When designing a yacht interior for clients that plan on chartering, there several factors that influence my design plan for the function aspect of the yacht design and our approach to the project. I always consult first with my clients, captain and or the yacht charter broker to determine the yachts needs. I then plan each area carefully and thoughtfully.
One question to be asked are how many guests are they looking to accommodate? Also will the yacht charter children in combination with couples or family’s? I then try to plan the necessary sleeping arrangements with the appropriate cabins and incorporate extra pullman (convertible) style beds if space is available on the bulkheads in some of the guest cabins. We also can look at other common areas onboard to see where we can utilize a fold out bed such as a media room or a sky lounge. These suggestions are then approved by the client and executed and finished off with the appropriate yacht bedding and yacht decor in the appropriate textile and fabric selection that would withstand the heavy use of yacht chartering. This bedding and decor is always custom made in custom sizes because of the unusual shapes of the areas and bunks.
The second question to ask is about is the indoor and exterior dining areas on board and how these areas will be used. Since I now know the amount of charter guests we are trying to accommodate, we need to make sure we have enough seating to accommodate our yacht charter guests. We also look at if the yacht only wants exterior dining options available or both interior and exterior dining options and/or possibly plan for additional convertible areas for children to eat in a separate area. Many charter yachts are very casual in there styling and have tried to eliminate indoor dining options and only have exterior dining or (al fresco) options available. The only issue with that is when there is bad weather/ heavy rains and strong wind, those outdoor dining areas area no longer usable, so I also recommend having indoor and outdoor dining options when designing for charter.
The third most important tip to think about when designing a yacht for charter is incorporating the maximum amount of hidden functional storage on board. When the yacht is in service and fully booked on heavy charter, it is important to have ample space to store provisions such as dry goods, wine and liquor and paper products in large quantities. It is also important to have extra storage for extra linens, towels and bedding for constant changing and replenishing of those items that are being used constantly. There needs to be hidden storage for additional items like guests luggage, life jackets, exterior towels, sun bathing products, extra table decor for theme nights and special events and anything else the charter yacht needs to accommodate and care for their guests. I usually create hidden storage in the custom yacht furnishings bases that I make for the boat during the design execution. I also use the bed bases to create a huge storage areas with lifts which the crews always love and is completely concealed when not open and in use. Any usable space on board the yacht, if possible I will utilize for a purpose or for storage when designing for charter which ensures the boat will function well when in service and will keep their guests coming back for another yacht charter adventure time and time again.
Please contact us if you would like more information on our yacht design services for refit and new build. www.karenlynninteriors.com
Karen Lynn Interior Design LLC
2551 State Rd 84
Ft Lauderdale FL USA 33312
Cell 9547322387
Office 9543248355