The Future of Yachting? We’ll Get Out of These Doldrums, But Things Will Be Different

As well, the C.I.A. reports that China has been “vastly underreporting” their numbers. What does all this mean? Get comfortable. Most states and countries will probably stay the course on quarantine measures at least through April, if not longer.  

Meanwhile, yacht charter firms such as The Moorings are suspending all charters departing up until May 11. They’re taking bookings for after that period, but who knows what will happen in the long run. 

Honestly, if anyone said they knew, they’d be lying through their teeth. Some marinas are still open, but should they be? Sure, boat owners can self-isolate on the water, but if that involves a crew who has family, should they? If you’re not in a “hotspot,” is it OK to hit the seas? Again, what’s the right thing to do? 

But looking far ahead, it’s not all doldrums. Hold steady. The very sequestration qualities of yachting might be what propels the industry when this is all over. Whereas cruise ships have turned into truly desperate situations with humanitarian groups having to step in, yachts deal in much smaller parties and are run by small, often highly skilled staff. 

Plus, sheltering-in-place might whet the appetite for summer travel. Raphael Sauleau, CEO of Fraser Yachts, put it rather succinctly in a statement on their site:  

“The privacy and security of being on board your own private yacht away from the crowds; the reward of quality time spent with those you choose to share it with; the appreciation of our oceans, our nature and our landscapes… and the ultimate satisfaction of taking the time to see and enjoy what this world has to offer.”

How we travel, where we travel and with whom we travel will certainly change after all of this. And the yachting industry would be remiss to not advertise its particular advantages here.

One of the biggest lessons of all will be the ability to monitor and swiftly react to the health of all passengers and crew on board. Can you assure potential customers and recruits that you have a plan for dealing with sick passengers? You better.

 

Perhaps for the next month or so, boat owners and captains should take stock of essential items that will ensure safety onboard. Such as cleaning supplies, including personal protection equipment and masks, which would be essential in containing a virus should someone get sick. 

What about your telemedicine services? Can you contact a doctor from anywhere in the world? The technology is there. No reason not to. It’s cheaper than an unplanned trip port to find a doctor or hospital. With encrypted bandwidth and services that allow contact with a doctor 24/7, this is a no-brainer. 

And how up to date is your telemedicine kit? Basic diagnostic equipment will be your first line of defense. Things like temperature, oxygen levels, pulse rate will allow for a quick baseline diagnosis. 

Here is a link to a recent medicine kit checklist article.  

Finally, when you have all these things in line, be sure to let your crew and passengers know about the full medical capabilities onboard your vessel. Don’t make them ask; tell them upfront. Use existing marketing channels (Facebook, websites, brochures) to outline your safety guidelines and procedures. The fact that you have a virtual walk-in clinic onboard along with the capabilities to provide a quarantine for any sick passengers might be key to getting back on the water sooner, rather than later.