Superyacht Charter: Expanding Market, Evolving Clients, and Emerging Destinations

According to the latest SuperYacht Times report The State of Yachting, the superyacht charter market closed a record-breaking 2024 and heads into 2025 facing both challenges and fresh opportunities. As of February 2025, there were 3,832 yachts available for charter, including 2,155 over 30 metres—representing 36% of the active fleet.

Strong demand for large yachts, growing competition in the mid-size segment

Brokerage firms like IYC, Fraser, and Ocean Independence report consistently high demand for yachts over 50 metres, with bookings filling up early in the year. These larger vessels, typically chosen by high-net-worth and repeat clients, remain the fastest to book.

In contrast, the 30-50 metre segment is experiencing increased competition. Fraser reports that the global charter fleet (yachts over 24 metres) grew by 7.4% in the last year alone. While this expansion offers clients more options, it also requires a more agile commercial strategy from owners and brokers.

Destinations: Caribbean cools off, Med stays strong, Asia and the Middle East rising

The Caribbean’s winter season began slowly, partly due to the Bahamas’ introduction of a 10% VAT, which dampened demand during key holiday weeks. Many owners responded by lowering minimum charter durations from 10 to 7 days.

In the Western Mediterranean (France, Italy, Spain), demand remains solid—driven by iconic destinations like the Côte d’Azur, Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, and the Balearics. However, the Eastern Med is seeing real growth: Greece, Croatia, and Turkey accounted for over 50% of IYC’s summer bookings in 2024, thanks to competitive pricing, natural beauty, and more flexible regulations (e.g., guest capacity).

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines) is gaining momentum among adventure-seeking clients looking for immersive, nature-driven itineraries. Simultaneously, the Middle East and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in marinas and luxury tourism to become leading winter hubs.

New lifestyles: wellness, personalised trips, and remote work onboard

Charter yachting is no longer just about luxury vacations—it’s about experiences, well-being, and even mobile working. Rising trends include: family-focused charters (8 out of 10, according to IYC); corporate retreats, private events, and tandem bookings; wellness programs with gyms, yoga, massages, and healthy dining
Long-term charters of 2–3 months, enabled by remote work
The "luxury nomad" lifestyle is becoming reality, as clients live aboard with rotating groups of friends and family.

Younger, digital-savvy, and informed clients

While the 50–70 age group still dominates, a younger generation is becoming more involved. Children not only influence bookings but often select yachts, itineraries, and even crew based on online research. Meanwhile, young entrepreneurs from Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand) are also entering the charter space.

Advance vs. last-minute bookings: depends on yacht size

Charters for yachts over 50 metres are often booked 6–12 months in advance, while the 30–50 metre category remains flexible, allowing for last-minute deals due to higher supply.

Regulatory pressure, infrastructure gaps—but strong optimism

Environmental regulations, anchoring restrictions, KYC compliance, and wealth verification are adding complexity to bookings. Marina space is limited, especially in popular regions.

Still, digital innovation is improving the booking experience. AI tools are helping brokers predict client needs and suggest real-time availability. But as Sacha Williams of Northrop & Johnson reminds us: “Technology helps, but yachting remains a personal business.”

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