulations and on which areas are open for cruising. A team has been analysing the information as it is received, using a global network of contacts to monitor how restrictions are applied in practice. The information is not only used by the charter team but is also used to provide comprehensive support to the 100 large yacht operations that Y.CO manages.

The interactive cruising guide, hosted on the Y.CO website is an intuitive and straightforward online map, which shows which areas are open around the world for yacht charter, along with expected reopening dates for others. It also presents a selection of yachts available for charter in each selected region.

Some of the destinations that are already open for yacht charter include Croatia, Sweden, Italy and some of the Caribbean, including St Barths and St Martin. France, Greece and Spain are expected to open imminently and are proving popular.

Y.CO is also receiving enquiries from clients who wish to travel during off-peak periods or cruise more locally to fit in with current travel restrictions, which has made the traditional yachting seasons of the Mediterranean summer and the Caribbean winter less relevant than last year. Y.CO has reported an increase in demand for summer charters in the Caribbean, traditionally a Winter destination, particularly among US clients.

Charlie Birkett, Y.CO Co-founder and CEO said, “As a company, we have always been at the forefront of new technology and have spearheaded several digital initiatives that have driven change toward a better client experience across the wider yachting industry.” 

“By providing our charter clients with up-to-date, accurate information in a format that is not only easily accessible but intuitive to use, we hope to demystify the confusing and often conflicting information that is circulating and improve client confidence at every stage of the booking journey.

“Together with our robust flexible cancellation policy, we hope to provide those who wish to get back out on the water with the security they need to make the most of 2020 and beyond,” said Birkett.

Y.CO