Charter Smarter Newsletter | May 23, 2025
All Eyes on Sommer: Your Dream Yacht Awaits
Meet Sommer—a 2022 50’ Leopard catamaran that blends smooth sailing, stylish design, and signature Charter Smarter charm. Whether you're a first-time charter guest or a seasoned sea traveler, Sommer offers a boutique experience tailored to your pace. Onboard, you'll find three spacious queen cabins—each with en suite bathrooms, plush bedding, and air conditioning, creating the perfect setup for up to six guests to enjoy a balance of comfort and privacy.
Her open-concept layout is designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living. Mornings start with coffee on the foredeck trampolines, and afternoons drift into sunset toasts on the flybridge. The main salon opens seamlessly to the cockpit, giving you plenty of space to lounge, dine, or catch up with friends between adventures. And if you’re the type to jump in headfirst—literally—Sommer is stocked with water toys, snorkeling gear, a stand-up paddleboard, and a tender to get you right to the action.
Sommer’s sleek, modern design is ideal for the Virgin Islands, where calm waters and vibrant marine life beg to be explored. The boat’s shallow draft allows access to hidden coves and anchorages bigger vessels can’t reach—giving you a front-row seat to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning scenery. Prefer to stay on board? Stretch out with a book in the shaded cockpit or unwind in the air-conditioned salon with panoramic views.
But what truly sets Sommer apart is her crew. Professional, warm, and intuitive, they bring the whole experience to life. From crafting locally inspired meals with a gourmet twist to knowing just where to anchor for the perfect private swim, they’re experts at turning a great trip into an unforgettable one. You’ll find yourself looking forward to every meal and every conversation.
Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family adventure, or a laid-back girls’ week, Sommer provides the perfect floating villa to relax, reset, and explore in style. Once you’re on board, it’s clear—this isn’t just a vacation. It’s your new favorite way to travel!
Inside Access: VIBE 2025 Energy, Insights & Island Inspiration
Yacht Haven Grande was buzzing this past weekend as VIBE 2025 brought the yachting world together for a weekend of festivities! The docks were alive with energy—captains swapping stories, local vendors showcasing their goods, familiar faces dropping by to say hello, and curious newcomers stopping by to learn more about yacht travel. We were there to take it all in—and left with more ideas and excitement than ever.
What stood out most? The conversations. Whether we were catching up with industry friends or answering questions from first-timers, one thing was clear: people want more from their vacations. More meaning, more connection, more flexibility. Guests are looking for trips that feel like an experience, not just a checklist. That’s always been our sweet spot.
Themes like sustainability, custom travel, and slow exploration came up over and over again. These aren't passing trends—they’re values. And they’ve been baked into Charter Smarter from day one.
We also had a chance to talk with past guests, many of whom shared glowing stories of their time on board. There's nothing like hearing how a week on the water turned into one of someone’s most treasured memories. And for those just discovering what we do—it was a joy to see the lightbulb go off when they realized this kind of trip might actually be within reach.
We left VIBE feeling recharged and clear on what comes next. This season, you’ll see even more behind-the-scenes content, real guest stories, and itinerary inspo that breaks the mold. We’re not just helping you plan trips—we’re helping you’ll chart experiences they’ll carry for a lifetime.
Whether you’ve sailed with us before or are just starting to dream, thanks for being part of our world!
TODAY’S CHARTER TIP 💡
Make sure to ask about Water Toys!
Each yacht offers different fun! From paddleboards and sea scooters to fishing gear and even E-foils! Be sure to ask what’s available or request your favorites in advance. My personal favorite? Clear-bottom kayaks! There's nothing like gliding over reefs and watching marine life below - It’s like snorkeling without getting wet!
- Lauren, Yacht Charter Specialist
Guest Feedback ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Know a Travel Pro? Let’s Team Up!
If you’ve ever returned from your charter thinking, “More people need to know about this”—you’re not alone. That’s exactly why we’ve launched the Charter Smarter Travel Agent Network. And we’re inviting you to help us spread the word.
We’re teaming up with travel advisors who want to give their clients something different. Something more personal, more immersive, and a whole lot more memorable than a standard hotel stay. With access to our fleet of fully crewed, all-inclusive yachts, these agents can offer everything you’ve loved about your charter—gourmet dining, private beaches, custom itineraries—and make it their clients’ next best trip.
If you happen to be in the travel biz yourself (or know someone who is), we’d love to connect. Our partners get access to commissionable rates—simple, clear, and easy to work with.
From anniversary getaways to friend-group reunions, yacht charters are quickly becoming the new “trip of a lifetime”—and we’re here to help more people discover that.
So whether you’re a guest with a friend in the industry, a travel planner ready to level up, or someone who just loves sharing good finds—we’re glad you’re here!