Introduce yourself and tell us how you first got into the yachting industry?
About 20 years ago, on leaving a very enjoyable 8-years as an Army officer, I was very lucky to land a job with one of the most prestigious yacht brokerage houses in the world. This gave me an unrivalled foundation in the world of superyachts, working closely with a ‘veteran' of the industry. Ever since, I have continued arranging charters for some of the most discerning clients on the finest yachts available all over the world.
Messum Yachts has quite a history! Please do summarise it and maybe tell us some fun facts we would not find online.
Andrew Messum and I teamed up as "Messum Yachts" about 10-years ago, having originally met whilst serving together in the Army. Messums have had a long history in boating, holding the Royal Warrant for pleasure boats on the Thames back in the 19th Century. The industry has obviously changed beyond recognition since then…but the bespoke approach that we provide for our clients has remained largely unchanged!
A client can charter or request to build a bespoke yacht with Messum Yachts, are there any past projects you are particularly proud of?
I particularly enjoyed arranging a charter from Svalbard in the Artic circle down to Bodo in northern Norway a few years ago. The family had a wonderful time seeing polar bears, narwals and walruses, and cruising in some of the most spectacular and empty scenery in the world.
A client can charter or request to build a bespoke yacht with Messum Yachts, are there any past projects you are particularly proud of?
I particularly enjoyed arranging a charter from Svalbard in the Artic circle down to Bodo in northern Norway a few years ago. The family had a wonderful time seeing polar bears, narwals and walruses, and cruising in some of the most spectacular and empty scenery in the world.
If one of our PAs or EAs gets a request from their boss that they wish to charter a yacht, what is the primary piece of advice you would give them?
If possible, remain flexible! I recommend against planning an itinerary in too much detail. Almost inevitably, circumstances change plans. One of the main joys of a yacht is that a trip can remain flexible to fit in with the desires of charterer or the weather at the time of the trip. This also applies to the dates for the trip itself - often you could be miss out on the ideal yacht just because your dates are merely a day or two out.
If one of our PAs or EAs gets a request from their boss that they wish to charter a yacht, what is the primary piece of advice you would give them?
If possible, remain flexible! I recommend against planning an itinerary in too much detail. Almost inevitably, circumstances change plans. One of the main joys of a yacht is that a trip can remain flexible to fit in with the desires of charterer or the weather at the time of the trip. This also applies to the dates for the trip itself - often you could be miss out on the ideal yacht just because your dates are merely a day or two out.
What are some of the challenges that a client might face when it comes to chartering a yacht?
The weather can always be a challenge, but is one that most crews are trained to cope with. Poor weather is when the crew come to the fore, as they have to come up with ideas and entertainment to keep their guests happy if the rain arrives. As such, the quality of the crew is often far more important than the quality of the yacht!
What are some of the challenges that a client might face when it comes to chartering a yacht?
The weather can always be a challenge, but is one that most crews are trained to cope with. Poor weather is when the crew come to the fore, as they have to come up with ideas and entertainment to keep their guests happy if the rain arrives. As such, the quality of the crew is often far more important than the quality of the yacht!
On your website it says: ‘we are perfectly positioned to take a global view of the yachting market’. Would you kindly expand on this?
Yachting is a global business. Yachts are constantly on the move, with owners sometimes taking their yachts off to explore new corners of the world and charterers taking them away from their ‘homeports’ as the yachts’s seasons progress. We have access to the calendars of about 2,000- 2,500 yachts of various shapes and sizes, so knowing the right person to speak to, and which questions to ask, is vital for arranging successful charters for our clients. We have spent over 20-years visiting the yachts, meeting crews, and working with the various managers all over the world.
On your website it says: ‘we are perfectly positioned to take a global view of the yachting market’. Would you kindly expand on this?
Yachting is a global business. Yachts are constantly on the move, with owners sometimes taking their yachts off to explore new corners of the world and charterers taking them away from their ‘homeports’ as the yachts’s seasons progress. We have access to the calendars of about 2,000- 2,500 yachts of various shapes and sizes, so knowing the right person to speak to, and which questions to ask, is vital for arranging successful charters for our clients. We have spent over 20-years visiting the yachts, meeting crews, and working with the various managers all over the world.
Customer satisfaction is crucial in your sector! How do you ensure an exceptional and personalised experience for each client?
We try to build as close and as long-standing a relationship with our clients as possible, meeting face-to-face whenever possible. Our clients might only charter a yacht once every 5-10 years, so maintaining these relationships in the intervening years is crucial. It also makes our ‘work' a lot more enjoyable!
Customer satisfaction is crucial in your sector! How do you ensure an exceptional and personalised experience for each client?
We try to build as close and as long-standing a relationship with our clients as possible, meeting face-to-face whenever possible. Our clients might only charter a yacht once every 5-10 years, so maintaining these relationships in the intervening years is crucial. It also makes our ‘work' a lot more enjoyable!
Sustainability is currently a major issue in the yachting sector. Is this something you consider in your business? How do you see yacht companies making a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint?
Sustainability is a consideration, but trying to pretend that chartering a yacht is a ‘green’ endeavor is probably a stretch too far! Carbon-Offset can be arranged if our clients are interested, however. Obviously, taking a sailing yacht is a greener option than taking a motor yacht…
Sustainability is currently a major issue in the yachting sector. Is this something you consider in your business? How do you see yacht companies making a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint?
Sustainability is a consideration, but trying to pretend that chartering a yacht is a ‘green’ endeavor is probably a stretch too far! Carbon-Offset can be arranged if our clients are interested, however. Obviously, taking a sailing yacht is a greener option than taking a motor yacht…
In your opinion, what is the most attractive destination? Is there a particular destination that is looking popular for 2024?
For a summer charter, I would personally go for Greece. There are so many wonderful islands to explore, each offering something a little bit different. The Greeks are also fantastic hosts! It does appear to be proving a popular destination this year. For winter destinations, the traditional destinations have largely been the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the BVIs as most people look for some winter sun. However, new areas have opened up, with charters booking in Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Raja Ampat), Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands including the Galapagos. For those looking for true adventure, then taking a trip down the coast of Patagonia would be the place to head….or even Antarctica!
In your opinion, what is the most attractive destination? Is there a particular destination that is looking popular for 2024?
For a summer charter, I would personally go for Greece. There are so many wonderful islands to explore, each offering something a little bit different. The Greeks are also fantastic hosts! It does appear to be proving a popular destination this year. For winter destinations, the traditional destinations have largely been the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the BVIs as most people look for some winter sun. However, new areas have opened up, with charters booking in Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Raja Ampat), Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands including the Galapagos. For those looking for true adventure, then taking a trip down the coast of Patagonia would be the place to head….or even Antarctica!
What can we expect to see from Messum in 2024?
We plan to continue providing the best and most personal service possible to our very loyal and much-loved clients!
What can we expect to see from Messum in 2024?
We plan to continue providing the best and most personal service possible to our very loyal and much-loved clients!
