Let’s Make a Deal
I received two promotional e-mails this week that reminded me of what time of year it is: It’s time to play Let’s Make a Deal.
The first e-mail, from management company Merrill-Stevens Yachts, announced that the 162-foot motoryacht Pegasus is looking for a charter client in Italy between August 27 and September 5. The second e-mail, from management company BCR Yachts, announced that the 65-foot sailing yacht Viking Girl II is looking for charter clients from now until mid-September in Greece.
What reminded me that it’s time to play Let’s Make a Deal was the note that went along with the Viking Girl II announcement, saying that in terms of the charter rate, the yacht’s owner was “open to all suggestions.”
What’s happening is this: The summer charter season is beginning to near its end, and last-minute cancellations tend to be difficult for yachts to fill. The dates on that Pegasus announcement indicate that the yacht had a last-minute cancellation for sure, and even though that boat isn’t stating outright that the charter rate is negotiable, it just might be–because it’s so late in the season to be booking a charter right now.
If you think you’ve missed the season, don’t fret–opportunities like this pop up, and reputable charter brokers are poised to help you take advantage of them. Just remember that at such a late date, yacht owners may be willing to negotiate their charter prices. Don’t forget to ask for a better deal than the published rate. You just may get it.