Independent
Yacht Charter Broker
By Referral Only
Croatia ∙ Greece ∙ Turkey ∙ Caribbean
Marco Quijano Lepori
My service is boutique by standards, guided by values — not by the price of the yacht.
I work with a limited number of yacht charters each year — regardless of size or budget — so I can stay personally involved in every client relationship and every decision along the way.
With over 14 years of experience, I work exclusively through personal referrals, providing discreet, hands-on guidance from the first conversation to the end of the charter.
Since 2018, I have been the official contracted yacht charter provider for Viajes El Corte Inglés, following a professional relationship that began in 2012.
Slano, Croatia — Adriatic. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
For those who trust me.
For those who introduce me before I ever speak.
MEDYS yacht show, Nafplion, Greece
About this website
This is not a catalogue and it is not designed to showcase yachts for charter.
It offers a personal, experience-based view of how I work and the environments I operate in, built around direct involvement and professional judgement, rather than listings or availability.
About Marco
Biography
I was born into a family shaped by Colombian, Italian, and French roots, and grew up between Colombia, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Being raised across different cultures from an early age shaped my perspective and prepared me naturally for an international professional life.
This international upbringing influenced the way I observe, communicate, and build relationships, long before I entered the yachting industry.
My first gulet inspection in Turkey, 2018
Professional Path
I studied Business Administration in Germany and spent over two decades working for German companies in international business development. This background shaped my working method, grounded in structure, discipline, precision, and a strong sense of responsibility.
In 2012, my professional path led me into the yachting industry through aBoatTime, where I gained direct exposure to the operational realities of yacht chartering. One of the accounts I supported during that period was Viajes El Corte Inglés.
Early yacht inspections in Greece, 2018
In 2018, following an established professional relationship, I began collaborating with Viajes El Corte Inglés as their contracted yacht charter provider, working alongside their agency network through my own company.
Outside of this collaboration with Viajes El Corte Inglés, I work independently with a limited number of private clients who contact me directly through personal recommendations.
Across both contexts, I work closely with yacht owners, crews, and operators in multiple destinations, developing a practical understanding of how charters function in real conditions.
On board during a familiarization trip in Dalmatia
Trust & Responsibility
Every time someone contacts me because they were referred, the first thing I feel is gratitude — and then responsibility.
Trust cannot be bought or advertised; it is passed quietly from one person to another. I consider that trust something sacred, and it defines the way I work.
My clients come through personal recommendations, which means they arrive with a level of trust already present. My responsibility is to honour that trust through consistency, integrity, and absolute dedication to each journey.
Today, my work in yachting is simply the continuation of that path — shaped by movement, exposure to different cultures, and a way of working where trust and responsibility always come first.
Working on board during a familiarization trip.
Yacht Charter Scope
Yacht chartering involves far more than selecting a vessel and defining dates.
Each charter operates within a specific operational, regulatory and human framework that directly shapes the onboard experience.
I organize private yacht charters across different formats, destinations and group sizes, adapting each solution to the client profile rather than forcing a standard product.
Wine & Delicatessen on board
Wine and delicatessen selections are often underestimated in yacht charters, despite playing a central role in the onboard experience and cultural connection to the destination.
Pelješac — Adriatic vineyards. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Many guests are unfamiliar with local wines, while bringing wines from home can introduce logistical, customs, storage, and service complications.
For this reason, wine selection is best approached as part of the overall charter planning, not as a last-minute provisioning detail.
When relevant, I encourage advance tastings or curated selections based on local producers, allowing guests to familiarize themselves with regional wines before embarkation.
This approach simplifies logistics, enhances the onboard experience, and connects the charter more authentically with the cruising area.
Croatia, Greece, and Turkey all offer excellent wines that are often overlooked, but highly rewarding when selected with guidance and intention.
Approached this way, wine becomes part of the charter design, not an afterthought.
Religious & dietary practices
Kosher practices are not a matter of dietary preference, but of process.
They operate within a defined religious and operational framework that affects food sourcing, handling, preparation and onboard logistics, and therefore must be clearly identified from the outset.
Dietary and religious practices are an integral part of many charters and need to be addressed early in the planning process.
While some preferences — such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diets or food allergies — can usually be accommodated through standard provisioning, others require a more structured approach.
Defining these aspects early ensures that expectations remain realistic and that solutions can be implemented without compromising safety, compliance or the overall onboard experience.
Benetti motor yacht Akira One, Adriatic Sea, Croatia.
Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Itineraries
Charter itineraries are shaped by two distinct moments: the expectations defined at the time of booking, and the conditions that exist on the day of embarkation.
While destinations and priorities are discussed and outlined in advance, real navigation decisions are guided by weather patterns, sea conditions and local geography. Understanding this distinction is essential to setting realistic expectations and ensuring a comfortable experience on board.
Greece is a clear example of this dynamic. Seasonal winds — particularly the Meltemi — can significantly influence navigation, especially in areas such as the Cyclades, where exposure to open sea is greater. Yachts and crews are fully capable of operating in demanding conditions, but a successful charter is not defined by pushing through uncomfortable seas to reach a specific island, rather by preserving comfort and enjoyment throughout the week.
Planning from onboard — Dalmatia © Marco Quijano Lepori
Other destinations present different conditions. In Croatia, the geography of the coastline and its dense network of islands creates naturally protected cruising areas, allowing navigation between islands and the mainland even under stronger winds. In Turkey, cruising within gulfs offers similarly sheltered conditions, with short and manageable open-sea passages when moving from one bay system to another.
My role as a broker is to prepare clients for these realities from the outset. Crews will always aim to follow the intended itinerary whenever conditions allow, but flexibility and well-considered alternatives are fundamental. Designing itineraries with Plan B options ensures that changing weather never compromises comfort, balance or the overall quality of the charter.
Saronic Gulf, Greece. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
The following topics are not requirements for clients to master, but operational aspects I manage as part of my role.
Their purpose is to clarify what needs to be defined early, so decisions can be handled calmly, correctly and without last-minute compromises.
Yacht & Legal Framework
Yacht selection and charter structure are governed by technical, regulatory and contractual frameworks.
These elements define what is possible, what is advisable, and how expectations are set from the outset.
Yacht types
For many first-time charter clients, understanding the different types of yachts is one of the most important—and most confusing—steps in the decision-making process. Yacht categories are not simply about size or appearance; they define how a charter feels, how it operates and what can realistically be expected on board.
Below is a practical overview of the main yacht types used in private charter, focusing on their defining characteristics rather than technical specifications.
Motor yachts
Motor yachts are designed for efficiency, speed and operational flexibility. They are often the preferred choice when distances matter, schedules are tight or itineraries depend on weather windows, marina availability or fixed arrival times.
Key characteristics:
fastest cruising speeds
high flexibility in route planning and timing
strong comfort underway and at anchor (especially with stabilizers)
higher fuel consumption compared to other yacht types
Motor yachts are particularly suitable for clients who prioritize convenience, time efficiency and adaptability during the charter.
Luxury sailing yachts
Luxury sailing yachts combine large onboard volumes with a sailing-inspired design philosophy. In practice, they operate predominantly under engine, with sailing used opportunistically when conditions allow.
Key characteristics:
generous interior and deck spaces
stable and comfortable at anchor
moderate cruising speeds
lower fuel consumption than motor yachts of similar size
They are well suited to coastal cruising areas with shorter distances and predictable conditions, where lifestyle and onboard atmosphere matter more than speed.
Gulets
Gulets are traditionally styled yachts originally developed in Turkey, designed for relaxed cruising in protected waters. Their focus is social life on board rather than performance or speed.
Key characteristics:
large deck areas dedicated to dining and shared spaces
generous accommodation for larger groups
slow cruising speeds
service-oriented operation with strong crew presence
When well maintained and operated within the environment they were designed for, gulets offer a convivial and informal charter experience. Selection is critical, as maintenance standards vary widely.
Sailing catamarans
Sailing catamarans are multihull yachts known for their stability, space and efficiency. Their wide beam provides excellent comfort at anchor and good separation between cabins, making them particularly attractive for families and groups.
Key characteristics:
excellent stability at anchor
wide deck spaces and good cabin separation
lower fuel consumption
slower cruising speeds compared to motor yachts
They perform best in sheltered cruising areas with short distances and flexible itineraries.
Guest capacity & regulations
The standard maximum capacity for charter yachts is 12 guests.
In Croatia and Turkey, local regulations allow higher guest capacities on specific yacht types, making these destinations particularly suitable for larger private groups.
Contracts (MYBA & others)
Yacht charters operate within established contractual frameworks defined by industry associations, flag states, and local jurisdictions. There is no single universal charter contract. Different associations apply their own standard agreements, and many countries also impose specific contractual forms or mandatory clauses depending on flag and cruising area.
The MYBA Charter Agreement is the most widely used and internationally recognized framework in the professional crewed yacht charter sector, which is why it is often adopted as a reference point. However, other association-based contracts and country-specific agreements are equally valid and commonly used in certain markets.
My role is to ensure that the applicable contract framework is identified correctly and understood in practical terms: what it governs, what it protects, and where flexibility exists or is limited by regulation. This clarity from the outset is essential to align expectations and maintain accountability throughout the charter process.
Payments & compliance
Charter transactions often involve significant cross-border payments, corporate entities and international banking channels.
For this reason, financial compliance procedures may be triggered automatically by banks and financial institutions.
Compliance review can apply both to payments received and to payments issued.
When receiving funds — particularly from corporate accounts or offshore jurisdictions — banks may temporarily hold the transfer pending documentation that confirms:
the legal existence of the company
the identity of authorized signatories
the role of the person initiating the payment
alignment between the charter contract and the paying entity
Similarly, when issuing payments to yacht operators, management companies or fleet providers, it is essential to verify:
company registration details
correct beneficiary account information
contractual consistency between parties
These procedures are not exceptional; they are part of standard international financial controls designed to prevent fraud, misallocation of funds and unauthorized transactions.
From experience, the most effective way to avoid delays is to:
ensure that the paying entity matches the charter agreement
use the correct contract reference in all transfers
prepare corporate documentation in advance when relevant
When addressed proactively, compliance requirements protect all parties and prevent operational disruption.
KYC (Know Your Client)
Know Your Client (KYC) procedures may apply in yacht charter transactions involving corporate structures, international transfers or regulated fleet operators.
KYC verification typically includes confirmation of:
identity of individuals
corporate documentation
beneficial ownership
authorization to act on behalf of an entity
In some cases, yacht management companies and fleet operators may request identification details not only from intermediaries, but also from charter clients, particularly when required by internal risk policies or regulatory obligations.
These procedures form part of internationally recognized due diligence standards and are intended to ensure transparency, lawful authorization and contractual alignment.
When handled early in the booking process, KYC requirements do not interfere with charter planning and provide a secure operational framework for all parties involved.
Gratuities & crew recognition
Gratuities are not part of the charter contract, but they remain an established custom in most yacht charter destinations.
Crew tips are understood as recognition of service quality and professionalism rather than a contractual obligation.
Regional practices
Yacht charter gratuity expectations vary by cruising area:
Mediterranean charters: typically between 5% and 15% of the charter fee
Caribbean charters: commonly between 10% and 20%, reflecting local industry standards
These ranges are guidelines, not mandatory rules.
Distribution methods
There is no single correct way to distribute crew gratuities. Common approaches include:
Entrusting the full amount to the captain for internal allocation
Preparing individual envelopes for each crew member
Planning a structured allocation based on role and contribution
Practical recommendation
Based on experience across different yachts and crew sizes, I often recommend:
Preparing individual envelopes in advance
Adjusting the total amount according to crew size and service complexity
Using a simple allocation sheet when a more detailed distribution is preferred
This allows charter guests to recognize outstanding individual performance when appropriate.
Timing and clarity
To avoid last-minute uncertainty, gratuities should be discussed calmly before disembarkation.
Crew & Onboard Operations
Life on board is shaped as much by crew configuration as by the presence of additional staff or special arrangements.
These aspects require early coordination to ensure safety, privacy and operational balance.
Crewed configurations
Charters range from skippered yachts, to fully crewed yachts with hostess and chef, up to larger professional crews on bigger vessels, depending on yacht category and guest requirements.
Religious & dietary practices
Not all dietary requirements have the same operational impact.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diets and food allergies can generally be accommodated through careful provisioning and menu planning, provided they are communicated in advance.
Kosher observance, however, follows a defined operational framework.
It affects product sourcing, certification, kitchen use, preparation methods and, in some cases, crew interaction with food handling. Depending on the level of observance required, this may involve certified suppliers, sealed products, dedicated equipment or external supervision.
These arrangements are entirely manageable, but they require early coordination and clarity regarding the level of observance expected. Treating kosher requirements as a logistical framework — rather than a catering preference — allows them to be handled correctly, respectfully and without last-minute compromises.
Onboard nannies
On family charters, responsibility for children remains entirely with the parents under the charter contract. Yacht crew members are not childcare providers, and any assistance offered is informal and discretionary.
When children are involved—particularly at younger ages—it is often appropriate for families to bring their own nanny or arrange an external childcare professional. This decision, however, has direct implications for how the yacht operates on a daily basis.
A nanny on board affects guest numbers, cabin allocation and onboard routines. Depending on the yacht’s size and layout, a nanny may occupy a guest cabin, share accommodation with a child, or—on larger yachts—use a dedicated crew or staff cabin. These arrangements vary significantly by yacht and cannot be generalized.
Beyond accommodation, integration into daily life on board is key. Meal schedules, shared spaces, crew workflows and privacy considerations must be compatible with the presence of an additional adult whose role is focused on childcare rather than service or navigation.
For this reason, the inclusion of a nanny is evaluated individually, based on the family’s needs and the yacht’s configuration. When required, I coordinate the process in advance, sharing professional profiles so that parents can conduct interviews and align expectations before confirmation.
Improvised or late arrangements often create friction on board and limit available options. Clear definition from the outset ensures that children are cared for appropriately, while preserving balance, privacy and service standards for everyone on board.
Personal trainers & external staff
Yacht crews are employed to operate the vessel and deliver onboard service within a clearly defined professional framework. Personal trainers, yoga instructors, dive instructors or other specialists fall outside that framework and are therefore considered external personnel.
Their presence on board is not a lifestyle add-on. It has concrete implications for guest capacity, cabin allocation, insurance coverage and daily onboard routines, and must be evaluated before a charter is confirmed.
External staff do not replace crew roles and do not hold operational, navigational or safety responsibilities. All activities remain subject to the captain’s authority, the yacht’s rules, flag regulations and applicable local laws.
Suitability depends less on the individual professional than on the yacht itself. Layout, available space, privacy considerations and the ability to integrate additional personnel without disrupting crew workflows or guest experience are decisive factors. Some yachts are simply not designed to absorb extra personnel without compromising onboard balance.
Destination context also matters. Certain activities may be restricted or regulated depending on local authorities, cruising area or marina policies, regardless of what is technically possible on board.
For this reason, the inclusion of external staff is assessed individually, in coordination with the captain and central agency. Roles, boundaries and practical limits must be clear from the outset.
Late additions or assumptions regarding onboard availability are rarely compatible with professional charter operations.
Personal security staff
When personal security staff are present on board, they are considered external personnel and are not part of the yacht’s crew.
Their presence must be declared and agreed in advance, as it affects guest numbers, cabin allocation and onboard operations.
Bodyguards do not hold authority over the vessel or its crew.
The captain remains the sole operational authority on board at all times, and security staff must operate strictly within the yacht’s rules, flag regulations and applicable local laws.
Not all yachts, destinations or cruising areas are suitable for onboard security personnel.
Feasibility depends on factors such as yacht layout, discretion requirements, itinerary, port regulations and the ability to integrate security staff without disrupting crew workflows or the guest experience.
These arrangements require early planning and clear definition.
Late additions or assumptions regarding onboard security are rarely workable.
Pets on board
Pets are not standard on yacht charters. Their presence introduces variables that go beyond personal preference and must be evaluated within the context of shared professional use of the vessel.
Accepting pets affects insurance coverage, onboard hygiene standards, crew routines and post-charter obligations. It also has implications for future charters, where allergies or hygiene sensitivities may be relevant. For this reason, owner approval alone is not sufficient to assume suitability.
Assessment depends on multiple factors, including the animal’s size, weight, breed, age, level of training and ability to behave safely and predictably in a confined maritime environment. Crew experience and willingness to work around animals is equally important.
Yacht design plays a decisive role. Deck materials, interior finishes, access between levels, tender boarding and swim platform configuration all influence whether a pet can be accommodated without creating operational or safety issues.
Cruising area and itinerary must also be considered. Frequent tender use, long passages, exposed anchorages or strict marina policies may make pet presence impractical regardless of the yacht itself.
When pets are accepted, specific conditions often apply. These may include additional cleaning requirements, security deposits or clearly defined limitations on access to certain areas of the yacht, in order to preserve standards for subsequent charters.
For these reasons, pets on board are evaluated individually and agreed before confirmation. Requests made late in the process, or assumptions that acceptance is automatic, are typically incompatible with professional charter operations.
Comfort, Navigation & Sea Conditions
Comfort at sea depends on a combination of yacht design, sea conditions and individual sensitivities.
Understanding these factors early allows for realistic planning and better-informed yacht choices.
Stabilizers & comfort at sea
Comfort at sea is influenced less by a single technical feature than by how a yacht behaves in real operating conditions. Stabilizers play an important role, but their effect varies significantly depending on yacht type, size and how the vessel is used.
On motor yachts, stabilizers can substantially reduce roll both underway and at anchor, particularly in open anchorages or during longer passages. Zero-speed stabilizers improve comfort when stationary, while underway stabilizers reduce fatigue during navigation. Their condition, tuning and maintenance are as important as their presence.
On sailing yachts, stabilizers are generally secondary to hull design, displacement and sailing conditions. Comfort is more closely linked to itinerary design, anchorage choice and daily navigation distances than to active stabilization systems.
Catamarans rely primarily on beam and hull separation rather than mechanical systems. This inherent stability makes them particularly comfortable at anchor, even in light swell, though their behavior underway depends on sea state and routing choices.
Rather than focusing on specifications, I assess stabilizers in context: cruising speed, typical anchoring style, prevailing weather patterns and guest sensitivity to motion. A well-matched yacht operated thoughtfully will usually deliver more comfort than a technically superior yacht used inappropriately.
Comfort at sea is therefore not a promise made by equipment alone, but the result of informed yacht selection and realistic operational planning.
Sea conditions & motion sensitivity
Sensitivity to motion at sea is influenced less by the yacht itself than by where and how it is operated. Sea state, route selection and daily navigation patterns play a decisive role in how movement is experienced on board.
Open sea crossings, longer passages and exposed anchorages naturally involve more motion than sheltered cruising grounds. Even a large, well-equipped yacht will feel uncomfortable if routing and timing are not adapted to conditions.
In destinations such as Croatia, Greece and Turkey, itinerary design is often the most effective tool for managing comfort. Many cruising areas offer protected routes, short distances and a wide choice of anchorages that allow for smooth navigation when planned with care.
When guests are sensitive to motion, I take this into account from the very beginning. Yacht selection, daily distances, departure times and anchorage choices are adjusted accordingly, avoiding unnecessary open-sea passages and prioritizing sheltered waters whenever possible.
Comfort at sea is rarely about eliminating movement entirely. It is about understanding conditions, setting realistic expectations and designing a charter that works with the environment rather than against it.
Reduced mobility & accessibility
Yacht charters involve physical environments that are not designed as accessible spaces. When reduced mobility is a factor, the primary question is not preference, but physical feasibility on board.
Accessibility varies significantly depending on yacht design, layout, size and operating area. While some yachts can accommodate guests with limited mobility, full wheelchair accessibility is rare—particularly on sailing yachts and older motor yachts.
Typical limitations include:
steps between decks
narrow passageways and raised thresholds
limited bathroom accessibility
non-adapted gangways and tender boarding
Based on experience, yachts offering a master or VIP cabin on the main deck tend to provide the most practical solution, as they minimize stair use and reduce daily transfers between levels.
Access does not stop at the yacht itself. Boarding and disembarkation logistics—such as distance from vehicle drop-off points, marina layout or tender use—often define the real comfort level of a charter.
For this reason, suitability is evaluated individually, considering the guest’s mobility profile, the yacht’s layout and the infrastructure of the intended ports and anchorages. Some itineraries may be impractical regardless of the yacht selected.
When mobility constraints exist, feasibility is reviewed before confirmation in direct coordination with the captain. Clear discussion at an early stage avoids unsafe situations, operational disruption or disappointment once the charter is underway.
Advanced & Multi-Yacht Scenarios
Some charters involve more complex scenarios, such as larger groups, multiple yachts or enhanced onboard activities.
These configurations are entirely feasible, but require additional planning, permits and coordination.
Jet ski regulations & Water toys
Water toys are not standardized across charter yachts. Their availability depends on the yacht’s size, classification, flag state, crew capability and intended cruising area, and should never be assumed as part of a charter.
While some water toys are relatively simple to operate, others introduce regulatory, safety and insurance implications. Among them, jet skis and high-powered personal watercraft represent the most critical threshold and require specific attention.
Jet ski use is subject to strict local regulations that vary by country, cruising area and, in some cases, by individual ports, bays or marinas. Their use cannot be assumed, even when a yacht is technically equipped with them or when jet skis appear in promotional material.
The presence of a jet ski on board does not necessarily mean that its use is included in the charter fee. Depending on the yacht, its management and insurance structure, additional daily or weekly usage fees may apply and must be clarified in advance.
In destinations such as Croatia, jet ski use is highly regulated and commonly restricted by operating zones, minimum distance-from-shore rules, time windows, age limits, licensing requirements and active enforcement by local maritime authorities. Similar constraints apply in Greece and Turkey, where regulations may vary by cruising area, season, yacht flag, marina policies and proximity to populated coastlines or protected areas.
Holding a valid personal watercraft license is essential. In the event of an incident or accident, responsibility rests with the user, not with the yacht or its crew. Compliance with local regulations is therefore critical from both a legal and insurance perspective.
When a yacht does not carry the desired water toys, it is often possible to request them as extras through the preference list. However, water toys are among the elements that need to be locked in early. During peak season, availability is limited and last-minute requests are rarely feasible.
Ultimately, the presence of a jet ski or specific water toy on board does not guarantee its practical use. All conditions must be confirmed in advance with the captain and yacht management, so expectations, costs and operational limits are clearly defined before the charter begins.
Larger private groups
For groups exceeding standard yacht capacities, coordinated solutions may include large-group charter vessels or multi-vessel configurations, planned and managed as a single operation.
Tandem charters
Some charters require more than a single yacht. Tandem or multi-vessel configurations are used when group size, cabin distribution, privacy needs, or operational constraints exceed what one yacht can realistically offer.
I have organized numerous tandem charters over the course of my career, and these arrangements require careful attention from the very beginning of the negotiation process. Not all yacht owners are willing to operate in tandem configurations, and crew acceptance and experience are equally decisive factors that must be assessed in advance.
These setups are not simply parallel bookings. They require coordinated planning across yachts, owners, crews, itineraries, timing, anchorages, and guest movements so that the operation functions as a single, coherent charter rather than separate yachts running side by side. Balancing responsibilities between crews and ensuring fair workload distribution is essential to maintaining service standards throughout the charter.
Not all yachts, crews, or destinations are suitable for tandem operations. Differences in cruising speed, maneuverability, crew experience, and onboard rhythm must be evaluated early. When structured correctly, tandem charters allow larger groups to travel together while preserving comfort, privacy, and operational reliability across the entire fleet.
Inter-Yacht operations
Cross-yacht service is not part of standard charter operations, as each crew is responsible first and foremost for the guests of their own yacht. That said, in practice, crews will often go to great lengths—always under the captain’s approval—to contribute to a seamless and memorable experience when circumstances allow.
This level of cooperation cannot be assumed or improvised on the spot. It depends heavily on decisions made well in advance: owner consent, crew alignment, clear boundaries, and realistic expectations agreed before the charter begins. When this groundwork is done correctly, operational flexibility can exist without compromising safety, responsibilities, or service standards.
How I Work
The foundation of my work is direct, personal communication. Whenever possible, I meet my clients in person and travel to the destinations where they charter, because trust in yachting is built through presence and accountability.
Private yacht inspection – Saronic Gulf, Greece.
My professional background and structured project management approach allow me to handle each charter as a single, dedicated project. From the initial request to the client’s return home, every stage is personally supervised by me.
I work independently, without commercial agreements with specific yachts or fleets. This independence allows me to navigate the entire market and recommend what best suits each client’s needs, rather than promoting predetermined options.
As a senior broker, I focus on feasibility, crew compatibility and long-term operational outcomes rather than short-term availability.
Clients have a single point of contact throughout the process. Bookings can be completed either directly through me or, when appropriate, via Viajes El Corte Inglés.
This scope is intentionally defined so I can remain personally accountable, responsive, and directly involved throughout each charter.
Personally meeting the crews I trust with my clients.
How to access my services
Access by referral
I work primarily with clients who have been personally referred.
If you were introduced by a client, partner or captain, please leave your WhatsApp number and the name of the person who referred you. I reply personally via WhatsApp.
Not referred yet
If you have not been referred, my services are available through Viajes El Corte Inglés. Their advisors can assist you by phone or online. 📞 +34 91 33 00 732
Why this structure
This structure allows me to maintain discretion, service quality, and direct involvement in every charter I take on.
Yachts I Recommend
This is not a list.
It is a selection shaped by direct involvement and real operating experience.
The yachts I recommend are the result of continuous, first-hand exposure: inspecting vessels, meeting crews, and understanding how each yacht operates over time.
This allows me to assess not only comfort and layout, but also operational realities: crew dynamics, maintenance standards, decision-making on board, and how a yacht behaves when guests are present.
A trusted partner in Turkey since 2012.
Long-term relationships are a central part of how I work. In markets such as Turkey, I collaborate closely with owners and captains I have known for many years. These relationships are built on trust, consistency, and a shared understanding of what charter clients truly expect.
Working repeatedly with the same people allows for transparency, fast decision-making, and a level of operational reliability that cannot be achieved through one-off collaborations or purely commercial arrangements.
Long term partner in Croatia since 2012.
Over time, this approach has given me clarity about who to work with and, just as importantly, who not to work with. I collaborate only with owners, crews, and partners whose values align with mine and whose standards I trust over the long term.
While yacht shows and industry events play a role in staying informed, most of my knowledge comes from continuous presence, repeated inspections, and long-standing professional relationships developed across multiple seasons.
Monitoring a client yacht under construction – Croatia
Yacht Shows
I attend a limited number of yacht shows each year, selected for their relevance and the professional context they offer.
These events allow me to stay current with evolving fleets, operational standards, and the people behind them, while maintaining direct, informal contact with owners, captains, and industry partners.
My presence at these shows is part of an ongoing process of staying informed and connected, rather than a commercial exercise or promotional activity.
CRO.YA – Croatia Charter Yacht Show.
East Med Multihull & Yacht Show
EMMYS is one of the key professional events in the Eastern Mediterranean for crewed catamarans and mid-size charter yachts.
The show brings together a wide range of sailing catamarans, power catamarans and selected motor yachts, with a strong focus on vessels actively operating in the charter market.
My presence at EMMYS allows me to inspect yachts in real charter configuration, meet crews on board, and assess how these vessels are maintained and operated throughout the season.
Yacht Show Poros, Greece. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Official Accreditations — EMMYS
Broker accreditation at EMMYS (East Med Multihull Show), Greece — 2025.
Broker accreditation at EMMYS (East Med Multihull Show), Greece — 2024.
Mediterranean Yacht Show
MEDYS is the largest crewed yacht charter show in the world and a central reference point for the professional charter market.
Each edition gathers a very high concentration of crewed motor yachts and luxury sailing yachts, ranging from classic charter workhorses to some of the most refined yachts currently available.
During MEDYS, I focus on in-depth inspections, conversations with captains and crews, and comparative evaluation across multiple yachts, often revisiting vessels I have already followed over several seasons.
Yacht Show Napflion, Greece. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Official Accreditations — MEDYS
Broker accreditation at MEDYS (Mediterranean Yacht Show), Greece — 2025.
Broker accreditation at MEDYS (Mediterranean Yacht Show), Greece — 2024.
TYBA Show
Turkish yacht shows offer a unique perspective on gulets, custom-built yachts and large crewed vessels designed for social cruising and extended onboard life.
They are particularly valuable for understanding maintenance culture, crew structure and the operational logic behind yachts that differ significantly from standard Mediterranean production models.
Yacht Show Göcek, Turkey. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Official Accreditations — TYBA
Broker accreditation at TYBA Charter Show (Turkish Yacht Brokers Association), Turkey — 2025.
Broker accreditation at TYBA Charter Show (Turkish Yacht Brokers Association), Turkey — 2024.
Croatia Yacht Show
CRO.YA reflects the strength and maturity of the Croatian charter market, particularly in the segment of crewed motor yachts and luxury sailing yachts operating in the Adriatic.
The show provides direct access to yachts built or refitted in the region, many of them designed specifically for the demands of intensive charter use.
Attending CRO.YA allows me to evaluate construction standards, refit quality and crew organisation in a market I know deeply and work with throughout the season.
Yacht Show Split, Croatia. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Official Accreditations — CRO.YA
Broker accreditation at CRO.YA (Croatia Charter Yacht Show), Split — 2025
Broker accreditation at CRO.YA (Croatia Charter Yacht Show), Split — 2024
Bahamas Charter Yacht Show
The Bahamas Charter Yacht Show (BCYS) in Nassau is a key professional event for the Caribbean charter market, bringing together a curated selection of crewed motor yachts, sailing yachts, and catamarans operating in the Bahamas and wider Caribbean.
Unlike Mediterranean shows, BCYS is particularly focused on active charter yachts, with crews on board and vessels presented in real operating condition. This makes the show especially valuable for assessing crew dynamics, onboard standards, layout suitability, and how yachts are actually prepared for guest use in tropical cruising grounds.
Attendance allows for direct interaction with captains, chefs, and senior crew, as well as in-depth discussions with operators and central agencies specialised in the Caribbean. It also provides first-hand insight into seasonal differences, routing considerations, and operational realities specific to the Bahamas.
For my clients, BCYS is essential to ensure that yacht recommendations for the Caribbean are based on current, on-site evaluations, rather than specifications or legacy information.
Yacht Show Nassau, Bahamas. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Official Accreditations — BCYS
Broker accreditation at Bahamas Charter Yacht Show (BCYS), Nassau — 2025
In addition to onboard inspections, I also visit yachts while they are still under construction or undergoing refit, particularly in Croatia and Turkey. Being present at shipyards provides insight into build quality, technical decisions, and long-term maintenance considerations well before a yacht enters the charter market.
Understanding how and where a yacht is built—or how it has been refitted—often explains far more about its future performance than any specification sheet. This technical perspective forms an essential part of my recommendation process.
Crew briefing prior to charter embarkation, Göcek
Inspected Yachts — Selected
A curated selection of yachts personally inspected during international yacht shows and professional visits.
INVADER — Codecasa
Selected Yachts
VERA — Abeking & Rasmussen
LADY G II — Mondomarine
SEA WOLF — Mondomarine
PATHOS — Sunseeker
AQUA LIBRA — Sunseeker
ITOTO — Dauphin Yachts
VERTIGO — Golden Yachts
🔗 Technical specifications
AKIRA ONE — Benetti
🔗 Technical specifications
BOJI — Codecasa
🔗 Technical specifications
LADY VERA — Nobiskrug
🔗 Technical specifications
ARTISAN — Benetti
🔗 Technical specifications
WHITE KNIGHT — Maiora
🔗 Technical specifications
LE VERSEAU — Princess
🔗 Technical specifications
Places I Explore for Work
These are places I explore as part of my work.
Often arriving by ferry or by boat, walking ports and towns before recommending them.
Ultimately, the responsibility is mine.
Greece
Greece is a destination I explore slowly, island by island.
I often move by ferry, arriving without urgency, walking ports, towns and hilltop villages to understand how each place functions beyond its seasonal image.
While the Cyclades are often associated with a single narrative, the reality is more nuanced. Beyond the central islands exposed to the Meltemi, the western Cyclades and other regions offer very different cruising conditions. The Ionian Sea, much like the Argosaronic Gulf, allows for more comfortable navigation when strong winds affect the central Aegean.
Understanding how islands connect, how geography shapes navigation, and how daily life unfolds once peak traffic fades is essential before recommending any itinerary.
Places explored for work in Greece
Croatia
Croatia reveals itself through continuity.
Moving along the coast and between islands, often by ferry, walking marinas, old towns, and waterfronts to read how each stop fits into a wider route.
The focus is not on landmarks, but on flow — distances, access, timing, and how places transition from day to evening.
Restaurants by the water, quiet streets, and lived-in ports tell more than any brochure.
This on-the-ground familiarity is what allows me to advise realistically, anticipate logistics, and design itineraries that feel balanced rather than rushed.
Places explored for work in Croatia
Turkey
Turkey is a destination I experience at ground level.
Moving along the coast, walking marinas and waterfronts, stopping where locals actually go, and understanding how a place feels at different moments of the day.
These are not highlights collected in passing.
They are places discovered between ferries, inspections, and evenings ashore — cafés by the marina, simple restaurants by the water, local markets, and quiet corners that only reveal themselves once you slow down.
This familiarity is what allows me to advise with confidence, anticipate logistics, and guide my clients beyond the obvious.
Places explored for work in Turkey
Yachts & Destinations
The following images document my on-board presence across different yacht types and destinations.
All photographs are taken by me, during inspections, operational visits, or while accompanying crews before guest arrival.
Motor Yachts
Motor yachts are chosen when distance, timing and comfort are key. They allow clients to cover longer routes in less time and to maintain flexibility when itineraries depend on weather, marina availability or tight schedules. In destinations with greater distances between anchorages or where port logistics matter, they often become the most practical option.
Fuel consumption, however, is rarely just a question of size. It depends heavily on hull design, engine generation, cruising speed and how the yacht is actually operated. Newer engines are generally more efficient, but many yachts built 15 to 25 years ago—when properly refitted—offer a very strong balance between performance, reliability and charter cost. In those cases, technical upgrades and maintenance standards matter far more than the launch year.
Ionian Sea, Greece. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Hull type plays a decisive role. Displacement and semi-displacement yachts prioritize stability and range, while planning hulls favor speed at the cost of higher consumption. Understanding how a specific hull behaves at different speeds is essential to selecting the right yacht for both the destination and the client’s expectations.
Stabilization systems are another critical factor. Zero-speed stabilizers significantly improve comfort at anchor, while underway stabilizers reduce fatigue during navigation—especially relevant in regions with longer passages or variable sea conditions. Their presence, type and maintenance state can make a substantial difference to the onboard experience.
Motor yacht ELVI (Posillipo), Saronic Gulf, Greece.
Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
On motor yachts, the crew is often the defining element. Captains who know their yacht intimately—how it trims, how it consumes at different speeds, how it reacts in specific conditions—can optimize routes, comfort and operating costs in ways that specifications alone never reveal. Long-term crew stability is therefore as important as the yacht itself.
Finally, destination context matters. A motor yacht that performs brilliantly in one cruising area may be far less suitable in another due to distances, fuel availability, marina infrastructure or prevailing weather patterns. For some clients, motor yachts are the ideal solution; for others, they are not. Knowing when to recommend them—and when not to—is part of responsible brokerage.
Examples of motor yachts I have personally inspected or worked on, across different cruising regions.
Greece
Greece
Bahamas. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Bahamas
Turkey. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Turkey
Croatia. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Croatia. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Gulets
Gulets are a yacht category with a very specific origin, operating logic and maintenance culture. Originally developed in Turkey, they were conceived for protected waters, shorter distances and a cruising style focused on social life on board rather than speed or long-range capability. When properly maintained and operated within the environment they were designed for, gulets can offer a very enjoyable and relaxed charter experience.
Turkey. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
I know the gulet market particularly well, especially in Turkey and Croatia. My relationship with this type of vessel goes back to the very beginning of my professional career, through repeated inspections, operational involvement, and long-standing relationships with owners and crews.
My first inspection – Croatia, 2018
One of the main challenges with gulets is maintenance. While gulets are often associated with traditional wooden construction, many yachts marketed today under this category are built with steel, aluminium or composite hulls, while retaining the classic gulet layout and cruising philosophy. Regardless of construction material, these vessels require very specific care, usually best provided in the same shipyards and regions where they were originally built. When gulets are relocated far from their natural maintenance ecosystem, standards can deteriorate quickly, even if the vessel still appears attractive on paper or in photos.
Over time, gulets have often been positioned as a cost-effective alternative to motor yachts, primarily because they offer generous accommodation for larger groups. This is where many problems arise. In some markets, gulets have been treated more as a low-cost charter solution than as yachts requiring consistent technical investment and experienced crews. My most problematic charter experiences and largest client claims have all involved gulets, which is why my selection criteria today are particularly strict.
Both in Turkey and in Croatia there are excellent gulets, with well-maintained vessels and highly experienced crews. The difference lies not in the concept itself, but in how consistently it is supported over time.
Croatia. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
In Croatia, the gulet market is divided between vessels of Turkish origin and gulets built locally. Many of the gulets operating today were originally constructed in Turkey and later relocated once local demand emerged. While a small number of these Turkish-built units are properly maintained, I recommend only very few of them, as maintaining consistent standards outside their original maintenance ecosystem is difficult and uneven.
By contrast, Croatian-built gulets are generally in noticeably better condition. Their construction, refit cycles and ongoing maintenance tend to be better aligned with local shipyards, suppliers and technical infrastructure, which results in greater operational reliability and fewer compromises during charter. Even so, selectivity remains essential, and I work with only a very limited number of gulets in Croatia that meet the level of consistency my clients expect.
Luxury Sailing Yachts — Made in Croatia
Luxury sailing yachts combine the volume and comfort of large yachts with a construction philosophy shaped by their intended cruising area rather than by ocean-crossing ambitions. Developed in Croatia and refined for the Adriatic and central Mediterranean, they offer a refined onboard experience that prioritizes space, stability and lifestyle over long-range capability.
Originally conceived for protected waters, shorter distances and predictable cruising patterns, these yachts are well suited to regions where navigation is largely coastal and conditions are generally moderate. In this context, they deliver a level of comfort and reliability that is entirely appropriate for their environment, without the complexity and cost associated with yachts designed for global passagemaking.
Croatia. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Although classified as sailing yachts, their real-world operation is predominantly under engine. Modern propulsion systems allow for smooth and efficient cruising at speeds that suit Mediterranean itineraries, with fuel consumption that remains relatively contained for yachts of this size. Sailing is possible when conditions allow, but it is not the defining element of the charter experience.
Interior layout and deck spaces are a defining strength of this category. With generous beam and large internal volumes, these yachts offer spacious cabins, wide exterior areas and a level of comfort comparable to much larger motor yachts. The design language is typically clean and understated, favoring durability, functionality and ease of operation over excessive ornamentation.
Exposure to these yachts at the construction stage also highlights the importance of timing, delivery schedules and realistic expectations—factors that rarely appear in brochures.
Croatia, 2022. Luxury sailing yacht under construction.
Clients who experience these yachts in Croatia often seek the same concept in other Mediterranean destinations. This demand has led to their growing presence in areas such as Greece and Italy, where their performance profile and operating efficiency remain equally well suited. Within the 40 to 55-meter range, they represent one of the few ways to enjoy yachts of this scale at charter rates that are a fraction of those associated with equivalent motor yachts.
As with all yacht types, context remains decisive. Luxury sailing yachts made in Croatia are not universal solutions, but when matched to the destinations and cruising styles they were designed for, they offer a balance of volume, efficiency and value that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Nowhere is this concept more coherent than in its place of origin.
Croatia
Dalmatia
Catamarans
Sailing catamarans cover a wide spectrum of charter formats, and understanding these differences is essential before recommending them. They range from bareboat units, to skippered, skipper and hostess configurations (typically offering breakfast and light lunch only), and fully crewed catamarans with at least a skipper, hostess and cook — often supported by additional crew depending on size and itinerary.
Their multihull design provides excellent stability at anchor, generous deck areas and spacious interiors relative to their length. This makes them particularly attractive for families and groups seeking comfort, privacy and a relaxed onboard atmosphere, especially in destinations with short distances and protected waters.
Croatia. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
In practical terms, sailing under canvas plays a secondary role in most charter scenarios. Routing, timing and daily operation are largely managed under engine, with sailing remaining weather-dependent and opportunistic. This reflects how these yachts are actually used, rather than how they are sometimes marketed.
Fully crewed sailing catamarans deserve particular attention. When properly specified and operated, they represent one of the strongest alternatives to motor yachts available today. While significantly slower, their fuel consumption is often a fraction — sometimes less than one fifth — of that of an equivalent motor yacht, with dramatically lower operating costs and environmental impact. For clients prioritizing space, comfort and efficiency over speed, this balance can be highly compelling.
On board Lagoon Seventy 8 power catamaran, Greece
However, suitability remains highly destination-dependent. In regions where distances are short, navigation is sheltered and schedules are flexible, sailing catamarans perform exceptionally well. In areas with longer passages, exposed sea states or tight itineraries, their limitations must be clearly understood and communicated in advance.
As with all yacht types, responsible recommendation is not about category labels, but about matching the right format, crew structure and destination to the client’s expectations — and knowing when a sailing catamaran is the ideal solution, and when it is not.
Greece
Croatia
Croatia
Croatia. Photo © Marco Quijano Lepori
Company Information
MARCOYACHT.ING LTD is a privately owned yacht charter brokerage operating internationally, specializing in bespoke yacht charters across the Mediterranean and selected destinations worldwide.
The company is registered in the United Kingdom and operates in close collaboration with licensed charter operators, fleet managers and central agencies in each destination.
In addition to my independent brokerage activity, I have been the contracted yacht charter provider for Viajes El Corte Inglés since 2018, supporting their international travel agency network with yacht charter services.
Legal Information
Company name: MARCOYACHT.ING LTD
Company number: 15948468
Company type: Private limited company
Registered in: England and Wales
Registered office:
71–75 Shelton Street
London, WC2H 9JQ
United Kingdom
Director: Marco Luis Antonio Quijano
Activity: Yacht charter brokerage
Contact: By referral or via Viajes El Corte Inglés
