Ocean Independence - The World of Yacht Charter
Today few companies have a real depth of experience matched with an intense passion for what they do, and these are the vital factors that separate international yacht brokerage Ocean Independence from the crowd. Successfully adapting to the challenging and ever-changing travel landscape of the past year, their experienced global team have continued to deliver high-quality, professional and trusted advice on all aspects of yachting.
Long seen as the ultimate luxury getaway enjoyed by the rich and famous, yacht charter offers endless options for the perfect vacation. From a family sailing adventure or island-hopping with friends, to a more intimate charter experience on board a classic superyacht, yachting delivers the exclusive opportunity to enjoy unsurpassed flexibility, tailored service, and total seclusion.
Therefore, it is little wonder that this form of private, luxury travel has become even more popular given the global health climate of the past year. A yacht charter allows guests to experience water sports, pampering and fine dining, in a totally private environment, negating the need to visit spas, restaurants or public spaces. Add to this a select and dedicated crew who unswervingly follow strict health protocols, with the same people remaining on board throughout the entire journey.
Due to the uncertainty around changing travel rules and quarantine periods, the ability to take one long, amazing vacation on the water has shown massive appeal. Delivering unrivalled flexibility that cannot be achieved at a villa or hotel a private yacht enables multiple destinations to be visited in safety, without the need for extra transport or encountering crowds. Additionally, the itinerary can be adjusted mid-journey should the situation change in a specific location or indeed extended should guests wish to take longer for their trip.
Many yacht owners have taken serious measures to upgrade their yachts’ safety standards for future charters. In the Mediterranean, 37m Benetti EDESIA has taken advanced steps to ensure peace of mind for charter guests. UVC sterilizing lights have been installed in some of the air conditioning ducting in order to effectively kill viruses, and a heavy-duty Ozone (03) Generator is used rigidly to sanitize between charters. With a top-level crew who receive daily health checks, and these extra observations, guests can be assured of the utmost protection and care.
Yacht charter has always evoked a unique sense of freedom on the water, but this has become heightened in the last year. While the 2020 summer season certainly brought with it a host of challenges, nothing has been insurmountable, and the complexities of Covid-19 have merely served to emphasize the importance of dealing with an experienced broker. The Ocean Independence team have jumped through many logistical hoops, juggling ever-changing flight itineraries, preparing new flexible booking addendums, addressing limitations on cruising areas and keeping up to date with a variety of evolving health protocols. However, clients have consistently commented that the difficulties in achieving a charter vacation are entirely forgotten the minute they have stepped on board and they have gained a whole new appreciation of charter due to the extra effort to overcome challenges. By nature, yacht crew are fantastic at adapting to changing circumstances, and with the support of local agents on the ground, they have been more determined than ever to satisfy with first class service, reliably delivering outstanding charters.
The 65m Amels superyacht SEA RHAPSODY, based in the Seychelles (until mid-April 2021), was the first yacht to be awarded a full and unencumbered Seychelles Charter License since the start of the pandemic. Achieving this exclusive status allows guests arriving by plane to directly join SEA RHAPSODY as a qualified quarantine zone and place of safety, recognized on the Official Tourism List. Negating the need to isolate in a hotel upon arrival until the completion of Covid-19 testing, this removes a time-consuming and somewhat inconvenient element to future vacation plans, thanks to the yacht following exhaustive health protocols. Guests have been able to discover this beautiful yachting haven with added peace of mind whilst traveling on board SEA RHAPSODY.
For those seeking an ultra-indulgent getaway the 168m luxury cruise explorer SCENIC ECLIPSE offers the opportunity to embrace true adventure. Accommodating up to 200 guests in 114 suites, the yacht allows travelers to enjoy every amenity imaginable on board, including a spa, cinema and fitness center, plus locally guided excursions by zodiac, kayak, helicopter or submarine (all carried on board). Currently planning to be in the Mediterranean during summer 2021 and the remote delights of Antarctica for winter 2021/22, SCENIC ECLIPSE is a secure and private platform from which to discover isolated landscapes and diverse wildlife in confidence.
Ocean Independence charter brokers take service one step further by arranging door-to-door private travel throughout the experience for added peace of mind. Exclusively tailored to a client’s requirements, a trusted broker will assist with all aspects associated with chartering such as private cars, helicopter transfers and private jet bookings through our dedicated transport channels. Guests can be collected anywhere in the world by a sanitized private car, flown to their destination on a fully treated private jet and, once arrived, step aboard a yacht with all health protocols in place for both vessel and crew. During 2020, private jet travel vastly increased in popularity and became the preferred (and in some cases, only) way to get to and from yacht charter. Equally, the previous trend seen for shorter, multiple charters during a season has migrated to single, longer charters that maximize vacation times without the need for multiple quarantine periods. Feedback shows that the overall charter experience has been valued even more, with guests delighted for the opportunity to travel while limiting risks and, where possible, enjoying less crowded beaches, anchorages, restaurants and ports.
Making a definitive lifestyle choice, yacht ownership has also gained interest with clients who have previously only chartered. Bringing a wealth of opportunities, such as the ease of a versatile home-from-home set-up and offering the benefit of your own crew to ensure privacy, security and service, the ability to safeguard loved ones whilst enjoying fun together on your very own yacht is an attractive option.
From initial inquiry to the moment you arrive home, you can rely on the knowledge that Ocean Independence will arrange everything exactly as you want. Whether your first or twenty-first charter, creating treasured family moments and handpicked adventures, this extraordinary getaway simply cannot be surpassed. With the exceptional range of comfort, services and amenities to hand, it is no wonder that those who have fallen in love with the world of yachting find it impossible not to return.
The wellbeing and safety of our clients and crew are of the utmost importance. We are carefully monitoring the statements issued by both the World Health Organization and national governments to ensure that the latest advice is closely followed.
Proud to be one of the largest luxury full-service yacht brokerage firms in the world, Ocean Independence covers all aspects of owning, chartering, buying, selling, building and managing superyachts. Their experienced international team deliver high-quality, professional and trusted advice every time.
For more information, visit www.oceanindependence.com, email enquiries@ocyachts.com or contact their Fort Lauderdale office at +1-(954)-463-1400
