Yachts are hardly a mass market product and yet the superyacht market has carved out a niche in being even more exclusive, but how much does a yacht cost to build, buy or rent? Let's take a look at the current state of the market.
Since the 1980s the amount of superyachts, ie yachts over 24 meters, has grown 600% with the worldwide fleet now counting over 10,000 vessels compared to around 1,500 in 1979. Deliveries of large sailing yachts have however remained constant throughout the decades with around 45 S/Y built per year since the 70s.
This exponential growth was brought mainly by the construction of motor yachts. Indeed, the ratio of M/Y to S/Y built has exploded from 2 in the 1980s to a whooping 7 motor yachts delivered for each sailing yacht under construction today. As a result sailing yachts have often retained value better than their counterparts.
The expansion of the worldwide fleet of superyachts has also had another significant effect, the accelerated depreciation of yachts on the brokerage market. A 43-meter Benetti Vision 145 could for example be built at a cost of €21,9 million in 2014 whereas a 10-year old model in mint condition such as M/Y Dia's could be bought for just €8 million on the brokerage market.
This large difference in price is however not unique to this case and can be found across almost all yacht manufacturers. Heesen, a well-known Dutch shipyard, is currently selling its 47-meter Project Ruya for €29,9 million. Its 2012 sistership, Lady Petra is however up for sale at the same time asking €22,500,000, down from her initial asking price of €31 million when it was first listed for sale in 2014.
On top of the initial purchase price must however also be added the yearly maintenance fees amounting to roughly 10% of the initial price of a new build. For a 55-meter yacht for example, this would represent close to $3 million per year.
Crew salaries today represent the largest of those expenses with the starting salary of a deckhand onboard a 50-meter yacht orbiting around $40,000 per year and going over $200,000/year for captains on larger yachts. The balance sheet is further burdened with fuel costs, repairs and operating costs such as uniforms and food for the crew.
To offset the operating costs, some owners turn to renting out their yachts to guests, which has created a market with near 1,400 yachts for charter throughout the world. Before the subprime crisis, these could represent a genuine business opportunity with some UHNWIs even building superyachts with solely charter in mind.
Few yachts are however able to fully recoup their maintenance costs in today's market. The 72-meter Axioma for example, one of the most popular charter yachts on the market, generated over €7 million in revenue from charters in its first year alone. Yet, its current asking price of €68 million suggest these have barely outperformed operational costs.
Many have therefore claimed that chartering a yacht has become the only financially justifiable option. It can indeed be argued that a like-new, 50-meter yacht could be chartered for near €250,000 per week during the summer season. To those would be added around 25% in fees of advanced provisioning, which would cover food, fuel, berthing fees and other expenses whilst charter guests are on board.
Annual operating costs of such a yacht would be near €2 million per year, which equates to nearly 6 and a half weeks of charter. It would therefore seem one would need to spend at least two months onboard to justify the operating costs, let alone the full purchase price. Yet, every year, dozens of new build projects are started despite this financial reasoning.
Prior to the 2008 crisis, an industry of yacht flippers had emerged with clients buying a slot for a superyacht at a prestigious shipyard and then reselling the yacht slightly before its launch. US businessman, Warren E. Halle had ordered 3 yachts from Lurssen in 2003, which he paid for €48 million a piece plus the cost of interior finishing. As following legal proceedings revealed, he later sold the first yacht (Project Marlin) for €65 million in 2006, the second one for €71,5 million in 2008 and kept the third one (Martha Ann) for himself, which is now on the market asking $79 million.
This market has since evaporated with many shipyards that had committed to build on speculation, in order to retain ownership of their slots throughout the construction, facing difficult financial times. Italian shipyard Baglietto posted losses of €105 million in 2009 and was ultimately only saved by the Gavio Group, which brought it back to financial stability. Yet, despite this turmoil, at least 700 superyachts are currently under construction.
Photo via Dutch Yachting
The megayacht market is at the moment particularly strong with at least 6 projects over 100 meters currently in build at Lurssen alone and several other shipyards working on their largest yachts to date such as Benetti and Feadship. Historically this high demand for megayachts in the past decade has allowed their sales prices to remain higher than construction prices due to the gains in time a brokerage purchase offered.
In 2011 for example, the late Russian oligarch, Boris Berezovsky managed to sell his Project Darius, under construction at Lurssen at the time, for €240 million to the Al Futtaim. He had however paid just €148,5 million, plus interior finishing costs, for the project as became known in a legal process that followed.
A growing concern for superyacht builders has however become the increasing gap between the increasing number of individuals with a net worth of over €250 million and the stagnant number of new build projects. Some have speculated that a possible explanation for this shift is a disinterest with the new generation of younger UHNWIs to own yachts and an increasing preference to charter by picking from an ever-growing fleet.
Dutch shipyard, Feadship has however delivered the 70-meter Joy, first yacht to boast an exterior design by Bannenberg & Rowell in modern history, to their youngest client yet. As a testament to her owner's young age, the superyacht features a basketball court on the bow and a gym surrounded by glass walls on the bridge deck.
Despite all the financial reasoning that might nudge UHNWIs to charter rather than own, over 350 superyachts were sold in 2016 showing that the reasons behind owning a yacht might actually be dominated by the pleasure and freedom that owners get from their own superyacht.
Heesen Yachts announced its full acquisition by Dutch entrepreneur and investor Laurens Last.Laurens Last is a seasoned entrepreneur and passionate yachtsman, brings extensive business experience and a deep personal connection to the yachting lifestyle and community."This acquisition is more than an investment—it’s a dream," said Last. "Heesen represents the pinnacle of Dutch engineering and maritime craftsmanship. I am honored to take ownership and ensure the brand continues to flourish for generations to come."Heesen reported record-breaking financial performance in 2024, with revenue reaching EUR 209 million and EBITDA of EUR 17 million, underscoring its solid foundation and readiness for future growth. Under Mr. Last’s leadership, the company will continue to focus on global sales expansion, technological innovation, and excellence in yacht design and construction.Niels Vaessen, CEO of Heesen Yachts, commented: "We are thrilled to welcome Laurens Last to the Heesen family. His profile is a perfect fit: a successful Dutch entrepreneur with a genuine passion for yachting. His vision and commitment will enable us to preserve the legacy our clients value while propelling Heesen into an exciting future."Heesen remains the only fully integrated yacht builder in the Netherlands, controlling every phase of the yacht-building process—from concept and engineering to final outfitting. This approach ensures unrivaled quality, efficiency, and a seamless client experience. The acquisition strengthens Heesen’s mission to push the boundaries of yacht design, embrace advanced technologies, and deliver bespoke yachts that set new standards in the industry.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
April 7, 2025
Benetti announces the delivery of M/Y Iryna, marking the debut of the B.Now 67M yacht line with the innovative Oasis Deck®. Transformed from a platform-based model into a bespoke superyacht, Iryna reflects Benetti’s ability to merge cutting-edge design with personalized touches. Working closely with the owner’s representative, Arcon Yachts, the project was realized in just under three years at the Livorno shipyard.This superyacht represents a significant milestone, being the first in the B.Now 67M series to feature the Oasis Deck®. Certified by Lloyd’s Register as a benchmark in excellence, Iryna sets the tone for future units in the line. By starting with a flexible platform, Benetti and Arcon Yachts tailored the vessel to meet the owner’s exacting standards, resulting in a highly customized yacht.Iryna showcases numerous bespoke elements, notably the color scheme of the hull and superstructure, which uses three distinct shades of grey specially formulated for this unit. Extensive curved glass panels cover up to 70% of the vertical surfaces, allowing abundant natural light to fill the interior spaces. The interiors, crafted by Benetti’s in-house team under the direction of Style Manager Mariorosa Remedi, highlight the owner’s individuality. The four guest cabins on the lower deck exemplify this, incorporating custom pleated leather and season-inspired fabric choices.Environmentally-conscious material selections are evident throughout the yacht, from the use of sustainably sourced woods certified by organizations like FSC and PEFC to ceiling finishes in eco-friendly leathers and marble-effect ceramic tiles. Additionally, the layout diverges from the original blueprint, integrating wellness-focused amenities such as a sauna in the beach club and a gym on the main deck, reflecting the owner’s priorities.Designed by RWD, Iryna embraces the Oasis Deck® concept, fostering a lifestyle centered around social interaction and connection with nature. Sprawling across six decks, the yacht provides approximately 500 square meters of outdoor space and lavish indoor living areas, including a 65-square-meter main saloon and a full-beam owner’s suite on the upper deck. Accommodating up to 15 guests, Iryna features two VIP suites on the main deck and four additional cabins below.Collaborating with Visionnaire, Iryna integrates design accents that align with the owner’s appreciation for fine craftsmanship. This partnership underscores Benetti’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled aesthetic and sensory experience.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
April 7, 2025
Mylius Yachts and Carkeek Design have begun constructing the M72, a high-performance cruiser. Intended for discerning owners who relish racing yet desire a relaxed cruising experience, the M72 offers extensive customization options. Unmatched in the 70-foot range, this vessel combines aesthetic appeal with genuine racing prowess, boasting exquisite interiors and top-tier craftsmanship aligned with the Mylius philosophy.Designed by renowned naval architect Shaun Carkeek, known for his competitive sailing hulls, the M72 embodies the shipyard’s vision of a fast, elegant, and functional yacht. Featuring sleek lines, an inverted bow, and a minimalistic deckhouse, every component – from the retractable anchor to the propeller’s retractable shaft – minimizes drag while enhancing design and functionality.Constructed entirely from prepreg carbon fiber at the Piacenza shipyard in Italy, the M72 boasts powerful waterlines indicative of its racing heritage. With two rudders, a lifting keel, and water ballast, the yacht ensures remarkable speed and stability. Its wide stern and flared bow provide enhanced performance, while the high righting moment ensures stability under heel. The 1,000-liter water ballasts allow efficient racing with a small crew, and the optional 3.9-meter draft facilitates entry into shallow waters.The sail plan, developed in harmony with the hull, features a 29.9-meter high-modulus carbon mast from Hall Spars, alongside a carbon boom and bowsprit. Running backstays, dual backstays, and a top square mainsail, J2 jib, Code 0, and A3 sails round off the racing configuration, though smaller sails are available for leisurely cruises.The carbon-laminated flush deck, finished in either teak or skydry, is designed for optimal crew efficiency. Large, unobstructed areas ensure ease of maneuverability, while two forward-positioned helm wheels create space for a generous sunbathing area. Protected by a retractable bimini and optional awning, the cockpit features ergonomic seating and a removable table. The transom doubles as a swimming platform and accommodates a tender.Catering to Mylius Yachts' commitment to refined interiors, Studio Parisotto+Formenton Architetti designed luxurious living quarters. The standard layout includes three cabins with ensuite bathrooms, a fully-equipped galley, and a spacious dining area. Central to the yacht lies the keel box, flanked by a pullman berth and study. Owners can tailor the layout, colors, materials, and fabrics according to their preferences.Integrated via 3D software, the M72 incorporates state-of-the-art systems, including finite element analysis for structural optimization and advanced electronics controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC). Telemetry and automated water ballast management further enhance its technological edge.Francesco Bianchi from Mylius Yachts highlights the uniqueness of the M72, noting its combination of high performance, comfort, and versatile design.The Mylius Yachts shipyard, headquartered in Podenzano, has been dedicated to the construction of fast sailing vessels and performance cruisers with a recognizable and winning style since its foundation. Mylius is among the leaders in the production of yachts ranging from 55 to 80 feet. Mylius has added the production of motorboats, including fast motorboats and habitable motor yachts.Credits: Mylius Yachts
April 7, 2025
Following its successful American debut, the Seadeck 7 has arrived in APAC for its regional première at the upcoming Singapore Yachting Festival, running from April 10th to 13th, 2025. Joining the Seadeck 7 on display will be the Magellano 60 and the Grande Trideck.Seadeck 7This year marks a pivotal moment for Azimut in Asia, a region teeming with growth opportunities for the yachting industry. The Shipyard is intensifying its presence locally with a strategic development plan focused on enhancing its distribution network and owner-centric services. Celebrating this expansion, Azimut will host its inaugural Azimut Asian Rendez-Vous in Tokyo during the spring season.Azimut’s dominance in the region is evident in its sales of yachts measuring up to 40 meters, reinforced recently by accolades at the 2025 Best of the Best Awards by the Hurun Research Institute. Recognized as the brand with the strongest appeal among Chinese HNWIs, Azimut also saw the Seadeck 7 honored as the Luxury Hybrid Yacht Best New Arrival.Grande TrideckThis winning streak culminates in Azimut’s participation at the Singapore Yachting Festival, where visitors at ONE°15 Marina, Sentosa Cove, will have the chance to explore the Seadeck 7. Designed to offer a gentler and more sustainable way of enjoying the ocean, the Seadeck 7 integrates cutting-edge technology, design innovation, and a deep commitment to human and environmental well-being. Alongside the Seadeck 7, the Magellano 60, introduced last year, and the Grande Trideck, with two deliveries in the region and a third imminent, continue to resonate strongly with the growing superyacht market.Enrico Chiaussa, Azimut’s Chief Commercial Officer for EMEA-APAC, emphasized, “The Singapore Yachting Festival is the perfect platform to showcase the Seadeck 7, embodying Azimut’s vision of reinventing life onboard through groundbreaking layouts and partnerships with globally acclaimed designers. Asia, with its dynamic energy and burgeoning interest in sustainable solutions, aligns perfectly with our philosophy, making it a vital market for our continued growth.”The Seadeck 7 stands out as the world’s first yacht to merge hybrid propulsion with the Volvo Penta IPS system, leveraging Volvo Penta’s pioneering hybrid-electric technology. Coupled with extensive carbon fiber usage and an efficient hull co-developed by NAMES and the Azimut|Benetti Group R&D Department, this innovation reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 40%, reflecting Azimut’s ongoing pursuit of sustainability.Magellano 60At the heart of the Seadeck Series’ design is the innovative Fun Island – a reinterpretation of the aft cockpit conceptualized by Alberto Mancini. Transforming this space into a sea-embracing terrace, the Fun Island eliminates barriers between occupants and the surrounding marine environment, fostering a profound connection with nature. This ethos carries over into the interior, where Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez employed natural, recycled, and recyclable materials to create a distinctive aesthetic.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
April 4, 2025
The Italian Sea Group has announced that the outfitting of the much-anticipated Admiral 73m megayacht is in full swing at their headquarters in Marina di Carrara. As part of the esteemed ADM Fleet, which comprises vessels ranging from 66 to 73 meters, the Admiral 73 represents the epitome of luxury and performance. To date, seven units of the fleet have already been sold.The Admiral 73 exterior, masterfully crafted by The Italian Sea Group Centro Stile, combines elegance with modern aesthetics, while the interior, meticulously curated by FM Architettura, exudes sophistication and refinement. During the current outfitting phase, the focus lies on integrating state-of-the-art technological systems and navigation equipment, ensuring that the megayacht remains at the forefront of innovation.Spanning three lavish decks, the Admiral 73 is an oasis of comfort and opulence, tailored to provide an unrivaled entertainment experience for the owner, their family, and guests alike. From its striking design elements to its carefully selected amenities, every inch of the megayacht radiates exclusivity.Large windows on the main and upper decks flood the interior with natural light, framing breathtaking panoramas. The main deck features a wide salon and dining area, blending effortlessly with the outdoor lounge through large sliding glass panels. Foldable balconies and a full-beam indoor-outdoor space further enhance the alfresco lifestyle. An intimate relaxation area at the upper deck completed with a cocktail bar and floor-to-ceiling windows, invites guests to unwind in style.Spacious owner’s suite occupying over 90 square meters on the main deck, the owner’s suite offers unparalleled privacy. Twelve guest cabins and twenty crew quarters, including the captain’s cabin, ensure utmost comfort for everyone aboard.The beach club on the lower deck boasts foldable balconies, complemented by a gym, sauna, and massage room, providing the ultimate retreat for health and wellness enthusiasts. The sun deck is a haven for relaxation, featuring a sun bar, pool, and ample lounging areas for socializing under the open sky.Powered by two CAT 3512C engines, each generating 1500 kW at 1600 RPM, the Admiral 73 delivers a maximum speed of 15 knots and a range of 6000 nautical miles at 10 knots.The Admiral 73 megayacht is scheduled to delivery in late 2026.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
April 4, 2025