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The Newport Charter Show 2024 hosted unique and luxurious yachts available for charter in the Americas. In addition to having the opportunity to observe and explore the boats was a truly unique experience for me. There was a wide selection of yachts in attendance. Moreover all with their own unique qualities and characteristics, each one was an experience to visit.
Range of Yachts in Attendance
The range of boats and their different attributes was the most interesting part of the viewing experience. Furthermore there truly is something for everyone. Ranging in taste, style and colour schemes to the layout of the boat, water toys and the social capacity. There are almost unlimited options for what clients could want, thus the importance of our jobs as charter brokers stands out.
There are certain calibers of boats that were very modern and contemporary, they were built for a certain clientele. M/Y Chasseur comes to mind immediately, with its clean lines and impeccable attention to detail in every aspect, there is a certain client to fit with what Chasseur has to offer. We were offered their cocktail for the competition–a frozen dark and stormy.
The crew fit the style and elegance of the boat as well, friendly and warm, but also attentive and a little reserved.
Standout Yachts
I would say M/Y Acta is similar in this way, a similar atmosphere of the crew, and air of prestige when viewing the boat. Done in a more traditional style, Acta is opulent and classy and again, no expense spared.
I think the crew is extremely dedicated to the image and reputation of Acta, notably the stewardesses and their incredibly detailed work, for example the tablescaping in the main dining room.
My Favourites Yachts at The Newport Charter Show 2024
On the other end of the spectrum, and a personal favourite is M/Y Nadan, which was just as impressive as any of the other boats but had so much character and personality built into the foundation that shone through while on our tour.
The Chief Stewardess, who led the tour, was incredibly knowledgeable about all the specs of the yacht, and the unique history that I personally find as a selling point to clients. Nadan had a very different energy that most of the other boats did not have, so it was definitely a yacht that is unlike any other.
Crews in attendance at The Newport Charter Show 2024
Another important aspect of observation on the boats was the variation in crews. The way the crew functions and works together as a team is integral to the image of the yacht. Moreover for the duration of the charter, so being able to observe the crew in a working atmosphere was valuable.
M/Y Vivace and Hoya Saxa had crews that were very welcoming, warm and friendly, easy going and easy to get along with. The chief stew on Vivace was incredibly knowledgeable of the yacht. In fact she and her partner have been on since its launch; and brought a good energy to the rest of the crew.
It was also apparent the crew was very dedicated and detail oriented. Furthermore they won the tablescaping competition, and their chef did very well in the chef’s competition too. On the other hand, the crews on M/Y Lexington and M/Y Freedom had a very different atmosphere on board. It was a bit informal and casual.
Lunches
Both of the lunches I had were interesting experiences, not negatively, but I see now that it is crucial to experience dining aboard. You really do see things from a potential guest perspective from service level and skill to food quality and presentation. Aboard M/Y Hoya Saxa I had a really good 2 course lunch.
The unique combination of flavours of the lobster and short rib were really good, but presentation could have been improved. I believe all brokers I dined with thought the same.
FiFi
My luncheon aboard M/Y FiFi was an entirely different experience. We dined with the captain and around 10 other brokers. There were some hiccups from the stews while we were dining. In fact I think the crew was green so for FiFi, there was definitely room for service to be improved. However each course tasted good.
For me it was important to attend the luncheons. The experience gave me much more insight into what to look for when viewing and dining aboard the yachts.
Outstanding Boats at The Newport Charter Show 2024
Some of the standout boats for me were M/Y Namastay and M/Y Timeless. They both had personable and knowledgeable crews which were the …. for me personally. Being able to bond with Captain Jenna aboard Timeless about Maine, sailing and guest experiences was really valuable. Captain Jenna spoke during the seminar at the end of the show about yachting in Maine.
She stated how there is so much for guests to explore around a relatively undiscovered location in New England.
She has a wealth of knowledge and I would really like to be more involved in her trips up and around Maine.
Namastay
Aboard Namastay, they had a feeling and image they wanted to portray. It is a sense of relaxation, comfort and peace; and they succeeded. Through the aromas of the diffusers on board, the artwork and decor. Health and wellness/holistic practice is a unique approach to a yacht charter. And I believe potential clients would benefit from the kind of charter that Namastaycan offer.
Overall summary of The Newport Charter Show 2024
We had a really diverse group of yachts in attendance at the Newport Charter Show 2024. From classic yachts, smaller yachts designed for small groups of friends or family. And modern, spacious yachts with anything you could need onboard. Additionally there were also a great group of yacht chefs. In fact each with their own take and style to dishes and their ingredients that makes each yacht charter special.
Even though small, the Newport Charter Show was a fantastic glimpse into the variety of yachts for charter available in North America. In addition to the Caribbean. In addition it was held at the world famous Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard in historic Newport, Rhode Island.
The following CKIM Charter Brokers attending the Newport Charter Show 2024:
- Julia Towne
- Meghan de La Valette (Ask Chef Meghan)
- Karin Patrick
- Chris Patrick