Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon

Nicole Caulfield is licensed, bonded, and a longtime member of FYBA and AYCA. She brings a unique perspective as a broker, having worked aboard yachts for nearly 10 years. Email Nicole

Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina

Ed Hamilton has worked in every part of the charter industry over the last 37 years and heads one of the largest, most respected charter brokerages.

Liz Howard joined Fraser Yachts as a charter broker in 2002 after more than 15 years in the maritime industry. E-mail Liz.

Sharon Bahmer is an expert at booking charters in the Americas, from Alaska to Brazil. She's also a member of FYBA and CYBA. E-mail Sharon

Beverly Parsons has been chartering since 1969. She is a licensed, bonded broker and a founding member of the professional groups AYCA and CYBA International. Contact Beverly.

August 29, 2010

10 Best Charter Yachts for Couples Who Want to Split the Bill

Charter broker Missy Johnston at Northrop and Johnson Worldwide Yacht Charters has two suggestions this week: “A crewed catamaran, no matter the size, will almost always have all staterooms at a similar size, all with en suite bathrooms, and all bathrooms in a similar size. These yachts can be a great choice for a group where the charter price is being split, including a group of adult couples because the beds in each stateroom are usually double beds, queens, or kings. So whether you consider the 45-foot sailing catamaran Free Ingwe at just under $14,000 per week for three couples or the 138-foot Douce France at about €100,000 per week for six couples, a catamaran is a great crewed yacht charter choice for a group of couples splitting the charter price.”

Charter broker Rebecca Riley of Paradise Yacht Charters says: “The 68-foot Maiora motoryacht Wil Power, which is based in the Windward Islands, has two almost identical, full-beam, walk-around king bed cabins with en suite baths. She also has a twin cabin for kids. She is ideal for two couples wanting equal accommodations.”

Charter broker Liz Howard at Fraser Yachts Worldwide has an impressive five recommendations this week: the 80-foot Cheoy Lee motoryacht Aquarius, which has three double-bed cabins; the 85-foot Leopard motoryacht Little Jems, also with three double-bed cabins; the 120-foot custom motoryacht Touch, which has four king-bed cabins; the 144-foot Palmer Johnson motoryacht Four Wishes, which has five king-bed cabins; and the 156-foot Sensation motoryacht Lady Anastasia, which has five king-bed cabins.

Broker Kathleen Mullen of Regency Yacht Vacations tells us: “The 72-foot Irwin sailing yacht Sandcastle has two master suites, so is a great option for two couples who want to split the bill. Another suggestion would be for the 54-foot Jeanneau sailing yacht Sayang, whose two forward cabins are virtually identical.”

And a bonus 11th yacht this week: Select Yachts recommends the 59-foot Benetau sailing yacht Blue Passion, saying, “This yacht, which just launched in July, caters for up to eight guests. The cabins are all the same size, so no fighting over that larger master cabin! “