Frequently Asked Questions

When other fractional yacht programs have not been successful, why will this one succeed?
Before designing this program we reviewed nearly every fractional yacht and jet company that does, or has existed. We carefully examined their systems and policies to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each program. One consistent element that we found was that those who failed were primarily sales-driven organizations. In other words, they needed to continue to sell new shares in order to maintain their operations. Most of the fractional yacht programs were setup by manufacturers as a way to increase sales, so selection was limited to that builder’s models, and experience in yacht management was severely lacking.

The more successful models are management-driven; they have a strong land-based management division and rely on management fees, not new sales, to sustain their fleet. Not coincidently, virtually all previous fractional yacht programs relied on a sales-driven model. Another factor for our success is that our entire inventory is provided by current yacht owners who are accustomed to absorbing 100% of the expenses of ownership, (less charter revenue). What this means is that unlike an operator who purchases and maintains inventory, our inventory is provided and paid for by yacht owners who view the fractional model as an attractive exit strategy, not a profit center.

How do you ensure that yachts in the program are actually maintained to the high standard that you state?
When a yacht is accepted into the program and has completed the contribution survey process, we create a detailed maintenance manual specific to that boat and its systems, encompassing every element on the yacht. Every pump, valve, motor, gear, through-hull fitting, electronic part, door track, opening hatch or other moving parts, and all cosmetic aspects of the yacht are quantified and documented. Detailed maintenance schedules are then created and crew members are assigned specific tasks. Each day, week, and month those tasks are dispatched to the appropriate individual and the status of each is reported back to our home office through the on-board software. The crew are not only responsible to the captain, but also to the land-based manager. These procedures ensure that maintenance is being done “by the book”.

Are there any other expenses besides the initial purchase price, monthly maintenance fees, and personal provisioning costs which I should expect to pay?
No, those are the only normal costs associated with your ownership. However, as with any yacht, unexpeced issues could arise. Although every effort is put into anticipating breakdowns, repairs, refurbishment costs, and operating expenses, exceptional circumstances could cause an increase in the annual budget.

Is financing available?
Traditional yacht financing is not currently available on fractional yachts because of the impact that a defaulting owner would have on the other owners. However, we have established relationships with lenders who will provide financing to individuals who qualify based on bank or personal guarantees. We also have Contributing Owners who offer financing on a case by case basis.

How did you arrive at six weeks of use per owner?
We interviewed dozens of captains, owners, and yacht managers to determine the average number of weeks that large yacht owners use their boats. Although there are exceptions, including live-aboard owners and those that travel extensively, we found that most owners use their yacht between four and six weeks per year.

How do I schedule my time aboard, and are there any parameters which restrict my use?
You can book your time aboard online or through the PartnerShips’ concierge. There is a four day minimum and three week maximum. You can book two consecutive weeks up to one year in advance and additional consecutive weeks can be booked one month prior to your scheduled use.

What if I don’t use all six of my available weeks?
If you know that you will not use all of your available time, you can contribute weeks to the charter pool. Those weeks are offered on the charter market. The total revenue generated from charter is then divided proportionately between those owners who contributed to the pool.

What if I want to use more than six weeks in any given year?
Owners can charter additional weeks at a discounted rate, but you cannot exchange weeks between fiscal years.

Why are there only 30 weeks of total use available to owners?
We allow two days between each owner’s use for the crew to prepare, re-provision, and personalize the yacht for the next owner’s visit, representing eight weeks (30 x 2 days = 8 weeks); transitioning time between cruising grounds account for approximately four additional weeks. Scheduled maintenance and normal repairs add the remaining ten weeks. Since crew rotate in from other yachts during their vacations, there is no need to deduct for crew holidays.

What if I want to have my own bedding or other bulky personal items that do not fit in onboard storage when I’m aboard?
For the cost of shipping, you can have anything that you would like on the yacht sent from our facility, or any other location, so that it is there upon your arrival.

What if we don’t get along with one of the crew members?
Although the crew aboard all PartnerShips’ yachts are highly-trained and follow strict guidelines provided in our crew manuals, individual personalities may clash with you or someone in your family. Because of the homogenous training among all PartnerShips’ crew, anyone can be traded from another PartnerShips’ yacht during your time aboard. Obviously if the problem with a crew member extends beyond a personality issue, then they may be terminated.

How can I be assured that the yacht I purchase will not plummet in value when it’s time to sell my share?
Just like with full yacht ownership, you’re subject to market conditions, but history has shown that properly maintained yachts generally hold their value. PartnerShips' reputation for having exceptionally well-maintained yachts should translate into a higher than normal yacht value when reselling your shares.

How can I get a copy of the contracts for PartnerShips’ fractional program?
After signing our Letter of Intent and Non-Disclosure Agreement we will e-mail all documents to you or your attorney for review. Our attorneys are also available for your counsel to confer with at anytime.

Can I trade time on other yachts in the program?
As our fleet grows we will offer the ability to trade weeks between yachts of different sizes and in various cruising grounds.