Some of My Favourite Charters and Requests
When people ask what my favourite charter has been, it is almost impossible to pick just one. Every trip has its own story, its own chaos, and its own magic. But if I look back over the years, a handful of moments always come to mind first.
Flying, Sliding, and Surfing on BOLD
One summer in 2025, I had a charter on BOLD that felt like a real-life action movie. We were running helicopter operations, using every toy you can imagine and pushing the limits of what a “holiday” looks like. From fast tenders to waterslides and every gadget on the aft deck, the guests wanted to try everything. It was intense, technical, and absolutely unforgettable.
A Golden Bathtub and a 90-Metre in the Gulf
Then there was the 90 metre in the UAE, cruising to Qatar and back. On that one, the client asked for something I had never arranged before: a golden bathtub filled during the charter with 100 litres of champagne. It was outrageous, impractical, and logistically painful… so of course we made it happen. Seeing that level of extravagance in real life is something you do not forget.
Supercars and Superyachts in Abu Dhabi
For the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, I once had to lift a full-size Mercedes supercar onto a superyacht for its big reveal. The time pressure, the coordination with crane teams, the marina, the car brand, the owner, and the guests made it one of the most chaotic charters I have ever handled. But when the car was unveiled on the upper deck against the backdrop of the circuit, it was worth every stressful phone call.
Falling in Love with Croatia on AGAPE ROSE
On a personal note, spending three and a half days onboard AGAPE ROSE in Croatia was a highlight. The water there is flat, crystal clear, and unbelievably inviting. We played with the toys, jumped off the side of the yacht, and woke up every morning in a new bay, having breakfast in hidden anchorages. If there is one place I would happily go back to again and again, it is Croatia.
A Dutch DJ Who Needed “Something Bigger. Now.”
One charter I am particularly proud of was for a big Dutch DJ. He messaged me while already onboard another yacht and said:
“Jochem, I do not know who booked this from the team, but this is way too small. I need something bigger. Now.”
Within a few calls, I had another yacht lined up for him. It felt like a movie: I went down to the boat to make sure everything was perfect and ended up staying for a couple of hours, joining the party. He was so happy he came back onboard again two days later.
From the Philippines to Poker Nights and Avocado Oil
I have organised charters in places like the Philippines, where the crew’s hospitality was next level and the cruising felt like exploring uncharted territory. I have had clients request avocado oil instead of olive oil for a two week trip, a full poker setup for a five day “casino at the dock”, and even a request to run at full speed for an hour just to burn as much fuel as possible.
One client insisted the crew take a night off so they could relax and enjoy themselves, which was surprisingly wholesome to see. Another charter involved last minute fishing rods requested only a few hours before boarding; the crew still managed to pull it all together. And then there was the day charter where the client was extremely strict on the yacht budget, yet happily spent the equivalent of one full hour of charter rate on a cake. Priorities.
Some guests arrive with no itinerary at all and simply “end up somewhere”. Others want every minute of every day planned in advance. Both can work, but in the end we are always subject to weather, logistics, and reality.
And honestly, this is just a small grab from my day to day. For every “normal” charter, there is another one that is completely wild.
