Owning a Charter Business is Easier than You Think

Have you ever had the desire to captain your own"77/23" program for bareboat charter owners has
charter yacht in the Caribbean while earning charterbeen aligned with that of the Crewed Yacht Industry
revenue? Being the Captain of your own charterand simply can not be beat! Along with this program is
yacht is a fun and easy way to finance a relaxingour "Yacht Exchange Policy" that gives owners the
lifestyle while having the time of your life in theopportunity to trade time out against charter potential
Caribbean. There are a number of charter businesson an unlimited basis worldwide.
opportunities available in the market, ranging fromBareboat charter yachts in The Catamaran Company
"fully-managed" yachts (typically bareboats) tofleet are typically in the 38'-50' yacht range. Feel free
completely hands on "owner-operator". Buying a yachtto browse our charter proformas for performance
with an established charter history and existingestimates.
bookings is a great value for a quick start businessCrewed Yachts
plan and is easier than you think.Crewed yachts have a permanent live-aboard captain
Below you'll find a selection of 38ft-70ft charterand cook/hostess (These could be you!) The crewed
vessels for sale that can facilitate owning and enjoyingyacht option is perfect for those hands-on owners
a charter business in your ideal location. If you let mewho wish to run their own vessel and live the cruising
know some of your objectives, with my 14 yearslifestyle and also for those owners who want their
experience in the charter industry, I can help direct youcaptain and/or chef to live-aboard and take care of
to a yacht that will be a perfect fit and can help advisethe yacht and guests while waiting for them to come
you on every aspect of your charter business plans.back and enjoy.
There are also unique tax benefits to chartering yourIf you want to operate your own yacht as captain, a
yacht. Our recreational tax advisor can work with youcrewed yacht (either power or sail) will be ideal. The
and your accountant to best structure your taxcrewed arrangement allows you the maximum in
strategy.flexibility of location, utilization and itinerancy.
Yes, it is very simple to purchase a yacht that is eitherThe Catamaran Company offers a crewed yachts
managed in a charter fleet or a yacht that includes aprogram. CATCO has trade licensing in the BVI, no
charter business with bookings and marketing alreadyneed to get your own, and can facilitate work permits
in place.for crewed yachts. By placing your yacht in our fleet -
TIP*all licensing/permitting, marketing, booking is handled by
Buying an existing charter yacht that already has aus, no worries.
good reputation in the charter market with existingCATCO currently manages typically 38'-50' yachts in
booking information online and marketing and salesbareboat and 40'-150' crewed yachts. We welcome
material is an excellent value.any discussions to place your yacht in our charter
IS IT REALLY WORTH IT???fleets!
Living life the way you want is priceless. But really, howTIP*
much is it going to cost? Earned income depends onIf you want to run the yacht yourself, a crewed yacht
the type of chartering you choose:will be your best option.
In bareboat (fully managed without full-time crew) - theThere is no sales/income tax or import duty for
boat income will cover its basic operating expensescharter yachts in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). This
and typically give the owner a contribution of incomeand the beautiful waters available 12 months a year
that will cover a principal and interest payment,make the BVI a successful charter location. Over the
generally assuming a 25% down and 7% financingcourse of the last few years the British Virgin Islands
over a 20year term.have proven to be one of the most fertile grounds
With Crewed - the boat income will typically cover theanywhere in the world relative to the generation of
majority of operating expenses, including crew'sincome for the charter industry. Our charter fleet in
salaries + insurance, but will provide minimal additionalTortola, BVI can attest to that success; our bookings
income for covering the financing expenses.were up 29% in 2006 over 2005 and advanced 2007
There are also added TAX BENEFITS to charteringbookings are already up 21%.
your yacht.Among the BVI, popular charter vessel locations are
The real value is your own enjoyment - sailing yourscattered throughout the Caribbean (high season in
own yacht in beautiful, pristine surroundings, cruising thewinter), Mediterranean (high season in summer), your
waters of your choice.local ICWs and even remote locations such as Alaska.
Bareboat Charter-- Where do you want to enjoy your yacht?
Bareboat charters are usually based out of oneTIP*
location and are a hands-off charter managementYou don't need to wait for your captain's license to
option for the owners. The charter company handlesoperate a vessel in the BVI.
bookings, marketing and maintenance ... all the ownersOur documentation agents will advise you on the best
need to do is enjoy sailing their yacht and cashing theirway to own and document your charter business
income checks!yacht (the most common are USCG documented
Most catamarans in The Catamaran CompanyLLC's and Caribbean documented International
(CATCO) charter fleet fall under this program. This inBusiness Corporation i.e. IBCs)
itself is a great investment, but along with this CATCOYes, it is very simple to purchase a yacht that is either
offers the highest rate percentage return of chartermanaged in a charter fleet or a yacht that includes a
revenues than any other company in the industry. Ourcharter business with bookings and marketing in place.