IYC Insights: Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Charter
After an impressive peak of yacht sales in 2021, levels stabilizing, and the industry reaching its plateau in 2024, the superyacht sales market is slowly transitioning into a buyer’s market. According to the SuperyachtTimes IQ State of Yachting 2025 report, 2024 saw a total of €813 million in price reductions. This 18% drop points to various reasons, including the ongoing economic and political uncertainty, particularly in the US. As yacht prices adjust and ownership hesitations continue, this shift presents an ideal opportunity for the yacht charter market - whereby chartering is now a smart alternative to immediate yacht ownership.
With these sales market dynamics continuing to develop for prospective buyers, now is a perfect time to enter the yacht charter scene, taking advantage of such conditions. Our expert consultants consistently monitor trends and developments in the yachting markets to help our clients find the best deals and opportunities. Here, IYC shares insights into why now is the perfect time to charter.
Try Before You Buy
Investing in a superyacht is a decision not to be taken lightly; it is a huge commitment. This is where the charter market comes into its own; it is the perfect stepping stone into ownership. Chartering a luxury yacht means you can take time to explore and experience a range of yachts before going ahead with a purchase. Not only can you charter different yacht types, such as motor, explorer, sailing, and catamaran, but you can also gauge whether you are looking for a pedigree, classic, or modern build. Aside from design and build type, it also depends on the experience you want to achieve while onboard a superyacht. Chartering superyachts with different amenities and features, such as a Jacuzzi, beach clubs, wellness, and fitness facilities, or a large toy inventory, can help you see which best suits your preferences and how you will use a yacht. Perhaps you are looking for something focusing on the outdoor spaces for alfresco living, or you’d prefer bigger cabins or additional space for workouts - analyzing and trying out different layouts can help you see which would work best. Taking a yacht charter vacation will also introduce you to the crew dynamics onboard, helping you to understand the type of service and crewing capabilities you are looking for.
More Yachts, More Flexibility
These changing market conditions - slowly becoming dominated by buyers - are creating more opportunities for charter clients. With more yachts available for charter, particularly those more high-end yachts that require a more significant purchase investment, there is more choice. The yachts that may have sold in different market conditions remain in the charter fleet for longer, providing even more options. As well as more to choose from, the slower sales market has also led to increased flexibility in charter schedules. These sellers are beginning to open up their calendars more, meaning clients can secure preferred dates and explore options beyond traditional week-long trips, giving more accessibility for long weekends and shorter breaks. If the restrictive week-long option has previously deterred you, or you want to experience the yacht for longer, these market opportunities now allow charterers to benefit from such increased flexibility.
The Power Of Negotiation
This flexibility in charter schedules has, in turn, opened up negotiation possibilities, including more last-minute deals for these charter yachts still on the market. The pricing structure in this buyer-friendly market has additionally become more competitive, meaning there are more opportunities and wriggle room for negotiations to occur. Our expert consultants can help you negotiate a fair price and inform you of any favorable charter packages or deals around for the type of yachts you are looking for.
Yachts To Get You Started
Within our fleet, we have many yachts for charter that are ideally suited to those trying out chartering for the first time, with availability still open for this summer. New to our fleet is the 85’4” (26m) MYTHOS G, with an experienced and friendly charter crew to welcome you into the world of yachting; this motor yacht boasts child-friendly layouts and is perfect for a family looking to cruise Greece. As our most popular yacht charter destination, we have a vast range of charter yachts based in Greece. This season, the 109’9” (33.45m) ISLANDER II and the 88’7 (27m) THIS IS MINE - two perfect starter yachts - are offering special offers to clients wanting a Greek summer adventure. Both yachts have expert Greek chefs onboard serving delicious meals from local island produce, which will undoubtedly get you returning for more next season. THIS IS MINE is fresh from a refit and has a vast toy inventory, similar to ISLANDER II, which also has a unique flybridge space perfect for alfresco entertaining. For a family or group of friends looking to charter a sailing yacht, the 111’7” (34m) WHITE PEARL is an excellent option for new-time charterers, with modernized areas thanks to a recent refit. If you are looking for a starter yacht across the pond, the 97’ (29.57m) NEXT CHAPTER is for you. The yacht carries endless toys for guests to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas, and an experienced charter captain is at the helm enabling you to experience the best of a charter. For many more suitable starter yachts for charter, explore our most recent listings.
Whether you want to benefit from a special deal, test out the fleet for future ownership, or simply enjoy the endless advantages of a yachting vacation, now is the ideal time to charter a luxury yacht. Contact our expert consultants to learn more about the best starter yachts available to charter this year.