Many a charter broker offers ideas on what to do on a megayacht charter vacation. Few, however, have cruising-centered information on their websites or in their sample itineraries. In fact, most writeups read like the details in traditional land-travel guides. A new notable exception is the Inspiration section on Y.CO’s website. Inspiration stands out for doing so not just in words, but also photos, videos, and even maps.
Inspiration features the insider knowledge of Y.CO’s charter brokers, sometimes with extra commentary from charter guests. Choose a region you want to visit, and Inspiration lets you dive into big, bold photos and comprehensive details. How comprehensive? We spent the better part of a morning reading through the destinations, sub-destinations, and yacht details.
We were particularly impressed with the maps included in each sample itinerary. On them, Inspiration gives snapshot-like information on how long it takes to get to a location (under average conditions and speeds), and how far that is in nautical miles from a prior port. You’ll also learn whether arriving is a day trip vs. overnight affair.
What really sets Y.CO’s Inspiration apart, though, is the cruising lifestyle content. You’ll find out where to paddleboard your way to a covert beach, swim and dive in myriad blue holes, and more. Some of the locations you can do so may surprise you, too. Did you know, for example, that Cap Ferrat has “astounding” dive sites? Most brokers only mention the exclusive villas, gourmet restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Inspiration also suggests visiting the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros as part of a French Riviera megayacht charter. The “tourist-free” islands balance out the see-and-be-seen scenes of St. Tropez, Cannes, and Monaco. They also offer “a series of undersea snorkeling trails (that) lead out across deserted bays.” (Something else often not mentioned in South of France itineraries.)
Within each destination, Y.CO’s Inspiration lists the megayachts available for charter there. You’ll still find charter rates, details on staterooms, and the like. You’ll further find dozens of photos, though. Better yet, you’ll learn three stand-out features about each yacht. The sailing superyacht Tiara, for example, has DJ equipment ideal for dancing under the stars on the sundeck. She additionally has kitesurfing gear and an instructor onboard, with the captain knowing the best spots to indulge in the activity.
For now, Inspiration is limited to the Eastern and Western Med, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia, plus the South Pacific and Australasia. Y.CO plans to add Alaska, Antarctica, the Baltics, and Canada, among other locations, through the next several months.
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