Are you the proud owner of a luxury yacht or sailboat who loves to share your passion for the sea with others? Maybe right now, you don’t get to spend nearly as much time out on the water as you would like; the high-pressure day job that bought you that fine craft is so demanding you can barely slip a short cruise in on the weekends. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could find a way to make that boat pay you for taking it out so you could forget that landlubber desk job and spend all the time you want out at sea? Well, Skipper, where there is a will, there is a way, and that way is to become a charter tour operator.
Luxury boat charters never go out of style; they are one of the most popular holiday destinations on this big blue planet. The demand is so high that waiting lists can be as long as a year or more! Now, thanks to the amazing advances in internet technology, running your own charter business doesn’t need to be just a dream; you can make it your reality! Thanks to fantastic tools like boat charter software you can let the computer do all the legwork whilst you hone your high seas skills so you will be ready to say “welcome aboard!” as your eager guests walk the gangway to the adventure of a lifetime- one that you have the pleasure of guiding them on, sharing your experience and love of the sea with all who come to you!
The services you offer will depend on what type of boat you are running. If it’s a spacious catamaran, you could host a high-seas wedding party, whereas a smaller motor yacht is perfect for exploring coastal features up close with smaller groups. A classic sailing yacht is ideal for that romantic honeymoon cruise; just be prepared to make yourself scarce when your lovebird guests need that special time for only two! That’s when you can kick back in your cabin with a good book or quietly man the wheel while doing some star-watching, all the things you loved to do before but are now getting paid for doing them!
Depending on the types of charters you intend to offer, you may find it helpful to hire some crew to help you make sure your passengers enjoy their time at sea to the fullest. If you love to cook, then by all means, man the galley yourself, or hire a professional ship’s cook to make the meals. A first mate is always a welcome addition to any crew; they should have a wide range of skills, including navigation, sail and/or motor maintenance, customer relations, and of course, the traditional brass polishing and deck swabbing!
We have focused on the fun parts of this venture, but don’t forget you will need to manage the business aspects, for example, obtaining the proper license to operate your charter. Anchors, aweigh, Skipper!
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
