Steady as she goes for Bareboat Pioneers

2:36 AM Mon 24 Nov 2008 GMT

'The spacious Perry 43 catamarans are a dream to charter in the Whitsundays - Whitsunday Rent A Yacht' Whitsunday Rent A Yacht WRAY Click Here to view large photo

Pioneers of the 'bareboat charter', (no crew), starting back in 1980, Whitsunday Rent a Yacht are busier than ever and looking forward to a steady summer.

'Although summer is traditionally quieter, with our busy periods between April and the end of the year, our bookings at the moment are ahead of last year,' says Deni Linforth, the company's sales and marketing manager.

Despite the downturn in most sectors, Whitsunday Rent a Yacht is 'happy, doing well', thanks mostly to a marketing strategy Linforth describes as 'the most aggressive in the market'.

'You name it, we do it,' she continues. 'We spend around $200,000 each year on boat shows, camping and caravan shows, advertising and promotions.'

Whitsunday Rent a Yacht is a familiar face at boat shows and exhibits at 'one or two adventure shows ( caravan and camping)' per year.

'We complement that with a lot of hard copy advertising - newspapers, magazines, lifestyle, boating industry, also targeting specific demographic groups. We also work very closely with travel agencies and spend a lot of time developing relationships with them.'

Whitsunday Rent A Yacht at SIBS - Sydney International Boat Show - Sail-World.com- AUS&copy Click Here to view large photo

The company has 33 boats in its fleet, yachts, catamarans and motor cruisers, from 9m to 15.5m, from 2-berth to 11-berth. Vessels include Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, Catalina, Seawind, Leopard, Perry and Fairways.

The fleet is divided into Standard and Luxury yachts. 'Our Luxury yachts are new or as new yachts and provide the latest in quality, presentation and onboard facilities. Our Standard yachts are well maintained older yachts still with all the necessary luxuries and extras you would expect from a quality bareboat.'

The bulk of the company's business is generated via the internet. 'That is quite difficult to measure, however our experience and the logic of our set up are important factors. But even though we have a very efficient website, we still need to drive the consumer to it, such as word of mouth, exhibitions and shows, media.'

Online, prospective clients can select their pick of vessel and view a layout and pictures before choosing which boat suits their needs, tastes and budgets.

All boats are fully-equipped with all the mod cons and most are only a few years old. The company is expecting delivery of a Beneteau 31 monohull and its second Beneteau Lagoon 420 next year. 'But age is no indication of the quality of a vessel,' says Linforth. 'As long as they're well maintained, a 10 year old boat is still luxurious, safe and well appointed. We'd love to have all new boats, but that's just not possible.'

Bavaria 39 - new arrival into Whitsunday Rent A Yacht fleet - Whitsunday Rent A Yacht WRAY

Clientele are drawn mostly from the east coast and domestic, but international tourists are increasingly looking for the freedom and access to the Whitsunday region that charters offer. 'We have a minimum of five nights policy or three nights standby, so we really appeal to the couples, family and group market, rather than corporate.'

Crucial to the hiring process is the DVD briefing, which is sent out upon bookings. 'It's technical and explains all the ins and outs of the boats, but also sells the sizzle with incredible shots of the Whitsundays, sunsets and the kinds of experiences they're likely to have.'

According to Linforth, clients are not required to hold a license. There is a basic windwise course for those with experience, but those with no exposure to boats at all are able to undertake an introductory course comprising of a couple of sessions over a few weekends.

'Our charterers are never 'cast adrift',' explains Linforth, adding that head office is in touch daily with forecasts, to check itineraries and discuss options. 'All our charters include a comprehensive area and boat briefing with the cruise guide prior to charter. Sometimes people opt for extra tuition for a day or two or prefer a skippered charter. A qualified Cruise Guide can accompany you for a couple of hours, or the duration of your holiday. There is a crew option, if people prefer to see the area with experienced team, even a chef!'

More at www.rentayacht.com.au

by Jeni Bone