The Berthon Sales Group remains open, working within the market place and observing COVID-19 best practices for the safety of our clients and our staff. In some cases, we are working remotely but we are all here and look forward to hearing from you during this difficult time – in all five international offices.
As an international brokerage sales group, offering a truly local and personal service in all our locations, below is a short description of the restrictions in operation in each of our offices. We will be updating this information regularly.
In locations where yacht viewings are permitted – these are carried out following these protocols –
The UK saw a further ease in restrictions on May 17th. The ‘Rule of Six’ has been extended to indoor areas, meaning groups of six people or two households can meet inside at home and at pubs/restaurants. As the weather improves, we hope to see more clients able to visit us in Lymington. All necessary Covid protocols will remain in place to keep our staff and clients as safe as possible, including wearing masks at all times on site and respecting the social distancing we have all become accustomed to. Yachts are professionally ‘fogged’ and sanitised following any viewings or boardings, ensuring they are safe for the next visiting clients. We therefore ask you to contact us in advance to make an appointment. We continue to offer FaceTime viewings for those unable to visit, and to support and chat to our clients via phone, email, WhatsApp, Skype, and so on. We remain open for business and always welcome the opportunity to chat about yachts.
On 3rd May, France began to come out of national lockdown with the start of a tiered ease in restrictions. The curfew remains from 19:00 to 6:00. However, schools have re-opened and travel is permitted within 10km from home. From 19th May, the curfew will be shortened from 21:00 to 6:00, outside dining will resume with a maximum of 6 per table and restricted numbers will be allowed at public venues such as cinemas, museums and theatres. The curfew will shorten for a second time on 9th June from 23:00 to 6:00 and restaurant indoor dining will be permitted with a maximum of 6 per table.
Preparations for the summer season are underway at our La Napoule office with boat deliveries continuing as planned. Yacht viewings for those who can reach us can take place, whilst respecting social distancing protocols of course (limited numbers of people on-board, wearing masks etc.), and virtual viewings via FaceTime will also be possible. We are of course available and delighted to chat to our clients about boats via phone at any time.
Our third wave of Covid 19 is ongoing with high rates of infection and hospital admissions. However, the vaccination program is progressing well and we are looking forward to an ease in restrictions this summer. In the meantime, restrictions remain in place on public meetings and non-essential shops, gyms and swimming pools remain closed. People are being asked to work from home where possible. We continue as before… and recommend viewing yachts digitally before viewing in person.
COVID cases remain stable in the Balearics and we have not seen any large spikes, even after the introduction of German tourists. The state of alarm has now come to an end. Any further restrictions must be enforced by the local municipalities. Restaurants are now able to open in the evenings between 20:00-22:30 but on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays they must close at 17:00, tables remain limited to 4 people. Up to 6 people from two different households are now allowed to meet socially but only outdoor gatherings are permitted. It is still mandatory to wear masks in public.
Our offices continue to work with COVID-19 best practice, keeping safe distances, wearing masks and working behind Perspex screens. Free travel for clients remains our biggest issue for yacht sales. However yacht tours via video, Zoom, FaceTime etc are increasingly popular and we are delighted to offer this to clients who are unable to visit. We can also organise surveys and third party inspections.
Following a successful vaccine role out, we are delighted that life in Rhode Island is now getting back to normal. Restaurants are pretty much back to full capacity, although masks mast be worn whilst moving around. The Berthon USA team are all now fully vaccinated which is a huge bonus, meaning we no longer have to mask-up outside. Whilst quarantine rules still remain in place between some States, the team are now allowed to travel. We can confirm that (masked) yacht viewings are firmly back on and we are looking forward to a splendid summer! For those of you unable to visit, we continue to conduct virtual viewings aboard our yachts.
With fair winds from the whole Berthon Team – who are keeping calm and carrying on! Please stay safe and well.
