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.
Maserati electrified the automotive world with the highly anticipated Folgore Day, held in Rimini, the heart of the Motor Valley. Marking the brand's 110th anniversary, this event signifies a monumental shift towards the future as Maserati embraces electric mobility with its new Folgore range.At the core of this transformation are Maserati's groundbreaking electric models: GranTurismo Folgore, the Trident’s first all-electric car; Grecale Folgore, the first SUV powered by a full-electric powertrain; and now, GranCabrio Folgore, the elegant and refined open-top version of its award-winning grand tourer sister, to be launched at the event. On top of these, the MC20 Folgore super sports car, set to debut in 2025.The partnership between Maserati and Vita Power has given rise to Tridente an exquisite all-electric luxury motorboat, marking Maserati's foray into electrifying the waters as well as the roads. Vita Power shares Maserati's vision for the future of mobility and the commitment to crafting luxurious creations that excel in performance and elegance.Vita Power, a pioneer in marine technology, is dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of marine travel by developing high-performance electric powertrains and full-electric yachts. Their integrated ecosystem is complemented by a marine fast charging infrastructure, ensuring seamless and sustainable navigation.Tridente, measuring 10.5 meters, is designed for leisurely cruises on lakes and coasts, offering accommodation for up to eight passengers. With a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 40 knots, Tridente combines performance with eco-friendliness. Crafted from carbon fiber to exacting standards, Tridente epitomizes luxury and sophistication. Maserati entrusted the finishing touches to Hodgdon Yachts, a renowned boatbuilder from Maine with a legacy spanning over 200 years. Credits: Maserati
April 16, 2024
Under new ownership, Silent-Yachts has emerged from financial challenges with renewed vigor and determination. Led by new majority owner Michael Said, the company has embarked on a path of growth and innovation, buoyed by fresh funding and a solid management team.SY60 (credits: Alberto Cocchi)Michael Said, an American-German investor and a Silent-Yachts client himself, has acquired the assets of Silent-Yachts, including the intellectual property and the shipyard Silent Italia in Fano, through his acquisition vehicle Helios Yacht Investments GmbH. His timely intervention ensured that funding remained available, preserving 140 jobs and allowing progress on existing orders for the Silent 62.Michael SaidThe first of these newly launched Silent 62 3-Deck yachts marks a milestone in the company's journey under new ownership. With seven more scheduled for completion this year and plans for an 80-footer in 2025, Silent-Yachts is poised for significant expansion and development.Fabrizio IarreraLeading the charge is new CEO Fabrizio Iarrera, a seasoned figure in the Italian yachting sector. Under his leadership, the company has undergone restructuring and is now positioned for a bright future. "Silent-Yachts is known for its innovative technology in electric catamarans," says Iarrera, emphasizing the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries in the industry.Supported by a board of shareholders and vice chairman Steve Bell, Silent-Yachts aims to fulfill its current orders while also planning for future production slots. The focus remains on delivering exceptional yachts and providing top-notch service and support to clients worldwide.Steve BellLooking ahead, Iarrera expresses confidence in the team's ability to excel in the market and maintain Silent-Yachts' reputation as a pioneer in electric catamarans. With a streamlined operation and a dedicated workforce, the company is poised to navigate towards a bright and prosperous future.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
April 16, 2024
Vripack unveils Project Supernova, an exciting new 60m explorer yacht built upon a proven platform with a 6m extension on the original 54m hull. Boasting refined exterior styling and a reimagined interior, this project combines reliability with bespoke design.The genesis of Project Supernova stemmed from the collaboration between Vripack and the owner of the second I Nova hull. Seeking to transform the yacht into a versatile vessel for explorative adventures, the owner's vision centered on flexibility and functionality. Key features include an expansive beach club on the lower deck with fold-down platforms, a well-equipped dive center, and a large helipad on the bridge deck with an integrated crane. The yacht also offers ample storage for expedition gear and two 12m containers for additional equipment.Internally, the owner's design brief called for a contemporary interpretation of classic American style, resulting in dark wood paneling, a sophisticated color palette, and luxurious textures throughout. Innovative design elements include a forward cigar lounge, a transparent crew passage created by double glass walkways, and an open-plan layout reminiscent of a loft-style apartment.Accommodations include a full-beam VIP suite on the main deck, four guest cabins on the lower deck, and a dedicated owner's deck with an oval-shaped master suite and private access to forward and aft decks. The sundeck offers panoramic views, a jacuzzi, and ample lounging space.While the existing 54m hull is now available for sale through IYC, Project Supernova presents an enticing opportunity for owners seeking a turnkey solution with engineering and a completed design ready for implementation. With its proven platform and innovative design, Project Supernova promises to elevate the experience of explorative yachting to new heights.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack
April 16, 2024
Benetti has announced the launch of the Cosmico, as part of its esteemed Oasis 40M series. This stunning 40.8-meter superyacht emerged from the shipyard's facilities in Livorno, Italy, marking another milestone in Benetti's illustrious history. Scheduled for delivery in May 2024, Cosmico is the sixteenth vessel in the esteemed Oasis 40M lineup.Crafted in collaboration with British design studio RWD, Cosmico embodies the epitome of luxury and innovation. At the heart of its design lies the revolutionary Oasis Deck, a signature feature of Benetti yachts. This deck boasts a spacious flat platform complemented by two unfolding gunwales, creating captivating overwater balconies.Cosmico offers sumptuous accommodation across five lavish cabins, with interiors meticulously curated by Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture. The interior layout has been thoughtfully customized to enhance comfort and elegance, including unique touches like relocating the master berth to the cabin's center and positioning the outdoor dining area on the upper deck aft, complete with a luxurious quartzite-topped table.While interior visuals remain undisclosed, expect a harmonious blend of opulent walnut wood and leather-clad paneling, replacing the traditional lacquering found in previous designs. Oak boards adorn the interior flooring, adding a touch of sophistication to the yacht's ambiance.With an impressive 38 yachts currently in production or awaiting delivery, Benetti continues to set the standard for yacht craftsmanship. Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. They design, build and sell composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. Their fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom, to meet all the needs of the market, and they belong to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
April 15, 2024
Ancasta is set to make waves this spring with its diverse fleet showcased at key boat shows across the UK and Europe. With an array of vessels ranging from Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) to high-performance cruisers, both motor and sail, as well as fully customized luxury boats, Ancasta promises an exciting lineup for boating enthusiasts.Prestige F4"Stepping aboard and exploring a boat firsthand is the best way to truly experience it," remarks Will Blair, Ancasta’s Group Marketing Director, highlighting the importance of providing a wide selection of vessels for prospective buyers to discover their perfect match. Scorpion StingThe spring show season commences with the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show in Southampton from April 19-21. Ancasta will present a variety of global brands, including Beneteau sail and power, Lagoon catamarans, Protector, and Scorpion RIBs, offering attendees a firsthand look at their impressive offerings.Among the showcased models is the Gran Turismo 45 from Beneteau, a sleek and sporty express cruiser boasting functionality, performance, and comfort. With its Air Step hull design and retractable hardtop, the Gran Turismo 45 promises an exhilarating cruising experience.Beneteau First 44Replacing the outgoing 47 model, the Swift Trawler 48 is another highlight. This mid-range semi-displacement flybridge cruiser features stylish profiles and contemporary interiors, offering panoramic views and ample space for leisure and entertainment.The Oceanis 37.1 and the First 44 from Beneteau, along with the Lagoon 42, Protector 310 Targa, and Protector 310 Chase, are among the other noteworthy models on display, showcasing innovation and versatility.Gran Turismo 45Following the Southampton show, Ancasta will host the Beneteau Customer Sea Trials in Port Ginesta, near Barcelona, from April 17-21. This five-day event allows prospective buyers to test a wide range of Beneteau models in actual navigable conditions before making a purchase decision.Next on the agenda is the Palma International Boat Show in Mallorca from April 25-28, where Ancasta will exhibit a premier selection of luxury power brand models, including the Prestige M48, Prestige F4, Prestige X60, and the magnificent Prestige M8.Prestige X60Finally, the British Motor Yacht Show in Swanwick, Southampton, from May 16-19, will see Ancasta showcasing top models from Bluegame, Prestige, Beneteau motor yachts, Protector, and Scorpion RIBs, offering attendees a glimpse into the latest innovations and designs in the boating world.Credits: Ancasta International Boat Sales
April 15, 2024