Charter Meetup Returns for Its 6th Edition in Greece – Charter Meetup Lefkas
From the 23rd to the 26th of April, Lefkas became the B2B meeting point for Greek fleet operators and international charter brokers. Lefkas welcomed us to present a beautiful coast full of turquoise sea, beautiful beaches and rich history to international brokers looking for perfect sailing areas for their clients.
During the three days of the Charter Meetup Lefkas, there were 27 Greek fleet operators, 20 charter broker companies and 5 suppliers networking, meeting, presenting the Greek Sailing areas and exploring several charter bases and marinas in the area.
Brokers had the chance to see in person more than 250 yachts during the organized marina tours to the new charter bases in Palarois, well established Preveza Marina and Preveza Port, and the very famous and grand Lefkada Marina and Lefkada Main Port. In three days 675 meetings were held, each lasting 10 minutes so fleet operators, charter brokers and suppliers could present their business to each other very efficiently.
With many smiling faces under the Greek sun and a lot of delicious Greek food we had a great and wholesome Charter Meetup. For those of you interested in the next Charter Meetup Lefkas held by Yachtmaster Group here is a thorough recap of the event.
1. | WELCOME RECEPTION
What a better way to start an event other than with a welcome reception for all participants?
The Hotel Lefkada opened its door to us and welcomed us with plenty of drinks and finger food so that participants could enjoy the first day of the event in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere which lasted well into the night. Networking in a relaxed atmosphere has set up the positive mood for the next day.
2. | FLEET OPERATOR’S PRESENTATIONS
Greek sailing area presentations were the first thing on the agenda where participants learnt and asked questions about the sailing itineraries and important info for their clients.
Participating fleet operators with expertise in Greek sailing areas explained the Ionian Islands & Epirus Coast, Attica & Saronic Gulf, Sporades Islands, Volos & North Aegean Coast, Dodecanese & East Aegean Islands, as well as the Cyclades Islands. They have charter brokers tips & tricks about sailing in these areas and where to find the best pistachios, restaurants, bays, etc.
Next on the agenda was MMK – Booking Manager System which held detailed presentation for fleet operators and charter brokers, with a focus on industry trends based on data aquired through their booking system. It was interesting to find out which was the most booked yacht in 2024, which is the hottest yacht for 2025, which country offered the highest discounts etc.
3. | B2B SPEED DATE MEETINGS
Finally the most important part – the B2B Speed-Dating meetings. Exactly 10 minutes to introduce themselves to one another and make valuable connections. This was the most energetic part of the event which gave all exhibiting companies valuable opportunities to take their business to the next level.
On the first day there were 7 meeting slots and on the second day 20 meeting slots per company. With time running out, every second of the meeting was valuable.
After the meetings, another important part of the Charter Meetup, the marina tours to enjoy and see yachts that the fleet operators offer.
4. | MARINA TOURS
On the first day the brokers were taken to a new and strategic charter base in Palairos to see yachts. The charter companies’ representatives explained why Palairos is the new next charter starting point: getting to Lefkas during high summer seasons is becomming a big issue due to extremeliy high traffic and long waiting hours. Palaiors is very close to the airport so clients avoid traffic issues on the Island.
The second stop was Preveza Marina where charter companies showed off their bareboat & crewed monohulls and catamarans. After Preveza Marina, brokers walked to the Preveza Port where they could also explore the yachts of several yacht charter companies.
During the last day of the Charter meetup, there was an organized tour in Lefkas – Lefkas Main Port & Lefkas Marina. The marina tours lasted more than 11 hours in total! Seeing the yachts and getting tours from the charter companies is a useful experience for both parties. The best part was how happy the charter companies are as brokers get to see the yachts first hand, making a great welcome for all with special local drinks and snacks.
5. | DINNER SPONSORED BY SEALOGY
Last but not least, the Charter Meetup ended with a Goodbye Dinner sponsored by Sealogy in Remezzo Restaurant in the Lefkas Marina. After a lot of work, walking and talking the past 3 days, everyone deserved a fanstastic relaxing time with a traditional Greek meal and a gorgeous view of sailing boats and the sunset.
6. | PROMO SAILING WEEK
Charter brokers attending the Charter Meetup in Greece had a chance to charter a yacht from our attending fleet operators. From Saturday 26th of April till 2nd of May attending brokers sailed with friends and family in the Greek sea. Promo sailing week is a great way for brokers to experience firsthand how fleet operators perform their business and to learn about the Greek sailing areas. Getting to know the service they are offering to clients is the first step to becoming a better charter broker.
With all said, we are happy to have brought the Charter Meetup to Lefkas Island. It was time for Yachtmaster Group to give other sailing Greek areas the opportunity to show their what they have to offer to the most important business partners – new and old brokers! Thank you all for being part of this event and we can only say – see you next year.
