sunsail yacht purchase scheme

OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

Your worldwide sailing adventures., intelligent yacht ownership., join the program, own with the best.

• Guaranteed monthly income
• Ample amounts of sailing time each year
• Access to many destinations worldwide
• Zero operating, insurance or maintenance costs
• Access to your yacht or sister ships worldwide

HOW IT WORKS

Guaranteed revenue, zero-cost maintenance, and owner use privileges explained.

Download a PDF with full pricing information for the model of your choice.

ABOUT OUR BOATS

Monohulls and catamarans from the best builders in the industry.

BASES AROUND THE WORLD

Our company-owned bases and experienced staff help us reach our high standard of excellence for owners and charter guests.

PARTNER WITH TRAVELOPIA

FINANCIAL STRENGTH

Your deposit is secure with us. Sunsail is part of Travelopia, a portfolio of best-in-class global travel brands.

BOAT SHOWS AND EVENTS

Come aboard one of our boats at a boat show, or view the fleet at an open house in Tortola.

MORE YACHTS

New, used, charter, or private boats available with our sister brands. ⊲ Used Charter Yachts ⊲ Private Yachts ⊲ Used Private Yachts

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Is Sunsail Yacht Ownership Right for You?

Sunsail Yacht Ownership Program 

If you charter multiple times a year, and want to own a yacht (don't we all!) but don't have time to take care of it, the Sunsail Yacht Ownership program is the perfect way to live your most exciting life! For over 50 years, our yacht ownership program has allowed thousands of others, just like you, to own a yacht, worry-free. Not to mention, our clients in the ownership program received their guaranteed monthly income, even in the midst of travel halts and COVID restrictions. 

Worldwide destinations

Sunsail Yacht Ownership has plenty of worldwide destinations, including Tortola, St. Lucia , Tahiti, Australia, Abacos, Belize, Greece, Grenada, Thailand , Croatia, Antigua, and more! You can get access to any of these beautiful destinations for up to 12 weeks a year! Our typical contracts usually last up to 5 or 6 seasons. 

Program Benefits

Along with up to 12 weeks of sailing per year, Sunsail Yacht Ownership will take care of the management, maintenance, operating costs, and docking fees of your yacht. You may also use equivalent sister ships or choose to upgrade to a larger model. 

Guaranteed Income Program

Sunsail offers two program options to find the best one that suits you. The Guaranteed Income Program means that you purchase the yacht at the start, and receive guaranteed monthly income that will cover your loan payment. You will receive the same income every month, regardless of charter activity. This contract runs for 5 seasons in the Caribbean or 6 seasons in the Mediterranean or Exotics. At the end of your contract, you can keep your yacht and sail away, sell your yacht using our in-house brokerage service, or trade and start a new program. 

Option to Purchase Program

The Option to Purchase Program means you pay 45% of the retail price of the yacht and receive no income from the program. At the end of the program, you can make a purchase payment of 20% and take a clear title of the yacht. Or, you can take a guaranteed cash buy-back of 20%, and simply walk away.

Contact us today and see how Sunsail Yacht Ownership is a better way to own!

Phone:  888-952-8603  (outside the U.S. or Canada call 1-727-530-5651) Fax: 727-530-9747 E-mail:  [email protected]

Cristina Strait

WHAT does option to purchase mean?

Many sailing enthusiasts have heard of yacht ownership. It is an increasingly widespread concept and comes in different forms. Today we are going to tell you about the 3-step Option to Purchase programme 1. You join the program with an initial contribution corresponding to 45% of the price of the boat. 2. You will then enjoy sailing weeks from all our bases for 5 to 6 years. 3. At the end of the program, you can keep the boat by paying a balance of 20% of the purchase price. If you don't want to keep it, we'll refund 20%.

the advantages of yacht ownership

ReDUCED PURCHASE PRICE

45% down payment.

 up to 12 weeks

Of sailing per year .

no operating costs

Throughout the programme.

Usage of sister yachts

option-to-purchase PROGRAMME EXAMPLE

Complete the form below to download an example. Your perfect yacht and holiday could be just a click away...

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Testimonials

MARC, SUNSAIL owner

"I have sailed with family or friends in the Balearics, Thailand, the Seychelles, the Adriatic, in the Antillean Arc... and each time I have found that the experience was in line with my expectations. Experienced sailors know how difficult it is sometimes to ensure the perfect availability of any vessel, the sources of risks are many (weather, breakdown, etc.) exposing them to delays that are difficult to manage. Issues such as these are handled by Sunsail staff, without delay and to my complete satisfaction. The old sailor that I am knows how to appreciate this exceptional professionalism. "

Yves, Sunsail owner

"This programme has become a structured element in our life: twice three weeks each year, we experience dreamlike moments with family and friends in magnificent maritime areas: Greece, Croatia, Balearic Islands, West Indies and soon Polynesia. This formula is remarkable. We have always been made very welcome at all bases. The staff are helpful, responsive and knowledgeable. The teams are well managed. The sailboats are in excellent condition. "

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Sunsail Yacht Ownership: a better way to go boating

• In partnership with Yachting World
• April 19, 2022

Looking to buy a boat? If you want to maximise the fun and minimise the complication, Sunsail has a solution you need to see.

Founded in 1974 in Greece’s Saronic Gulf, Sunsail has grown to become the world’s leading provider of sailing holidays. With a fleet of 538 mono and twin-hulled sailing yachts, it offers both bareboat and skippered charters in more than 20 of the world’s most exalted yachting destinations. It also provides flotilla sailing holidays, plus a variety of courses in its ever-expanding network of sailing schools. It is, in every regard, an international yachting powerhouse and that’s a key part of what makes its Yacht Ownership programme so exciting.

Sunsail Yacht Ownership is designed to enable you to buy and use a yacht without any of the hassle of traditional ownership.

Once you’ve picked your favoured boat from the Sunsail fleet and made your initial payment, Sunsail takes care of everything from the cleaning and servicing to the maintenance, insurance and berthing fees. You are then free to use your yacht (or an equivalent boat from the programme) for up to 12 weeks per year – and you can do so at any of Sunsail’s worldwide yachting destinations, from the Caribbean and the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.

If that sounds tempting, the boats themselves are no less so. Sunsail’s fleet comprises monohulls from Jeanneau and Beneteau, as well as catamarans from Leopard. They range from 41 to 52 feet in length and, while each is selected for its comfortable cruising characteristics, the fact that these are mid-sized models from well-known builders brings some valuable extra benefits.

In addition to improving the prospects of a fast and lucrative resale, it also helps improve the supply of parts, speed up repairs, minimise downtime and keep you on the water.

The programme’s flexible ownership structure is equally user-friendly. Ownership Option 1 involves buying the yacht outright. You receive a guaranteed monthly income to help mitigate your costs – and at the end of the programme (usually five to six seasons), you can do one of three things. You can keep it as your own private boat, you can sell it through Sunsail’s brokerage service or you can trade it in and begin a new Yacht Ownership programme.

Ownership Option 2 enables you to reduce the initial cost by paying just 45% of the yacht’s purchase price. You receive no monthly income from it but you still get all the benefits of Sunsail’s maintenance and management programme, plus access to every one of its worldwide cruising bases. And when the contract ends, you can pay an extra 20% for full ownership or you can accept a guaranteed 20% buyback from Sunsail.

In all cases, it means big savings, a wonderful range of cruising destinations and complete freedom from the traditional complications of yacht ownership. In a world where people are forever seeking simpler, more satisfying ways to enjoy their time on the water, it’s very tough to fault.

To find out just how rewarding yacht ownership can be, call +44 (0)23 9222 2225, visit www.sunsailyachtownership.co.uk or email [email protected] .

SUNSAIL SETS SAIL ON A EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY WITH DUFOUR YACHTS!

Get ready to hoist the sails and join the celebration as Sunsail embarks on an exciting voyage alongside the legendary French yacht builder, Dufour. With over half a century of seafaring craftsmanship, Dufour has earned its stripes as a top-tier yacht builder. This partnership is more than just a handshake; it's a nautical love affair that makes Dufour Yachts the exclusive supplier of sailing monohulls for Sunsail.

Our Sunsail technical department has been working their magic with Dufour to make sure their new creations not only meet but exceed our sailors' wildest dreams. Picture this: in the spring of 2024, we'll be welcoming our first fleet of 25 Dufour monohulls to our Mediterranean playgrounds. This flotilla will showcase four dazzling models ranging from 37 to 53 feet: the Dufour 37 (aka Sunsail 37.3), the all-new Dufour 41 (meet the Sunsail 41.3), the sleek Dufour 44 ( new Sunsail 44.3 and Sunsail 44.4), and the majestic Dufour 530 (also known as Sunsail 53.5).

But this is not even all! In autumn 2024, just in time for the 2024/2025 winter adventures in the Caribbean and the 2025 Mediterranean season, we'll be receiving another batch of these yachts. 

Dufour yachts are amongst the fastest of the sea - speedy, stylish and oh-so-stable. They're designed for sailors who crave modern elegance, decked out with alluring finishes. Sailing them is a breeze, and they've been known to leave the competition eating their wake.

Press conference on 12 September 2023 - Cannes Yachting Festival 

Franck Bauguil, Vice President of Yacht Sales and Product Development for Sunsail, says: "Sunsail is delighted to announce a new partnership with Dufour Yachts for all new monohulls arriving in our charter fleets. We look forward to a long-term partnership and close collaboration on product development. There is a high level of convergence between the two companies in terms of product design, comfort levels, and sailing sensations, laying the foundations for an unrivaled charter experience".

Romain Motteau, Deputy Managing Director of Dufour Yachts, expressed his enthusiasm by saying: "We are delighted with this new partnership, built on a shared long-term vision. At Dufour Yachts, we strive to design yachts that meet the evolving requirements of owners and charterers looking for a dream holiday. Our three fundamental pillars of comfort, sensations and respect for the oceans are perfectly aligned with Sunsail's philosophy".

The new Dufour yachts will be available for charter as well as through Sunsail's management charter programmes. This is the ideal solution for those who dream of owning a boat but have limited leisure time and/or budget. The programme guarantees a regular monthly income or a reduced purchase price and offers a wide range of sailing opportunities throughout the year. It gives access to a wide range of destinations around the world without the usual expenses associated with ownership (insurance, maintenance, berths).

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Franck Bauguil concludes by expressing his gratitude to the people who helped build this partnership: "I would like to thank the Dufour management team, Romain Motteau and Steven Guedeu, and also Laurent Fabre in the United States, for making the process easy and enjoyable. Special thanks to the Dufour team, Nicolas Berenger and Romain Lucas for their expertise and listening skills, and of course to my team, Antony Wighting, Technical Director at Travelopia and John Lefevre, our Purchasing and Logistics Director, for their unwavering commitment throughout this process

With Sunsail's 50 years of seafaring expertise and Dufour Yachts gearing up for its 60th anniversary in 2024, consider this partnership the launch of a thrilling new era in the world of yachting. So, ready your crew and plot your course because the seas are calling, and adventure awaits…

Owner's adventures: Fern's co-ownership story

We’ve just bought our second Sunsail boat, well, actually my third and Garry’s second. This time another friend has joined us in our sailing investment too which makes it a three-way ownership split. Our new boat is a Sunsail 46, located in Croatia as part of the Option to Purchase programme.

Garry and I met whilst racing in Portugal, got on well and of course spent a lot of time chatting about our sailing experiences. I was already a Sunsail owner but getting close to the end of contract time. I had some last-minute points I couldn’t use because of my work schedule and offered them to Garry. He did a fortnight in the BVI with his friends and had a great time. The following year we sailed together in Croatia with my original boat, then decided when my contract ended that we would roll over together onto a slightly bigger yacht. I had more free time so bought a larger share and we split the ownership one-third/two-thirds.  We’ve spent time together afloat in Thailand, French Polynesia, the Caribbean and all over the Med. The scheme has worked well. Often, it’s nice to do a one-way charter, so you don’t double back. With two owners who both are competent to skipper, we’ve occasionally booked a fortnight. I take the first week with my friends, say from Dubrovnik to Split, I then hand it over to Garry, and he does the return trip. We both get a great week that way and avoid any extra costs normally associated with a one-way charter.

Now we’re joined by another friend who isn’t (and I’m sure she’d be the first to admit this) really a sailor. She’s a corporate lawyer who just loves the complete change of lifestyle that a sailing holiday offers. She wanted to secure her sailing holidays for the next 6 years so said she’d buy in with us. She’d been a guest on board with both Garry and myself several times. She’ll never skipper the boat so will always need one of us with her to sail the yacht whilst she sunbathes. It works. Garry and I get more helm time that way too.  We don’t have any formal divisions of sailing time between us. It’s just a chat to discuss where and when we want to go, and who fancies what. Being Europe based it a pretty formulaic sailing season. We plan to use an exotic pre-booked in March, then standby off-peak in the Med early and late season, normally ending up with a fortnight in November/ December somewhere in the Caribbean. Garry might take a week or two by himself with his family and friends and I’ll fill the rest of the time, giving 1st choice to my non-sailing owner and Garry. 

The scheme is good value and, having just sold my private yacht, I can say with a good deal of certainty, it’s very cost-effective. With multiple owners, you can maximise the weeks and we do intend to use all our allotted time including the short notice. I would certainly recommend this as a great way to sail all over the world in relatively new boats without the hassle and cost of maintenance, insurance and berthing fees. 

Click below to download a financial example of co-ownership.

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Could shared Yacht Ownership be the perfect partnership?

With the Sunsail yacht ownership programme, sailing has never been easier or more cost-effective, but did you know that it is also possible to buy your boat jointly? Whether it's a larger boat, or simply to reduce the cost of becoming a Sunsail Yacht Owner, we can tell you all about this easy way to optimise your sailing experience, which has already won over many Sunsail Owners. 

At Sunsail, we are particularly generous with our sailing time, with up to twelve weeks of access to your own boat or an equivalent boat available in our worldwide fleet. Though not everyone’s work and family commitments will allow them to take full advantage of this allowance. To avoid this extraordinary advantage being underutilised, many Sunsail customers have decided to buy their perfect yacht with a friend. In addition to reducing the investment for each person, this can also be an opportunity to choose a larger model or to upgrade from a monohull to a multihull for example. In any case, with up to twelve weeks available two or even three co-owners can all enjoy many weeks on the water for just a fraction of the full Ownership cost. 

All the advantages of co-ownership, WITHOUT compromise!

Co-ownership can be structured between family members such as brothers and sisters, or with neighbours or members of your local sailing club. The possibilities are endless. The purchase financials are not complicated by the presence of several co-owners in the contract. In fact, by combining income, the financial outlay is reduced, but for a few weeks use each your sailing time is not compromised. The use of the boat is shared between the co-owners, according to their wishes, and this creates total flexibility to maximise the value year-to-year. None of the traditional ownership pitfalls risks tarnishing the beautiful friendships or family harmonies you share, because, in the Yacht Ownership contracts, we cover all the costs and management responsibilities. This means there is no risk of disputes over maintenance, berthing and similar financial or time cost. Sunsail takes care of everything, so your only concern will be deciding where to sail next!

Together everything is possible...

Above and beyond the purchase formalities, there is above all the pleasure of sailing, because the many weeks of use of the boat offered in our contracts open up a world of possibilities. The group of co-owners, whether friends or family, can of course decide to sail together for all the weeks available or to sail separately. Co-owners can also rent two or three boats in the same place, at the same time, to sail as a private flotilla, thanks to the possibility of using sister ships of the equivalent value. It is also possible to imagine yourselves sailing at the same time but to different destinations, which is made possible with access to our many bases around the world. Perhaps one Owner prefers being able to take their family for a fortnight in the West Indies whilst the other for a fortnight in the Mediterranean in summer. The flexibility is yours to sail how you want. All of this can be enjoyed at no extra cost, as long as your joint sailing time requirements don’t exceed the contracted weeks available and the value of the boats booked is the same as your own.

Sharing the joy of sailing

Sunsail's Yacht Ownership programme is therefore perfectly suited to opening up to groups of friends or families who wish to sail together... or not. It is also a very practical response to the rising cost of boat purchases, creating the possibility of accessing yachts that you may never have dreamed of alone. Several dozen boats in Sunsail's European fleet are already co-owned and though it’s not for everybody, it can be the ideal solution for some of those limited in leisure time or budget. Some of our co-owners are even on their second or third boat bought together, confirming the validity of a solution that makes the joy of sailing anywhere in the world accessible to even more enthusiasts.

Click below to download a financial example of co-ownership

Sunsail 454 – the even sweeter « Sweet Cat »

Almost as soon as it was launched, the Sunsail 454, later nominated as “Boat of the Year” by the Cruising World magazine, became widely considered to be the model of what a catamaran should be. Indeed, just as sound buffs strive to find the « Sweet Spot »  (the perfect acoustic point from which to listen to their hifi), boating experts quickly came to consider the Sunsail 454 as being the perfect cruising catamaran, offering the perfect balance between space, comfort and performance. Below we present the new, improved and upgraded version which is even more state-of-the-art and more eye-catching than ever.

All seasoned twin-hull skippers agree that you only really start to have fun on a multi-hull when you are at the helm of a 45-footer. At sea, just as in life in general, everything is a question of balance and the length of the Sunsail 454 (13.72 m overall) has proven to be just the right compromise for the architects, Simonis-Voogd, to be able to overcome all the inherent issues posed by the design of a cruising catamaran. Indeed, owners expect a boat measuring 45-feet at the waterline not only to be able to sail quickly but also to be able to glide comfortably over and between waves even in choppy conditions. This length makes it possible to design twin hulls of sufficient size to create interior volumes and, very importantly, a loading capacity that is perfectly suitable for cruising purposes.

Out at sea, 45-footers win hands down

Those advantages are obviously even more applicable to sixty-foot, or even bigger, models. However, on boats of that size, the efforts required, the complexity of the manoeuvring techniques and the high level of maintenances constraints are such that the recourse to a professional crew becomes inevitable. This is clearly not the case with the Sunsail 454, which is sufficiently compact to be easy to handle when cruising with either family or friends and yet is big enough to comfortably fit up to four double cabins with independent bathrooms in its twin hulls while still having enough space left to house a skipper in a separate cabin, if required.

Let the light flood in and enjoy the space

The Sunsail 454 interior has been completely made over, making it even more stunningly attractive than before. The whole crew can sit inside the vast, U-shaped salon, bask in the light flooding in through the panoramic windows, and, as all the seats look forwards, enjoy the panoramic view out front. As for the style, it is as up-to-date as ever. The “silver riftwood” furniture contrasts handsomely with the Corian white of the spacious kitchen and the white oak flooring. The hulls are similarly designed to let in as much natural light as possible. The beds have been redesigned to allow a more convenient, access from either side and the enlarged portholes give an even greater impression of spaciousness.

A lounge to relax in and enhanced performance

Although the modifications below deck have been introduced gradually, from one version to the next, outside the upgrade is blindingly obvious. The 454’s silhouette is stylishly outlined by the long row of steel-rimmed portholes which immediately identify it as belonging to the long line of Sunsail catamarans. The main, forward cockpit is still as comfortable as before, whether at anchor or in port, but there is now an additional, perfectly-designed upper lounge, perched upon the rigid hardtop bimini. It is located close to the sheltered helm station, where all the lines are centralized, and where the crew can enjoy a full 360° view of the boat and sails. The layout of this newly-designed space is perfectly functional. With its sunbathing area at the fore and the banquette and table at the rear (the perfect place for sipping a cocktail out in the fresh air), the 454 seems to have taken on a new, fourth dimension. However, let’s not forget there is still the traditional aft cockpit below, itself very roomy and so easy to move through or around.

The boat has generously-dimensioned sails (more than 120 m² in all) including notably, a large genoa, and so both is quick over the water and a real pleasure to sail. Various press reviews have pointed out the boat’s “ingenious hull design”, its “remarkable stability” and its ”ideal size for open-sea cruising”. (Multihulls World). Canadian Yachting raved about it being “quick, roomy and stable, what dreams are made of!” Who could put it better than that? Well, maybe you will one day, should you wish to buy or rent out a Sunsail 454?

Click below to download the financials, then book your meeting with one of our experienced Yacht Ownership experts.

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Interview: Discover the Marina Agana base with Antonio

Ready to embark on an epic adventure in Europe’s sailing mecca next summer? Why not brush up on your knowledge get to know Agana a bit better before deciding on joining the yacht ownership programme with a boat located there? Our base manager Antonio Liponavić is here to answer all of our questions.

1. How DID YOU START OUT IN THE YACHTING INDUSTRY?

I've been close to boats and the sea my whole life. When I was younger I rowed and spend lots of time on the water. After I finished school I wanted to stay close to the boats and sea so the yachting industry was a logical choice for me. I applied for the job with Sunsail in 2002 and luckily I got a job. After some time then I've started working for both Sunsail and The Moorings.

Antonio (right) checking up on yachts.

2. have you always been based in agana, croatia.

I started with Sunsail when the base was in Marina Frapa in Rogoznica. We moved base to Marina Kremik the following year where it stayed until 2009. After this, I moved with The Moorings to Marina Agana, where Sunsail joined us in Agana a few years after.

marina agana from above

3. has this part of croatia always been popular or did it grow significantly as a yachting destination over the recent years.

Croatia has definitely grown in popularity over the last 10 years, and today probably has one of the largest charter fleets in the world – over 4000 yachts are registered for the charter industry. We are not surprised, of course, the sailing ground is amazing and versatile, and tourist boards are doing a great job at promoting our small country, so we have more and more customers each year.

4. The Dalmatian coast is seen as one of the most picturesque spots to sail in Europe - what makes it so special in your eyes?

Probably the variety this coastline has to offer, it is really unique in the world. One who hasn’t been to Croatia before may not guess it – but it really is part of the cradle of European civilisation. People have lived and sailed here since the Greek times, hence the ancient names for some places, like Faros for Stari Grad on Hvar, or Issa for Vis island. Most of the buildings, however, come from Venetian times, the architecture is really appealing. SO, in regards to sightseeing aspects, there is really a lot to discover in every single town dotted along the coastline. Some people like to hide in secluded bays, of that there is plenty. Normally, as the number of tourists increases in the high season, those get a little bit more difficult to find, but we are always happy to advise on their whereabouts. And that is what I feel draws people here the most – the Croats. We have a special vibe about us, I would say, mostly it is friendly and very supportive, and we like to help our visitors and brag about our traditions which prove to be very interesting to any listener. That helping nature also comes forward in the nautical tourism – there isn’t a single dock or mooring buoy that doesn’t have staff attending to it, ready to help out with parking manoeuvres and advice.

marvellous sights at the marina

5. how would you describe the sailing conditions to our owners.

The sailing conditions in Croatia are typically Mediterranean – in the summer months there are wonderful breezes of north-westerly wind during the afternoon and it can be very hot, while out of season there are periods of some stronger winds and storms with rain that are possible. Around late April, beginning of May, the sea is starting to be warm enough for swimming, depending on the year, and usually, the sunbathing season lasts well into October, sometimes even November.

6. Other than diving straight into the balmy water…what is a real must-see or must-do when sailing in this region?

There is really so much, everybody can find something they like. I would single out the gastronomic part of the holiday – the Croatian cuisine is delicious and accompanying wine diverse. Every island has its own unique wine sort, and going to wine tastings is something our guests enjoy with a lot of fervour. There is also diving which is still a bit underestimated, but amazing in the area of Vis and Kornati islands. For those who enjoy old buildings, fortresses and sightseeing in general – every little town is perfect, especially the likes of Trogir or Stari Grad which also have UNESCO protection. National and nature parks are also within reach – Krka, Kornati, Lastovo, Mljet can all be reached by boat and are very picturesque, as well as a great way to actively relax via hiking or bike riding.

7. Why would you recommend Agana as a top spot a base to have their yacht managed at?

A great deal of our fleet is a part of the ownership program, and we believe that our work speaks for us, in a way. A lot of owners come by the base and start enquiring about conditions to have their yacht based in Agana, and we take it as a compliment. We are proud of the effort we are putting into our yachts, and their maintenance, and believe we have a strong and responsible team that are delivering a great product and service to our guests, especially owners.

the kornati islands

8. how much time would you advise our owners to come to spend sailing around.

Some of the owners spend all their points on sailing in our area, especially in the last couple of years when travel was restricted. When one is not in a rush and just wants to revisit some of the favourite spots, 2 weeks is a beautiful time to spend on board, once out of season, once in high season. A lot of owners come 3 or 4 times, depending on the conditions and the crew – they are just people who love spending their time on the boat, so once it will be the north region, once the south, once it will be a 2-week combination in order to get to Dubrovnik and back… The beauty of sailing here is the choices, we are always happy to suggest new places that we know our owners will love – if it is a new bar that opened, for those travelling with a crew looking for a good time; or a sandy beach they haven’t been in yet if they are sailing with their family.

city of trogir 

You can currently join the Yacht Ownership Programme in Agana with two different models, click on the buttons below to check out your options.

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Keep the sun in your sails

Travelling is one of the most enriching activities we can embark on in our lives. And as we all do our best to weather the storm of the pandemic, let's dive into the adventures of Vincent and his daughter Jade who embarked on an unforgettable trip in St. Martin recently. 

As soon as "the Friendly Island" announced that they're welcoming back our international visitors to their beautiful shores, Vincent didn't hesitate and booked his plane tickets. Vincent has been a Sunsail-owner since 2018, his Sunsail 454 yacht is based at our Tortola base. Since entering the programme Vincent has been on many yachting trips whilst apart of the YO-programme all over the world! 

His first trip with us took him to the tropical shore of the Seychelles, afterwards he took on the Mediterranean waters of Greece, Croatia and Spain. As a huge water sport-enthusiast (Vincent loves sailing, diving, kiteboarding and windsurfing), St. Martin was the perfect destination to get to splash around some balmy waters after a long time of not being able to travel. He's got his next trips planned already, he wishes to visit the British Virgin Islands and Raiatea (French Polynesia) in the near future.

We hope that Vincent's journey inspires you and that we can welcome you onboard soon!

Lefkas; your gateway to the Ionian Islands.

Corfou, Ithika, Naxos…. names which conjure up images of idyllic cruises that Sunsail can organise for you in a beautiful sailing area around our base in Lefkas in the Ionian Islands on the West coast of Greece.

but, why choose lefkas in particular? 

Well, apart from all the beautiful islands you can visit, the clement wind and weather conditions (the Meltem is a long way away!) make this area popular with those with relatively little experience in windy conditions and/or wishing to make the most of their limited time on board actually sailing, bathing and snorkelling rather than being stuck in a port waiting for Aeolus, the Greek God of the Winds, to calm down!

Our base manager in Lefkas, the charming Claire Shields, will be delighted to greet you and ensure your arrival is as seamless as possible. The other good news is that there is an international airport on the island at Preveza and the base is just a short taxi ride away from Preveza airport.

The facilities provided in Lefkas are top rate too: safe and comfortable docking, a mini-market for provisions, water, electricity, telephone and refuelling services, well-maintained washing and showering spaces and even a book swap area.

the perfect sailing route

Once you’ve taken possession of your boat, there are a host of places to sail to. Here is just one example for a one-week cruise of just over 100 nautical miles:

Day 1: Lefkada – sailing route Lefkas-Preveza:  +/- 10nm Day 2: Meganisi – sailing route Preveza-Parga: +/- 29nm Day 3: Poros – sailing route Parga-Sivota Mourtos: +/- 15nm Day 4: Ithaca – sailing route Sivota Mourtos-Lakka, Paxos: +/- 12nm Day 5: Fiscando – sailing route Lakka, Paxos-Giaos, Paxos: +/- 4nm Day 6: Kefalonia – sailing route Giaos, Paxos -Lefkas: +/- 36nm

Check that out on Google Earth (not bad hey?).

how about otp in lefkas? 

Since we are discussing sailing in Greece, we’d like to mention a special programme we can offer there.

In one or two countries Sunsail have a specific programme for would-be buyers called OPTION TO PURCHASE (OTP) and may be of interest to you.

It is particularly attractive as, although it does not generate any regular income from monthly rentals (as our other programme does), it can allow you to become a boat owner for only 65% of the initial price ! At the outset, it requires only a very low initial down payment amounting to just 45% of the buying price. Then, after the regular 6 seasons period of cruising in our bases around the world, customers have the choice of either:

• making a final 20% payment (+vat , if applicable) and becoming full owners of their boat, or
• opting out and receiving a no-nonsense, guaranteed refund amounting to 20% of the initial price!

Either way, it is a win-win deal, isn’t it?

If you’d like some more detailed information about the Option to Purchase programme click here or contact us on +44 (0)23 9222 2225.

our most popular boat? the sunsail 38.

The Sunsail 38 is the most popular monohull at our Lefkas base. This is certainly because it is very pleasant to cruise on as it is relatively spacious, uncluttered, bright and airy and, unlike most models of this size, comes equipped with twin helms. In addition, its specially designed chined hull ensures excellent performances, particularly upwind. If you’re interested in buying a Sunsail 38 in charter management with Sunsail, you can download our latest special offer here .

If you’re looking to charter this boat from one of our Worldwide bases, click here.

In case you’re interested in buying a second hand 38 foot monohull, discover your options here.

Is Guaranteed Income always guaranteed?

Sunsail and sister company, The Moorings are credited with creating the “guaranteed income” ownership model that has become the most popular plan among the world’s largest charter companies. This attractive option aims to remove all risk to the owner as it ensures their loan or lease payment will be covered in the form of a guaranteed monthly payment from the charter company. Boat buyers are reassured during the sales process that no matter what, they will receive this payment, regardless of the actual charter activity of their boat. This guarantee is the cornerstone of the entire program. Without it the model fails, and the owner can be put in a very difficult situation. But can all these charter companies guarantee they’ll remain able to send out hundreds of payments each month ranging from £1,000 to £10,000, no matter what trials and turmoil come? The fact is some of them can’t.

We never miss a payment

Whether it was the 9/11 attacks, the worldwide recession in 2008, or the more recent devastation of hurricanes Irma and Dorian, many charter companies folded under the circumstances and found themselves unable to honour their guaranteed income commitment. Meanwhile, Sunsail (and sister company The Moorings) never missed an owner payment. The world again finds itself under the weight of another crisis. This time in the form of a global pandemic that has shut down travel and tourism completely and has sent global markets into uncertainty and disarray. Honouring our guarantees to our owners is more important now than ever. We can, and will, continue to do so. This is also attesting of the financial strength of our company, and our commitment to our owners.

what other charter companies are doing

We have however, learned over the past few weeks that some of the other large charter companies find themselves unable to pay their owners. They have officially ceased all owner payments for several months, sometimes even until 2021 and the resuming of those payments may be conditional.

It is important for anyone considering purchasing a yacht through a guaranteed income program to be aware that “guaranteed” sometimes only means guaranteed during the good times.

Our Promise

We believe guaranteed means guaranteed, no matter what. So, please make sure you do as much research and fact-checking as you can before entering into a partnership with a group that may be unable to fulfil their obligations to you.

Check out the latest video update from Yacht Sales President, Franck Bauguil, below specifically addressing this reality.

Stay safe out there and we’ll see you on the water soon!

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Why is it the best time to buy your yacht?

What if this troubled period was in fact the ideal time to embark on the project that has been close to your heart for a while now?

You have repeatedly turned the subject in your head: "I only sail a few weeks a year, I do not have the time or the skills to take care of a boat and I cannot afford to leave it at the pontoon for long. I like comfort, quality of service, sailing holidays without a hitch and I like to discover new moorings and routes. "

… No doubt, you would make for  a satisfied Sunsail owner!

Yes, but why start now, in the midst of a major crisis that prevents us from leaving our home? Is it really sensible?

Let's be clear: the prices and conditions have never been more attractive, here is a summary of this unprecedented situation that should convince you to take the plunge:

1 / The combination of a production tool in the nautical industry which was running at full speed with large orders and the sudden cessation of the market linked to the health crisis allow you to benefit from the choice of models, their availability and a level of discount never seen before! The prices and conditions have never been so attractive, the hardest part will be choosing the boat!

2 / On most of our special offers, we offer a program extension which makes it possible to recover the time of use lost because of the Covid-19, while continuing to increase its investment thanks to the guaranteed rental income which is paid to you every month. Earn more and sail as much. Clever, right?

3 / To reassure you about the quality of our Brokerage network, our 50-years mastery of the second-hand market and our ability to resell your boat, we are temporarily committed to a guaranteed recovery at the end of the program.

4 / France has benefited for many years from an exclusive flat-rate VAT system at 10% instead of 20% on all units delivered in France and armed with deep-sea, applicable on leasing rents even if the boat does not leave Community waters. This extremely advantageous exception was to end on April 1, 2020 (no, this is no joke) at the urgent request of Brussels. Who, given the current situation, agrees to postpone the implementation of this change. So? Ready to pay 10% less for your boat? And also benefit from historically low rates on your financing?

5 / It is at the height of the storm that we recognise the most solid structures. The Moorings, which invented the management program on sailboats, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and since its marriage with Sunsail, has gone through financially trying times like the economic crisis of 2008 or Hurricane Irma and the losses and extraordinary damage he sowed. It was during these crises that our group demonstrated its strength and its concept of contractual commitment. Our owners have always received their rental income despite a very sharp drop in activity in boat rentals or immobilisation of their boat for several months for repair.

Backed today by the KKR investment fund, one of the most powerful in the world, Travelopia offers you more than ever the comfort and security of a well-kept investment.

6 / When the market picks up again (which will happen soon and hopefully as soon as possible), we will probably no longer have the boat of your desire, the prices will unfortunately have resumed their slow and inexorable rise as well as the financing rates, and at this moment you will regret not having jumped on this unique opportunity that would have made you a happy owner but above all an opportunist!

So in short, now is the time to buy at the best price!

SOME THOUGHTS DURING THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES

Our sister company The Moorings celebrated 50 years in business in 2019. Clearly not a record by any standards but having been a part of the Moorings for over forty years I couldn’t help but reflect why many other competitors came and went.

New ones seem to pop up every year, while others disappear from the landscape…maybe I should say seascape.

The 50th Celebration was held last fall and I was privileged to be invited to be part of the gathering. Tony Rainold, one of the founders of the Moorings whom I worked with closely in those early years, was also part of the celebration. I asked Tony why he thought The Moorings succeeded in a tough industry where others had failed. He did not ponder the thought at all. He said; “We always tried to do things right by our customers.”  

That has been a hallmark of The Moorings way of doing business. It was then and it is now. The Moorings was a very close held private company for many years. She was sold to a French consortium in the late 1980’s. Then bought by the management team and a small private equity in the mid 1990’s, about ten years later it was united with what back then was one of its fiercest competitors, Sunsail. This was by way of acquisition by First Choice Holiday, a British Travel Group. Then merged with the tourism branch of TUI AG to form TUI Travel PLC. Its “Specialist” Group, renamed “Travelopia” ( www.travelopia.com ) was sold to KKR ( www.kkr.com ) in May 2017, arguably one of the world’s largest and most powerful private equity group.

Through all those changes, one thing remained the same. Do things right! The Moorings along with Sunsail have remained the leaders in the industry during all those sometimes challenging times. That brings me to the point of what is going on today. Potential charterers and yacht buyers are understandably concerned. Travel restrictions makes it impossible to go on holiday even if one wanted to take the risk. Charter yacht buyers don’t want to make a commitment, albeit not for the short term but five years or more.

It is important to remind them even during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, The Moorings did things right. We never missed a payment due an owner. Most recently the hurricanes IRMA and DORIAN, devastated the Caribbean and Bahamas. Many yachts that were damaged are still undergoing repairs some nearly 30 months in the process. The Moorings and Sunsail continued to pay the owners. I should mention this is without the aid of insurance. Business interruption coverage for our industry is not available.

With the current situation and outcome albeit unknown, I do not think even the most pessimistic of pundits believe the pandemic will not be controlled and we will be back to normal sooner rather than later.

All those that have or had relationships with The Moorings/Sunsail can rest assured this pandemic will end and like the last 50 years we will be standing ready to provide the best yachting holidays and ownership experience in the world because WE DO THE RIGHT THING.

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Sunsail, The Moorings, and Travelopia’s marine group have the largest fleet of pleasure yachts in the world. Coming from leading manufacturers Robertson and Caine, Beneteau, Jeanneau, these sailing monohulls and sail and power catamarans are designed and equipped for performance, comfort, and reliability for both casual cruising and blue water sailing. The yachts are maintained by our dedicated teams at our worldwide bases. These charter yachts are turned over frequently, and Sunsail Brokerage, along with partner Moorings Brokerage, are now the largest re-sellers of high quality ready-to-sail used boats in the world. If you’re looking for a boat to live aboard, sail the world, or just cruise locally, check our listings and contact our sales staff . With our worldwide inventory, it’s easy to find the perfect boat in the right place.

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• Digital edition

Time Share Sailing

• January 8, 2007

Cutting the Cost of Ownership

 In January’s YM, Peter Willmot wrote about his experience of buying a 33ft yacht to charter with Sunsail. In this month’s issue, Sam Brunner took a look at some other ‘time share’ options which could help you to cut the cost of ownership in 2007. Here, Sam examines charter management with Sunsail, and what it might cost – or save – you.

‘BUY TO LET’: CHARTER MANAGEMENT Charter management is a great option if you have the capital to buy a boat, but only really intend to sail for a few weeks holiday a year and want to make it pay. Charter companies will lease your boat from you, maintain it and offer you a certain number of weeks sailing a year. Because the main companies are international, these schemes often offer you a huge selection of sailing venues where you can sail yachts equivalent to the type you buy with none of the delivery or transportation fees usually associated with sailing your own yacht abroad.

Company Profile: SUNSAIL

With 23 international bases and 2/3 of its fleet privately owned, Sunsail is probably the most prolific charter-manager around. They charter a variety of boats, dependent on location, with a range of Beneteau, Jeanneau, and several other designs on their books. At the end of the agreement, you can collect your yacht, sell her through brokerage or trade her up for a new yacht and continue the partnership.

How it works: There are two programmes available. The standard scheme is the Guaranteed Income Programme. Here, the owner purchases the yacht outright and pays for its registration: marine finance can be used as the asset is wholly owned and can be used as security against the loan. Sunsail commits to paying a monthly income for 5.5 years. The owner can give 6 months notice to terminate at any point during the contract. If you have the capital, this programme is the more profitable of the two (see breakdown below).

The second option is the Sunsail Finance Programme; this is only available with certain yachts and at certain bases. A single payment of 63% of the full retail price and registration fee is paid at the outset. There are no further payments from either the owner or Sunsail. Just as with the first programme, the owner owns the yacht outright at the end of the 5.5 year contract.

Usage: Up to 10 weeks usage per year. This is not restricted to your yacht – you can use a variety of Sunsail boats at any of their bases. There is no limit on the number of crew the owner can take with them.

Usage Allocation: Owners are guaranteed 6 weeks, but are able to take more than that if they choose to go outside peak season. If the owner has time left over, this can be used by anyone they choose, providing they have the required experience to skipper a charter yacht.

Maintenance: Maintenance, insurance, berthing and marketing are all covered by Sunsail. One month before the end of the contract, the owner is invited to spend a week ‘inspecting’ their yacht to identify and agree any items that might need attention before the hand-over.

Cost: for Sunsail 43. Programme 1 : Guaranteed Income

You pay: 10% deposit (on boat upon signature of contract): £11,900 Registration: £1000 Final Balance on boat: £107,100 Total Cost: : £120,000

You get: Income: £793.33 pcm/ £9,519.96pa Total Income: £52,359.78 over 5.5 years. Boat at end of contract

Programme 2: Sunsail Finance You pay: 10% deposit: £11,900 Registration: £1000 53% balance: £63,070 Total Cost: £75,970

You get: No income Boat at end of contract

Contact: Tel: 0870 428 1890; Web: www.sunsail.co.uk; Email [email protected]

They say: ‘Worry free yacht ownership with an income’. We say: Perfect for capital-rich, time-poor who want to explore warmer climes by yacht.

Reader’s Verdict

David Lambe, 65, director Adley Properties. Married with 3 children, lives in Worcestershire. He has been with Sunsail for 12 years and is on his 3rd boat.

David started sailing about thirty years ago. He owned a Benetau 30 for 5 years, then traded up for a Moody 33, sailing from Salcombe with his family around British waters and the Channel Islands.

Finding himself ‘cheesed off with getting down to the boat only to find it was pouring with rain, too much wind, or none at all’, and tired of maintenance work, he found out about the Sunsail yacht partnership option. ‘I liked the idea that you could sail year-round in good weather, and you could use an equivalent boat at any of their bases in the world.’

David bought a Benetau 40, and after the first contract (5.5 yrs) traded it in for a new Benetau Oceanis 473. When that contract was up six months ago, he traded it in for a new model. The best thing about the scheme, says David, is ‘that it gives you the opportunity to go anywhere in the world and sail. We’ve been to Thailand, all over the Caribbean, Canada, Greece, Croatia, Corsica? and all its really cost us is the airfare’

Were there any hidden costs?

No, its all been pretty transparent really. We’ve come up from an £80,000 to an £120,000 boat without paying anything like the market price for it.

What’s your advice to others?

Don’t look for great profits, but you will have some great experiences.’ ends

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Charter ownership – making a business out of pleasure?

Our guide to this relatively new boating business venture.

Most sailors dream of owning their own boats one day. But as yachts have grown in sophistication and size, prices have risen too, making would-be owners turn to charter holidays on rented boats instead. Ironically, this growth in the charter market has created an opportunity to own a boat for less than its full price.

So-called charter ownership offers a way for sailors to buy boats at a discount, enjoy plenty of time on board and avoid the expensive running costs that come with outright ownership.

Some charter companies are reluctant to disclose what sized yachts are the most in demand among their customers. That may make sense competitively, but it’s a pretty key question for a would-be charter owner. Of course, other factors will determine what sized boat you ultimately choose, including your budget and your intended use. But everyone agrees at least that average boat sizes are increasing year-on-year.

“For the last few years, 40ft monohulls have become the standard for couples, while families often look at 45ft-plus monohulls,” says Julian Adams at Sunsail. “Nearly everyone loves catamarans these days, thanks to the big steps forward in design.”

For Chris Lorenzo, MD of the Med-focused Seafarer, the sweet spot is just shy of 40ft. “In the flotilla market, the most popular boats are three-cabin monohulls in the 37-38ft range. That said, smaller two-cabin yachts are good small families and couples.”

Neil Bingham at Sail Grenadines and Sail Ionian said: “We strongly recommend choosing and specifying a yacht as something you will want to sail yourself – there will be like minded people who will look for the same things when chartering.”

He also pointed out that Greece is less suited to catamarans, because of the small size of many harbours making mooring them difficult and expensive. For Caribbean charter, he recommends yachts over 40ft, with those over 55ft generally on a skippered basis.

First and foremost, pick a company that operates in the region you want to explore. That said, many of the bigger companies include reciprocal sailing rights as standard in your ownership contract, allowing you to borrow another owner’s yacht elsewhere in the world at no extra cost to yourself.

Greece retains a very strong pull for charterers, offering everything from family-friendly low-wind cruising to more ambitious island hopping. “The demand for new yachts is always strong and has increased each year (in Greece),” according to Chris Bingham of Sail Ionian. “It seems to go against the economic trend.”

Costs are lower in both Greece and Turkey, thanks to cheaper labour and less swingeing marina and port fees. That is not the case across the Mediterranean, as Chris Lorenzo of Seafarer explains: “Greece and Turkey are the places where from an owner’s perspective it is more interesting. In Croatia, management fees are rather higher.”

Maintenance

Most contracts allow for maintenance to be carried out by the charter company at no cost to the owner. Of course, the money for this comes out of the charter fees, but it is not deducted from the owner’s share. Not all maintenance programmes are alike, so it’s worth checking the state of the boats in the fleet of your chosen charter partner. “Looking around their fleet of boats will tell a story about the level of damage they suffer and the standards of day to day maintenance,” says Neil Bingham. “I would strongly recommend viewing a five-year-old boat as well as the new ones.”

Seafarer’s mainstay is flotilla holidays, and that is good for boat owners, Chris Lorenzo says. “Operating in the flotilla environment, there is more supervision. Experienced crews are on hand at the times that damage can occur – mostly entering or exiting harbour. Bareboat is more likely to have issues causing wear and tear.”

A typical ownership contract will give you choices over how much money you want to put down at first, and offset that with greater or lesser income over the year. If you’re buying the boat outright, the market rate for income is 8-9 per cent of the boat’s purchase price each year. This is the case with Sunsail and The Moorings, for instance. Alternatively, they have an ‘Option to Purchase’ programme, where the owner puts down 45 per cent of the purchase price, but receives no monthly income. At the end of the contract, there is then the choice of paying an additional 20 per cent to take title of the boat, or accept a 20 per cent cash payment from Sunsail to surrender your interest in her.

In the first case, you recoup a third of your original outlay through charter income, leaving you with the boat and a bill for around £100,000. Selling the boat for an estimated £83,655 leaves you with an annual cost of ownership of about £3,750. Using the ‘option to purchase’ scheme is more expensive in the end, but your costs are spread out. Paying £76,050 upfront and a further £33,800 when the contract expires means you’ll have spent around £110,000 to take ownership of the boat (which Sunsail estimates you could then sell for £83,655).

If you opt for the cash instead of the boat itself, you’ll have spent just £42,000, but you won’t own anything at the end of the process.

Sunsail yacht sales consultant Julian Adams said: “Sunsail and The Moorings is the only company to offer the buyback option and it’s a popular one because it avoids the final cash outlay, uncertainty of costs until sale and in the EU, hefty vat payment.”

Dream Yacht Charter offers a similar system. Andy Byham, Dream Yacht Charter UK Director, explains: “Dream now has over 1000 yachts operating worldwide and one of our biggest selling points is that we have 42 destinations that you can sail from, all offering reciprocal deals for owner charterers.

“Dream offers five different purchase options and a choice of nine manufacturers. The Dream Partnership programme is similar to Sunsail’s Option to Purchase but requires a 55% down payment at the outset.

“Meanwhile, our Dream Easy programme focuses on lower down payments of 35%, making this what we feel is an outstanding market leading product

“With the criteria being only 3,000 Euro per annum that includes usage of yachts in the UK, and access to a dedicated training centre for RYA courses, this is another unique variation offered by Dream Yacht Charter and why we view ourselves as the world’s leading charter company.”

Sunsail points out that it can secure better prices as the largest customer of Groupe Beneteau, builders of the Jeanneau and Beneteau monohulls that make up its fleet. “The savings we pass on in our prices means the actual purchase payment is similar to that offered by our competitors,” says Julian Adams.

Conversely, Dream Yacht Charter offers a greater choice of nine different brands and sticks with standard non- branded production yachts. they also have some interesting additional options. The first is its Performance programme, which gives boatowners exposure to two-thirds of charter income and access to tax benefits. The down side is that you have to pay maintenance expenses yourself. It also has a Crewed Yacht programme suitable for boats over 45ft, where Dream finds the crew for you.

Seafarer offers another variation. Instead of their standard 8-9per cent guaranteed income, you can take a straight cut of the year’s charter fees. MD Chris Lorenzo explained: “Net revenue/yield depends on how well the yacht does and the owner could potentially earn 20-25 per cent more, but they would be at risk if the season or the destination is not performing so well.”

In the end there are lots of different ways of structuring charter ownership but perhaps the soundest advice comes from Neil Bingham at Sail Grenadines: “It is important to choose a yacht that suits you. This is an investment in leisure; the financial return is often not the most important thing you will get from a yacht partnership arrangement.”

Charter operators

• Sail Ionian:  sailionian.com
• Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays:  seafarersailing.co.uk
• Sunsail:  sunsail.co.uk
• Dream Yacht Charter:  dreamyachtcharter.co.uk

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• Yachting Monthly's Scuttlebutt

Share a sunsail yacht partnership scheme

• Thread starter twentythirty
• Start date 30 Dec 2009
• 30 Dec 2009

twentythirty

I recognise that this option might be a bit infra dig to many but I wonder if anyone has experience of this system. Basically you pay 63% for a boat that you have provided to Sunsail for its first 5 yrs of its life. What you get out of it is up to 12 weeks/yr use of any similar boat anywhere in the world without any other costs other than getting there. As most of my sailing has been done with Sunsail I am aware of their set up for customers and it is actually very good. At the moment 12 weeks/yr is more than I can use and 52 weeks/yr is still more than I will want to use once early retired in about 5 years time particularly as I have a non sailing wife. So these benefits are not fully of use to me. It seems to me that if there are other male or females out there considering this scheme it would at least be useful to discuss it amongst ourselves. A meeting at the Boat Show might be a good idea and who knows a small syndicate of 2, 3 or 4 might develop? I am minded toward the Sunsail384 catamaran. Rgds Julian  

Bosun Higgs

What is the cost of the boat ie the 63%? And where?  

sunsail You need caution. What happens to Sunsail boats in the winter when there are no punters about? How do they select and engage the people who look after the boats, not just the leaders of the flotillas? I do not think Sunsail is better or worse than most of the others (except the outfit run by Barrie the New Zealander, whose operation is outstanding because of his personal involvement.) But the sailing plan (as opposed to the business plan: the two are quite different) is not, in my opinion, very good. At the yard in Nidri, where we hauled out, we lay close to several Sunsail boats which had been badly damaged in a storm and which were being repaired by their employees, some of whom had been involved in the failure to look after the boats when there had been a storm warning. (All privately owned boats in the vicinity had been got clear.) PBO published a photo we had taken of the aftermath of a Vlikho winter storm which had Sunsail's laid up boats scattered like spillikins. The reason was that they had been propped on oil-drums, and anyone knows that this is not good practice. (The ridges round the drums are there to allow for expansion. When the wind varies, the drum expands and contracts and the wedges come adrift and . . . . . .) Most charter organisations are run by businessmen who are good at the return on capital employed but are less good on detailed boat practice. Your boat would be part of the detail. We have met those who have been satisfied with the deal. We have met those who have not. Do be very, very cautious.  

The 63% option on the new 384 cat costs £139K. Boat will be in Croatia, Greece or Thailand. In the 5 years awaiting total ownership you get use of similar at any Sunsail site. Choice of initial registration is an important one. Personally I am inclined to do the far flung places now(Thailand, Vietnam, Seychelles) on other boats. Once the boat was available full time it would be handy to have it a bit nearer to enable friends and family to easyJet to it. That being said I would be very interested to take her to bvi and leave her there. Depends on what others think. This would also probably have to be written down and signed on. Hope to find 1, 2 or 3 people with similar thoughts. There are several other boat types available. At other end of price range is 36i at £63K (list 100K) with 5 yr use of 39' boats. Suspect some points are subject to negotiation with SS. The Moorings (now same group) do a similar scheme but a bit more expensive. Only costs for the/any boat during the 5 years is a turnround fee for cleaning and providing sheets and towels plus fuel and any local cruising fees (I think). Turnround is much cheaper with SS at around £120 (from memory) for the whole boat. If anyone wants to email me direct to get a mobile number, do so at [email protected] . Just in case the last part of the email address is corrupted as can be the case I believe on public forums, a non cryptic(!) crossword clue might be "very warm letter". It's the usual one! Regards Julian  

Binch Thank you for your note of caution. I think we all know of the infamous picture showing a whole Sunsail fleet parked on top of each other. Not sure how their owners fared. Will be one of the big Q's at the boatshow. Sunsail must have suffered bigtime themselves after this event and I imagine, but will want to determine, that they have also learnt bigtime that that is not how you run a succesful business plan. Regards Julian  

Active member

It sounds to me that you might be better off just chartering with the likes of Sunsail or whoever has the best deal at the time for the area you want over the next five years. Then buy an ex charter Sunsail (or whowever) boat. We have an ex Sunsail boat, it was in blummin good condition. Bought it in 2007 (end of season) after 6 seasons use. TakTik and Chartplotter fitted in 2006 ( we only had to buy a C-map card) new sails in 2005 (sunsail change all sails after 5 seasons, well they did when we bought) Only thing we will do this year is re-upholster from corporate colours, back to original spec. Upholstery is still serviceable, but we planned on doing it any way. Sorry nearly forgot, we fitted a new loo, first thing we did.  

BlueSkyNick

Another note of caution - 63% of what, exactly? The manufacturer's list price or what Sunsail actually pay for the boat ?? If list price, and Sunsail get a significant discount of say 25%, they end up only paying 12% themselves and get the best 5 years use out of the boat. You get stuffed for all the rest. Make sure your share is of the actual price of the boat.  

Well-known member

I bought my boat through a similar deal with Kiriacoulis in Greece. I paid 48%, although his latest scheme is nearer 55%. It is only worth doing if you make good use of you "free" entitlements and consider the opportunity cost of paying full price for your charters. I paid roughly £40k for my boat and borrowed the money. At 6% average my interest costs were £2400 pa. Typical charter rates for my boat were £1600 pa so once I used two weeks it was cheaper than chartering. The big unknown, however is what you do at the end of the contract. When I started, there was a shortage of good boats on the secondhand market so ex charter boats were selling for more than the 48% of new price. When I finished the market had collapsed and I would have to sell at a price probably 10-20% lees than I paid for the boat. There is also a little sting where you have to pay VAT at the end if you want to keep the boat in the EU - although this is reflected in the resale value. To me it only makes sense if you intend like me to keep the boat at the end, for your retirement for example. Clearly getting a syndicate together on this basis is almost impossible - you will have to sell the boat at the end and there is a high risk you will lose money. Holding together a syndicate of 4-5 people when you do not have control over the boat is also a challenge. The alternative is to join a syndicate that owns a boat outright. If properly organised these can work well and over time be economical, provided you are happy to use the same boat in the same location each year. You might find it useful to talk to Chris Hawes www.yachtfractions.co.uk as he is well up to speed on the alternatives. No connection other than I bought my boat through him. Hope this helps  

• 31 Dec 2009

Nice to know it worked out well for you Mike. Your idea is as I have been doing for some years but a few financial things have got me more focussed on actually owning a boat. 1. Returns on money deposits are down to about 3% at best. 2. Looking at Sunsail charter costs for cats just now I found prices varying from 2.8 to 5.7K low and high season in bvi and from 3.3 to 6.7K in Croatia. All for one week, no flights. An agent like www.latesail.com will come up with discounts of around 15% on whatever Companies they have deals with roubd the world. Say a lowish average price is 4K/week. SS offer 12 weeks use low season wherever that is in that part of the world through to 6 weeks if all high season via a points system. So say the return is worth 9 weeks average, this works out at approx 36K/yr. As an individual owner you have paid 139K and this basically the value of the boat you'll get in 5 yrs so the capital cost is kind of sorted. You have 36K worth/yr for 139K outlay. This is getting on for a 25% return! But only if you use it of course! I am a bit hard pressed to use 9 weeks sailing a year as am in work full time. That's why I think a small, maybe one other person, syndicate would be of benefit for two people. The advantage of a slightly bigger syndicate (as well as lower outlay) would be 2 or 3 other people to sail with, perhaps at least 1 would often be available. This a big incentive for me with a non sailing wife. 3. Within the 5yr timescale it may well be that inflation comes back to haunt us thanks to lack of restraint within Goverment. It cannot be used as a decision making factor as noone knows (least of all HMG!) what is developing out there in the financial futures. But that which suffers most in inflationary times is cash on deposit and it will benefit HMG to pay back their incredible borrowing with cheap inflated money in years to come. Assets will generally rise (in figures) thereby holding real value paid. Thank you also to MoodyNick and Tranona for making the effort to comment. To the former, with respect, it doesn't make any difference. Of course SS are not going to pay the RRP for a boat if they buy hundreds at a time. They'd have gone out of business years ago if that was their level of financial acumen. And I am sure they make a reasonable profit on this scheme - otherwise why do it? Like most people I ignore RRPs or "normal prices" whether thinking of buying cars, boats or bottles of wine and just judge whether the price I can get the item for is good value in comparison to elsewhere or whether I really want it that much anyway. But looking at 5yr old cats (usually the older type Lagoons) for sale on the internet I don't see anything below the equivalent of £139K and this is for a new award winning design (whatever that's worth!). So this idea has held my interest. To the latter, yes 2 weeks use and you may have covered your costs. Your figures agree with mine. If 2 weeks more than covered your 6%, 9 weeks would be about 25% as I say above. Joining an existing syndicate is also an option I am considering. I also have focussed in on subsequent immediate cost. It is good to hear from Mike that his boat was so well represented to him. The SS contract is for full maintenance and a recommission ahead of delivery. The VAT issue is correctly highlighted and I had brought that up with them. I can't remeber the exact figures but Greece was worst (and as it going the way of Iceland it is not going to be better in 5yrs time) at about 20%, Croatia 10%ish, Thailand 7% tax, all on value of boat at time. Mind you, move it to bvis and you avoid this. The 5 yr timescale suits me as in 5 years I wll be 60 and will either stop work or go part time. Even if I have all my time free from toil then I feel I will not want to spend all my time on a cat in the sunny bvis with a gin in one hand and suntanned female in the other. Who would? Actually it is the non sailing wife and grown up children all in the UK who are the factors here! It would be preferable for any other person in the syndicate to want to keep the boat after 5yrs. Things change though. At least with just 2 in, one could buy out the other if that is what they wanted. Or if unable to agree terms SS do a guarantee buy back. I think the figure was that you lost about 20% (buy back 40%ish?, so that is prob 20% RRP cost). They do this to try and encourage people to continue their scheme, like car leasing, and quite a few people I have met on holidays do this. But as I see things from now, I am intested in using the boat more frequently in 5yrs time and so would want to keep her subject to usual caveats. Please keep your valued comments coming. I know I am speaking to people with more experience than I have here. It is not the usual website rubbish! Hope to hear from anyone via the aphroditehills@hotmail email in case they want my mobile number and maybe arrange a light hearted chat and drink at the boatshow. Not sure which day I am visiting it yet. Regards Julian  

Julian... Has your non-sailing wife been on a cat in somewhere like the BVIs? A lot of non-sailing wives can be converted if you get them to the the right place and on the right boat. My wife would never sail with me in the UK... would tolerate a monohull in the med... it took a cat in the BVI to get her really enjoying the experience. So much so that on the 6th January she'll start a round the world trip with me!  

Hmmm, well I worked for them for a while.... Main issue for me would be the vulnerability of some of the expensive bits.... well at the end of the day, the engine. They get really trashed on charter and..... well.... If it were me, depending on what you wanted to do with the boat, I would be tempted to hunt around for a good deal Bavaria in the UK - maybe about 40k. I'm not the greatest fan for long term cruising, but for pretty much everything else, they cant be beaten. Personally I find them better in most ways than the Jans and Bens etc. Either way, you would have a boat whenever you wanted and could sail at weekends and the odd holiday - which would save you feeling obliged to spend a few weeks holiday sailing a year to make the deal work. Also, wife might take to it a bit more if you could go out in guaranteed weather and if she could also input into how the boat looked inside. She may be happy just hanging out in the marina on a windy weekend in winter - not sailing I know, but kinda fun too.  

Couple of further observations. A partnership is more likely to work than a larger syndicate but you need somebody who wants to use their share of the "weeks". The buy-back is always going to be lower value because the operator then has to sell the boat. Also, I am not sure about the private resale on the large cats as the number of these coming on the fleets has been increasing - and they all have to find "homes" when they are retired. I would be less concerned by condition. My boat was kept in excellent order and handed over exactly according to the contract, although the actual experience of getting all the niggling bits done was a bit of hassle. VAT is only an issue if you want to keep the boat in the EU. Check what value it will be based on. I paid 19% on the original contract price in Greece, but only when it was finally transferred to me. Payable in Euros so I took a bit of a hit as I originally paid for the boat in DM. Jeannius point about wives and sailing may be valid. I can't remember the last time my wife sailed on my boat in the UK but she loves (well, enthusiastically tolerates!) the boat in Corfu. If she did not we would not keep it. Good luck with your search.  

A friend of mine did a Sunsail deal about 7 years ago. After 5 years he got the boat back and said it was in fantastic condition. He then sold 3 quarter shares and reckons he got his quarter for nothing. Lots of sailing at Sunsail bases in the meantime.  

As others have said if you treat it as advance payment for holidays and not as a boat purchase, it can make sense  

tennisgirl1

We looked into Sunsail's scheme when we bought our boat (2007). There was a sliding scale - you could have 12 weeks' sailing in low season or four weeks in high season. We were about to retire and decided it was not for us. We were concerned also about the value of the boat at the end of the period given the vast number of yachts coming onto the market as a result of these schemes. However, we have met people since who were very pleased with the scheme as it enables you to have charter weeks at very low cost all over the world. One couple said that having bought one boat, they intended to sell it and take up the scheme again, mainly in order to sail in many parts of the world.  

Jeannius said: Julian... Has your non-sailing wife been on a cat in somewhere like the BVIs? Click to expand...

Jeannius;2361649A said: lot of non-sailing wives can be converted if you get them to the the right place and on the right boat. Click to expand...

Jeannius said: My wife would never sail with me in the UK Click to expand...

Master_and_Commander

binch said: You need caution. What happens to Sunsail boats in the winter when there are no punters about? How do they select and engage the people who look after the boats, not just the leaders of the flotillas? I do not think Sunsail is better or worse than most of the others (except the outfit run by Barrie the New Zealander, whose operation is outstanding because of his personal involvement.) But the sailing plan (as opposed to the business plan: the two are quite different) is not, in my opinion, very good. At the yard in Nidri, where we hauled out, we lay close to several Sunsail boats which had been badly damaged in a storm and which were being repaired by their employees, some of whom had been involved in the failure to look after the boats when there had been a storm warning. (All privately owned boats in the vicinity had been got clear.) PBO published a photo we had taken of the aftermath of a Vlikho winter storm which had Sunsail's laid up boats scattered like spillikins. The reason was that they had been propped on oil-drums, and anyone knows that this is not good practice. (The ridges round the drums are there to allow for expansion. When the wind varies, the drum expands and contracts and the wedges come adrift and . . . . . .) Most charter organisations are run by businessmen who are good at the return on capital employed but are less good on detailed boat practice. Your boat would be part of the detail. We have met those who have been satisfied with the deal. We have met those who have not. Do be very, very cautious. Click to expand...

SeamanStaines

I have some experience of this. My current yacht is a 42' Catamaran which I purchased new through 'Moorings' (who where subsequently taken over by Sunsail). She was operated through Moorings for six seasons for which they paid me a fixed monthly amount as well as the weeks I could use the boat. In essence it was a similar contract to the one Sunsail now offer. I would make the following comments from my experiences:- The actual base that the yacht is operated through is crucial to the way she will be used and maintained. My boat was based in Mallorca which was very popular and so she achieved nearly 100% of utilisation (I never managed to get any 'walk on time' in six years!). As a result of that utilisation the maintenance of the boat was often late. In addition, the motivation of the staff and management at the base directly affects the way your boat will be looked after. Having visited a few bases I would strongly suggest that you are familiar with the actual location and the quality of the Sunsail 'team' before basing your boat there. After six years the yacht was still in very good condition (although a lot if that is a credit to the original design and construction) with no major issues or problems. The difficulty I had was in getting maintenance done during the operational phase and particularly at the end of the contract. With the benefit of hindsight I would have done the following. 1. Insisted on a maintenance log and repair schedule being kept of all work, repairs, replacements and servicing and (this is crucial) inspecting it on a regular basis. 3. Prepare a full inventory of everything that is on the boat including serial numbers and get this approved by the base manager 2. Make sure I visited and used my individual boat at least twice a year and to have time available to discuss the maintenance with the base manager. Also getting agreement of remedial work and ensuring that it is carried out by your next visit. 3. Have the boat surveyed both half way through the contract and three months prior to phase out. At the survey prior to phase out get a full inventory and compare it with the original one to see what is now missing. Get serial numbers for all of the equipment and, where possible, mark it to prevent later disputes over the equipment. This is because all of the charter companies tend to swap pieces amongst the fleet, and particularly when they are phasing out a few identical yachts. 4. Have a full survey done at the actual phase out and also check through yourself all of the systems on the yacht and make comprehensive snag lists. I did this but even so I was still finding stupid 'bodged' repairs years after the yacht had been phased out. Having said all of this I am very happy both with the yacht as she is now and the service I received from Sunsail. My engines are both on 3500 hours and are in excellent condition, as are the gearboxes. I think this (as with a lot of the regular maintenance) is that is done well and on time. The things to watch for where there is a breakdown during a charter and a repair is made temporarily that is never permanently fixed. The maintenance logs would show this and I wish I had insisted on them.  

Colvic Watson

Master_and_Commander said: Good post, well said. I can assure you that, in my experience at least, Sunsail do not ask for any qualifications or sailing experience prior to booking a holiday for their clients. I am experienced, but have sailed with many who are not, and on each occasion when I had booked holidays with them I was never asked for my experience level etc. Click to expand...

I agree about making sure you keep on top of the boat. We used ours twice a year so knew what had been done. Not only is the base set up important but the actual location can have a big impact on the type of use the boat gets. We had ours in Corfu where there is little chance of high wind, harbours are usually easy for mooring, although inevitably there is a bit of banging around. However ours was only damaged once and you can't see the repair to the topsides although the dings in the toerail are still there. Repair facilities are excellent and there is less of a need perhaps to "bodge" running repairs. Our contract had a mid term refit when the boat went to Athens and among other things had a new suit of sails. I delivered her back to Corfu with a professional skipper from another charter operator for a "second opinion" before we decided to keep her rather than sell. We actually left her in the fleet for an additional year and made some money out of the charters. We had a detailed statement of every bit of work that was done in that year. Had a week in September and drew up a list then spent 10 days at the end of October sitting on the boat making sure everything was done. This is the least satisfactory part of the experience as you are right at the bottom of the priority list! I did not have a survey because I think I have enough knowledge of boats and systems to trust my own judgement. Also the boat is by the standards of some charter boats fairly simple. I would not worry about inexperienced people using the boat. The boats are pretty rugged, fully insured and as many have pointed out mostly well maintained. They have to be as a non-functioning boat does not earn money! There must be people who are unhappy with their experiences of these contracts as they are not for everyone and sometimes circumstances change. Perhaps the unhappy people don't use the forum!  

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Sunsail, The Moorings Announce Partnership with Dufour Yachts

• By Cruising World Staff
• December 12, 2023

International yacht sales and charter companies Sunsail and The Moorings announced a new partnership with French sailing yacht manufacturer Dufour Yachts, who has been evolving its range for more than 50 years. The new partnership cements a long-term collaboration which will see Dufour Yachts become the exclusive supplier of monohull sailing yachts for Sunsail and The Moorings.

The technical departments of both Sunsail and The Moorings have worked alongside Dufour Yachts to ensure that the new Dufour products will be well positioned to meet the needs of its customer base. Sunsail anticipates the arrival of its first batch of 25 Dufour Yachts in the spring of 2024 for its Mediterranean destinations. This will include four models between 37 and 53 feet, including the Dufour 37 (Sunsail 37.3), the Dufour 41 (Sunsail 41.3), the new Dufour 44 (Sunsail 44.3 and Sunsail 44.4) and the Dufour 530 (Sunsail 53.5). The second and larger order will be manufactured in the fall of 2024 for the Caribbean winter season (2024-2025), and for the Mediterranean 2025 season for both The Moorings and Sunsail. 

Offering a luxury range of sailing yachts with a modern design, sleek deck layout and superior quality finishes, the Dufour brand is known for its ease of sailing, stability and performance.  

“We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Dufour Yachts, for all new monohulls arriving as part of our charter fleets,” said Franck Bauguil, VP of Yacht Ownership and Product Development for The Moorings and Sunsail. “We are looking forward to a long-term partnership and a high level of collaboration, that has already started on the new Dufour products. There is a natural convergence between our companies concerning product design, interior layouts, equipment levels and setting the stage for an unparalleled charter experience.”

Romain Motteau, Deputy CEO at Fountaine Pajot/Dufour Yachts Group, added: “We are delighted with this new partnership, built upon a shared long-term vision. At Dufour Yachts, we strive to design yachts that cater to the evolving demands of yacht owners and charterers seeking dream holidays. Our three core pillars of comfort, sailing sensations and respect for the oceans align perfectly with the ethos of Sunsail and The Moorings.”  

The new Dufour Yachts will be available through Sunsail and The Moorings’ Yacht Ownership Programs, as a unique option for those who are interested in yacht ownership but are limited in leisure time or by budget. The program guarantees a steady monthly income or reduced purchase price, while allowing ample sailing opportunities throughout the year,   access to an array of global destinations, and eliminating the typical operating, insurance and maintenance expenses associated with boat ownership.

“I want to thank the senior team of the Dufour Group, Romain Motteau, Steven Guedeu and Laurent Fabre in the USA, for making the process easy and pleasant,” said Bauguil. “Special thanks to the Dufour Team, Nicolas Berenger and Romain Lucas, for their expertise and willingness to listen. My appreciation goes to my dedicated team members, Antony Wighting, Global Technical Director for Travelopia Yachts, and John Lefevre, our Global Purchasing and Logistics Manager, for their unwavering dedication throughout this process.”  

More About Yacht Ownership with Sunsail and The Moorings

In addition to an extensive variety of cruising vacations, Sunsail and The Moorings’ Yacht Ownership Program has worked with more than 5,000 owners since its creation in 1971. With a fleet of yachts covering more than 20 destinations worldwide, it remains the only program of its kind to guarantee a monthly income, according to a company spokesperson. The program aims to help cruisers of all abilities, from first-time adventurers to seasoned sailors, spend more time on the water enjoying the best parts of owning a boat.

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6 ultimate island-hopping itineraries for 2024

Explore the world from the deck of your own yacht with a skippered charter, bareboat or flotilla holiday. Whether you’re a first-timer, a foodie or a family, there’s a sailing itinerary to suit every type of traveller.

Craving a holiday with the freedom to escape the crowds and explore hidden coves, secluded bays and uninhabited islands? Dreaming of anchoring somewhere to take a dip without another person in sight? Sailing enables you to access remote spots that are often inaccessible by land and to experience the diversity of a region, exploring islands, villages and resorts in a single trip. Whether you're just starting out, or keen to set out with little ones in tow, these itineraries suit every type of sailor.  

1. Best for first timers: British Virgin Islands (BVIs)

Calm seas, sheltered anchorages, reliable steady trade winds and easy line-of-sight sailing make the BVIs one of the world’s best sailing destinations for less experienced sailors. The proximity of its islands also means you only need to sail for an hour or two to gain a sense of adventure and achievement as you successfully navigate to the next port of call. Set sail in Tortola and continue on to Virgin Gorda to witness The Baths, a geological wonder made up of granite boulders that stretch down the beach into the sea. Look out for hawksbill turtles as you sail on to tiny specks of land such as the idyllic Saba Rock, and be sure to end the day with a rum cocktail or two at one of the region’s many laid-back bars, which are often perched on unblemished stretches of white sand.

2. Best for families: Croatia

The calm, clear waters of the Adriatic combined with favourable weather conditions in summer provide easy sailing for families and, with more than 1,000 islands dotted along the Dalmatian Coast, there’s a range of activities and attractions with short hops to keep kids engaged. Set sail from the picturesque marina village of Agana and cruise gently to islands such as Brač, Šolta and Hvar, encouraging children to help out on board while keeping an eye out for passing dolphins. With their sheltered bays and clear waters, these islands are ideal stops for families. Spend an afternoon paddling in Brač’s Bobovišća Bay, before setting sail for the remote islands of the Kornati Archipelago, a wild and beautiful national park known for its empty hiking trails. Sailing stops here can be educational, too, with a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and picturesque port towns steeped in history.

3. Best for food-lovers: Italy

Why base yourself on land to sample Italy’s incredible gastronomy when you can sail from region to region tasting the very best food and wine at numerous ports of call? Sunsail’s SailEatalia’s Italian Cuisine Procida Flotilla departs from the glamourous port town of Procida and sails to the Pontine Islands along the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast, offering stops to taste local cuisine, from classic dishes to regional delicacies as well as the country’s finest wine. Sample Ischia's iconic stewed rabbit in an independent restaurant at the top of a mountain or try the Italian coastal delicacy alici da portare (pasta with anchovies, olives and capers) in the quaint fishing village of Cetara.

4. Best for winter sun: Antigua

Gloriously warm weather between December and May and around 365 powdery white beaches lapped by clear waters make Antigua a popular winter sun destination for British travellers. Sailors can also relax knowing the region has consistent trade winds, safe anchorages and fairly short distances between ports, giving you more time to explore a variety of attractions at your own pace. Drop anchor in Deep Bay to snorkel around the famous shipwreck the Andes , discover uninhabited islands and visit famous places like Nelson’s Dockyard to sip cocktails and dance to the lively music of traditional steel bands.  

5. Best for culture vultures: Croatia  

A cultural treasure trove with 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites ranging from Roman fortresses to hilltop castles, Croatia is a mecca for sailors with a penchant for history and art. Start and finish a week’s charter in Dubrovnik to explore one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities on Earth, touring ancient citadels and Renaissance palaces, and be sure to include Lokrum, home to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. Sail north and discover Mljet National Park and the island getaway of Korčula, thought to be the birthplace of famed explorer Marco Polo, where museums, galleries and excellent restaurants line the beautiful cobbled streets and defensive walls of the town.  

6. Best for island-hopping: Greece

With thousands of islands scattered fairly close together, sailing from one to another is a breeze with the promise of a remote white sand or perfect pebble beach around every headland. Sailors are spoilt for choice, but the Ionian Islands, off the west coast of the mainland, are ideal for beginners looking for tranquil stretches of gin-clear water with light winds and warm temperatures in summer. Sail to Ithaca or Kefaloni in the south or to Lefkas, Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu. While Corfu is known for its party vibe and high-end beach bars, others, like tiny Antipaxos, feature just a scattering of houses, no proper roads and a couple of charming waterside tavernas where you can watch local fishermen bring in the day's catch.  

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02394 350505

• Prometheus /
• Charter management

Yacht ownership & charter management

Take the hard work out of yacht ownership. Our yacht management programme is the easy way to own and run your own boat.

The UK is enjoying an unprecedented level of desire for charter, with the staycation market, UK flotillas, corporate sailing and RYA sailing school courses all experiencing robust demand.

Whether you buy a Sunsail 41.0 yacht, or place your existing yacht into charter management with us, Prometheus Sailing will professionally manage your yacht, taking care of all the details. This generates charter revenue for you and maintains your vessel to the highest of standards.

Our team has over 50 years experience in the fields of yacht management and chartering owned yachts. We also benefit from considerable commercial charter opportunities generated from the Prometheus teams’ contacts and our position as the trusted operator of the Sunsail UK charter operation

About Our Trusted Partner – Sunsail

Sunsail was a pioneer of yacht ownership and charter management, starting with a handful of yachts in the BVIs 50 years ago and revolutionising the charter industry. Over 5,000 owners have been part of the Sunsail fleet and more than 50% of Sunsail yacht owners sign up for at least a second yacht on the programme.

The Prometheus Sailing and Sunsail UK yacht charter management programme  offers a range of highly attractive benefits in the UK.

Prometheus Sailing and Sunsail UK Charter Management Benefits

• Options of either purchasing a brand new Sunsail 41.0 (Jeanneau 410) yacht, or opportunity to add your existing yacht to our charter fleet.
• Our expert team can manage the MCA coding of your vessel*, charter management and yacht maintenance*.
• Unlimited usage of your yacht in the UK.**
• Enjoy a regular charter income from your yacht, off setting your ownership costs.***

Please note this scheme does not give access to Sunsail's international fleet of  yachts.

Our UK Fleet

Our Sunsail 41.0s have been built by Jeanneau to our specifications. They are a joy to sail on a light winds day but remain balanced and comfortable in heavier conditions. The high freeboard, spacious cockpit and step free deck is great for the demands of corporate racing but serves equally well for sunbathing on a gentle cruise. Down below the 3 double cabins and large, airy saloon offer 9 berths and a well-designed efficient galley. Find out more about our fleet . 

To discuss how Sunsail UK and Prometheus Sailing can help fulfill your yacht ownership and charter management dreams, please contact:

Simon Boulding

Managing Director

Email: Simon Boulding

Telephone: 02394 350505

The Sunsail/Prometheus Sailing fleet

An evening cruise in the Solent

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