As a dedicated charter management company Touch Adriatic grows the business fast, today also providing full yacht management, with the desire to meet all the needs of luxury yachts owners
Split-based charter management agency Touch Adriatic have assembled a respectable fleet of more than forty motor yachts between 20 and 50 meters in length. Their Charter Director, Mr. Marin Gabrić, is this year celebrating fifteen years in the yachting industry. We talked to him about luxury yacht management, which has been gaining popularity in Croatia.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ACTIVE IN CHARTER MANAGEMENT?
I have been in charter management for 15 years, and in that period, I’ve gained a wealth of experience, as well as a deep understanding of the industry, which helped my company in providing superior service to our clients. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with both yacht owners and users, and I consider that to be the key to our success.
IT SEEMS THAT THIS TYPE OF SERVICE IS GETTING MORE POPULAR IN CROATIA. COULD YOU TELL US WHY?
One of the main reasons is cost rationalization for yacht owners. Our service allows owners to – with prior notice and in coordination with the charter management – use their yacht as they wish, and when the yacht is free, instead of idling on the dock and generating cost, which is often high, owners can opt to use our service, and rent out their yacht, to generate income. Croatia is a wonderful destination, which attracts many clients who want to explore the Adriatic on luxury yachts. The combination of those factors is what’s been making charter management more and more popular.
WHAT MADE TOUCH ADRIATIC THE LARGEST REGIONAL CHARTER MANAGEMENT COMPANY?
We have an experienced team that have been in this industry for years. Our expertise and dedication to providing an exclusive charter experience is the key to our success, and behind our success there are hard working employees who work to meet the highest standards of the charter industry. They excel in both ends, towards the clients and owners, which is particularly difficult goal. If I had to highlight two of our features that have most contributed to our success, I would have to mention respecting MYBA standards. Another is maintaining excellent relations with yacht owners, who can get an accurate insight into the booking status and financial gains at any time. I would like to point out again that none of the above would be possible without our valuable employees in our headquarters. Our dedication to detail and our focus on client satisfaction is what made us one of the preferred choices of international partners.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DO RESPECT MYBA STANDARDS?
It means that we work according to strictly defined rules that protect owners, clients and brokers. MYBA represents the highest world standard in the yachting industry, with a special emphasis on charter and their Yachtfolio booking system, which we use every day. Everything is clearly defined and transparent, which ensures fair treatment of all parties involved, that is, our owners and clients who want a safe investment in their holidays. This business standard allows us to provide a high-quality service with maximum protection of the interests of everyone involved.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YACHT OWNERS LOOKING TO PUT THEIR VESSELS IN CHARTER MANAGEMENT?
Luxury yachts are not necessarily just an expense. With proper management, which is what we provide, the crew takes care of the boat, keeping it in perfect condition, while the yacht generates income. The yacht becomes a small profit hub, no longer an idle burden, at the same time it gets properly maintained and always available to the owner. This is a win-win situation that allows owners to reduce maintenance costs and realize the potential of their yacht. Furthermore, we are ready to customize our services to every owner’s wishes. In addition to the basic charter management, we can also provide technical management and bookkeeping services, yacht maintenance, crew selection, investment consulting and of course – yacht sales.
SO YOU ARE A ONE STOP SHOP FOR YACHT MANAGEMENT?
Yes, we are growing into a one stop shop for, as the yacht owners we’ve been doing business with have expressed their need for it. Owners are often busy people taking care of their own companies and private obligations, and they love to just leave the complete management of their yacht to us. Every yacht is a mini-company, and with our additional control and cost optimization, we ensure that owners get maximum value from their yachts. Our partner network enables us to come up additional savings and other opportunities for optimization, which inevitably makes owners happy. There are many owners who have selected us to manage their second or third yacht in a row, after positive experiences.
WHAT KIND OF YACHTS ARE POPULAR IN THE ADRIATIC?
Five-cabin yachts and smaller six-cabin yachts, up to fifty meters in length are currently the most sought after. Such yachts seem to be the best choice considering cost effectiveness, as they provide an optimal ratio between the owner’s investment and guest experience, whether it’s a family charter or a group of friends who want to enjoy a luxurious vacation at sea. More important than the type of vessel is the professionalism of the crew, modern equipment like water toy selection that allows guests to enjoy the best possible vacation. For example, without a good cook, there is no good cruising experience.
YOU HAVE STATED MANY TIMES THAT YOUR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS IS ALSO BASED ON YOUR FAMILY’S SUPPORT.
Absolutely, this business is more than a job – it’s a way of life. I’m away from home a lot, this job requires lots of traveling and flexibility. Without family support, it would not be possible to do it so well. Their support is the basis of my success and the motivation to continue developing our company. My wife is a well, the respected doctor with an equally demanding career, so yes, my experience says that professional success is based on the unanimous and unwavering support of the entire family.
