Photo: Quan Nguyen / Unsplash
A yacht turns a routine corporate event into something people talk about afterwards. It works as a reward for a team that hit its targets, an informal setting to host key clients, an add-on evening for a conference or incentive trip, or a backdrop for a product launch. Everyone is in one place for a few hours, there are no distractions from neighbouring tables and conversations happen far more naturally than in a hotel ballroom.
The first question is always headcount, because every yacht has a licensed maximum and the number of guests drives everything else. A motor yacht suits a board meeting or client lunch for up to about 12, a large catamaran gives open, sociable deck space for 20 to 40, and the largest superyachts can host up to about 50 with catering stations, a bar and a sound system for speeches.
Send us the date, headcount, format and budget. We contact local charter companies and owners, check availability and send you options with prices, terms and what is included. Catering, an open bar, branded decorations, a DJ, a photographer and group transfers can usually be arranged on request. The charter contract is with the yacht operator, and many can issue invoices to a company, which we will confirm in the offer.
- Ideal duration
- 3–4 hours, daytime or evening
- Recommended yachts
- Superyachts, Catamarans, Motor yachts
How to plan it
- 01
Match headcount to licensed capacity
Confirm the final number of guests, including staff, photographers and entertainers. The licensed capacity is a hard legal limit, and a yacht that seats 40 for dinner may only be licensed for 30 when cruising.
- 02
Plan the catering format
A seated dinner needs more space than a standing reception. Decide between canapés, a buffet or plated service, collect dietary requirements early and ask whether the operator's chef or an outside caterer will serve.
- 03
Clear branding in advance
Banners, logo flags or branded napkins usually need the operator's approval, and some yachts limit what can be attached to the hull or rails. Send designs and dimensions well before the event.
- 04
Organise embarkation logistics
Large groups take time to board. Arrange group transfers, share the marina address and berth, prepare a guest list for any security check and schedule boarding 20–30 minutes before departure.
- 05
Sort out invoicing and payment
Ask whether the operator can invoice your company, which details they need, how the deposit and balance are scheduled and how VAT or local taxes are shown. These terms are confirmed in the written offer.
Extras you can request
- Catering, from canapés to a seated dinner
- Open bar with a bartender
- Branded decorations and flags
- DJ, live band or sound system for speeches
- Photographer and videographer
- Group transfers to and from the marina
- Water toys for daytime team events
Availability and prices of extras depend on the yacht and are listed in your offer.
Questions
How many guests can a corporate yacht event host?
From a handful on a motor yacht to around 50 on the largest superyachts. Each yacht has a licensed maximum for cruising, which may be lower than for a static event in the marina. Tell us your headcount and we will only send yachts that fit.
Can the operator invoice our company?
Many charter operators can issue an invoice to a company and show VAT or local taxes, but practices differ by country and operator. We ask for this when we request quotes, and the payment terms are set out in the written offer.
Can we brand the yacht with our logo?
Usually yes, within limits. Flags, banners, branded tableware and screens are common, but anything attached to the yacht needs the operator's approval. Send your ideas with the request so we can check what is possible.
What happens if the weather forces a cancellation?
The captain decides on safety. Some operators offer a new date or a static event in the marina, others refund in line with their terms. These conditions vary by operator and are stated in the offer before any deposit is paid.
Where it works best
United Arab EmiratesDubaiMarina skyscrapers, Palm Jumeirah and a Burj Al Arab sunset, from the deck of your own yacht.
SpainBarcelona & Costa BravaThe whole skyline from the water, minutes from the Gothic Quarter.
GreeceAthens & Saronic GulfThe Saronic islands an hour from the capital — the ideal first charter.
FranceFrench RivieraFrom Cannes to Monaco — the Mediterranean's most famous yachting scene.
SpainMarbella & Costa del SolPuerto Banús glamour with Gibraltar and Africa on the horizon.
TurkeyBodrumHome of the gulet and the Blue Cruise: a crusader castle, windmills and the bays of Gökova.