The evidence gathered from crowded marinas in the Mediterranean is that many superyachts are remaining in the area with many opting out of the Caribbean season altogether.
Since the crisis hit the yachting market in 2008 yacht owners have become particularly cautious with their spending. Many of the yachts that managed by Fraser Yachtsare according to CEO Hein Velema choosing to remain in the Mediterranean for one season of operation rather than heading to the Caribbean for the winter.
He said, “The recent, long Indian summer has made this an attractive proposition. Even if a yacht was to be available for charter in the winter months, it is unlikely to recoup the re-location and operational costs from two transatlantic crossings. As a result of this more refits are being commissioned in Europe and less in the US despite the high value of the Euro.
This change over season is however considered by many to be the perfect time for headhunting the best crew.
Being in between the two seasons, the crew placement market is in the process of shifting from the Mediterranean to Florida. This is also the time when the most valuable and professional crew are looking for new challenges.
Therefore it is a good moment for owners and crew agents to head hunt for the best crew on the market.
The demand for crew is at a healthy level although the market itself is still down and there is still a shortage in experienced, highly-skilled candidates.