Blog  |  Wednesday, July 31, 2024

New Trend in Yachting: Charters Preferred Over Ownership

There’s nothing more appealing than sailing through the sapphire waters draped along the shores of Los Cabos. The Sea of Cortez has quickly become a hotspot for yacht owners looking to explore the area. With its natural beauty and abundance of activities – on land and sea – Los Cabos is a preferred destination for many.

While owners are drawn to yachting in Los Cabos because of its yacht-friendly sites like Marina Village, a growing number of people are opting to charter a yacht rather than own one.

• Superyacht sales decline, charters tick up

  Sales of superyachts, classified as boats over 98 ft long, declined by 30% in 2023. While yacht ownership was on the rise during the pandemic, as it represented a safe yet exclusive way to travel, sales have cooled since then, and took a sharp decline last year, experts say.

  Ownership is down, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t interested in yachting in Los Cabos. Quite the contrary, people still want to glide through the sea, they just prefer renting, or chartering, a yacht instead. Research shows superyacht charters are up 7%, with the cost of trips averaging between $700,000 to $2 million.

• Perks of chartering over owning

  What is it about chartering a yacht that has so many people choosing it as an option? Take a look at the perks of renting a yacht:

• Charters hire your crew

  While you can charter a “bareboat,” meaning just the boat itself, most people prefer to include a crew. Charters hire the crew for you and roll the cost into your package. Need additional staff to make your vacation perfect? Just tailor your charter to include a nanny or an administrative assistant to ease your workload on your trip.

  If you own a yacht, it’s your responsibility to find, vet, and hire a crew. You pay their salaries, communicate itineraries, and maintain the relationship.

• Trips are tailored to your needs

  No two yacht trips are the same. Everything from locations to the size of your party can change with each trip. If it’s just you and your spouse heading out, you could charter a small yacht. If you plan to take a dozen guests, you can opt for a larger vessel. If you plan to be at sea for a long period of time, you might choose a yacht with added features to increase your onboard comfort.

  When you charter a yacht, your needs dictate what you charter. Each trip is customized to your location, guest list, and day-to-day plans.

  Owning a yacht removes that flexibility.

• Maintenance isn’t your concern

  When you charter a yacht, you’re not responsible for its maintenance. Your only task is to come aboard and enjoy your vacation. When you show up, the boat is washed, fueled, and guaranteed to be in working order.

  If something goes wrong while you’re out, like a member of your party accidentally damages an onboard jet ski or dings the deck by dropping a glass, this kind of damage is usually covered under and daily insurance that’s added to the cost of your trip.

  When you own a yacht, even simple tasks like washing the exterior is a big job, not to mention the amount of checks and balances needed to keep the engine and systems in working order. Most owners don’t possess the skills or time to maintain the yacht themselves, so it’s hired out, which can add up quickly.

• Depreciation isn’t a factor

  Yacht owners must factor in depreciation. In the first year, yachts depreciate by 19%, and by another 50% over the next seven years. Given the sizable investment of a yacht, this kind of depreciation is a downfall to ownership.

  Given the cost of ownership, many feel obligated to use their boat regularly and even feel pressured to stay at sea, as opposed to going ashore. Chartering a yacht removes all of these pressures.

• Why Los Cabs is a great place to charter a yacht

  Many destinations are alluring locales for yacht trips, but Los Cabos should definitely be on your list. The southern peninsula of Baja offers a variety of ports, seaside towns, and luxurious amenities. Reasons to charter a yacht in Los Cabos include:

  Costa Palmas Marina

  Costa Palmas recently opened a new marina that can accommodate yachts up to 250-feet- long. With few marinas able to accommodate vessels of this size, it has quickly become a favorite of charters and owners alike.

  Marina Village

  Sitting beside Costa Palmas marina, you can visit the Marina Village. With elegant boutiques, dining venues, and gathering spaces, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and make new friends.

  So much to see and explore

  When you’re ready to stretch your legs on land, Los Cabos has so much to offer. Consider one of these ideas:

  • Play a round of golf

    Plan a day on the greens. Cabo is home to several exclusive golf courses including the Costa Palmas Golf Club. Play the 18-hole course or plan to do a shorter, 6-hole loop. No matter how long you spend with a club in your hand, you’ll enjoy the legendary design, pristine landscape, and breathtaking views.

  • Try local cuisine

    While the chef on your charter is likely an amazing cook, it’s always nice to get out and try something new. Consider visiting Mozza at Costa Palmas Marina Village for authentic Italian fare or opt for an upscale evening with Mediterranean options at Estiatorio Milos.

  • Hop on a local tour

    Los Cabos has so many unique places to explore, most of which you can experience through local tours. Visiting The Arch, a rock formation in the ocean, is a must, but you can also snorkel at Cabo Pulmo, sit in the El Chorro hot springs, or hike up Mt. Solmar.

Charter a yacht with the Costa Palmas Yacht Club

Ready to charter a yacht? Costa Palmas offers overnight charters aboard luxurious yachts. Whether you’re looking for a simple one-night trip, want to explore the islands off the East Cape’s coast for several nights, or want to create a customized itinerary, yachting in Los Cabos is your answer. Let the Costa Palmas Yacht Club help you create the adventure of your dreams.