The superyacht market preserves a historically high pace. By the end of the 3rd quarter of 2022 the overall sales of 30m+ yachts in 2022 are already higher than sales of any previous whole year except 2021 in almost all segments of the market. The sales skyrocketed in the 2nd half of 2020 as many buyers, including first-time yacht purchasers and former charterers, came on the market in search of an asylum and a safer means of transportation in the middle of the pandemics.
Pick of the market:
Top 3 yachts for sale under 5 years old
For many sellers, the post-Covid surge in demand became a signal to enter the market with speculative asking prices. This provided an increase in new listings in the beginning of 2022. However the buyers, which remain cost-conscious as ever, keep looking for reasonably priced opportunities, including off-the-market yachts. 2022 Q2 sales saw a small drop-off from the 2021 figures in almost all size segments of the superyacht market, though the sales were still higher compared to the corresponding periods of 2018, 2019 and of course 2020. The lack of supply and world events have understandably slowed the market. Besides, sales activity is generally quieter in summer as brokerage yachts become busy with owners' use and active charter schedules.
As an ending mark of the summer season in the Med and ahead of the autumn yacht shows Monaco and Fort Lauderdale, the brokerage market demonstrated a surge in the number of owners putting their boats up for sale in August-September. There were 65 new arrivals on the sales market in August and 87 – in September, with several big-ticket listings, most notably the 90m Phoenix 2 asking EUR 129,000,000 and 85.6m B2, asking EUR 88,000,000.
Pick of the market:
With more yachts entering the market and the exchange rates playing in favor of American buyers - the main driving force of the superyacht market - the sales saw a huge increase from the previous months in September, both in numbers and total price. The most expensive deal in Q3 was the sale of the 97m Carinthia IV with an asking price of EUR 95,000,000.
The majority of market transaction volume in 2022 continues to lay within the sub-50m range, with 30-40m yachts accounting for half of all sales. On average, yachts are sold within 12 to 18 months of being placed on the market. Quality and reasonably priced yachts aren’t sitting on the market for long. Speaking of the quickest deals since the beginning of 2022, the 42m Istros was sold in 53 days, 72m Stella Maris and 46.7m Odyssea shifted hands in 2 months.
There is still a good number of people actively looking to buy a yacht and it helps to maintain prices at a relatively higher value than before. Sometimes sellers were only testing out the market with high prices and would seriously discuss a deal, but many owners stayed firm on their asking prices – not least because of the high replacement costs. In the last two years, on the back of increased demand, many shipyards raised their new construction prices by 10-20% – which is best noticeable in the semi-custom segment with well-known base price levels, as with Heesen and Amels. And now we can see a huge price gap between the new yachts and 5-15 years old brokerage yachts. Owners entering the market are focused on the new construction prices, while the buyers, on the other hand, focus on the average brokerage market prices of previous periods.
Pick of the market:
Major price reductions third quarter
As for the new build market, according to Boat International, the 2022 Global Order Book records an impressive 1,024 projects in build or on order, a rise of 24.7% on 821 in 2021. The demand for new construction projects remains consistent, despite the rising new build costs and longer delivery times. All the leading shipyards have their order books stretched into 2026. Even builders of production GRP yachts are now selling slots with deliveries in 2025. Because of the increased demand and the heavy workload in the yards, contracts are now being concluded 6 to 12 months before the start of construction work (mostly for small and GRP yachts).
But what looks like to be a success for the industry also gives some food for thought on whether or not the boom on the superyacht market is going to remain for long. Concerns are that as most of the leading shipyards operating in the production segment with certain model ranges are packed with orders for the next couple of years or more, it means that they are not able to build new generation yachts before they complete current builds. And by the time the new buyers will be able to start building, the models offered to them may become too outdated and less appealing. Along with a lack of inventory on the brokerage market this may create a downfall in sales.
We have seen quite a few good yachts coming into the market recently and expect to see stable market activity in the following months. However, though the demand for yachts remains ever high, the global uncertainty and lack of supply may put some serious pressure on the sales in 2023.
Sponsored by YT Partners
E. ask@yt.partners
T. +44 7442 526545
Paris Hilton and her family recently completed a Mediterranean holiday aboard the 24.4-meter Sunreef 80 Eco Nalani, a solar-electric catamaran that combines luxury with environmental consciousness. The black-hulled vessel served as the family's floating residence during their Sardinian getaway, accommodating Hilton, husband Carter Reum, and their two children.The Nalani features 340 square meters of living space across four staterooms and a children's bunk room. Its design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with a master suite featuring a private balcony and common areas that flow seamlessly between interior and exterior spaces. The yacht's integrated solar panels and hybrid propulsion system align with Hilton's public advocacy for sustainable luxury.During their charter, the family utilized the yacht's numerous amenities including a flybridge hot tub, open-air cinema, and various water toys. Hilton shared glimpses of their experience on social media, highlighting quiet family moments and Mediterranean sunsets.Sunreef's 80 Eco series represents the Polish builder's commitment to environmentally conscious yachting, combining conventional propulsion with renewable energy systems for limited silent operation. The model has gained popularity among charter clients seeking sustainable luxury options.The catamaran's layout prioritizes outdoor living with multiple lounge areas, including a forward terrace and aft beach club configuration. Its crew quarters accommodate four staff members to ensure full service during charters.Industry observers note growing interest in eco-friendly yachting solutions among high-profile clients, with solar-assisted systems becoming increasingly common in new builds. The Nalani remains available for Mediterranean charters through the current season.Sunreef continues production of its eco-focused catamaran line at its Gdansk facility, offering models from 15 to 30 meters in length. The company reports steady demand for vessels combining luxury amenities with reduced environmental impact.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: courtesy by Paris Hilton; Sunreef Yachts
August 8, 2025
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025