Clipper Oil: Winter 2023 Yacht Newsletter

Winter Yacht Newsletter

January 2023

Top 5 Trends in Luxury Yachting for 2023

The number of superyachts under construction has risen from 1,024 in 2022 to 1,203, making this year another record-breaker. Prompted by the extreme circumstances of the pandemic, customers have stopped saving and are splashing out on a superyacht instead. With a huge increase in new builds leaving shipyards struggling to keep up with demand (Burgess defined the average wait-time for custom yachts as now taking up to four years), the second-hand market has also spiked. Brokers have also noticed charter slots are yet again booking up quickly, and luxury travel agents including Pelorus and Eyos have seen more clients than ever investing in “once in a lifetime” expedition trips to adventurous locations. (Source: Luxuo) Continue Reading

The Maldives See a Surge in Superyachts Visiting the Archipelagic Nation

The first week of 2023 has seen a jump in superyachts visiting the Maldives. According to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg and reported on 6 January 2023, “the tropical getaway saw 18 superyachts in early January, compared with only one two months ago.”

The report indicates a growing number of the global fleet cruising in the Maldives, with the island chain currently seeing more yachts than Hong Kong and Singapore combined, and slightly outpacing Thailand.

Situated in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an archipelagic country that boasts a year-round summer, tropical turquoise waters and crystal-white sandy beaches. The island chain is emerging as an alternative winter cruising destination, off the beaten path from saturated winter cruising hotspots in the Caribbean. (Source: Superyacht Times) Continue Reading

Forbes Favorites 2022: The Year's Best Superyacht and Boating Stories

When social distancing and isolation became the norm two years ago, and cruising temporarily lost its appeal, private yachts were more prized than ever, offering a secluded and luxurious lifestyle at sea.

The ripple effect is still being felt: As yacht weeks around the world returned this year, Monaco, Miami and Palm Beach boat shows hosted superyacht owners ready to peacock their possessions, including video game developer Dave Hagewood, who owns the Burning Man-Inspired Galaxy yacht, and entrepreneur Carl Allen, who uses his $27.9 million vessel to hunt for lost treasure. (Source: Forbes) Continue Reading

These Are The Best Yachting Experiences in the Caribbean

There’s nothing quite like a seaborne adventure. From surfing playful waves to exploring the depths of the ocean floor and all the activities between, the ocean induces nirvana. We, as islanders, are surrounded by another world that is nothing short of incredible. There is no shortage of sailing or yachting experiences in the Caribbean.

Sailing is a popular way to remember that gift. A far cry from the Caribbean’s historical ties to piracy, sailing evolved to offer a fresh take on fun with a touch of luxury. Contrary to persistent belief, it is not only for those with deep pockets.

These days, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy life at sea with experiences as varied as the isles of this western archipelago. In multi-island territories like the British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines, sailing is an absolute must if you are to properly appreciate their magnificence. (Source: Island Origins) Continue Reading

Are Branded Luxury Yachts the New Frontier of High-End Travel?

The monogrammed robe really says it all. There it hangs in the gleaming white marble bathroom, conveniently perched within arms reach of the tub, which, by the way, has been filled to the brim with rose petals. Subtle, but just conspicuous enough, an entire brand philosophy ingeniously encapsulated in a single piece of terrycloth.

The brand in question here is Four Seasons, and its philosophy? That luxury is its love language. "It's these little unscripted gestures that create a sense of the bespoke," says Marc Speichert, the company's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, who then relays an anecdote about a housekeeping manager who once noticed a photo lying on a table in a guest's room and went out to find a frame for it. The guest was ecstatic. "It wasn't in the playbook that says, 'If you find a picture put it in a frame.' It was just him being creative, and passionate about making a difference." (Source: Town & Country) Continue Reading

Yachting Events to Add to Your Calendar In 2023

The year ahead is set to be busier than ever with the calendar already packed with all manner of regatta, yacht show and rendezvous. Don't forget to add these all important dates to your diary...