With more than 12,000 kilometres of coastline, the UK is one of the most varied and interesting places to sail. Those who love the sea can find everything they could possibly want, from dramatic views to isolated coves and everything in between.
The number of beaches, ports, and waterways makes the UK is the ideal destination for those that feel the call of the water, and chartering a yacht gives holidaymakers the ultimate freedom to have exactly the kind of break they want. With its strong maritime heritage, the whole island is set up to welcome those travelling by sea, and visitors can discover some of the hidden gems as well as visiting better-known spots.
This variety and the amazing opportunity to design a holiday around guests’ specific interests have been responsible for a significant rise in the number of people choosing to charter yachts in the UK. Much of what makes the UK so intriguing, both for visitors and for those that live here, is the sheer variety of things to do that suit anyone and everyone.
Why is the UK chartering industry taking off
While the UK may not be among the destinations traditionally thought of for those that want to charter yachts, it is fast becoming a popular destination with seafaring folk. Many are UK residents who are keen to learn more about their home islands, and recent travel restrictions have contributed to the preference for local tourism and exploration of all the countries in the Union.
The whole process of booking holidays has changed so much in recent years that the tourism industry has had to adapt quickly in order to keep up. The days when travel agents offered a range of pre-designed breaks have been superseded by flexible travel designed by customers to suit their particular needs.
Yacht chartering is one of the industries that have needed to alter their approach to accommodate the changing face of tourism, a challenge that many operators, such as BorrowABoat, have risen to. Yacht charter businesses have had to review their targetting to ensure that they are not only building on their existing customer base, but also moving into new markets.
Consumers now want to make the most of the flexibility offered by booking directly with operators, but also value reassurance that safety measures and insurance will cover them in case of unforeseen circumstances. Innovators in the UK chartering sector have responded to these requirements by highlighting the fact that chartering a yacht is a great way to enjoy a break that can be taken with minimal contact with others.
A yacht charter can be adapted to suit anyone’s comfort levels and the degree of exposure to others that they are happy with. Experienced sailors can opt for a bareback charter, especially if they want to be able to sail in relative isolation, but those who prefer to have others to do some of the work can choose a crewed option to help them enjoy their ideal break.
Those who love sailing and have had their activities curtailed by recent restrictions are likely to be among the most enthusiastic about getting back on the water. Many of those who have been unable to travel as they normally would still have the budgets that they would for a break, but are looking for more adventurous and autonomous options than they might otherwise consider.
Yacht charter businesses in the UK can promote a wide variety of benefits to their services, from offering additional guidance over distancing protocols and inter-hire cleaning, to installing sanitising equipment and additional signage to reassure hirers that best practice is being adhered to.
The yachting experience in the UK
Yacht charter operators in the UK have plenty to offer potential customers in terms of the tourism potential of the UK which can be explored to great effect by boat. By focussing on the unique appeal of the UK, they can attract a wide range of potential clients to explore some of the most popular aspects of UK tourism.
History fanatics can trace the evolution of the UK, from the earliest days of recorded history to more recent innovations that have made the country what it is today. From castles and cathedrals to computers and coding, travellers can learn about the UK by exploring any aspect of its past while travelling by yacht.
Whether they want to explore the Jurassic coast or visit Belfast’s Maritime mile From some of the more secluded fishing villages to the larger ports and harbours, visitors can tailor their break to suit their needs and many welcome some guidance and assistance from their charter operator.
For those who want to enjoy the cultural side of yachting in the UK, there are plenty of destinations that are well suited to visitors who want to enjoy some of the many attractions on offer. From small local theatres in harbour towns to impressive shows from world-renowned performers, operators that can offer trips that take in the more artistic side of the country’s offerings can increase their appeal among this demographic.
Operators are focussing on the positives of a yacht charter in the UK to boost bookings and encourage sailors to make the most of the country’s many assets. With so much to offer, the growth of the UK yacht charter industry is down to dedicated operators that showcase the best that the islands have to offer.
Read more:
Why Yacht Chartering in the UK is changing
