
Yacht agents are undoubtedly some of the hardest working people in the yachting industry. Many yacht agency services are unknown; they make miracles happen shore side, especially when you’ve got a last-minute request, and it needs to be done pronto… Sure, you know one in every port ready to take care of your clearances, customs, and immigration formalities, but a trusted agent you know can make your life a lot easier. Let alone free you up some time, so that you and your crew can focus on the owner and guest experience.
Have a quick turnaround between charters? Visiting a region for the first time? Need some help sourcing a spare? Putting together a last-minute event for the owner?
Here’s a rundown of a 6 yacht agency services for yacht crew to ask an agent for help with next time in port. AYSS represents a global network of the best superyacht agents across the globe. So, if you need a guaranteed good choice, check out all the ayss members and locations covered at ayss.org.
1. BERTH RESERVATIONS
Sure, it may seem like an easy thing to make a quick call down to the marina office or the Harbor Master yourself. However, timing is key in a lot of ports around the world. Advance booking in Cape Town is essential; with the tremendous amount of traffic from November through March. Del Shipping and Trading can get you through the customs dock and be onsite as you arrive. They’ll help you navigate quickly your immigration formalities, which become more complex by the day!
2. RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS
Anchored off the Amalfi Coast and need that last-minute table at the famed two Michelin starred restaurant, Quattro Passi in Nerano? Francesco Luise, of the Luise Group will make you look like a miracle maker. One call to Luise and not only can he work the dream. He’ll secure the yacht owner the best table overlooking the entire Gulf of Sorrento, and make sure that Chef Antonio Mellino is there too. He will then personally greet your guests as they get off their custom cabriolet transfer that he arranged for them.
3. ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCES
Dan Eaffaldano and his team at Marina Papagayo in Costa Rica probably win the award for the best one-of-a-kind guest experience, The Superyacht Spinner Dolphin experience. Spotter planes, marine guides, and all of the logistics are done with one call… and at the end of it, your guests will thank you for “the best experience of their life.”
4. CREW LOGISTICS
Sitting for a few months in Spain during the winter? Estella Shipping Barcelona can take care of all of those little time-consuming details that your crew may need help with. Including, finding crew accommodations, transfers, computer rentals, SIM cards, and courier services.
5. ITINERARY PLANNING
In remote areas like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, knowing how to navigate the 150-square mile area without missing any of the best beaches and diving areas can be daunting if you are not familiar with the area. Heather Grant at Erika Yacht Services can expertly help you build your itinerary so you don’t miss a beat, and she will be there every step of the way with her team strategically placed on six islands to make sure it comes off without a hitch.
6. TEAM BUILDING
In the off-season when you and the crew are having some much-needed downtime at the end of the season in France, why not have Tomaso Moreno at Catalano arrange a perfect day shore side day for you the crew to be together? A quick trip up to the slopes, or an afternoon of go-karting with a great barbeque at the end of the day? These are always great ways to thank your team at the end of a long charter season.
The Association of Yacht Support Services (or AYSS for short) provides yacht agency services worldwide, with their members hand-selected and tested by the council in order that it represents only the best in the business. Make sure your agent is an AYSS member- check out their website to see who’s in and who’s not.
For the latest Superyacht Content news, click here