Chartering a superyacht is the pinnacle of luxury, and an experience that can create memories for a lifetime, but to reach those levels of opulence, an experienced team will be working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly to make those memories unforgettable.
One of the more recognisable charter vessels on the water today, is that of the stunning Motoryacht Project X, an 88-meter vessel, launched in 2022 by Golden Yachts in Greece. In the short time since launch, she has established herself as one of the busiest charters around. We caught up with Chief Officer Christopher Lane who shared his experiences to date, what makes Project X so special and what goes in to creating a successful charter.
Journey to Chief Officer
Christopher’s journey into the maritime industry began in 2013. Having taken the decision not to pursue further education at university, with his STCW and ENG 1 qualifications in hand, he headed to the docks of Monaco in search of a different lifestyle. “I was one of the fortunate ones who found my first job on my first day of dock walking. I think it was the fourth boat I handed my CV to,” Christopher tells us, “It was a 30m seasonal job, so I took it with open arms. As soon as I finished my first trip, that was it. Hook line and sinker.”
From then on, Christopher only had one career path in mind, pursuing work on larger yachts. “I pretty much averaged a year or two on the next seven boats,” he says. “A year on an 86m, 6-months on a 115m, almost 2 years on a 110m, another year on a 92m in southeast Asia, almost 3 years on a different 92m, a year on a 65m, and then the magnificent Project X, where I have been since September 2022 since its launch to the public at the Monaco boat show.”
Christopher made the decision early on in his career to follow the path to become an officer, heavily influenced by the commercial backgrounds of the captains and chief mates he worked under on many of those yachts. Through rigorous training at Warsash Maritime Academy, Christopher earned his unlimited tickets and continued his journey to become chief officer onboard the Golden Yachts vessel.
X Marks the Spot
According to Christopher, Project X is unlike any other yacht he’s worked on. Since its launch at the 2022 Monaco Yacht Show, the vessel has become his proudest achievement, thanks to its busy schedule and the challenges of bringing a new build to life. “Project X is by far the busiest boat I have ever stepped foot on, but it is also my proudest work and the happiest I have been in the industry,” he says.
As a key part of the build team, Christopher and the crew worked tirelessly to establish everything that was needed to make Project X one of the top superyachts in the charter market. The bond between the crew has been key to its success. “The atmosphere this incredible crew creates for both guests and each other is nothing like I have ever seen. Without the outstanding teamwork and hard effort they put in, it wouldn’t be one of the most successful charter boats out there,” says Christopher.
Project X operates with a crew of 28, which Chief Officer Lane says is a great number. “It’s not the amount of crew, but their character that provides a successful charter,” he says, “during busy times, we will all turn around and wish for more, but at the end of the day, we manage just fine,” he adds.
Planning the Perfect Charter
To plan the perfect superyacht charter, Christopher works closely with the captain, chief stewardess, and client representatives to uniquely cater to the clients’ needs.
The planning starts with the client’s preference sheet, which details the specific desires and expectations of the guests. This level of customisation is essential, and communication between crew, brokers, and client’s PAs plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
“The preference sheet will contain most of all you need to know, these are gathered from the clients’ representatives along with previous charter boats experiences. It is regular in the industry to pass on information back and forth to their brokers on how their experience was, with details noted by all departments. This will be sent onto their next yacht, to assist in a more fluid operation,” imparts Christopher.
No two charters are the same on Project X. While some returning clients will request familiar routes, the vessel often will explore hidden gems in new destinations, throughout the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
The Social Media Impact in the Charter Market
Instagram has become an integral tool for charter yachts with Project X amassing a huge amount of followers in a short space of time on the platform. Influenced by the likes of M/Y Loon, seeing the growth of their social media, Project X followed suit using the channel as a key part of their marketing strategy.
The yacht’s Instagram page, expertly managed by Deck/Videographer Mark Jardim, has become a great way to connect with new clients and showcase the stunning experiences on board. After each charter, the crew presents a personalized video to guests, a highlight that never fails to delight. “At the end of every charter, we set up our gigantic stern cinema and show them a video Mark has created for them. This is quite often the best part of the charter. Not because it is the end, but to see their reaction every time has been priceless, filling the crew and guests with smiles,” Christopher says.
Navigating Challenges
Christopher highlights the navigation challenges that can arise during charters, especially in poorly charted areas like the Ionian Islands in Greece. The crew relies on the likes of Compass to ensure safety, using real-time updates to find the best anchorages. “The digital platform allows for seamless and safe operation on the bridge with constant updates and reminders so we can navigate the waters with ease,” Christopher says.
In addition to this, Christopher praises the support of Project X’s management company, C&N (Camper & Nicholsons). “The management teams provide the backbone for the vessel’s safe and efficient operation, and we have fantastic support,” he emphasizes.
The Takeaway
For Christopher, the keys to a successful superyacht charter are teamwork, attention to detail, and creating a personalized and unforgettable experience. The crew onboard have become an essential part of making Project X one of the most sought-after charter yachts in the world.
Instagram – @motoryachtprojectx
