New Esprit charter division sees encouraging business

Esprit Yachting’s newly established charter division has already seen an encouraging response to short cruise propositions on board its two stunning yachts, charter executive Annelise Poulton told The Times Business last week.

Thanks to MY ‘Esprit’, a 2009 16-metre Atlantis 54, and MY ‘H’, a 19-metre Azimut 62S, the division has attracted a healthy mix of local and foreign clients for charters of durations varying between half-day and three to 10 days for business or pleasure, she added.

With half-day charters starting at €1,690 throughout this season, Esprit Yachting has endeavoured to design packages at competitive rates, complemented with a high standard of service to complement the yachts’ luxury. Rates include yacht, skipper, some fuel supply and light refreshments, and vary according to choice of charter. The yachts are also available for charter for transfer purposes.

The MY ‘Esprit’ boasts a maximum capacity of 12 people and two-member crew and a sleeping capacity of six, plus one crew member. A model by Atlantis, an Azimut-Benetti brand, ‘Esprit’ is a sporty boat, with ample space for entertaining. She boasts three cabins, including a master, a double and a twin, each with flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Elegantly designed, her clean lines belie significant concealed storage room, two showers, a galley, and relaxation areas – including three separate sunbathing areas – thanks to intelligent use of space.

With an interior designed by Carlo Galeazzi, the sport hardtop Azimut 62S (2009) ‘H’ boasts supreme luxury, able to satisfy the demands of the most exigent clients. Despite being larger than the ‘Esprit’, she has a maximum certified capacity for 10 people and two crew members and a sleeping capacity of six people and one crew member. She has three cabins (the master is mid-ship and full beam and features its own breakfast area and panoramic windows) and three showers. With a beam of 4.9 metres, she features elegant furnishings and a spacious aft sun pad for added comfort on longer voyages.

Esprit Yachting offers an array of additional services for charters on request, including water sports, five-star catering and beverages or private chef, masseuse, and PADI diving instruction.

Ms Poulton explained both yachts have been chartered by private clients or by organisations for team-building purposes or for sensitive business meetings.

Three- to 10-day trips to Sicily have also proven popular this season, with both yachts capable of reaching Syracuse within three hours at cruising speed; guests find pre-booked berths and restaurant reservations on arrival. Esprit Yachting’s charter division, which was set up last December, has a range of yachts available for charter.

Established in 2007, Esprit Yachting has positioned itself among the islands’ leading dealerships and is the exclusive local representative of the Azimut-Benetti Group, the Azimut, Benetti, Atlantis, and Fraser Yachts brands, and Williams jet tenders. With a portfolio of yacht management solutions from commissioning and delivery, to after sales and product support, Esprit Yachting is backed by a widely experienced team.