Yacht Charter Program Phase-Out Management

What is a professional Phase-Out & Handover Management:

The Yacht Charter Program Phase-Out Management provides professional handover services for owners transitioning their vessels out of charter programs and into private ownership. It is a comprehensive service package designed to support you through the transition with professional handover management, whether you are preparing the yacht for immediate sale or transitioning into a new charter management agreement.

The Handover management includes:

Create a handover management check-list 

Manage and mediate between the charter company/ and other relevant third-party providers

Provide assistance and manage legal and tax support*

Managing the surveyor/handover: overseeing the prior service log and the survey prior to the handover. 

Managing handling of the boat: the papers, registration, hand-over procedure from the charter company, making sure the yacht is insured, and that that yacht is unencumbered from any debt or claims.

Managing After-Market Options & Equipment for Charter: sourcing, preparations, and installations.

Managing transport of the boat to the matching base 

Reporting 

Offering and handling insurance requests.  

Additional Support and Services:

Our handover management provides a professional team dedicated to ensuring you receive a yacht that is adequately repaired and maintained. Beyond the technical transition, we offer strategic options to either extend your sailing vacations with us or prepare your yacht for sale. With our brokerage support, we aim to achieve a list price that is above what would be offered by the charter company.

Refinancing & Charter Management Leasing

Together with our partner SeaLease, an international bank specialised in loans and leasing for yachts operated in charter, we can offer you to re-finance your yacht in combination with our charter management we can offer you a new Charter Ownership Program with predefined ownership weeks and terms/length that is defined by the income from the charter operations to cover the cost of ownership and financing.

Charter Management

We have a Vagabond series of yachts we manage for charter ownership in our worldwide fleet. Together with our preferred partners of independent boutique charter operator, that form the Y-M Charter & Managment’s list of preferred partners, we can offer to extend the life of your yacht in charter ownership up to 12 years. We are able to offer the operations and/or tailored charter management of your yacht in over 40 destinations worldwide.

Brokerage of your yacht

Our last three (3) yachts we have sold for our clients using the full handover management has ensure the boats where sold an average of 40% more than the offer from the charter company or if the yacht would be listed “as is” by the charter company.

Refitting & After-Market Equipment

Should you wish to refit your yacht with new or other after-market options, Yacht-Match has a dedicated after-market department and can provide you options for equipment and we also perform the installation and offer the after-sales.

Why use a professional handover management?

Value depreciation and risking the vessels integrity

If your yacht has been part of a yacht charter ownership program and the yacht has been under operation with a leasing, part-financing, or simply just operated with a point/program system in place offered by the charter business, it’s more than likely that its has suffered unnecessary wear and damage due to lack of (or even negligence) professional maintenance and following warranty-service protocols.

The effects of negligent maintenance and the business model that goes into chartering your boat in a charter program will have significant effect on the re-sale value of your yacht or functioning and esthetical properties of your yacht if you consider keeping the yacht for private use.

Risk of receiving a yacht with defaults and no proper documentation

The phase-out period and handover has been described by many boat owners as very stressful and can be very costly. You risk receiving a yacht:

without proper documentation
history
bad repair work
missing equipment
faulty equipment
outdated warranty/service documentation
unknown integrity of the vessel

Daunting Task – time & energy consuming

The task of knowing what to do and undergoing the phase-out and handover itself can be daunting for many as the sheer time spent in managing several service providers that you need to coordinate to help you is so complicated and costly, that most charter companies know this and therefore pressure you to sell your back to them at under-market value or to accept the boat as it is.

Knowing your options and keeping them open

Many boat owners facing the last season and near their contract termination also dent know what their options are and what they do after with their yacht.

With the right documentation and the yacht having been refitted and phased-out properly, your yacht would eligible for an extend life with an independent charter company. This would mean that you are able to re-finance your yacht and use a charter management agreement with an independent charter company to help you with the operations and leasing payments.

The proper handover management will also ensure that you can put your yacht on the market for sale for the price above the average sales price offered by the charter company and those yachts representative of their fleet.
Using a professional team with industry knowledge and with specialist will ensure that you will have options to consider and that you will have a yacht that will hold a higher resale value and most importantly is in a good condition.

Who are we?

With decades of combined marine experience, our multi-disciplinary team provides tailored solutions dedicated to your specific requirements throughout the entire vessel lifecycle.

Viktor van Savooyen

Yacht Purchase Advisor & Consultant

Our co-founder and a well merited broker and purchase advisor within the yacht charter management market.

Yacht-Match Group

Daria Petrova

Yacht Charter & Charter Management Advisor

Our co-founder and an acknowledged yachtsman with over 35 years of experience in the leisure marine industry working for the largest shipyards and acting an independent yachting consultant.

Yacht-Match Charter & Management

Luka Prazic

Naval architect & sustainability advocate

Luka makes the calculations needed to find the perfect eco-friendly solution for you, matching your criteria for the boat’s performance and energy efficiency down to the exact detail.

Yacht-Match Yachts & Brokerage

Angela Fuštin

Owner Care & Yacht Charter Operations

As a yacht owner-care specialist with 17+ years of experience, Angela leads our Phase-Out Management Consultancy, supporting owners through charter program exits with clear structure, calm execution, and owner-side representation.

Yacht-Match Charter & Management

Sebastian Juhlin

Sales Administrator & Technical Supply Coordinator

With experience working across sales support, technical coordination, and owner care, Sebastian will work closely with Yacht-Match’s technical sales and charter management teams, supporting the full customer journey from pre-sales to after-sales.

Yacht-Match Charter & Management

Harald Korn

Senior Yacht Purchase Advisor & General Agent (Norway)

A veteran broker and former Beneteau dealer (Giramar AS), Harald is part of our Senior Advisory Team providing Norwegian clients with strategic guidance on fleet investment, new yacht sales, and charter management programs.

Yacht-Match Yachts & Brokerage

Inez Stertefeld

Technical Sales Coordinator & After-Sales

Our customer relationship coordinator and a true adventurer and avid sailor dedicated to making sure all of our boatowners are taken care off and their yachts.

Yacht-Match Yachts & Brokerage

How It All Started

Viktor and Dirk first met in 2014 when Viktor was a sales manager of Navigare Yachting and Dirk was a charter business manager at a German shipyard, Hanse Yachts (Group). With the vision to provide yacht buyers with independent guidance and access to the best ownership solutions available—while helping specialized shipyards and charter operators connect with the right type of clients— Yacht-Match was founded in late 2017.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, many owners reached out to Yacht-Match approached by boat owners whom the team had supported in previous roles. Many of these boat owners where nearing their end of contracts with Navigare Yachting and Dream Yacht Charter.

We realized we need to share our knowledge and educate boat owners and our clients about all the available options. We need to put people in focus – listen to their needs and wants. We want to help people to find their perfect yacht and make their yachting plans possible, on their terms.

Today, Yacht-Match consists of a dedicated team supporting yacht owners worldwide, establishing itself as an international advisory platform for yacht buyers, shipyards, and charter operators. By combining commercial expertise, operational experience, and technical knowledge, Yacht-Match team helps clients navigate the complex decisions involved in yacht ownership, charter investment, and fleet management—always with the goal of finding the right match between people, yachts, and opportunities.

Your trusted partner

Yacht-Match Charter & Management is one of four branches within the Yacht-Match Group, a dynamic collaboration of companies within the leisure marine industry and the luxury travel market with international credentials.

HQ - The Netherlands

Kennedylaan 30, 5242BB Rosmalen, the Netherlands.

Sales Office & Marina - Sweden

Varvsvägen 5, 613 35 Oxelösund

Sales office - London

Hamble Point Marina, Southampton SO31 4JD, UK.

Sales office - Berlin

Albert-Einstein-Ring 7, 14532 Kleinmachnow, Germany.

Sales Office & Marina - Croatia

ACI MARINA SPLIT, Uvala Baluni 8, 21000 Split, Croatia.

We have registered companies with their own offices and marinas strategically located in key European countries, including Sweden, England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Croatia. Our global presence allows us to effectively support our clients from anywhere in the world.

What is Phase-Out or Exit of Charter Ownership Program?

Phase-Out Period

From the perspective of the charter company, the “phase-out” signifies the period when the yacht is prepared for its final handover. In most cases, this process begins once the final charter is completed and the vessel is blocked from further bookings. This usually creates a 30-day window for the charter company’s technical team to manage the transition and prepare the yacht to be taken out of service.

During this time, it is important to remember that charter companies typically do not provide independent surveys and coordinate the final transfer with the individual officially named in the agreement. In some instances, the company may provide an owner representative or “concierge” to oversee communication and manage the process to the best of their professional knowledge.

Your project manager

At this time, the Yacht-Match team is appointed by you with a power of attorney to represent your interests, operating as an independent contractor. With established relationships with charter companies and Angela Fuštin as your dedicated Project Manager, we ensure the entire exit process is planned early and monitored closely for this process to run smoothly.

In most charter ownership program agreements it states that “The yacht will be handed over in the best possible condition” and should allow for "wear and tear" after years of usage in charter environment. This phrasing is very unclear and these types of contracts are completely one sided in favor of the charter company.

The maintenance logs are often at best filled out arbitrary and will often miss any information about why it has been replaced or repaired. The charter companies use their own base personal and not necessarily qualified service technicians. When they use third party service providers for larger jobs, they use the companies that can do the job in short notice and for the lowest possible costs.

There is no way for you to ensure that your yacht is receiving its proper maintenance by a specific qualified technicians and that that work is overseen and approved by someone at the charter company that can be held accountable and answer questions regarding the work by you or anyone else should their be a survey afterwards.

With the support of our handover management, we will ensure that you will handover over a professional repaired and maintenance yacht with a full inventory and clear description of its history.

Only through a thorough investigation of the yacht together with the professional survey by an independent surveyor and by reviewing the survey history of the yacht and maintenance log, will be able to ensure that both the integrity of the vessel and the documentation will represent a yacht that will hold a higher value and attraction for anyone interested in purchasing the yacht from you.

Most importantly, if you intend to use the yacht privately, you will be certain of the condition of all parts of your yacht and you can be sure of that the repair work or replacement on your yacht has been inspected and that sloppy work and missing details of the promised equipment is

As your handover management team appointed by you, we will use a Handover and Inspection sheet that we share with the independent surveyor and the charter company that include reviewing all parts of the vessel including the promised equipment as per your agreement. Our checklist guarantees that we know the operational functionality of the equipment, the vessels integrity, and the service history and current state of the maintenance/work of your yacht.

Some of our latest Handover-Projects:

Read the Referrals & Testimonials of some of our happy clients

Family Lindkvist contacted Yacht-Match just over a year before their yacht's charter contract was due to end. To ensure a seamless transition, they engaged Yacht-Match to manage the complex handover process and prepare the vessel for the brokerage market. Our team provided end-to-end and hands-on support with on-site management in Croatia. Following a successful phase-out, Yacht-Match Brokerage seamlessly transitioned the yacht to the market, securing a successful sale and resulting in a smooth, highly professional turnaround that protected the owner's investment from charter exit to final sale.

Family Tallqvist first met Viktor at the annual international multihull boat show in La Grande Motte (south of France) back in 2015. There they decided on a new Nautitech 40 Open with a charter ownership program. In late 2022 they contacted Viktor and Yacht- Match again to receive some guidance on selling their Nautitech 40 “Pura Vida” as their yacht was now being phased-out of its charter ownership program and the contract was ending. It was decided that the yacht first needed to be properly handed over to family Tallqvist and that they needed support in managing the handover process to guarantee they have all the correct documentation and make the yacht ready for brokerage/sale. A few months later, the handover was successfully achieved and the boat had undergone several surveys and partly overhauled and was ready to for its new owners. The handover management in combination with the brokerage support from Y-M Yachts & Brokerage ensured that “Pura Vida” was sold for 45% more than the offer Family Tallqvist received from the charter company prior to the start of the phase-out.

Family Odelberg became boat owners in a charter program back in 2016. In 2023, Johan Odelberg contacted Yacht-Match to receive guidance and commissioned Yacht- Match to partly assist with the phase-out and to later sell the boat. During this process of 8- 10 months, Johan became acutely aware that it is not feasible to manage so many moving parts of the project that is taking place so far away and to travel back-and-forth during the duration of the phase-out. Johan also received invaluable hands-on experience going through this immense task that he is now wanting to share as the Project Leader of the Yacht Charter Program Phase-Out Management. The successful handover and process to insure that “Knot at Work” could be prepared for brokerage and presented to prospecting buyers, resulted in the sales price of 20% above the indicated sales price and offer from the charter company.

Mr. Pagels-Fick is a seasoned boat owner in charter ownership, which this being his second boat in a charter program. Mr. Pagels-Fick is currently in the final stages of the handover-management by Yacht-Match to accept the boat and prepare the boat for brokerage. His Bavaria Cruiser 46 has been in a charter program in Greece and has been partly overhauled and prepared for brokerage at its new home in Lavrio, Athens, where Y-M Yachts & Brokerage will invite prospective buyers.

Family Olander has since late 2023 received the full handover-management support from Yacht-Match and its now nearing its completion as the boat is presented to its new owner/buyer. Their yacht has been in a charter program in Greece for the whole duration of the contract and as with almost all boats in programs needed to undergo several phase-out surveys which has resulted in the yacht being partly over-hauled with replacement on key components on the yacht. The successful completion of the handover management will render the sales price to 35% above the indicated sales price and offer from the charter company that offered the charter program.

Mr. Widlund has appointed Yacht-Match to manage the phase-out and handover so that the yacht can continue in charter management by Y-M Charter & Management in Croatia. The yacht has been in a charter program and pre-requisites and condition is different to that off yachts rented out with charter management. Therefore, the handover management is a lengthy process of both making sure we have the correct maintenance documentation, administrative documentation and registration, and in combination with the survey reports ensure that we can accept the boat on behalf of Mr. Widlund and prepare to refit her and introduce her into a charter management with a boutique charter operations.

FAQ

Read frequently asked questions (FAQ) below.

Easiest to let the charter company take care of the sale, right?

May be convenient, but the yacht will most likely be sold “as is”, including value reducing factors that should be fixed by the charter company.

Should I hire a surveyor to get verification of my yacht’s status?

Yes, a certified surveyor will provide the third-party statement that will identify the repair gap to be supplied by the charter company.

The contract states all fundamentals, right?

The most obvious may not be stated, for example, repairs and service needs to be done according to professional standards and manufacturers advice.

I must accept normal wear and tear, right?

Yes, but any given component needs be functional and not broken in any way. If any part has been replaced original parts or equivalent must be used.

How do I know how much extra value I can get out of my yacht if I make demands according to contract?

This can only be visible by evaluating the gap after performing a survey.

The charter company has provided a good service history so I know exactly what has been done, right?

There have been several examples where repairs and replacements have not been documented in service history logs. Best way to find out is by performing a thorough survey.

All damages have been repaired on my Yacht?

That is good, but if not professionally done this will be reflected in the sales price.

I assume all items in the equipment list is on board and functioning?

In several examples major items of considerable value have never been installed or are missing.

The sails look good, but have they swapped sails once during the charter period as the contract stipulates?

Condition and date of manufacture of sails need to be verified.

According to contract I will need to accept the yacht “as is”?

No, you do not need to accept incomplete or unprofessional repairs made by the charter company’s technicians.

Have they performed engine service on a yearly basis?

Often service is delivered by uncertified technicians employed by the charter company, this is unsatisfactory.

All scratches and damages to gelcoat have already been fixed?

Great, but is the quality of repairs satisfactory, often repairs are done in a haste to assure next charter, then not followed up with complete repair between seasons.

Has service on the sail drives been done according to manufacturer’s recommendations?

Generally service to be done after 5 to 7 years have not been performed.

The charter company has taken good care of my yacht, right?

Generally care has been taken by technicians not qualified in any one specific discipline, this is not satisfactory according to contract.

How can I avoid being confrontational towards my charter company, I want to maintain good relations?

By delegating the task to a professional consultant you can stay out of all dealings with the charter company.

Don't miss our upcoming webinars

Event Webinar

Online

The Seawind Community: Owners’ Story

About This Webinar Are you a yacht owner preparing for the phase-out or contract exit of your vessel? Navigating the

22/09/2026

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Event Webinar

Online

Phase-Out & Next Steps – Exit Planning Process & Timelines

About This Webinar Are you a yacht owner preparing for the phase-out or contract exit of your vessel? Navigating the

23/09/2026

Attend