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Methodology

How We Rate

Every rating is earned through an anonymous, standardised assessment conducted by experienced professionals. No yacht can buy, negotiate, or influence their rating. The process is designed to be rigorous, fair, and completely independent.

Anonymous

Assessors board as regular charter guests. The crew never knows an assessment is taking place until the rating is published.

Independent

No yacht owner, management company, or broker has any influence over the assessment process or outcome. Ratings cannot be purchased.

Standardised

Every yacht is evaluated against the same 72 standards using the same methodology. Consistency is maintained through calibration and peer review.

The Process

Six Steps to a Rating

01

Selection & Scheduling

Yachts are selected for assessment based on charter availability, market presence, and industry reputation. Assessments are scheduled as standard charter bookings — the yacht and crew have no advance knowledge that an assessment is taking place.

02

Anonymous Embarkation

Our assessor boards as a regular charter guest, accompanied by genuine guests where possible. No identification is made, no special treatment is expected. The assessment begins the moment the assessor arrives at the quayside.

03

72-Hour Minimum Assessment

Each assessment covers a minimum of 72 hours aboard. This allows evaluation across multiple service cycles — morning, afternoon, evening — and captures consistency rather than one-off performance. Longer charters receive extended assessment periods.

04

Standardised Evaluation

Assessors evaluate 72 individual service standards across 8 weighted categories. Each standard is scored independently using a defined rubric. Assessors record observations in real-time using a proprietary evaluation framework.

05

Independent Review

Assessment reports are reviewed by a minimum of two senior evaluators who were not present during the charter. Scores are calibrated against the full fleet to ensure consistency. Any disputed scores trigger a secondary assessment.

06

Rating Assignment

Final ratings are assigned based on aggregate scores across all categories. The rating is communicated to the yacht's management company along with a detailed feedback report highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

What We Evaluate

8 Categories, 72 Standards

Each category carries a specific weight reflecting its importance to the overall charter experience. Service delivery is weighted most heavily because it is the single greatest differentiator between good and exceptional yachts.

Pre-Charter Communication10%8 standards
Embarkation & First Impressions15%10 standards
Service Delivery20%12 standards
Cuisine & Dining15%10 standards
Presentation & Housekeeping15%9 standards
Itinerary & Destination Management10%8 standards
Crew Professionalism10%9 standards
Disembarkation & Follow-Up5%6 standards
Total: 72 individual standardsWeight: 100%

Rating Scale

What Each Rating Means

Exceptional

Score: 90–100

Service that consistently exceeds expectations across every category. Anticipatory, personalised, and flawless in execution. Represents the highest standard achievable in superyacht charter.

Outstanding

Score: 80–89

Service that exceeds expectations in most categories with only minor inconsistencies. Demonstrates genuine hospitality instinct and strong operational standards.

Excellent

Score: 70–79

Service that meets high professional standards with moments of distinction. Reliable, well-trained crew delivering consistent quality across the charter.

Good

Score: 60–69

Service that meets basic professional standards but lacks the refinement and anticipation expected at the highest levels. Competent but not distinguished.

Our Assessors

Who Conducts the Assessments

Our assessors are former senior crew members — chief stewardesses, pursers, and hotel managers — with a minimum of ten years' experience on 50m+ superyachts. They understand service excellence because they have delivered it themselves.

All assessors complete a proprietary training programme and are calibrated against the same standards before conducting independent assessments. Their identities are never disclosed to the yachts they evaluate.

Assessor Requirements

  • Minimum 10 years in superyacht service
  • Senior position (Chief Stew, Purser, or equivalent)
  • Experience on vessels 50m+
  • Completion of Superyachtly Assessor Certification
  • No active employment on charter yachts
  • Annual recalibration and peer review

Request an Assessment

Yacht owners and management companies can request an assessment for their vessel. Assessments are conducted at our discretion and cannot be influenced by payment.

Learn More for Owners

Methodology FAQ

How long is an assessment?
Minimum four nights on board. Longer for larger yachts or complex operations. The inspector experiences a full charter cycle: embarkation, cabin turnover, meal service across day parts, tender operations, and disembarkation.
How many touchpoints are evaluated?
Over 200 individual service touchpoints across 72 defined standards in 8 categories: guest service, interior, cuisine, deck, safety, wellness, technology, and departure.
Who is on the review panel?
Three assessors independent of the on-board inspector review the report and score. Split decisions are resolved by a fourth senior assessor. This eliminates individual bias.
Is scoring on a curve?
No. Standards are absolute. A yacht is not rated against other yachts — it is rated against the published rubric. Five-star ratings reflect achievement of the standard, not relative performance.
Are safety standards included?
Safety compliance (STCW, ISM, ISPS) is verified but not scored. Rating focuses on discretionary service quality — the standards that separate excellent from exceptional charter delivery.
How often is the rating updated?
Annually. Ratings expire 12 months after publication. Renewal assessments (€3,500) are lighter than the initial (2-night minimum) and focus on standards flagged in the previous report.
Can a rating be revoked mid-year?
Yes. Substantiated guest complaints, verified crew turnover >30%, or crew misconduct trigger provisional review. Yachts may be flagged 'under review' or de-rated pending re-assessment.

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