For the next issue of The Superyacht Report, I spoke to Mark Shores, owner of the 33m sloop S/Y Marae, for our ‘Lessons Learned’ piece. This ongoing feature sees superyacht owners directly addressing fellow owners, offering their insight and bestowing some wisdom from their time in the industry.

In the issue, Shores stresses the importance of extensive communication and thorough planning that is needed before the charter client steps foot on board, “It’s not a basic thing where people show up and then you just are figuring it out on the fly. No no no!” he explains, with a hint of exasperation in his voice. “We try to make sure we are investing the time; it may involve the captain talking to the charter client, where they want to go? What do they want to do? What kind of trip do they want to have? Do they want to have a leisurely trip experiencing various places for multiple days at a time? Or are they interested in the sailing experience? Different people want different things, so that’s part of making the experience is special and customised.”

Within the article, Shores explains why he chose to invest in a glossy website for the vessel, and well as the reasoning behind embracing social media. By utilising these online tools, the Shores and their crew portray the experience found on S/Y Marae. The animated website, full of imagery and testimonials, differs from a traditional charter website portfolio and is key in the yacht’s success.

Shores reveals his belief that owning and managing a successful charter vessel is a result of a team of people dedicated to delivering the client a journey that exceeds any five-star hotel, “The most important thing is that you have the people on the team that deliver that experience for the clients,” says Shores, extending this mentality even further than those on board, “That team is not just the crew on the boat but also the charter agent, yacht management company, marketing support and owners.”

Explore the interview in full in Issue 178 of The Superyacht Report. Subscribe and receive your copy here. (Owners, brokers, owners’ representatives and managers are eligible for a complimentary 12-month VIP Subscription to the magazine – click here to apply.)

Image courtesy of Breed Media / S/Y Marae

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