Sunsail, the world’s largest yacht charter company, is starting a new yacht management/charter programme in Annapolis, Maryland. The programme’s no different from other Sunsail programmes in the Caribbean or South Pacific, but the fact that it’s being initiated in the northern waters of the Chesapeake Bay is a first for any charter operator.

Under the programme, individuals buy one of Sunsail’s charter boats, which range from 32 to 50ft Beneteau, Catalina, Hunter and Jeanneau yachts, and that boat is chartered out and maintained by Sunsail. It has leased 12 slip spaces at Annapolis Landing Marina, and will be operating the boats from that base from April through October.

The big question will be whether the company can make a profit for its owners on the northern Chesapeake, which is not traditionally a popular charter destination. Peter Cook, general manager of Sunsail USA, said he has “every confidence that the Annapolis Yacht Management program will be a complete success.” Herve Burnell will manage the programme.