IYC Insights: A Review Of 2025 Yacht Sales, Charter Dynamics And IYC Performance
After the last few years, which were predominantly defined by ongoing momentum, 2025 signified a return to balance and normalization for the global superyacht market. Following the post-pandemic highs that reshaped buying behavior and increased demand, last year saw the market settle into a more sustainable rhythm.
Using data from IYC's 2025 Market Reports and expert insights from IYC’s team, this recap of last year delves into trends, challenges, and opportunities, alongside IYC’s standout performance in the yacht buying, selling, and charter segments.
And as the new year begins, a look into what the 2026 landscape is expected to bring for the global superyacht market.
How Did The 2025 Global Yacht Sales Market Perform?
After the post-pandemic period of record-breaking sales, 2025 brought a more measured pace to the global yacht sales market. When it comes to the numbers, total sales were down 8% compared with 2024, largely due to softer new-build activity.
On the brokerage side of things, the industry was resilient with 602 sales completed - a 4% increase year on year. Average yacht lengths and asking prices also remained consistent with the previous year, and total sales value saw a moderate uptick. So, while new build demand slowed, the market for pre-owned yachts remained healthy. Thanks to engaged, well-informed buyers and sellers, transactions throughout 2025 contributed to steady growth.
Why Did 2025 Continue To Favor Buyers?
For those who were looking to purchase a yacht in 2025, conditions were favorable. Supply evidently outpaced demand, with 1,208 yachts entering the market but 887 sales. These conditions gave buyers the upper hand and a clear advantage. Meanwhile, brokerage pricing returned to pre-2023 levels, increasing the market's appeal.
The consistent oversupply meant choice and opportunity, with buyers taking their time, comparing options, and negotiations standing strong. For sellers, that meant accurate pricing, professional presentation, and expert brokerage support were essential for a sale in 2025. As the industry moves into 2026, this remains essential to attract interest.
What Happened To Sales By Size?
When it comes to yacht size, 2025 saw a notable divide between the top-end and mid-size-to-smaller yacht segments. The 164’+ (50m) category showed resilience, growing its share of total transactions to 11% from 9% in 2024. Several high-profile and headline-making deals, including the historically record-breaking sale of a 118-metre Feadship motor yacht, further highlighted the appetite for large, high-quality pedigree yachts.
In contrast, the mid-size and smaller sectors showcased a buyer-friendly environment with high inventory levels and heightened price sensitivity, highlighting strong competition, particularly for older or lower-quality platforms. Again, this resulted in realistic pricing, expert advice, and meticulous presentation being more important than ever before.
How Did Regional Dynamics Impact The 2025 Sales Market?
As buyer demand shifted and the global yacht sales market found a more balanced footing, geography played an important role. Europe continued to lead in transactions, accounting for 54% of global activity, slightly down from 61% in 2024, while the US strengthened its position with 30% of total sales.
This increased interest from American buyers was particularly evident in the latter part of the year, as clients benefited from favorable tax conditions, such as bonus depreciation, and competitive pricing.
How Did The 2025 Charter Market Perform?
When it comes to the charter world, the global market kept its position healthy in 2025, with the total number of charter weeks broadly aligning with 2024 levels. Demand was strong, but the landscape grew increasingly competitive, requiring greater flexibility from owners and operators.
The year started on a high with a buoyant charter market in the early months, before softening slightly in Q2 due to general economic uncertainty. As the core charter season approached, demand picked back up, and the market saw an increase in last-minute bookings and a rise in favorable pricing as it adapted to clients.
The global charter fleet continued its expansion, bringing about more platform choice and, with that, the ever-increasing competition. As a result, the ability for yachts to stand out among the crowd was more vital than ever.
Where Were The 2025 Charter Hotspots?
The Mediterranean remained a favored charter hotspot throughout 2025, with Greece retaining its title as the leading charter destination, accounted for 26% of all bookings. The East Mediterranean was the largest overall region, but the Western Mediterranean also showed renewed momentum with France and Italy both gaining market share comparable with 2024.
Across the pond, the Caribbean outperformed 2024, driven by strong holiday-period demand, and the Bahamas saw a stable performance. Further afield and emerging hotspots showed Southeast Asia to be growing, as interest from adventurous clients looking for alternative cruising grounds increased.
What Do Guests Expect Onboard?
With the fleet growing, it isn’t surprising to also see the guest expectations adapting. Increased competition has made differentiation essential, and experience-led charters are shaping the booking decisions.
In addition to the already expected comfort, luxury, and adventure, guests are now asking for more unique offerings. Yachts of all sizes are responding with a range of amenities that were once considered extras, such as chase boats, a long list of advanced water toys, and other features like outdoor cinemas, state-of-the-art entertainment, and diverse health and wellness offerings.
How Did IYC Perform In 2025?
In a year defined by normalization, IYC again showcased consistent leadership. Completing over $810 million in sales, selling 49 yachts, and reinforcing its position as one of the top three superyacht brokerage firms globally.
For yacht sales, strength in the large yacht and new build sectors - especially through new exclusive yard partnerships like Moonen - highlighted our consultants' ability to navigate even the most competitive corners of the market.
IYC’s charter business also outperformed, and in total, over $218 million in charter fees were booked. The fleet expanded to over 170 yachts, making it the largest charter fleet in the world. Plus, last year saw the exciting arrival of several incredible yachts joining IYC, including the iconic 345' (105m) Oceanco sailing yacht BLACK PEARL.
Driving these charter bookings, IYC’s website and social channels continued to prove their value throughout 2025, with digital engagement translating into real-world demand across yacht sales and charter.
What Lies Ahead For 2026?
For the yachting industry, 2026 promises to be an opportunity-filled year. Confidence among buyers is increasing, and well-priced, high-quality yachts are continuing to sell. For those who are strategically positioned and switched on to market dynamics, success will follow.
The market itself is expected to remain active but normalized, with a better balance between supply and demand and stabilizing inventory levels.
Future-Focused
Throughout last year, the superyacht market demonstrated how resilient and adaptable it is, with lots of opportunities for those who approach it correctly. For IYC, it was a year underpinned by digital innovation, strategic insight, and market expertise, combining to deliver successful results.
As the industry moves into 206 and beyond, IYC is excited to be perfectly positioned to meet ever-changing buyer and charter preferences and to capitalize on the industry's long-term potential, delivering value and experiences to our worldwide clients.
Contact IYC’s expert charter and sales consultants to discuss your next yacht opportunity for 2026 and beyond.