To help keep your finger on the pulse, I’ve worked with IYC’s leading sales consultants to predict this year’s top five features for superyachts. From eco-conscious features to cutting-edge technology, these features not only attract discerning buyers but are also creating new perspectives for charterers.
Whether this is the year you decide to purchase your first yacht or you’re already an experienced owner, we hope these insights will help you understand the state of the market and make more informed decisions.
Volume and Space
While one would expect to see an increased emphasis on sleek, modern lines, high-performance and agility, volume and space are becoming more important. The appeal of spacious interiors and high ceilings combined with family-friendly layouts has redefined the essence of luxury at Sea.
This is not just a change in aesthetics. It may also reflect a wider cultural shift. Yachting is becoming synonymous with multi-generational holidays and family getaways. The demand for spacious interiors and plenty of headroom has increased.
The most discerning buyers look for vessels that offer not only the thrill of sailing the open ocean, but also a comfortable platform to bond with family members. The true definition of luxury for many buyers is the freedom to explore the open sea, unwind, and create precious moments in an expansive and inviting space.
This growing trend is being met with advancements in yacht technology. The efficient and smart use of space allows larger living spaces without compromising performance. The innovative design of the hull and propulsion system ensures that a spacious interior does not compromise navigation.
If you are interested in offering your yacht for charter, this trend is also worth considering. Charterers are looking for vessels that offer a home-like atmosphere, which makes long voyages more comfortable.
Long-Range and Low Consumption
The tides are turning in favor of a new age of exploration and efficiency. In recent years, many yacht buyers have been focusing on two main attributes: fuel efficiency and long range.
Once considered niche, the explorer yacht is now a leading yachting trend. The desire to be in congested ports is becoming less appealing, with an increased appetite for remote destinations, seaworthiness and autonomy, impacting the client’s needs and expectations of the yacht’s capabilities. The number of explorers on order and in construction has reached an all-time-high.
As environmental awareness is at the forefront in global discussions, yacht owners look to extend their voyages with a minimum ecological impact.
Rising fuel costs and recent high-profile “eco incidents” reported in the media have heightened awareness about the environmental footprint of luxury travel. With their energy-efficient propulsion systems, expedition yachts are a great way to satisfy your wanderlust and reduce your carbon footprint.
It is important to consider that the ability to travel farther on a single tank of fuel enhances not only the yachting experience, but also the economic value for each journey. This is a major consideration for anyone looking to maximize the use of their yachting investments.
Wellness & Fitness Facilities
Superyachts are increasingly viewed as lifestyle choices by clients, and the addition of fitness and wellness facilities is a necessary and compelling feature.
Fitness centres featuring the latest equipment will cater to guests that are keen on maintaining their fitness routines and health while at sea. Wellness areas such as meditation rooms, yoga decks and spa facilities promote a holistic view of well-being.
Some other features that contribute to your health and wellbeing include saunas, cold plunges, juice bars and contra-flow pools. These considerations are in line with the modern understanding that luxury is about investing in your health. Wellness facilities on superyachts can be a key component to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
These wellness designs are an evolution of the deck designs that have been used in the past. They transform the yachts into a place that promotes relaxation, balance and health.
Connectivity & Entertainment
Staying connected has become a necessity, not a luxury. With the rise of new satellite internet providers, it’s becoming more important for owners to be as well connected as possible for both work and leisure. As a result, the importance of TV, HiFi and Wi Fi in all areas, including external zones, is becoming just as important as technological design features.
Starlink is an essential luxury for any aircraft, thanks to its constellation of satellites in low earth orbit. The global coverage of Starlink and its cutting-edge technology allows for seamless communication, entertainment, and work.
Starlink offers high-speed and low-latency Internet access in remote areas of the ocean.
Reputation of the Manufacturer
The number of shipyards building new yachts increases every year. This means that clients want to see their yachts have a certain level of distinction and respect in the industry.
Clients who are discerning continue to choose vessels from major Northern European shipyards. They also give a nod of approval to renowned Italian builders, especially when budget concerns come into play. This strategic inclination isn’t merely a matter of prestige; it’s a calculated move driven by the desire to safeguard and potentially enhance the retained value of these vessels.
Dutch and German-made yachts are renowned for their quality. This is due to the commitment these yards make to precision, innovation, and craftsmanship.
As yachts age gracefully, the continued respect for the meticulous build quality synonymous with Northern European shipyards serves as a hallmark, maintaining and occasionally even appreciating the vessel’s intrinsic value over time.
Some clients turn their attention to major Italian builders who offer an appeal for budgets that don’t stretch as far, without compromising on elegance and functionality. Italian-built boats may be more affordable, but they still offer a legacy of quality and fine craftsmanship that appeals to those who are looking for a balance between price and prestige.
Amid these established maritime giants, a rising star has emerged – Turkey. Turkish shipyards are gaining in prominence as a result of their deliberate pursuit of excellence, both in terms of design and engineering. As the country’s builders continue to invest in state-of-the-art facilities and attract top-tier talent, their yachts gain recognition for their quality, innovation, and competitive pricing.
Michel Chryssicopoulos
Chryssicopoulos began his career as an investment banking specialist at Merrill Lynch, New York after graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in International Business and Finance. In 2003, he returned to Athens to join his father’s flourishing yacht brokerage. He is fluent in four different languages and has been leading the yacht sales division for more than 15 years. Today, he is a Global Management Partner. Chryssicopoulos has a specific interest in new builds between 35-80m and years of experience working closely with some of the world’s top shipyards, industry stakeholders, and yacht owners across the globe.
www.iyc.com
This article was first published on yachtstyle.co.
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