Living the Dream

Many sailors dream of sailing their own yacht in the Caribbean, but time and money often get in the way.  CYOA’s Charter Yacht Ownership Program has eliminated those obstacles for people just like you, who are now sailing their own yachts in the Virgin Islands.

Picture yourself on an easy starboard tack in Pillsbury Sound, bound for Jost Van Dyke.  The green hills and inviting beaches of St. John beckon.  The trade winds are a constant 12 knots out of the east.  The scent of frangipani blossoms is in the air.  The sun is sparkling on the water and soaking into your shoulders, erasing the stress from your day-to-day grind.  The bow wave kicks up a school of flying fish.  You laugh. You’re looking forward to a quiet anchorage and the cockpit view of a million stars that are seemingly just out of reach.  Now picture all of this on your own yacht.

If this is appealing, CYOA’s Charter Yacht Ownership Program can help you make it happen.

Highlights

• CYOA’s charter fleet is made up of beautiful, high-quality sail and power yachts from leading manufacturers—yachts that are built and equipped for the rigors of charter, personal comfort, ease of sailing and maintenance, and to preserve their value over time. 
• Our yacht purchase prices are competitive and, along with our flexible ownership programs, offer you excellent value for your money.  Some programs will even make a monthly payment to you while paying 100% of your boat’s expenses.
• Your yacht will be berthed in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands with easy, large-jet access from the U.S., and to all of the Virgin Islands.
• Our professional, on-site service staff will manage the commissioning of your yacht, handle any warranty needs, and ensure that your yacht is maintained to the highest standards while she is in our fleet.  Your time aboard will be dedicated to sailing, relaxing and work – on your tan, your relationship or perfecting that 30 second tack.
• The charter income earned by your yacht will defray, and possibly exceed, your operating expenses. You will have access to your yacht when, and for how long, you wish – typically up to six weeks a year.
• Your yacht may provide you with tax benefits, including a sales tax exemption on the purchase price.  Our yachts qualify for Section 179 write-offs as well. In some cases you can write off 100% of the cost of your yacht in the very first year.
• You may personalize contract terms to fit your lifestyle and financial needs.

Experience Generates Success

CYOA has been successfully chartering yachts for almost 30 years.  Our experienced staff will promote your yacht at boat shows, through consistent print advertising in a variety of sail and cruising publications, on our web site, and through international charter brokers.  If your goal is to maximize the charter time and income of your yacht, our expertise can help you succeed.

Come and Sail

This is your yacht.  You should feel free to sail whenever you wish, and to take your time exploring the many beautiful anchorages and the exciting sailing available throughout the U. S., British, and Spanish Virgin Islands.  While you will increase charter income if your yacht is consistently booked during high season, the final decision on usage is up to you.

Let us handle the maintenance

We’ve been doing this very, very well for almost 30 years.   Our experienced service staff conducts pre- and post-charter inspections of your yacht, including an underwater dive inspection, to ensure your yacht is always in excellent condition.  Routine maintenance is handled on a regular schedule, with detailed reports provided to owners showing itemized costs against income on a monthly basis.  If additional maintenance is required, our owners are consulted, but there is no charge to our owners for any items lost or any damage caused by charter guests.

On your terms

CYOA’s charter yacht ownership contract is simple and flexible, allowing you to commit to one year at a time for a maximum of five years.  If your life circumstances change and you want to take early retirement to enjoy extended cruising, just let us know and we can plan ahead to cycle your yacht out of our fleet.  If you choose to sell your yacht, we can help you to sell it for continued placement in our fleet, or refer you to affiliated yacht brokers who will list and help to sell your yacht.

As clear as the Caribbean

When we talk to future owners about purchasing a yacht for charter placement, we clearly and realistically outline what can be expected from a financial and a management perspective.  It is important for each owner to be comfortable with this investment as it is not for everyone.  In most cases CYOA pays 75% of the revenue to you and then invoices you for the costs of berthing and maintenance, cleaning and turnaround, client briefings and dive checks. We recommend that you ask your tax advisor whether these charges may be tax deductible for you.

Home Sweet Yacht

Some of our yacht owners had not handled a larger vessel until purchasing one of their own, so we take the time to provide a complimentary introduction to your yacht—both at the dock and on the water.   If you are new to sailing, our U.S. Coast Guard licensed skippers can teach you how to sail and how to manage the systems on your own yacht so that you are confident in your ability and completely at home.

Start living the dream

You know you have questions—Can I afford this? Can I sail before I buy? What if I want special equipment? What should I ask my tax advisor? How does this really work? What about....? Pick up your pen and a piece of paper and jot them down.  Then pick up the phone and call John at 800.944.2962, or you can email him.  Ask him to walk you through the program.  Ask him all of your questions.  If he gives you the right answers, you may find yourself on that starboard tack to Jost Van Dyke aboard your own special yacht.