Yachtworld.com the world's largest Internet marketplace for new and used yachts, and YBW.com IPC's boating information and magazine portal have extended their on-line partnership with the launch, announced on the eve of the 2004 London Boat Show, of a unique yacht charter program. The new Yachtfinder allows visitors to www.ybw.com and uk.yachtworld.com to research price, specifications and availability on a selection of over 1,500 charter boats based at over 100 locations worldwide. Unique software allows the site visitor to reserve an option or even book the yacht on-line instantly, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Full specifications, photographs and inventories of each yacht can be read and downloaded.

Charter companies and agents are now able to market their fleets online to a vast new global audience and receive reservations and bookings directly. Some companies can also choose to install the Yachtfinder on their own websites saving significant time and money compared with conventional marketing methods, a significant competitive advantage. The software also enables the Charter Company or agent to manage its fleet and bookings on- line, all that is needed is an Internet connection.

There are no fees for the use of Yachtfinder - companies simply pay a small percentage for each booking received.

The power and marketing reach of IPC magazines', YBW.com, Yachtworld.com and boats.com, sister company of Yachtworld.com, effectively guarantees the success of this new marketing programme - last month these sites were visited over 4 million times. In addition there will be competitions at Schroders London Boat Show and in the boating magazines offering a number of free charter holidays, adding real impetus to the launch.

Ian Atkins, MD of Yachtworld Europe said "Travel booking is now a proven concept on the Internet and we felt it was time the charter industry took advantage of the convenience and cost savings available. Our proven marketing alliance for boat sales with IPC, made the decision to launch this new initiative with them very easy to make. Many of our yacht sales clients are also charter brokers and we were keen to offer them the same easy route."

Further information from :

Ian Atkins
Boats.com Europe Ltd
Tel : +44 (0)1329 227 663
E: [email protected]