IYC's Crew Event Showcases San Diego's Growing Yacht Charter Appeal
Without the Captains and crew within the yachting industry, we would not be able to offer such luxury experiences onboard our yachts. As the yachting landscape evolves, it is even more important to recognize the crew and discuss the changing trends and shifting locations to ensure we provide the most exceptional service to our clients worldwide. One area of note experiencing more demand is the increasingly popular San Diego and wider California area.
IYC recently hosted an exclusive Captain and crew event in San Diego that brought together around 170 crew. Such impressive turnout at this event underscores the area's growing importance in the global yachting sector. Held in collaboration with Marine Group Boat Works and other industry partners, it was hosted at the Fifth Avenue Landing superyacht marina on the bayfront.
Here we discuss the developing yachting hub of San Diego and a recap of our successful event:
A Rising Hub
In 2022, we anticipated a strategic move to expand to California and opened an IYC brokerage office in San Diego in response to the uptick in local charter opportunities. Today, the area continually gains presence for yachts of all sizes within the charter scene.
As Matthew Stone, California's Managing Partner at IYC, notes: "Central America and Alaska are becoming increasingly popular destinations." He explains the main reasons behind this demand: "As owner's needs and ways of using their boats shift, the desire to be in congested ports becomes less appealing." This has been echoed by the 14 yachts (over 50 meters) in San Diego during October alone, a clear indicator of the region's rising status in the yachting world.
Stone explains San Diego's geographical importance in response to the rising popularity: "On the west coast of North and Central Americas, yachts transit south in October, whether to Mexico for the winter or onwards through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean."
But it isn't just the location; San Diego has also seen significant expansion and investment in infrastructure. The area boasts the facilities and suppliers necessary to support larger yachts. This growth is further highlighted by the Marine Group Boat Works' multi-million dollar modernization project at its shipyard facility that began last year.
San Diego's emergence as a yachting hub opens up further cruising opportunities for a West Coast yacht charter. From the calm waters of San Diego Bay to the beauty of the nearby Channel Islands and the cruising routes of Mexico, there is an array of diverse experiences to be had. This positions the city as the perfect starting point for a California coast itinerary and further afield adventures.
Supporting Our Crew
At the heart of this recent event was the celebration of the crew members who make luxury yachting possible. "The crew are the backbone of our industry, and without them, our industry doesn't work," comments Stone.
IYC's commitment to crew welfare goes beyond simple recognition. We actively support crew through various initiatives, including educational functions, mental health support, and various other opportunities to engage with them. Stone underlines: "Supporting crew is vital in what we do."
"From ongoing strategy meetings to providing moments of reprieve and mental health support, we're constantly looking for ways to empower our crew," he adds. This support extends to facilitating beach clean-ups, supporting ocean conservation efforts, and creating networking opportunities - such as this recent event - for professional growth.
Looking Ahead
The event provided a relaxed setting for Captains and crew to socialize and exchange ideas and experiences. There were plenty of notable interactions and discussions between industry professionals and our consultants with Captains and various crews of different-sized yachts, allowing more insight to be gained into the different needs of charter yachts in this region. The number of crew in attendance, as well as some of IYC's fleet, signals the rising popularity of the area as a growing hub.
The success of this event in San Diego has already sparked enthusiasm for future gatherings. "Brainstorming has already begun for 2025," Stone adds, hinting at IYC's commitment to fostering community and further support for the yachting industry in San Diego.
IYC's investment in the San Diego region and commitment to continually supporting crew who make it possible demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to the evolving landscape of yacht charters. Contact one of our expert consultants based in our San Diego office to learn more about yacht charter opportunities on the West Coast.