Luxury Yacht Charters
Excellence. Service. Partnership.
Why Luxury Yacht Charters
It’s our goal to help you realize your luxury yacht charter vacation dreams.
About Us
Learn about CKIM Group, yacht charter brokers specializing in worldwide Luxury Yacht Charter experiences. It is headquartered in Sebastian, Florida, close to the capital of yachting, and is constantly abreast of what’s happening in the industry. In addition, we have international team members who provide global support and knowledge. Below is an overview of the CKIM Group Team at your service.
What We Do
We’ll make the arrangements for you, so you are free to make memories, not phone calls. CKIM Group Inc. has decades of experience arranging unforgettable trips on charter yachts. With our vast resources and dedicated staff, we assure your satisfaction.
We Provide Expertise
Above all, we do our best to understand your vacation vision. Our Charter Brokers strive for open communication, listening to your needs and desires, and answering your questions. We must keep you, our client’s best interests, at the forefront. We share insight and first-hand knowledge of yacht amenities, captains, crews, and chefs, providing you with the required information.
Delivering Experiences
It’s our goal to help you realize your luxury yacht charter vacation dreams. Weather permitting, your yacht charter will take you where you want to go. Perhaps you would like to jaunt through the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas, around Greece, Croatia, or Italy. Alternatively, head up the New England coast to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. Instead, you may want to visit Patagonia in Chile, Alaska, or a far-flung island in the South Pacific or Asia. We help you choose a yacht and destination that best aligns with your unique group. Let us be your guides.
At CKIM Group, we strive to give you, our valued client, a level of service that far exceeds your expectations. We take great pride in our goal of matching you with the right luxury yacht charter crew and designing a vacation itinerary that best suits your needs and desires, giving you the yacht charter vacation of your dreams.
Christopher Patrick – CKIM Group Inc.
Our Values
At CKIM Group, we are dedicated to providing the following:
Excellence
- We strive to be the best in everything we do.
- We are committed to honesty and transparency and always hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
- We are dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in our processes and services. We define success as doing the right things well while always reflecting our “Plus One” Raving Fan vision.
Service
- We pride ourselves on always providing responsive, professional, and exceptional service.
- Our clients come first. We strive to anticipate every client’s needs and respond with the most helpful solution. This even means referring you, the client, to another company.
- We will relentlessly persevere, creatively facing challenges to tirelessly address details until resolution.
Partnership
- Fostering relationships and teamwork are the core of all we do; with clients, industry partners, and each other.
- We believe in the power of open communication and the continuous flow of information between all team members, especially in challenging circumstances.
- Above all, we value our team members. We consistently engage in learning and growth opportunities, provide feedback, and nurture the company’s development.
Our Team
The CKIM Team is comprised of luxury travel veterans and international market specialists.
Christopher Patrick
Christopher PatrickChristopher Patrick has been a veteran of the yacht charter industry for the past 30 years. He lived in the British Virgin Islands for many years, where he fell in love with sailing and the yacht charter industry. And he will happily arrange yacht charters based on your particular requirements.
Jennifer Huffman
Yacht Charter AdvisorJennifer enjoys travel, horseback riding, photography, and practicing Japanese Tea Ceremonies daily. At 16, she was already traveling the world, learning about new places, cultures, and philosophies, eventually falling in love with those travels’ unique experiences. She has enjoyed going to Japan and being fully immersed at the Urasenke Professional College of Chado in Kyoto, Japan, delving into the Way of Tea.
Jennifer toured Toronto, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. She has enjoyed deep sea fishing in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, and horseback riding in Jinotega, Nicaragua, to name a few. Jennifer calls Northwest Arkansas her home and is excited to bring these unique experiences to the CKIM Group Inc. She looks forward to helping others find their journeys.
Karin Patrick
Yacht Charter AdvisorKarin Patrick has been a travel industry professional since 1978. A native of Germany, Karin has lived in many places around the world including Australia, India, and the United Kingdom. In 1983, she moved to the United States, residing in Connecticut, then California, and now living in Florida.
Sonja
Yacht Charter AdvisorSonja is a luxury yacht charter veteran with over 26 years of diverse industry experience across Catamarans, Monohulls, and Megayachts. After beginning her career working on yachts in top destinations in France and Spain, Sonja moved to the Caribbean, where she worked for 15 years.
Sonja is also a licensed Captain and has worked as a freelance chef on various yachts. Her love for the industry and knowledge of many business sides led her to become a broker and CYBA member in 2004. Since then, she’s been using her vast knowledge to help clients realize their charter dreams worldwide. Now residing in her native city of Vienna, Sonja stays connected by visiting all the boat shows in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Julia Towne
TitleJulia’s charter portfolio combines sailing yachts (60’+), catamarans, and power (70’+). Most of her 6+ years of experience align families with family-friendly crews and yachts. Julia focuses on family-friendly crew vs. crew that only prefer adults, but of course, this is all subject to the specific client, and she also facilitates couples-only charters.
Julia grew up in Maine and knows the New England charter area. Now a Newport, Rhode Island resident, she constantly communicates with the summer New England crews and yachts. Many relocate to Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean for the winter charter season. Her hobbies include running and yoga.
Meghan de La Valette
Yacht Charter AdvisorMeghan has been working in the yachting industry for since 2013. She has worked on various sailing and motor yachts, starting as a stewardess/chef and progressing to sole chef. Pivoting to land, Meghan started cooking for professional sailing race teams, including American Magic, while they were campaigning for the 36th America’s Cup.
Using her prior experiences, she has transitioned into the Charter Advisory business at the beginning of 2022, advising her clients on the best of luxury travel. Before working in the yachting industry, she worked for Morgan Stanley Private Wealth and started the successful jewelry business, The Brass Mariner. In Meghan’s spare time, she loves traveling, making jewelry, sailing, and living by the sea in Newport, Rhode Island, with her Husband and Dog.
Memberships
Charter Yacht Brokers Association CYBA
We are proud to advise that our yacht broker specialist, Christopher Patrick is a member of CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association) and IYBA (International Yacht Brokers Association). CYBA strives to maintain high ethical standards in the crewed yacht charter industry and liaises between brokers and industry-related groups.
Membership requires sponsorship from active CYBA members and regular attendance at annual broker shows and seminars. IYBA strives to unite those engaged in the yacht brokerage business to promote professionalism and cooperation among its members. Its mission is to develop and maintain a high standard of conduct in transacting the yacht brokerage business. Each member is required to abide by a code.
Virgin Islands Search & Rescue VISAR
CKIM Group supports The Virgin Islands Search & Rescue (VISAR), an all-volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring the waters of the British Virgin Islands are safe for travelers and locals alike by providing search and rescue missions that save lives!
Yachting Resources
The following are a few resources to consider when taking a vacation
Travel Insurance
It is essential to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances.
Boat Comparison Guide
The boat comparison Guide will provide insights about the different types of Yachts.
New to Yachting?
If you’re new to yachting, our First Time Yacht Charter Guide is the perfect resource to help you navigate the world of luxury yacht charters.
First Time Yacht Guide
Whether you’re a seasoned charterer or new to luxury yacht charters, our comprehensive First Time Yacht Charter Guide is designed to assist you every step of the way.
Filled with frequently asked questions, a detailed boat comparison guide, real-life experiences, and visually engaging infographics, this resource is the perfect tool to educate yourself on the world of yacht chartering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Depending on the time of the year you wish to vacation it is important to book at least six to nine months in advance.
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We recommend that you protect your vacation investment against various possible losses over which you have no control by purchasing travel protection. We will provide travel protection quotes based on the households on the charter and each person’s date of birth. It is necessary to send us this information.
Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 15 days (Travel Basic) or 21 days (Travel Select) from when you make your initial trip deposit. However, the plan can be purchased anytime before departure.
The product descriptions are only summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy.
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An Advance Provisioning Allowance is a pre-paid expense for the operating cost of the yacht while on your charter. It is usually between 20 – 35% of the weekly charter rate, depending on the type of boat. It is pre-paid in addition to the weekly charter rate and VAT to cover the cost of the following:
- Fuel for the main engines, generators, tenders, motorized water toys, b. For food and drinks for your charter,
- Port fees, harbor fees, marina dues,
- Customs clearance,
- Personal laundry,
- Communications.
- Consumables for the charter party.
- Any shore excursions and transfers arranged by the yacht for the guests.
During your charter, you can view the APA expenses with the captain. When your cruise ends, the captain will determine if you owe money or are due a refund. Some APA statements are more detailed than others. Reviewing the details and requesting receipts if there are questions is essential.
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Unsurprisingly, one of the FAQs for luxury yacht charters is what to pack. Your cruising area will largely determine the type of clothing you want to bring due to the various climates. For instance, cruising through New England, you may need a sweater or windbreaker as the evening can be crisp. If you’re traveling through the Caribbean, the temperature can be warm year-round, but ladies might especially appreciate a wrap or shawl, as the evening breeze can be fantastic.
Regardless of your cruising area, resort casual is usually the comfortable attire unless you have planned a formal evening with the crew or on-shore dining.
Bathing suits, shorts, and casual beach attire are undoubtedly the order of the day on deck. Wear aquatic shoes for beach combing. Finally, guarding against the sun is vital. So, pack caps or wide-brimmed hats and loose-fitting cotton cover-ups.
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Your professional crew is proactive and will handle all your luxury yacht charter details. You can relax and unwind. The chef will plan each meal based on your specific preferences. Your captain will guide you to your preferred destination- the quietest beaches, the secluded anchorages, or the liveliest entertainment spots.
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Based on your yacht and destination, there is a myriad of activities and water sports available to do, such as:
- Scuba diving
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Water-skiing
- Fishing
- Wakeboarding
- Windsurfing
- Jet-skiing
- Stand-up paddleboarding
You will also have many opportunities to visit ashore and participate in the on-shore side activities.
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There are a few necessary parameters to consider. For example, what type of boat, your destination, the time of year, and who will accompany you. The questions below can help guide your thought process, and your CKIM yacht charter broker will assist in asking the right questions and providing the expertise to design the perfect experience for you.
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A private yacht charter combines the best features of a cruise ship and a luxury resort. Travel to a different destination each day with a high degree of pampering and personal attention. Say goodbye to crowds, waiting in lines, and fixed itineraries. Your private yacht has a dedicated crew, various amenities, water toys to enjoy at will, and a tender to take you ashore whenever you please.
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One of the first FAQs about luxury yacht charters is their affordability. Yes, you can afford a yachting vacation. Prices for private yacht chartering vary remarkably based on factors such as:
- The type of charter yacht
- The size of the charter yacht
- The number of guests in your group
- The location of the yacht charter destination
- The rates may also differ from the low-season and high-peak seasons
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The types of yachts available for charter are:
- Motor Yachts
- Power Catamarans
- Sailing Catamarans
- Sailboats (mono-hulls)
- Motor sailors (also known as Gulets, which are popular in Croatia, Greece, and Turkey)
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Yes, there are, depending on the time of the year and the yacht charter destination.