Mega yacht charter company makes splash in Little Current

December 19, 2006 - LITTLE CURRENT-A local businessman is hoping to find success on the high seas with a new high-end mega yacht vacation company based out of Little Current.

Bruce O'Hare, co-owner of the Anchor Inn Bar and Grill, has recently founded The Mega Yacht Vacation Company with partners Grant Eccles and Stephen Burnett. The company's main office will be headquartered in Little Current, and will help organize chartered cruises aboard high-end yachts for customers around the world.

"The Mega Yacht Vacation Company is offering a one-stop shopping experience for Canadians seeking high-end private cruises," Mr. O'Hare said in a press release. "We're working with major North American and European brokerage firms like Camper Nicholson, Fraser Yachts and Sacks Group, who are experts in their field."

The partners formed the business when they realized that few Canadian companies were catering to what they describe as a "growing demand for luxury yacht holidays." Their research showed them that families, groups of friends and business colleagues were all looking to experience something different from the run-of-the-mill cruises, and were instead interested in a vacation that allowed them "the freedom that comes with being able to choose their own schedule and destinations, not to mention the attentive, personal service that is the hallmark of luxury yachts."

Mega yachts can be powered by motor or wind and measure 30 metres in length or larger. A five-person crew can accommodate the needs of between four and 12 passengers, and the vessels often come with added toys like hot tubs and helicopter pads.

With their extensive combined knowledge of, and experience in, the travel, hospitality and marine industries, the trio believes it has the expertise to perfectly match customers with their dream vacations. And, the partners are continually updating their knowledge of the market, by touring boat shows, inspecting charter vessels and meeting the captains and crews.

"Our role is to find the perfect combination of yacht, destination, itinerary and crew," Mr. Burnett said in the release. "We're dedicated to creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our customers."

If it sounds luxurious, it is-mega yacht vacations aren't cheap. A one-week mega yacht charter starts at $50,000, plus expenses, but Mr. O'Hare and his partners believe it's worth it.

"Interestingly, on a per person, per day basis," the press release notes, "the price can be just a little more than a vacation on one of the five-star ships operated by such luxury lines as Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Sea Cruises, or Seabourn Cruise Line, with the added bonus of having the vessel all to yourself." For more information about this new endeavour, visit www.megayachtvac.com.

Little Current businessman Bruce O'Hare stands aboard Soulmate, a mega yacht captained by John Tucker. Mr. O'Hare and business partners Grant Eccles and Stephen Burnett have recently launched The Mega Yacht Vacation Company, a new yacht charter brokerage based out of Little Current that sets up luxury vacation cruises aboard mega yachts for clients around the world.