Extending Education to the Open Waters | Y.CO

A.B.SEA.D

Five years on from the start of the pandemic and it’s clear to say that our behaviours have shifted, with rapid technological innovation and remote working patterns shaping the future. With advancements in yacht innovation developing quicker than ever before, yachts are fast becoming platforms for education as well as adventure and relaxation. Alongside this, the increase in stable internet connection has led to a rise in extended charters, and with that, adults are looking to educate their children, creating a holiday experience that is fun and enriching.

School on water

Some have chosen to take to the open waters on superyachts to enrich their children's studies, bringing an entirely new meaning to the term ‘homeschooling.’ Onboard tuition from a qualified tutor, complemented by first-hand experiences ashore, offer a uniquely immersive form of education for learners, both young and mature. And Y.CO Charter Broker Hume Jones sees extended charters as being increasingly popular options for clients in the future, as they educate their children aboard superyachts.

Education Evolution

“The yachting landscape is changing with the evolution of the world,” says Hume, who has previously arranged a year-long yachting experience for a client, among other extended charters, “I really see extended charters growing in popularity in the years to come, as new lifestyle trends broaden options for clients. Due to the rise in remote working and living, families have more time and greater flexibility to educate their children from anywhere in the world. Their children’s education stands to benefit as much from the experience of travelling as from the academic support of a tutor,” he adds.

Global Tutors

Our charter team are booking educational experiences in the most remote places, “I recently arranged an extended charter in Antarctica for clients, who were accompanied by two tutors: one who had a scientific background and actually taught the adults on the region’s geology, flora, and fauna, etc., while the other specialised in teaching children." Hume comments, "I can vouch for the fact that learning opportunities exist in every corner of the world: I once took a sabbatical with my family and travelled around the globe, and my young children learned a huge amount about foreign cultures and different ways of life. They became so confident and their academic ability benefitted enormously. It was utterly fascinating.”

School of Yacht

Nowadays, luxury superyachts have many features that facilitate remote learning. There are superyachts like the 44m Jems, for instance, which is equipped with a dedicated media room making it an ideal place for presentations or seminars. As is found on larger yachts, such as the 50m Adventure, 75m Kensho and 91m Lady Lara, which all feature an extra convertible cabin which is beneficial for extended charters as it enables families to bring a member of staff, such as a tutor. Moreover, onboard communications have improved dramatically in recent years. High-speed Internet is now available virtually anywhere in the world, meaning charterers can remain connected at all times.

Future Scientists

The idea that families can now have a holiday and be educated on topics like marine conservation, ocean sciences, environmental awareness, are all beneficial factors to a child’s development, supporting the notion that yachting can be so much more than a luxury experience; and instead, seeing yachts as platforms for education, science and research. Like motor yacht 69.4m Firebird, which facilitates the operation of shark tagging led by the nonprofit organisation, YachtAid Global, a charity leading the way in ocean preservation. Charter guests are invited to participate in shark tagging and learn from the marine scientists who are stationed there. Alternative experiences could include diving aboard 51m Dunia Baru, which cruises regions in Indonesia - an area widely regarded as the most biodiverse marine ecosystem in the world.

Global Discovery

The Y.CO charter team once arranged a two-month cruise for a family with young children, which included the services of tutors. The fascinating itinerary started in Istanbul in the Eastern Mediterranean and concluded in the South of France in the West, incorporating historically significant destinations, such as Pompeii and Ephesus. The bespoke itinerary allowed the charterers to learn by doing, as they explored some of the most captivating historical sites in Europe. As well as carrying a tutor on board who oversaw the children’s general school studies, the charter guests were also able to utilise the knowledge and regional expertise of local tutors in each port, who taught the children about Pompeii’s famed history, ancient Greek culture in Ephesus, and religion at Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.

Multifaceted Experiences

There are so many diverse experiences to be had in yachting. Being on the move means experiences can be tailored to the guests' interests, and in addition to this, there are ample educational opportunities on board, from learning to sail with the captain to honing cooking skills with the chef. This is particularly alluring to those seeking an immersive voyage over stationary charters – especially in the winter season when owners offer substantial savings for longer charters.