Back in 2010, German-based Logemann Yachting acquired BCR Yachts, a boutique charter company that specializes in mid-range sailing yachts up to about 130 feet long. BCR has continued to operate at charter yacht shows under its own branding, so you can imagine my surprise today at the 2012 Genoa Charter Yacht Show when I stepped aboard the company's 76-foot CNB sailing yacht Sunday Morning and ran into none other than Jurgen Logemann himself.

We had a few minutes to sit in the yacht's cockpit and chat one-on-one. Here are a few highlights of our conversation.

How many sailing yachts are now in the BCR fleet?

We have 19 now, from about 20 meters to 40 meters in length. The big companies don't want these boats in their fleets. They want the bigger sailing yachts. So we thrive in this niche. The other companies actually refer owners of these yachts to us for charter management.

How do you see the charter market as the summer 2012 season approaches?

We are seeing positive movement. It is slight, but it is positive movement with demand for sailing charters. Boats have bookings now before the season. It's not what it was before the downturn, but it is positive movement.

Do you attribute the uptick in bookings solely to the improving economy?

I think it is based on environmental consciousness. People are thinking more about being environmentally conscious, and because of that, they are thinking more about sailing instead of motoryachts. This boat, Sunday Morning, burns 17 liters of fuel per hour. A motoryacht will do at least three times as much. Sailing is the environmental choice.

And then once the people start to think about sailing, they realize how economical it is compared to motoryachts. The base rates are lower, the fuel expenses are lower, so it becomes a less-expensive vacation.

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