© Lamprell Marine SL
James Lamprell: Owner of Lamprell Marine SL
Qualified Chartered Accountant...
But he gave all that up to move to Mallorca 6 years ago to start up a yacht charter company. And with a family history steeped in yachting, Lamprell Marine, spearheaded by James Lamprell, is in the perfect situation to 'float' their new venture, the Boatel!
Like a hotel...but in the water. Many hotels and guest houses in Mallorca close for the winter season so James has taken the opportunity to offer accommodation to tourists on board one of their 4 luxury yachts. You can even indulge further and enjoy your very own chef and stewardess.
Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based...
The whole Lamprell family have been involved in the marine industry since the early 70’s both in the UK and Middle East. Lamprell Marine SL is a unique private yacht charter Company based in Port Adriano, Mallorca. We also have our very own fully equipped maintenance and repair facility in Son Bugadelles, Santa Ponsa with our own full time marine engineers. We started off in Mallorca with one family boat in Palma and saw an opportunity to expand into the charter market by being the only company in the Balearics to own and charter out our own fleet of motor yachts. We have tried a number of boat size combinations from 40ft-112ft but believe that we now have the perfect balance of motor yachts to provide everything from family charters to corporate events. We are 100% committed to continuing to build a great repeat client base & the only way to do that is to provide excellent customer service at the best possible price. I see no future in “one off” charters and am dedicated to ensuring that Lamprell Marine SL continue to offer the best that the industry can provide.
The 'Boatel' concept is pretty unusual, can you tell us how it came about?
The Boatel (Boat as a hotel) is big business in the USA and parts of mainland Europe where there are a lot of marinas with empty boats during the Winter months. The charter market is extremely seasonal in Mallorca with the short Summer season lasting only about 12 weeks, which means there is an opportunity to attract a different type of charter customer in the Winter months – with the added intention to develop this client base into the Summer charter market. The challenge is to attract people to the Island of Mallorca during the “off season” where flights are far less frequent and a lot of hotels & restaurants are closed. Mallorca still has a lot to offer in the Autumn and Spring seasons with great weather and quiet Cala’s and bays to visit.
What makes Mallorca a special place to be for someone in your profession / or for this particular venture?
The scenery around Mallorca and all the Balearic Islands is simply stunning. Looking at the Islands from the sea gives a completely different perspective than the views on land. Even now when I go out on a boat I am still left speechless by some of the beautiful scenery that I believe you just don’t get in other Mediterranean destinations. Accessibility is also very important with flights from most European countries to Mallorca being possible in under 2 hours.
What are the best bits about your job?
Client satisfaction 100% - the challenge of keeping everything working properly, matching the right crew to the right charter group & giving people the holiday of a lifetime…
And the worst bits?
Dealing with the endless “Red Tape”!
Where would send someone who was after that something 'something special' in resort, to stay, eat or drink?
Stay on board and ask your very own personal chef to prepare an amazing meal while your stewardess serves you a chilled glass of champagne. All this will be going on while your Captain takes the boat to an unforgettable bay to watch the sunset…
Yachts or speedboats? What's your preference & why?
Motor Yachts, definitely. Where else can you have all the luxury of a 5 star hotel and take it wherever you like and wake up in a different amazing location each and every day, with your own stewardess, chef & captain. It is only 3 hours to Ibiza and 4 hours to Menorca by motor yacht – the whole of the Balearics are at your fingertips to explore. Speed boats are great for the day – but what do you do when it’s time to go home?
Where is your favourite beach?
Es Trenc - Shallow turquoise water and white sand make this beach just perfect.
What's your tip to escape the crowds in the summer?
Get on a charter yacht and the whole Island is opened up to you – You can join in a beach party at Nikki Beach or just lay back and enjoy the complete privacy of the sun deck on board.
