Simply Abu Dhabi XXXIV

By making chartering easier, it is thought that YOTHA will expand the market and attract a new generation of charterers. Its unique features include a facility to negotiate the charter price online, supervised by a 24/7 customer care service; substantially reduced commissions (YOTHA takes an 8% commission if a yacht is booked directly through the platform, or 4% if the booking is made through a broker, compared to the standard industry commissions of 15% to the broker and an additional 5% to the central agent); A simple, fair electronic charter contract balancing the interests of charterers, owners and professionals; All financial transactions secured and guaranteed under the supervision of FINMA, the Swiss banking regulator; and partnerships with luxury brands, including award-winning concierge service Quintessentially Switzerland, and leading yacht service providers. Providing owners with greater flexibility, including shorter charters and more off-season deals, the revolutionary app will empower yacht captains, allowing them to connect with charter guests through the YOTHA app in advance of their trip to plan the perfect itinerary whilst providing all their favourite food on board. Amongst the 114 yachts currently registered for charter on the online platform are 90m Lauren L, the award-winning 50m Vertige and the 55m Mustique. Smaller motor yachts and sailing boats are also available on the platform. Yachts are available for the end of the Winter season in the Caribbean and the upcoming Summer season in the Mediterranean. “We put the customer at the heart of the business. YOTHA is the only platformwhere charterers can negotiate directly with the owner or his agent online and design their own custom adventure with just a few swipes of a mobile app,” adds Bacou. “It is an exciting time to be involved in the yacht charter industry and we hope to improve the experience for everyone involved in the industry: charterers, brokers, agents, captains, crews and owners.”