Every time you step on board a yacht, there’s potential for the exceptional, but real magic happens when your charter is planned by those with an intimate understanding of you and your family’s unique needs, passions and past experiences.
Burgess charter manager Yanna Nezi remembers organizing a Greek trip for a family she’s known for decades. Having grown with them over the years and witnessed the children start families of their own, she has a deep appreciation for their evolving charter story.
“The most recent family celebration was for the youngest’s birthday, while in previous years we had celebrated the mother’s birthday at a similar age,” she explains. Being part of their continued yachting journey and helping design such a notable vacation that balanced family time, festivities, and relaxation “made this charter truly memorable.”
On a human level, building strong bonds with a broker is a rewarding convenience that not only mitigates the need to explain requirements from scratch, but in many cases, leads to robust and trusting relationships. From the first stages of preparation to the charter and beyond, it’s like having a personal concierge who is familiar with family customs and favorite places.
It’s as much about having someone who is highly adaptable with experienced insight and the skills to anticipate when plans may need to change or deviate from the itinerary. “Having spent 16 years working on yachts, I ran many charters in the Mediterranean and Caribbean where the itinerary evolved constantly,” says broker Alex Guy. “Sometimes this was due to weather, but often it was simply because guests enjoyed a particular location so much that they chose to stay longer.”
With so many cruising grounds available, choosing destinations where popularity spikes are driven by hit TV series or movies can be helpful, explains broker Catherine Wilson. “If you want to get ahead of the crowds, take a mental note of some of the beautiful landscapes being shown on screen,” she says. “These destinations have always been open to charterers, but with more owners sending their yachts off the beaten path this is a great opportunity to charter somewhere new.”
The beautiful scenes of Thailand in White Lotus proved inspirational, while Succession and The Woman in Cabin 10 placed Norway firmly at the top of must-see lists. Both Greece and Croatia have emerged as destinations that offer unexpected beauty for clients seeking authentic charm and unspoiled nature but without the level of congestion found in the Amalfi Coast during high season. With “extensive watertoys, a chase boat included, and an experienced crew,” yachts like MAESTRO are “perfectly suited for the Greek market,” says Nezi.
Even for well-traveled charter guests who have a clear hitlist of must-visit destinations, having a trusted sounding board who can quietly raise points of concern or logistical considerations is an invaluable resource. When Wilson’s long-term clients were adamant they wanted to track the Northern Lights in Norway in March, a time when the region is notoriously cold, dark, and difficult to navigate, she ensured they fully understood the weather and cruising conditions ahead of booking. As a result, they went into the charter with eyes wide open and had exactly the experience they craved.
After being invited on a week-long family trip to Antarctica, charter broker Seonaid Thomas believes it is “the most extraordinary charter possible. This beautiful destination has stayed with every single person who was part of this trip,” she says. “The wildlife made it special, and the expedition team were on hand to ensure our safety, but also to educate us on the animals we encountered – our very own David Attenboroughs.”
It can take multiple charters for guests to fully determine their likes and dislikes. For those looking for social spaces that “flow naturally from one area to another,” KOGO is a great match, says broker Clara Lormant, with “a sundeck pool that becomes the hub during the day, and an upper deck aft that transforms into an outdoor cinema.” Likewise, Guy recommends ASANI for her design that centers around “open living, wellness, and effortless connection with the sea.” While charter manager Caroline Taylor singles out NAIA’s amenities that are a hit with families. “Complete with a full water sports inventory, a fleet of tenders, and a well-equipped gym with a Jacuzzi, NAIA provides something for everyone on board,” she says.
Many guests fall in love with certain locations, returning year after year, and while there is no shortage of anchorages or beaches along the yachting hot spot of the French Riviera, deciding between a motor yacht like RENAISSANCE (singled out by broker Craig Cohen for being “a floating private island with all the amenities you can find on land”) or a quality-built sailing yacht like MAXIMUS, (which according to charter manager Anne-Solene Gallerie “showcases the finest materials and superior Vitters craftsmanship”) will transform the experience entirely.
“Although you still have all the comfortable amenities of a motor yacht, you also have the adrenaline-fueled experience of hoisting the sails and gliding through the water without engine noise,” says broker Lotte Prentice.
Yacht To Watch
"RENAISSANCE is the perfect yacht for a client that is looking to entertain a multi-generational family charter experience. The yacht ticks all the boxes, ensuring all guests have an experience unlike any other yacht on the market. The galley team excel in crafting exceptional meals, whether enjoyed in the double‑height dining room or casually on the bridge deck aft. Lifestyle highlights include an impressive indoor cinema, a main deck aft pool with waterside dining, and a fitness and wellness area offering treatments, plunge pools, steam room, and sauna unlike any other. My charter in summer 2025 was a huge success, with the client eager for a return to trip for their next milestone celebration," says Craig Cohen, charter broker.
"Boasting a spacious private owner's deck, complete with a master suite with panoramic views, and flexible main deck guest accommodation, NAIA can host up to 12 guests in eight cabins. She offers superb volume both inside and out, providing plenty of space for groups. An elevator also serves all decks. Her commercially certified helipad, convertible into a large sun lounging area, provides the ultimate vantage point for admiring the picturesque surroundings. Complete with a full water sports inventory, a fleet of tenders, and a well-equipped gym (with a Jacuzzi), NAIA provides something for everyone on board," says Caroline Taylor, charter manager.
"KOGO is a yacht that immediately stands out thanks to her design pedigree, following her major 2025 refit. With exterior styling by Tim Heywood and stunning interiors by Terence Disdale, she offers a calm and balanced atmosphere onboard. The layout works particularly well, with social spaces that flow naturally from one area to another. The sundeck pool becomes the hub during the day, while the upper deck aft transforms into an outdoor cinema in the evenings," says Clara Lormant, charter broker.
"This incredible sailing yacht stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of her owner, a renowned connoisseur who has built an impressive fleet over the years. With a deep commitment to quality, every element of MAXIMUS showcases the finest materials and superior Vitters craftsmanship, complemented by a range of standout features that enhance both life on board and performance under sail, including expansive cockpit spaces for entertaining, a private owner’s cockpit, and even a Steinway Baby Grand Piano," says Anne-Solene Gallerie, charter manager.
"Another standout yacht to watch this season is MAESTRO. Following her full refit in 2024, she combines exceptional value with strong charter appeal and a very supportive, charter-oriented owner. She offers generous guest spaces across her triple-deck layout, including a spacious sun deck with a Jacuzzi, an elegant sky lounge with cinema, and beautifully-designed interiors featuring Italian furniture and contemporary art. With a full-beam master suite, excellent family-friendly configuration, extensive watertoys, a chase boat included, and an experienced crew, MAESTRO is perfectly suited for the Greek market and delivers an outstanding all-round charter experience," says Yanna Nezi, charter fleet manager and broker.
"Any yachts from the Benetti Oasis range, like ASANI are a modern reinterpretation of luxury yachting (in my opinion!) designed around open living, wellness, and effortless connection with the sea – perfect for entertaining and social living on the water. They are always shortlisted by clients when we send over selections, and just by looking at their schedule, it's easy to see how popular they are," says Alex Guy, charter broker.
"MAVERICK is a triple-award-winning superyacht with a long and successful charter history, consistently earning excellent guest feedback. Much of the praise is directed at her outstanding captain, dedicated crew, and exceptional chef, whose professionalism ensures a seamless and memorable charter experience. Guests can enjoy a superb array of amenities, including a swim platform with beach club set-up, shaded exterior dining areas, a sun deck Jacuzzi, and an outdoor cinema," says Adriana Pierson, charter manager.
Much like a chef perfecting a signature dish, experimenting with an assortment of charter ingredients is all part of the thrill. One of the most important elements is a crew who will ensure your trip is a success – as found aboard triple-award-winning yacht MAVERICK, often selected for her dedicated team “whose professionalism ensures a seamless and memorable charter experience,” says charter manager Adriana Pierson. For first-time charterers, the choice can be overwhelming, especially when deciding on the size of a yacht or venturing to an unknown destination. This is where Prentice can guide guests through key decisions, delivering on requests that take the adventure to the next level.
“I love organizing a trip for first-time charterers. It’s a chance to show a client something they’ve never experienced before and really open their eyes to the wonderful world of yachting,” she says. Prentice prides herself on adding thoughtful details that make a big impression, such as a favorite champagne waiting on arrival or a surprise party decorated and organized by the crew.
When broker insight, seamless service, and time aboard the world’s finest yachts come together, the result is a charter experience that feels not just luxurious, but deeply memorable.
Discover more about Burgess’ charter philosophy here.
