YMA Yachting has expanded its luxury business in 2026 by adding a helicopter company and two vessels to its portfolio in Indonesia.
It's also added a vessel in Greece, with plans to expand further into Europe over the next year and a half, according to company co-founder Charles Bastard.
Today, YMA Yachting, based in Bali, manages the chartering, marketing, and communications for 13 yachts across Indonesia and Greece, and in 2025 alone, it welcomed more than 3,000 guests onboard its fleet.
The new vessels in Indonesia are the Anne Bonny, a 98-foot phinisi yacht designed for exploration in smaller ports and Kayra, a 121-foot phinisi described as “the most water-toy-equipped charter vessel in the archipelago.” (A phinisi is a traditional, two-masted wooden sailing vessel.)
Both yachts can now also be found and chartered directly on The Yacht Club Indonesia, YMA Yachting’s booking platform.
Anne Bonny can accommodate up to eight guests across three en-suite cabins. The charter, which comes with a crew of 10, has Starlink Wi-Fi. The yacht’s intimate size allows it to access remote bays in Komodo, the Spice Islands, and Raja Ampat.
Multiple recreation options
The Kayra holds up to eight guests across four cabins, and works well for active families, couples or small groups seeking to explore the Komodo islands or Sumbawa. When at anchor, Kayra can host up to 20 guests.
Cosmos is an 82-foot classic Greek Karavoskaro motor sailer. Source: YMA Yachting
Expansion to Greece
YMA Yachting also now represents Cosmos, a traditional wooden vessel anchored in Alimos Marina, Athens, Greece, marking a significant step into the Mediterranean market.
Cosmos is an 82-foot classic Greek Karavoskaro motor sailer. It can hold up to eight guests across four cabins. Cosmos sails the Saronic Gulf, the Cyclades, and the Athens Riviera through customizable itineraries.
Helicopter company is also new
YMA Yachting has also launched Sumba Air, a helicopter company based in Sumba, an Indonesian island in the East Nusa Tenggara.
It provides private transfers within Sumba as well as connections to neighboring islands.
Bastard says the addition of Sumba Air makes it easier to combine a yacht journey with a stay on land, something a large portion his guests already choose to do. “Additionally, it offers scenic flights and sightseeing experiences over one of Indonesia’s most rugged and visually striking islands,” says Bastard.
Growth plans
He tells World of Luxury that over the next 18 months, the company plans to establish a presence in Europe. “This will bring us closer to our core markets, strengthen relationships with our partners, and support our growing portfolio of yacht owners in the region, something we have been thoughtfully preparing for over the past few years,” says Bastard.
Birth of the company
YMA Yachting began in 2017 as “Hello Flores,” a destination platform designed to showcase the richness of Indonesia’s lesser-known regions. It was founded by Pierre Desrentes, Gregory Gaillard, and Bastard, bringing together complementary backgrounds in digital entrepreneurship and on-the-ground experience. Bastard’s own experience was as a crew member and destination specialist.
Since then, the private yacht segment has seen sustained growth, particularly within experiential and remote travel, says Bastard.
“There is a noticeable shift in how people choose to travel, towards privacy, flexibility, and more meaningful, tailored experiences,” says Bastard. “Compared to a few years ago, destinations such as Raja Ampat or the Banda Sea have become far more recognized among well-traveled clients. What was once considered niche is now increasingly sought after by those looking to go beyond traditional luxury and access more remote, authentic environments.”
The changing luxury client
At the same time, expectations have evolved. Guests are no longer simply chartering a yacht, they are seeking destination expertise, seamless logistics, and a high level of personalization.
“This is where we have seen the strongest growth within our business,” says Bastard.
The importance on U.S. travel advisors
The U.S. market represents an important segment for YMA Yachting, accounting for approximately 20–25 percent of its overall clientele. For certain yachts in Indonesia, this can reach as high as 40–50 percent, reflecting the strong affinity of U.S. travelers for yacht experiences in the country.
“American clients tend to have a strong appetite for longer, experience-driven journeys, making Indonesia a natural fit,” Bastard says.
The U.S. market remains one of the most dynamic and mature markets for yacht charters, particularly for remote cruising destinations.
His hope is that expanding the company’s European presence will make it easier to work with travel advisors in the U.S. because time zones will be more aligned than they are in Indonesia, where the company is based.
“While the U.S .is already a key contributor to our business, we see significant room for further development, particularly through deeper collaboration with travel advisors and an enhanced global presence,” says Bastard, noting that YMA Yachting has intentionally diversified its markets, developing other regions to avoid over-reliance on a single region while also positioning it in less saturated spaces with strong growth potential.
Raising its profile with the trade
As such, plans are to attend key international trade events, including the Singapore Yacht Show, PURE, and Further East so that YMA Yachting can strengthen its relationships with global travel partners and advisors.
Advice to those new to yacht charters
We asked Bastard for some tips for travel advisors who are new to booking yachts and are nervous selling the ultra-luxury niche.
He says YMA Yachting recommends that advisors always schedule a call or request a presentation to walk through the destination, the itineraries, and the overall experience.
“Once you understand how a yacht journey works in Indonesia, it quickly becomes clear whether it is the right fit for your client,” he says. “Within a single destination, you can cater to divers, surfers, families, or clients simply seeking a relaxed escape.”
Ins and outs of chartering Indonesia
From a practical standpoint, he says that Indonesian yachts are also relatively straightforward to quote.
“Unlike in Europe, there is generally no APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance), and most inclusions are clearly defined upfront. This makes the process far more transparent and less intimidating for advisors who may be unfamiliar with yacht charters,” says Bastard.
“Advisors should feel reassured that this segment is already well established at the highest level. Some of our yachts, such as Celestia, have welcomed high-profile guests and regularly work with globally recognized agencies including Fisher Travel and Cookson Adventures,” says Bastard.
More to come
YMA Yachting will continue to expand. On the fleet side, it is involved in the development of a 171-foot phinisi, scheduled for delivery in mid-2027.
In addition, an 82-foot, three-cabin motor yacht will be joining its fleet in December 2026, expanding the portfolio with a more intimate and versatile option.
“We are also in ongoing discussions with several yacht owners, reflecting continued interest in joining our platform,” says Bastard.