It is now clear that the superyacht charter market in 2010 did not bounce back in line with most people’s expectations. Hein Velema
CEO of Fraser Yachts reports a substantial drop in demand from US clients, while the European market remained more or less on par with the previous 12 months.
At the same time the global charter fleet has grown, resulting in a large over-supply of charter yachts. For the winter season however, Fraser are already starting to see some changes.
The signs are that bookings are coming in earlier than normal and the American charterers are returning to the market. There were still some superyachts standing idle over Christmas and New Year bookings but, as has been seen repeatedly over the last two years, clients will quite regularly sign up for a charter with just 72 hours notice.
There are also signs that the 2011 summer season may be busier than in 2010, but it is still too early to say with any certainty.