Yacht Management: Coronavirus Support and the New Normal

For many owners, dependable and resourceful operational yacht management support is a must have, even when the seas are calm and the wind is behind you. In exceptional circumstances like the current coronavirus crisis, the value of a good yacht manager is even more apparent. As many owners’ yachting plans have been disrupted and operational demands have increased beyond the ordinary, the Ocean Independence yacht management team have been busy responding to the situation and providing emergency support to the yachts in our fleet. 

In the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many yachts suddenly found it difficult to find a port due to varying local restrictions. Ocean Independence yacht managers assisted in returning yachts on passage to safe ports, finding open ports and negotiating all yachts’ entry with local authorities. 

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The safety and security of crew and yachts already in port or in refit also needed to be urgently addressed. As a full shutdown happened quite suddenly in most countries, it was crucial that the necessary measures were drafted, agreed to and put into place extremely quickly to ensure everyone’s compliance and wellbeing. Guidelines from some authorities were initially unclear and constantly changing, with specific modifications required for yachting. Our team have been in close contact with captains and crews over the recent months, continuing to help them adapt and update procedures as quickly as possible. 

As the peak of the pandemic appears to be over in many countries and yachting returns to a new normal with the lifting of restrictions, we are relieved to say that, to date, not one yacht from our operational managed fleet has had a case of COVID-19 onboard. Our managers continue to support owners, captains and crew, now focusing on preparing for summer cruising with best practice in place to ensure safe and happy yachting for all on board. 

For assistance in getting your yacht up speed with the new normal and information on all our operational yacht management services please contact [email protected].