Today, we tackle the question: How does one choose the right size and type of yacht for their needs when planning a special business or social function? It is crucial to pick the right size yacht when organising a corporate event or private party. A yacht that is too big will push the cost of your event higher than necessary, whilst one that is too small might keep your costs under control but will not please your guests. Cramped conditions on board an oceangoing yacht are a recipe for disaster. Similarly, it is important to charter the right type of vessel. A utilitarian explorer, fitted out for the harsh conditions encountered in the world’s remotest regions, is not the right choice for a celebratory corporate dinner, and a luxury superyacht would be entirely inappropriate for an environmental fundraising event. Continue reading below to discover how to pick the perfect vessel for your event.
Understanding Your Event and Guest List
To select the perfect yacht for an upcoming event or party, you must first understand the nature of the function and familiarise yourself with the guest list. These two factors, more than any other, should inform your choice of vessel when organising a special celebration onboard a yacht. Other factors which are pertinent to all types of yacht charters are discussed below in the section entitled Other Considerations.
- The Event – The type and size of yacht needed for an intimate wedding anniversary celebration would, of course, be nothing like the type and size of yacht required for a big corporate extravaganza. In addition to thinking about the number of people who will be attending, consider the nature of the event too. In this way, you can get a better feel for the type of craft that will meet your needs at a competitive price. If you are planning a lavish corporate dinner, a well-equipped galley is a must; for a daughter’s 21st birthday party, a generously proportioned dance floor should be considered an essential feature when evaluating yachts for charter.
- The Guest List – The people attending your event are, of course, the single most important factor to consider. After all, everything is being organised for their benefit. To ensure your guests are happy, comfortable and safe, charter a yacht that is fitted out to meet their needs. For example, if many of your guests are senior citizens, charter a vessel with cabins designed for older passengers. If you are planning an event to which families will be invited, make sure the yacht you charter has space for children’s activities as well as adult entertainment.
If you understand the nature of your event and are familiar with the guest list yet still unable to choose a vessel, you are welcome to contact us. We have helped many companies and individuals organise highly successful private and commercial events onboard our luxury charter yachts in Phuket.
Selecting the Right Yacht Size
Before approaching local brokers and yacht charter companies, it is a good idea to do a little homework so you know what you are talking about and can understand the people you are talking to. In addition to helping you communicate with industry experts, learning the different categories of yachts will also make it easier for you to focus your online searches on vessels that are the right size for your upcoming event.
- Yacht – A vessel from 12 to 23.9 metres in length is considered a yacht by most experts.
- Superyacht – Anything from 24 to 59.9 metres in length is generally considered a superyacht.
- Mega yacht – The majority of industry insiders agree that vessels from 60 metres and upwards in length should be referred to as mega yachts.
- Giga Yacht – A new category of yacht has emerged in recent years: the giga yacht. Whilst not yet as widely accepted as the other three categories, the term giga yacht, which refers to vessels that are 90 metres or more in length, is likely to become more popular.
Now you are familiar with the different categories and know the size of the vessels that belong in each category, you can find suitable yachts more quickly by searching the appropriate sections of charter firms and yacht brokers’ listings.
Selecting the Right Type of Yacht
Most yacht charter companies have a variety of vessel types in their fleets, including the following:
- Monohull Yachts – The majority of vessels you encounter will be monohull yachts, conventional yachts that are versatile, reliable, comfortable and practical.
- Catamarans – Double-hulled vessels are usually more spacious and faster but usually more expensive to charter than comparable monohull vessels and cost more to dock due to the beam width.
- Traditional Schooners – A style of yacht that harks back to simpler times, multi-mast schooners are a sight to behold on the open seas. If you are of a romantic bent, chartering a schooner for a special anniversary is a great idea.
- Wooden Thai-Style Motor Yachts – You won’t find anything quite like this in most charter companies’ books, but if you choose us to supply your boat, you could hold your next private or corporate function on a wooden Thai-style bull motor yacht.
You may be offered other types of yachts, such as modern motor yachts or rugged explorer yachts, depending on the charter companies you decide to approach.
Other Considerations
In addition to thinking about the type of event you are organising and the guests, don’t forget to consider:
- Total Cost
- Destination/Itinerary
- Crewed vs. Uncrewed Options
- Any Extras You May Require
Most of these factors are self-explanatory except for the last. By extras, we mean special dietary requirements for crew or passengers, Wi-Fi connectivity and any specialist services that may be required.
Practical Tips for the Charter Process
Once you have found the perfect yacht, you will need to organise the details of your charter. Meal and refreshment times, guest accommodation preferences, and arrival/departure times all need to be agreed with the charter company. If you choose your charter company wisely, you can look forward to professional help and advice throughout the charter process. However, if you did not do your homework, this may not be the case.
When planning meals onboard, we recommend leaving no more than 4 hours in between servings and making sure adequate refreshments are available at all other times.
Conclusion
In summary, the most important factors to consider when choosing a yacht for a special private or commercial event are the event itself and the people you plan to invite. As long as the vessel you charter can safely and comfortably accommodate your guests and is suitable for the type of event and activities you are organising, you should not encounter any major difficulties. If you also consider other general factors, such as meals onboard, the itinerary and any extra services you require, you will significantly increase the chances of your event being a success.
To charter a luxury vessel for a private or corporate event in this part of the world, contact Isabella Yachts Phuket. Our experts will be delighted to help you make all the necessary arrangements.