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Yachts
and Cuisine
Some
of the world's most expensive superyachts were on show in
Antigua, nestled in the warm waters of the Caribbean, in December
2001. Caribbean food was used as an added bait
to those who could easily afford any yacht.
December's
Antigua Charter Show attracted brokers worldwide.
Few
brokers seem worried about the long-term future of this traditionally
recession-proof industry. With more luxury yachts being built
than ever before and the Mediterranean market still strong,
there is apprehension but not panic.
"I
don't think we can say it is going to be as busy as last year.
But it's certainly not going to be a quiet season," says
Neil Hornsby, a broker for Nigel Burgess.
Food
for thought
But
it's not just about the boat. Levels of service and cuisine
must be high.
The
Antigua charter's show's prestigious chef's competition was
held on the Perini superyacht Thetis, where chef Lance Walker
prepared jerk prawns, coconut yam fritters and banana espresso
bread pudding.
"Food
and drinking on board the boats is very important," says
Boat International chairman Christian Chalmain.
"But
it's not really a matter of money, it's a matter of know-how
-- to have the right people, to have the right service.
"The
cost of food and drink on board a charter is no more than
15 percent of the total charter. But it can ruin it if it
is not right and can make it if it is right."
Super
rich
In
Antigua, hopes remained high. "This is the biggest charter
yacht show in the world," says Sarah Sebastian, Nicholson
Yachts' show director.
"You
can stock yourself up, inspect your yachts for the full year
for the Mediterranean, for the West Coast, East Coast and
all the cruising grounds around the world."
With
some of the yachts on display costing more than $15 million,
the typical owner of an exclusive charter vessel is likely
to be in the super-rich bracket. But with annual running costs
exceeding $500,000, additional income is always welcome.
"Realistically
to recoup some of the operational costs, an owner needs to
see a boat working for itself and not just sitting around
costing money," says Hornsby.
"We'll
try to recoup probably 70 or 80 percent of their operational
costs during the year."
At
a basic price of $68,000 a week, the 130-foot ketch Victoria
of Strathearn comes fully crewed, but you can still get your
hands dirty if you are a keen sailor.
"You
can do as much as you want," says skipper Simon Famer.
"You can get behind the wheel, steer the boat, trim the
winches, trim the sails, you can have a lot of fun."
But
if you don't want the wind in your face, the interiors are
like deluxe hotels.
Luxury
chartering is a $150 million-a-year business. And with more
than 400 yachts in the market, it is increasingly competitive.
That's why the shows are vital.
Hume
Jones, a broker for Camper and Nicholsons International, says:
"Over the course of a year the yacht can change in quality.
So one year it can be looking perfect, five star. Other years
it can look worn.
"So
here at the show it is the only time we that we as retail
charger brokers can sell the boat to the client."
December 28, 2001
cnn.com
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