When one intends to buy a yacht, sooner or later they will come across yacht brokers. A bad broker would opt for selling their yachts by all means, while a good one could even dissuade a customer from buying a vessel instead. Yachts’ maintenance costs sometimes are so high, that it might be easier to confine to chartering. Still, in any case, it is important to first try several different yachts on charter before buying your own.
The largest international brokers such as Burgess, Fraser, Moran Yachts & Ship, Edmiston and several others act as central agents of the «best» yachts: they manage them, select the crew and sometimes oversee the construction. However, one can book a yacht even through a small company, if it has the appropriate certification. Below, you will find 9 significant steps to consider prior to buying a yacht.
#1. Define the goal
First of all, one has to define answers on such questions, as: why they need a yacht, where they are going to use it, whom they are planning to invite on-board, whether there will be children among the guests and many other issues. That is where the information about a customer, his or her tastes and lifestyle matters.
A good broker would have a detailed conversation with a potential buyer, even asking some rather personal questions. Ideally, they should spend with a customer several days to understand how they dress, what kind of car they have, where they prefer to have dinner, how social they are etc.
Those things are crucial as a yacht represents a continuation of her owner’s personality. Like your own home, it may or may not be suitable for parties, sports, the presence of children, it may be chamber or large-scale, high-speed or slow-moving, with or without a helipad. Dozens, if not hundreds of details, will affect the final choice, and the cost here is by no means the main criterion. After all, you can find a yacht at a comfortable price, but she may not suit you at all.
#2. Set the style
First, it is important to understand whether you need a sailing or motor yacht, since these are two fundamentally different styles of yachting. Usually, those who prefer to be closer to the water, lead an active lifestyle on the yacht, delve into the nuances of management, seek to obtain a captain's license and are interested in sails. Those people in the first place can be called yachtsmen. On the contrary, motor yachts, even the fastest ones, are floating boutique hotels, where the owners will be served at the highest level. As to sports racing yachts, they are not generally suitable for recreation.
It should be noted that in the sailing segment, not all yachts are the same. For example, superyachts above 40 metres, produced by such builders as Perini Navi, are not inferior to motor yachts either in design and comfort, or in high-technology equipment. They might even outperform motor yachts of the same size in price.
#3. Consider your lifestyle
How and with whom do you want to spend time on a yacht? For parties, one would need large open spaces, and it would be nice to have a Jacuzzi or a pool with a backlight. Naturally, a yacht must come with built-in audio and video systems and wireless Internet. For gambling, you would need a special zone. If you like cooking, a yacht should have a specially equipped separate kitchen. If you plan to invite parents to the yacht, you need to make sure that there is a VIP suite on-board. If the yacht has three or more decks, older people will need an elevator. If you have children, the system of fences is crucial so that they do not fall overboard or on the lower deck, plus a cabin for the governess should be provided, etc.
#4. Think over your activity
There can be many different nuances, but there is something that almost everyone pays attention to: a garage with tenders and water toys on a yacht. You would need a tender in any case. Furthermore, it is good to have the yacht equipped with everything for diving, snorkelling, water skiing, "sea-beans", jet skis and other toys. Many yachts also come fitted with a fitness deck, which usually comprises a gym, massage room, hairdresser, sauna and hammam.
#5. Choose the right crew
Naturally, owners of yachts assemble the crew according to their own requirements, and the crew is not less important than the yacht itself. Not only should they be sociable people with an understanding of the service, but they should also meet special requirements. For instance, it is important to consider whether a cook is good on a yacht and what exactly he or she can cook. A professional broker would be aware of such things as if there is a massage therapist, yoga and diving instructor on-board and what languages the team speaks. A broker would either know the invited crew members personally, or do a decent research on them in advance.
#6. Get directions
It is important to decide whether you are planning to live on-board during your vacation. For example, if one has a villa in Forte dei Marmi and wants to take a short trip to Corsica for a day, a small 50-60 foot open class yacht or a yacht with a flybridge, with a speed of 30-40 knots.
At the same time, if you plan to go on a cruise from Saint-Tropez to Portofino, to Corsica, Sardinia or Sicily and back, then for a two-week trip you would need a comfortable yacht of at least 30–35 metres. If the group is big, the size has to be even larger. The speed of such yachts will make only 11-17 knots. However, low speeds save fuel: megayachts making 30 knots per hour require hundreds of thousands of EUR a year for fuel. In addition, high speeds even on the best yachts might not be comfortable: noise and vibrations increase, and it becomes difficult to talk and walk.
If you plan to take the yacht from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean for the winter period, she should boast a transatlantic power reserve, to complete the journey without refuelling. And if you are thinking about traveling around the world, you need not only a large cruising range, but also an Explorer class yacht, which can operate under different weather conditions. To cruise to the Far South or North, you need an Ice-class yacht - although not an icebreaker, she would not be subject to collisions with small ice floes.
#7. Choose a hull
Yacht hulls are mainly built of steel, aluminium and composite. Almost all major European yachts builders rely on steel or aluminium, while in American and Asian yachts (except for the largest yachts) composite is used, since it is a lighter material that is easier to care of; it is not subject to corrosion. However, the composite is not suitable for all operating conditions. Owners of megayachts relate to it without reverence: a 50-metre composite yacht would already be an exceptional case.
#8. Estimate expenses
A yacht should not be taken as an investment, it is a luxury item and not more than that. Moreover, her cost drops by 10% per year. About the same amount should be saved for yearly operating costs, such as parking and repairing expenses, crew salaries and taxes, not to mention fuelling. Meanwhile, if several years ago green yachting was considered uneconomic since environmental options increase the cost of the yacht, now yachting enthusiasts have concluded that eco-yachts save fuel, and, therefore, are cheaper to operate.
Step 9. Set the timeline
A fully-custom superyacht of above 35 metres, will take up to four years to be built with such yards as Lürssen, Abeking & Rasmussen, Feadship or Oceanco. A faster option is always a semi-custom-yacht of the same size, where a standard hull is used, and the interior is created on-spec for the owner’s needs. Such yachts take about 2.5 years to build and they are 30% cheaper. In that niche, the most famous shipyards are Dutch Amels and Heesen.
Serial yachts of up to 100 feet in size would confine your choice to one of 3-5 typical interior options. However, there are many good yachts on the market that the owners sell after 2–4 years of operation, simply because they want a new one Such vessels with clear and proven seaworthy properties can be acquired immediately.
The difference in the price of yachts even for one niche is so great that it makes no sense to focus on it. Everything depends on the interior materials, technical options, the name of the designer, and the class of the shipyard. For example, the cost of a Feadship yacht might be twice as large as a Turkish yacht of the same size. Nevertheless, Feadship will far less fall in price over the years.
Camper & Nicholsons has opened a new design studio and office in Viareggio, Italy, expanding its service offerings in new construction, refit, and design sectors. The facility includes a materials lounge and digital configurator for client presentations.CEO Paolo Casani stated: "With this studio in Viareggio, we reaffirm our roots and expand into areas that strengthen our heritage: new build sales, project management, refit, and design." The Italian operation is led by Managing Director Daniela Duck, who also serves as Group Head of New Build.The studio will provide three core services: new build sales and project coordination, technical refit services through worldwide shipyard partnerships, and interior/exterior design for both yacht and residential projects. The materials lounge allows clients to review physical samples while digital tools enable real-time visualization of design concepts.Daniela Duck noted: "Our clients can now experience a truly collaborative environment. This is where owners, shipyards, and our team come together to create yachts of the highest quality."The Viareggio location places the company near several Italian shipyards while maintaining global project capabilities through existing international partnerships. The technical team currently oversees multiple new construction and refit projects worldwide.The expansion represents Camper & Nicholsons' increased focus on comprehensive project management services from initial concept through final delivery. The company will maintain its existing offices while utilizing the new facility for client meetings and design development activities.Current projects include the studio's first new build commission and several refit operations managed through partner shipyards. The company continues to provide brokerage services alongside its expanded project management offerings through the Viareggio location.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
September 9, 2025
Turkish yacht builder Sirena Yachts has unveiled the Sirena 60 at the Cannes Yachting Festival, replacing the previous Sirena 58 model. The new design offers increased interior volume and expanded exterior spaces compared to its predecessor. The 18.3-meter yacht features updated styling from Frers Naval Architecture with modifications by Sirena's in-house design team. Key changes include larger windows, a redesigned flybridge, and increased storage capacity. The hull retains the plumb bow design and extended swim platform characteristic of the series.Accommodations include three cabins with a full-beam master cabin amidships and forward VIP cabin. The third cabin features convertible bedding that transitions between double and twin configurations. Crew areas incorporate separate access routes for operational efficiency.Standard power comes from twin Volvo D11 670hp engines, with an optional 900hp package available. Performance specifications indicate 23-knot maximum speed with standard engines and 25 knots with upgraded power. The design emphasizes fuel efficiency and range capabilities for Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising.CEO Cagin Genc stated: "We are so excited to present our Sirena 60 to the market, as the natural evolution of our successful Sirena 58. Ideal for experienced boaters looking for comfort, flexibility, and performance in a manageable size."Exterior social areas include a forward lounge with dining capabilities and sunpads with convertible backrests. The flybridge receives updated dashboard instrumentation and pilot seating alongside a Corian-topped bar unit.Storage capacity accommodates various water toys including jet skis and paddleboards. The extended swim platform facilitates water access while maintaining the yacht's cruising capabilities. The design incorporates Corian surfaces and marine-grade materials throughout interior spaces.The Sirena 60 enters production following the company's established manufacturing processes in Turkey. The model will compete in the 18-20 meter motor yacht segment against offerings from European and Asian shipyards.Sirena Yachts is a Turkish yacht brand. The company produces semi-displacement motor yachts ranging from 17m to over 30m.Credits: Emre Boyoglu/Sirena Yachts
September 9, 2025
The Cannes Yachting Festival opens today across Vieux Port and Port Canto locations. The event typically features numerous global premieres. Here is our list of boats that cannot be missed.Singolare45mTankoa YachtsThe second hull in Tankoa's T450 series represents the largest yacht debuting at the 2025 festival. Following the delivery of sister vessel GO in 2024, this iteration features design by Giorgio M. Cassetta with interior spaces by Brazilian architect Debora Aguiar. The yacht incorporates a hardtop creating an enclosed veranda that converts to climate-controlled salon accommodation.Tremenda45mCantiere delle MarcheThis 45-meter explorer yacht delivered in March 2025 shares the title of largest debutante with Singolare. Commissioned by an experienced owner in 2021, the design emphasizes outdoor connection through oversized windows, extensive al fresco areas, and a substantial beach club. Interior spaces incorporate mid-century modern design influences.Andiamo40.7mSanlorenzoThis first unit in the SD132 series represents Sanlorenzo's largest composite semi-displacement construction at 420 GT. Notable features include a beach club configuration with television-equipped bar and lounge seating, plus lateral terraces creating 70 square meters of additional exterior space when deployed.Juno's 744.1mBenettiAs the flagship of Benetti's Class series, this vessel becomes the yard's largest GRP construction to date. Giorgio M. Cassetta designed both exterior and interior spaces utilizing FSC-certified woods and resin finishes. The layout accommodates 12 guests across six cabins including full-beam master suite. Technical specifications include twin MAN engines providing 4,100 nautical mile range at 11 knots.Lalabe35.3mVan der ValkBased on the Lady Lene hull design with naval architecture by Guido de Groot, this custom construction accommodates three generations through five-cabin layout. Outdoor spaces incorporate integrated balconies, custom swimming platform, and aft deck relaxation zone with beach club and sauna facilities. The yacht delivered in July 2025.Majesty 100 Terrace32.25mMajesty Yachts This model emphasizes exterior terraces and fold-down balconies, following design concepts from the larger Majesty 111. Phathom Studio created a glass-fronted owner's cabin with skylights and private forward terrace. The design focuses on multiple entertainment areas throughout the vessel's layout.Pearl 8225mPearl YachtsThis model incorporates a raised pilothouse design enabling a main deck master cabin with private foredeck terrace alongside four lower deck ensuite cabins. Notable features include folding side platforms, multiple cockpit configurations, and garage capacity for Williams 395 tender and Sea-Doo jet ski. The design focuses on maximizing interior volume while maintaining competitive pricing within its segment.Ferretti Yachts 80024.47mFerretti YachtsFerretti Yachts 800 is the new model that completes the range renewal process begun in 2018. Developed by Ferretti Yachts’ Cattolica shipyard, the project is the result of collaboration between the Product Strategy Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. The yacht has a length overall of 24.47 m – a version with a shorter stern platform is also available to comply with the 24-metre limit established by French law – and a maximum beam of 5.91 m. The most innovative features include large windows for uninterrupted views of the surroundings from the interiors and an optional sliding door on the starboard side of the salon; perfectly separated spaces to ensure total privacy; and optimisation of the exterior surfaces and particularly the flybridge (a full 40 m²), further enriching the on-board experience. Pershing GTX7023.99mPershing The Pershing GTX70 represents the smallest model in the Sport Utility Yachts range, developed through collaboration between Ferretti Group's Strategic Product Committee, Vallicelli Design, and engineering teams. Its design maximizes interior and exterior spaces, offering 10% and 30% more area respectively than comparable yachts. The stern features a two-level arrangement with a 23 m² extendable beach area and shaded cockpit. A retractable glass panel connects the main deck interior with outdoor spaces, creating a continuous open layout. The yacht accommodates three ensuite cabins below deck while maintaining a 16 m² sundeck divided into functional zones.Absolute Navetta 5315.98mAbsolute This Navetta series update incorporates plunging gunwales, aft cutaways, and extensive hull glazing while maintaining traditional interior organization. The layout includes lower deck VIP cabin with diagonal berth configuration, starboard twin cabin, and main deck saloon with floor-to-ceiling windows. Compact yet full of character, it was the first Navetta under 70 feet to introduce the terrace cockpit, now a distinctive hallmark of the Absolute brand. Credits: Absolute; Ferretti Group; Guillaume Plisson for Sanlorenzo; Tankoa Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
September 9, 2025
Italian marine manufacturer MED Group will debut its TYKUN X chase boat at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 24-27, 2025. The 10.5-meter aluminum vessel, designed by Tommaso Spadolini, will showcase at stand QA34.The chase boat utilizes twin 400 HP Mercury Verado V10 engines to achieve speeds exceeding 50 knots. Its aluminum hull construction derives from MED Group's defense sector experience through its MED DEFENSE division, which supplies NATO-qualified vessels to security agencies.Design features include a carbon fiber hardtop and lateral terrace configuration intended to enhance passenger access to marine environments. The layout allows customization of materials, color schemes, and electronic systems according to client specifications. Storage capacity accommodates water toys including Seabobs and paddleboards.MED Group CEO Marco Galimberti stated the model represents years of development combining military-grade engineering with superyacht requirements. Designer Tommaso Spadolini emphasized the vessel's focus on both performance characteristics and practical functionality.The TYKUN X targets superyacht owners and operators seeking high-performance support vessels with proven seaworthiness characteristics. MED Group will demonstrate docking capabilities and maneuverability features during the exhibition.The chase boat segment shows growing demand for specialized tenders combining functional requirements with recreational amenities. MED Group's entry leverages existing naval architecture experience while incorporating design elements tailored to luxury yacht operations.Production will occur at MED Group's Italian facilities, with delivery timelines to be confirmed following the Monaco presentation. The company anticipates interest from both private owners and commercial yacht operators requiring robust support vessels capable of high-speed operations.Credits: MED Group
September 8, 2025
Azimut has launched the Magellano 27M, a 27-meter yacht representing the third generation of its Voyager series. The design features exterior work by Jarkko Jämsén and interior spaces by AMDL CIRCLE & Michele De Lucchi, marking the architecture firm's first marine project.The yacht incorporates a loggia-style main deck with full-height glazing designed to create visual connection with marine environments. The exterior design emphasizes clean lines and curved surfaces intended to reflect light and water movements. Jämsén's approach focused on reducing visual elements to create what the designer terms a "bare shape" that integrates with natural surroundings.Interior spaces utilize light wood finishes and architectural elements inspired by Mediterranean patio designs. The layout prioritizes natural illumination through extensive glazing, with wooden structural components serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. The design team treated natural light as a structural material throughout the living spaces.Technical specifications include long-range cruising capabilities consistent with the Magellano series' explorer yacht positioning. The vessel maintains Azimut's dual-mode hull design, offering stability in various sea conditions while maintaining fuel efficiency during extended voyages.The Magellano 27M accommodates owners focused on extended cruising rather than seasonal Mediterranean use. Interior configurations emphasize connection with external environments while maintaining privacy requirements during long-term onboard living.The yacht represents Azimut's continued development of its Voyager series, which targets owners seeking transoceanic capabilities combined with contemporary design aesthetics. The collaboration with architectural firm AMDL CIRCLE introduces new design approaches to marine interiors, particularly in the treatment of natural light and spatial organization.Production will utilize Azimut's existing manufacturing facilities, with the Magellano 27M positioned as the new flagship of the Voyager line. The yacht is scheduled for public presentation during the 2025-2026 boat show season following initial client deliveries.The Magellano series now spans multiple size categories, with the 27M model representing the largest current offering in Azimut's explorer yacht range. The company continues to develop both motor yacht and explorer segments simultaneously across its product portfolio.Credits: Azimut
September 8, 2025