Jan Verkerk, the owner of Dutch Charter Group, was one of the first pioneers to bring commercial yachting to a higher standard by combining his passion for boating with knowledge of the hospitality industry.
Jan Verkerk
Dutch Charter Group fleet consists of the 70 meter motor yacht Sherakhan, which can host 26 guests across 13 cabins while sailing to cold destinations such as Antarctica, Greenland, and Alaska and also exploring warmer waters, such as the Caribbean, Red Sea, and Bay of Cortez. In 2020, Sherakhan sailed over 150,000 nautical miles, equal to 7.2 trips around the globe. Sherakhan is currently undergoing an extensive refit to elevate her into a high-tech yacht with new luxury amenities.
Sherakhan
Borkumriff II and Thandeka are also yachts in the Dutch Charter Group fleet. Borkumriff II is a 31 meter classic schooner designed by Henk Lunstroo and offers true comfort while sailing in a classic and modern style.
Borkumriff II
Thandeka is a 37 meter sailing yacht built in 1997 by Camper and Nicholsons. She can accommodate 8 guests while cruising along the pristine waters of the French Polynesia, Fiji, Sea of Cortez and all the way to Norway’s incredible fjords, stunning mountains and glaciers, and rare wildlife.
Charter is a possibility to see incredible fjords, stunning mountains and glaciers, and rare wildlife
Verkerk shares his best tips on how to create the ultimate yacht charter experience.
Jan Verkerk
What are three worthwhile experiences that a yacht charter should offer its guests if it has the means?
Access to the most exclusive destinations, a fun variety of water toys for all ages, and the ultimate gastronomic experience. And this is all while being able to answer the charter guests' needs and listen to their dreams. When you step onboard a charter, you’re expecting an unforgettable experience with family and friends. For instance, you know how you look for the best restaurant for a special date, birthday, or celebration? That type of culinary experience should be on board your yacht charter — from breakfast to the late-night snack. The best cuisine and drinks should be something you and your guests will always remember. Then, of course, be able to offer knowledge of a location.
What makes a memorable difference during a yacht charter?
The utmost care from the crew to provide guests with a comfortable and luxurious experience. I suggest getting to know your guests' expectations in advance and planning an extraordinary custom-made adventure. Be creative! Address the preferences of each guest with care and detail. Understand the dreams they never really dared to dream – and create more along the way.
How do you create itineraries for guests?
We value exclusive experiences combined with endless possibilities and in-depth conversations to create the perfect itinerary for guests. Sherakhan has been known throughout the charter business for the past 20 years, and therefore, many guests and brokers know what she has to offer. Sherakhan can accommodate 26 overnight guests; accommodation plus extraordinary service make her unique in the industry.
Sherakhan
What improvements are you implementing for your 2022 yacht charter fleet?
We are completely renovating M/Y Sherakhan into a new vessel. She was refit in 2017, and the road to modernizing her continues; aesthetically, she is undergoing a big change. Sherakhan will get an updated gym, spa, interior, and engine room, among other updates. The new spa, for instance, is where charter guests can enjoy stories of Balinese meditation, while the gym is purpose-built to help guests stay on top of health and fitness goals while underway.
Thandeka
What are your goals for the future of yachting?
To bring exclusive destinations to our guests in well-known, luxury-comfort backed by 25 years of experience.
Credits: Dutch Charter Group
Ferretti Yachts has announced the Ferretti Yachts 800, a new flybridge yacht designed to enhance the cruising experience through a combination of elegance, functionality, and privacy. The project, presented at Boot Düsseldorf, is under construction at Ferretti Yachts’ Cattolica shipyard.The Ferretti Yachts 800 features exterior design by Filippo Salvetti and interior design by IdeaeItalia. The yacht has an overall length of 24.47 meters and a maximum beam of 5.91 meters. A version with a shorter stern platform is also available to comply with the 24-meter limit established by French law.Filippo Salvetti commented, “With the introduction of a new aesthetic… the design of Ferretti Yachts 800 embraces a bold and functional approach that elegantly redefines the distribution of spaces between the main deck, the bridge and the flybridge.”Key features include large windows, optional sliding door on the starboard side, segregated spaces, and a 40 sq. m flybridge. The interior has a Classic or Contemporary mood option.Ideaeitalia stated, “Our aim with Ferretti Yachts 800 is to breathe life into a boat concept that’s future-forward without sacrificing the brand’s signature refinement… It’s a project that redefines the on-board experience through solutions that combine aesthetics and functionality."The yacht includes a 7 m2 beach area, a 15 m2 cockpit, and a salon with two-meter ceiling height. The lower deck has a master suite, VIP cabin, and two guest cabins, providing eight berths and four en suite bathrooms. The flybridge area is 40 sq. m.The Ferretti Yachts 800 can be powered by two 1,550 HP MAN V12 engines (27 kn top speed/15 kn cruising speed) or two 1,800 HP MAN V12 engines (31 kn top speed/27 kn cruising speed).The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
March 3, 2025
AES Yacht has launched the 35-meter custom superyacht Mereley I, with exterior and interior design by Milan-based studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group. The yacht is now available for purchase through Northrop & Johnson.Enrico Lumini, Hot Lab co-founder and design director, describes the vessel as positioned between a modern explorer and a sportier yacht: "Her volumes clearly reference the tradition of expedition vessels, yet at the same time have a more dynamic and sporty spirit. We wanted to give a sleeker look to a classic explorer."Built to RINA classification, Mereley I features a semi-displacement steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and a transatlantic range of 3,800 nautical miles at 11.5 knots. The design emphasizes contrasts, utilizing dark greys, blacks, and natural tones. Key materials include oak, lacquered finishes, and 3D-textured surfaces. The yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in a full-beam owner's suite and four additional cabins.Erdem Biçer, shipyard manager and partner at AES Yacht, stated: “Our goal was to design a striking, modern explorer yacht with expansive windows, open bulwarks, and a spacious layout… and the Hot Lab team executed everything to perfection.”Deniz Kaymaz, yacht broker at Northrop & Johnson, commented: “More than just a yacht, Mereley I is a statement of ambition, sophistication, and the pursuit of adventure… Crafted with precision and vision, this yacht isn’t just about reaching destinations; she’s about redefining the journey."AES Yacht is planning a second hull and is collaborating with Hot Lab on a 40-meter version. Antonio Romano, commercial and marketing director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab, expects success in the charter market: “Mereley I is a perfect example of how it is possible to build a magnificent yacht from scratch in Turkey, featuring cutting-edge characteristics and top-tier aesthetic and technical finishes."AES Yacht is located in Kocaeli Free Zone, Turkey. The company is building mega-yachts made of steel and aluminum. Credits: Northrop & Johnson
March 3, 2025
At the Dubai International Boat Show, Majesty Yachts, part of Gulf Craft, announced the sale of the first unit in its 44.2-meter Majesty 145 series. The news was shared during a press conference led by Gulf Craft chairman Mohammed Hussein Alshaali.The Majesty 145 stands as a mid-range offering within the lineup, positioned between the 32.3-meter Majesty 100 Terrace and the 54.4-meter Majesty 175. Interior design by renowned Italian studio Cristiano Gatto Design features a neutral color scheme complemented by warm lighting and navy blue accents. The studio, known for its work on Gulf Craft's flagship Serenity MRF, brings a refined aesthetic to the vessel.While specific details remain limited, renderings showcase notable amenities such as dual dip pools located on the main deck aft and sundeck, along with an upper deck al fresco dining area and a lounge designed for panoramic ocean views.Chairman Alshaali highlighted the significance of the sale, stating it reflects client confidence in Gulf Craft's design and engineering capabilities. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming launch, emphasizing the brand's commitment to setting new standards in the yachting sector.The first Majesty 145 is scheduled for launch in spring 2026.Since the company’s inception in 1982, Gulf Craft has grown to become one of the top seven shipyards in the world: once a builder of small fishing boats in its modest premises, which was a genuine passion for Gulf Craft, they then established their credentials as a leader of innovation and technology in the yachting industry. With five brands in their product portfolio ranging from 31 to 175 feet, Gulf Craft manufactures yachts and boats that appeal to a wide audience, such as touring passenger vessels, Silvercraft family day boats, Oryx Sport Cruisers, Nomad Explorer Yachts, and the flagship Majesty Yachts.Credits: Gulf Craft
February 28, 2025
The Board of Directors of Ferretti S.p.A. has approved the consolidated preliminary financial results for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2024. Key highlights include:Order Backlog: Reached an all-time high of €1.7 billion, marking a 25.5% increase compared to September 2024 and an 11.6% rise over December 2023.Revenue Growth: Net revenue from new yachts increased by 5.6% to €1,173.3 million compared to 2023.Profitability: Achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.2%, exceeding expectations and showing strong operational efficiency.Net Profit: Rose by 5.6% to €88.2 million compared to the previous year.Board Changes: The company appointed two new directors – Tan Ning and Hao Qinggui – and restructured its committees.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, expressed optimism about these results, attributing them to the company's innovative strategies, commitment to quality, and customer trust. He emphasized the group's focus on expanding globally, investing in technology, and enhancing products to reinforce their market leadership.These figures demonstrate Ferretti Group's robust financial health and continued success in the luxury yacht industry.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
February 28, 2025
Feadship announces the completion of Project 714, a 79.95-meter yacht destined to become a significant addition to its fleet. Having left the construction shed at the Aalsmeer facility, the vessel is now undergoing final outfitting and preparation for sea trials.Designed by RWD, Project 714 boasts an exterior characterized by sculpted curves and a striking blue hull, reflecting the pinnacle of sophistication and style. Feadship’s renowned attention to detail is evident throughout, ensuring that both aesthetics and performance meet the highest standards.Naval architecture by Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects plays a crucial role in delivering optimal performance, while the yacht also incorporates cutting-edge technology through the FEAD (Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive) program. Featuring a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, Project 714 benefits from increased electrical storage capacity, surpassing previous iterations like the Savannah. Two contra-rotating thrusters replace conventional drive shafts and rudders, minimizing drag and improving efficiency.Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis informed the design of the pods and propellers, resulting in reduced vibration and enhanced comfort. This approach underscores Feadship’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, reinforcing its leadership in the superyacht industry.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
February 28, 2025