When it comes to yacht charters, the toys available on board can play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience for guests of all ages. They also enable the crew to make the trip one to remember. From tenders that the captain and crew use to take guests into hidden bays, to a multitude of toys, including water sports equipment like Jet Skis and paddleboards to inflatable slides and snorkeling gear, choosing what toys to offer when placing the yacht for charter can make or break your bookings. For crew, having a diverse selection of yacht toys at their disposal fosters a dynamic work environment,elevating their professionalism and job satisfaction. It encourages teamwork as they assist guests in navigating these activities, creating bonds that transcend traditional service roles. These toys also weave connections among guests, inspiring teamwork and friendly competition through activities like kayaking or wakeboarding. Such experiences foster deeper bonds and create cherished memories that linger long after the voyage ends. “As the average age of charterers has been reducing over the past decade, the demand for a more active charter has increased. Having mouthwatering food and drinking a cold glass of Côtes de Provence rosé is still a must on most charters, but it now goes hand in hand with what toys the yacht has aboard,” said Mike Hutton, director of charter at YATCO. “The beach clubs on most charter yachts have increased to match the new demand from charter guests. With competition between charter yachts high, one of the quickest ways to increase the amount of booked charters is to increase your toy inventory. “In the past, it was acceptable to have a tender, with a pair of waterskis and if you were lucky, an inflatable towable. Now charter guests are demanding Seabobs (not just one, as you want to explore in twos!), kayaks, SUPs, wakeboards, and waterskis at a minimum. On larger yachts, waterslides are growing in popularity, and a gym aboard is a must. The choice of inflatables has also increased, from towable armchairs to facedown airstreams! As for the next big thing we’re seeing — foiling is certainly it for active guests — so wing foiling or an e-foil is a must on any charter yacht,” Hutton said. YATCO reviewed some of the top charter yachts on the market and spoke to their charter managers to learn more about what guests are searching for this year for their yacht charters, and why it’s more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. M/Y BG Charade — For charter with Andy Haffenden at Aquazeal Formerly owned by Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen, BG Charade is a classic 154-foot (46.9 meter) Feadship motor yacht launched in 1990. In addition to the exceptional service from her experienced crew, guests can enjoy the full range of water toys — from the massive starboard-mounted climbing wall and water slide to a fleet of wave runners, Seabobs, paddle boards, kayaks, and more. “If you want to make your yacht more attractive to charter, toys are a must. As the saying goes, ‘they who have the most toys, wins!’” Haffenden said. M/Y BOLD – For charter with Camille Medina at Hill Robinson A true explorer yacht, BOLD was completed at Silver Yachts shipyard in 2019 with design by Espen Øino. The 279-foot (85.3 meter) yacht can fit in seamlessly whether you’re exploring the Arctic or the Mediterranean. With so much exterior space, BOLD is a dream for yacht charter guests in search of adventure and those who value the number of toys on board. Camille Medina, charter manager of BOLD at Hill Robinson, shares that it’s important to offer a wide selection of toys “to make sure it meets all the guests’ expectations — for everyone’s preferences. BOLD carries all manner of tenders and toys — a helipad, a heli hangar that doubles as a gym, a disco room with integrated sound and light system, Laser sailing dinghies, e-foils, and a newly added windsurfer for guests to play with while on board.” M/Y Miss Stephanie – For charter with Jenny Mullen at Worth Avenue Yachts Built in 2004 by Richmond Yachts, M/Y Miss Stephanie measures 138 feet (42.06 meters) and is available to charter for up to 12 guests across the Bahamas. Miss Stephanie epitomizes luxury charter. This yacht boasts a spacious interior that includes an on-deck owner’s suite, main salon, and an inviting skylounge. Jenny Mullen, the charter manager for Miss Stephanie at Worth Avenue Yachts, shares that the yacht is perfect for those looking for an abundance of water toys. “Miss Stephanie has an incredible inflatable beach club set up which features a shaded Cabana pool, loungers, and docking station for the Jet Skis, seabobs, and wave runners. In addition to this, she has a huge 39’ Yellowfin tow tender with 4 x 400 horsepower engines with some serious fishing gear.” Mullen further shares that when considering a yacht charter, if guests are trying to decide between two very similar yachts, “Oftentimes the one with the most toys wins. Especially if the client has children or is active.” This is why it’s more important than ever to stay competitive and offer a wide selection of toys for charter. “I think the toys are an extension of the yacht; they give the guests a chance to really explore the location by getting into small cays, onto sand bars or even under the surface,” Mullen said. Playtime on the High Seas Whether the guests are seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or peaceful moments surrounded by nature, an abundance of toys ensures there’s something for everyone. As you plan your next yacht charter, remember: the more toys you have at your disposal, the richer and more fulfilling your guests’ adventures will be. Embrace the possibilities and let each moment on the water inspire unforgettable memories. “With the demand in toy searches on the YATCO charter database increasing daily, we are constantly updating our search fields to make sure all water toys are fully listed,” Hutton said. Beyond their recreational allure, toys cater to diverse interests and age groups, ensuring everyone finds delight on board. Investing in a variety of yacht toys is not just about enhancing leisure; it’s about cultivating an atmosphere where creativity flourishes and connections deepen. As crewmembers engage with guests through shared adventures, they become more than just service providers — they transform into integral parts of unforgettable experiences on the water.