United Kingdom

Anchord

Last month, in a bold move to democratise luxury yachting, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8321" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anchord (Company)">Anchord</a> was launched as the world’s first monthly superyacht charter raffle, offering participants the chance to win a fully-crewed, all-expenses-paid week aboard a high-end vessel, an experience that would typically cost up to £100,000.Founded by Oli Riley, the UK-based platform is transforming the traditional charter model into a competition open to anyone over eighteen. We sat down with Riley and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> broker Richard Gray to find out how this new concept came about and to understand how a luxury raffle actually works. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366122/image/large-d59a7776033094821100ae3158ec09d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366122">A charter raffle, how does that work?“Anchord is the world’s first monthly superyacht charter raffle,” says Riley. “Each month, we give someone the chance to win a fully crewed week-long superyacht holiday for them and five guests, all expenses paid. The idea was born from the belief that luxury experiences like this shouldn’t just be reserved for billionaires.”Open exclusively to UK residents, the competition can be entered via the Anchord website through a tiered ticketing system, with a free postal entry option also available to ensure accessibility. Each draw is conducted under UK competition law, and the winner receives an experience that includes flights, full crew, gourmet cuisine, and personalised itineraries. “The winner just needs to bring their passport and some sunglasses,” says Riley.“It’s not just about the prize,” adds Riley. “it’s about building a community, creating engaging content, and giving back to meaningful causes. It’s luxury with purpose and personality.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366123/image/large-eba8294d5052c1a91df1db6a2c001617.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366123">Is there legal oversight?In a market that often blurs the line between gaming and legitimate competitions, Anchord has ensured full legal transparency. “Yes. Anchord has received legal confirmation from Mishcon de Reya LLP that our prize competition model is fully compliant with UK law,” states Riley.Operating under the Gambling Act 2005, Anchord qualifies as a prize competition rather than a lottery or gambling operation. Its structure includes a free postal entry route, equal chances for paid and free entrants, and transparent promotion of both. “Because we meet all legal requirements, including those outlined in Schedule 2 of the Gambling Act, we do not require a gambling licence to operate in Great Britain.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/366124/image/large-c97545094d35ca15ae4624ae2492744a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/366124">How are&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;involved?Key to Anchord’s credibility and execution is its partnership with international brokerage <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>. The collaboration has enabled the selection of top-tier yachts – such as Daloli, the vessel featured in the inaugural draw and ensured full compliance with industry protocols.“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> is pleased to support a new and imaginative initiative that brings a fresh perspective to the world of luxury yacht charter,” said Richard Gray of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>. “While the model is unconventional, it reflects a bold and responsible vision that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> was open to supporting, provided that all necessary protections were in place for the Owner, charterer, crew and vessel.”Gray emphasised the careful consideration behind the collaboration, stating, “Our team worked closely with Anchord to offer guidance throughout the process, ensuring that industry standards were upheld. We also assisted in identifying a suitable yacht for the inaugural raffle, which has already gained notable visibility and high-quality content production.”The winner of the first raffle, which will be drawn on 20 July, will be welcomed aboard Daloli by her seasoned crew for a bespoke itinerary crafted with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>’s charter specialists.In addition to redefining access to yachting, Anchord supports Naomi House &amp; Jacksplace – a hospice for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions – by donating a portion of its profits. “Every month we make an additional donation to the local hospice in the winner’s area,” adds Riley, underscoring the initiative’s community-centric mission.As Gray concludes: “While IYC is not the organiser of the initiative, we recognise the value in supporting well-structured innovation within the yachting space. We look forward to seeing how Anchord’s model evolves and will continue to provide selective support as their future plans develop.”

Anchord yacht charter raffle 

Anchord has launched the industry's first charter raffle with IYC, we find out how this works.