Superyachts Sail Into a New Era: Asia, Aviation and Next-Gen Wealth Redefine the Market
Monaco Yacht Show 2025: The superyacht calendar reaches its peak with the Cannes and Monaco Yacht Shows, where the world’s leading shipyards, brokers, and owners converge.
While 100m+ motoryachts continue to command attention on the quays, sailing yachts are firmly back in the spotlight — led by icons like Swan. The new Swan 128, unveiled from Nautor Swan’s historic Pietarsaari yard in Finland, captures this shift: a blend of heritage and innovation that mirrors the industry’s broader transformation. These shows set the stage for a market increasingly shaped by next-generation wealth, Asia’s emerging influence, and the growing convergence of yachting with private aviation.
The Swan 128 is built by Nautor Swan, the Finnish shipyard that produces the Swan Maxi range. Swan is one of those names, like Sanlorenzo in motoryachts, that carries iconic weight.
Aviation Meets Yachting
Paul Jebely, partner and Vice Chair, International at Sterlington, a New York–based international law firm, though based in Hong Kong, brings heavyweight expertise to the debate. He has served as lead counsel on approximately $23 billion of aircraft transactions, including several “Deal of the Year” awards in commercial aviation. Known globally for his work in private aviation and yachting, he has represented individuals with a combined published net worth in excess of $1 trillion.
Jebely’s view is that “the more interesting story here is the convergence of private aviation and yachting. Walk the Monaco Yacht Show today and you’ll see what I mean. A decade ago, private aviation was barely present. Now? It feels as much an aviation showcase as a yacht one.” That observation is borne out by the presence of Airbus Corporate Helicopters and Leonardo on the quayside, both marketing models adapted for superyacht use. Operators such as Castle Air have also built specialist offerings like “Super Yacht Heli Support,” designed to deliver seamless jet-to-yacht transfers. What was once a marginal crossover has become a defining feature of the industry’s lifestyle ecosystem.
Asia’s Rise
He added that “Asia is the other axis. The ‘when, not if’ question is turning into ‘how soon.’ Brokerage firms and yard capital are already here, but yachts themselves are still largely elsewhere. That gap is closing. Post-pandemic interest is up, charter activity is rising, and Southeast Asia remains a relatively untouched cruising wonder.” The Asia–Pacific fleet of yachts over 30 metres is indeed expanding rapidly, with strong order books and charter growth across Southeast Asia. Destinations such as Raja Ampat in Indonesia and Timor-Leste are attracting first-time entrants, while infrastructure is racing to keep pace. Phuket, for instance, is adding a mega-marina with berths for 80m-plus yachts, integrated resorts, and service facilities to support long-term basing.
New Wealth, New Brands
Jebely also observed a shift at the top end of the market: “The usual suspects but I’ve also noticed a clear tilt toward interest in Sanlorenzo, Italian yachts, at the very top end of their range – further evidence of a market where new generational wealth, new geographies, and even new brand power are all reshaping the order book.”
Sanlorenzo has been a standout exhibitor at Monaco this year, with its largest models attracting attention alongside designs that align with the show’s Blue Wake sustainability initiative. The brand’s momentum highlights how younger owners and buyers from India and Southeast Asia are now influencing the mix, reinforcing Jebely’s view that new fortunes and new values are redefining the superyacht landscape.
Looking at the broader forces, Jebely reflected that “the market driver isn’t teak or tech. It’s wealth. Some in the business seem to forget that. As capital concentrates, so does the addressable market for yachts that stretch past reason.”
Builders such as Feadship and Lürssen, known for their towering custom projects, are seeing order books filled with commissions from new fortunes, many exceeding 100 metres.
Market Shifts and Demand
He went on: “Asia is the swing card. New fortunes in China, India, and Southeast Asia are launching first-time yacht owners and shifting global basing patterns.”
The growing prominence of Singapore and Phuket as hubs, together with the expansion of marinas in Indonesia and Thailand, reflects this. Brokerage firms like Burgess and Fraser have increased their presence in the region, mirroring the momentum Jebely describes.
Jebely continued: “Wealth is changing hands. Heirs buy for purpose as much as for shine—sustainability, wellness, meaningful voyages matter keel to crow’s nest.”
This trend is already visible in the way builders such as Sanlorenzo and Benetti are embedding hybrid propulsion and recycled materials into their builds, while owners demand layouts that prioritise wellness spaces, spas, and cultural exploration over pure display.
He was clear on the appeal at the very top of the market: “For billionaires, a yacht buys time. It’s a sanctuary, a boardroom, and an adventure machine stitched into one hull.” That perspective aligns with the positioning of brands like Oceanco and Nobiskrug, whose custom superyachts are designed to combine privacy, global range, and multifunctional living spaces in one.
The Splitting Order Book
On the evolving order book, Jebely observed: “The order book is splitting. Towering custom builds for the very top. A sweet spot at 50–80 meters for families wanting range and toys without a warship’s upkeep.”
Builders such as Heesen, Amels, and Rossinavi are reporting steady demand for yachts in this middle range, balancing luxury with practicality.
He also pointed to the tightening of the resale market: “The pre-owned hunt is tight. Good pedigrees move relatively fast. Long new-build waits keep serious buyers funnelling into the best used and refit.”
Brokers like Camper & Nicholsons and Northrop & Johnson confirm that pedigree yachts with strong provenance are selling briskly, often moving before public listing. The refit yards of MB92 in Barcelona and La Ciotat are also running at near capacity, reflecting Jebely’s observation that long lead times are driving clients to upgrade existing platforms rather than wait years for delivery.
Finally, Jebely stressed the gateway role of chartering: “Charter is still the best on-ramp. New entrants test the lifestyle through charters, then step into ownership when mission and crew click.” Agencies such as Y.CO and Edmiston report strong uptake from younger clients who trial the lifestyle in the Mediterranean and Caribbean before committing to ownership.
Experience, Wellness and Sustainability
From there, Jebely turned to how owners think about their time on board. “Experience beats display. Owners want crowd-free routes, expedition chops, and cultural depth. Bespoke access is the new luxury.”
Explorer yachts from Damen and Winch Design are already being used for itineraries that include Antarctica, Patagonia, and Southeast Asia, underlining that exploration and cultural immersion now trump the simple showpiece aesthetic.
“Wellness has gone baseline. Gyms, spas, recovery tech, and quiet hotel loads aren’t extras anymore—they’re table stakes.”
New deliveries from brands like Benetti and CRN now routinely include cryotherapy rooms, meditation spaces, and full spa suites as standard, with crew trained in holistic therapies.
Sustainability, too, is now embedded. As Jebely said: “Sustainability is embedded. Hybrid systems, cleaner fuel readiness, recycled materials, and footprint metrics are all in the brief.”
Builders such as Feadship and Sanlorenzo have unveiled hybrid propulsion systems, while the Monaco Yacht Show’s Blue Wake initiative highlights suppliers committed to reducing the environmental impact of yachting.
“Safety is back in the spotlight. Stability data, heavy-weather playbooks, transparent manuals—clients want proof, not promises.”
The industry has responded with stricter standards, more detailed stability testing, and greater transparency in sea-trial data, a reflection of client demands for verifiable assurances.
Aviation and Yachting Converge
The other headline shift is the seamless integration of sky and sea. Luxury builders like Lürssen and Feadship increasingly design helipads into their largest models, while brokers such as YACHTZOO now promote vessels with aviation capacity as a lifestyle standard.
Specialist operators are also stepping in. Castle Air’s “Super Yacht Heli Support” offers bespoke helicopter solutions for owners, from rapid transfers to remote exploration, with modern fleets and trained pilots dedicated to the superyacht sector. It is exactly the kind of aviation–yachting convergence that Paul Jebely highlighted as reshaping the industry.
“Infrastructure follows money. Expect marinas, service yards, and concierge services expanding in Asia and select Northern Europe hubs.”
Recent expansions in Singapore, Phuket, and Northern Europe’s Baltic coast show this is already underway, with developers such as IGY Marinas and Camper & Nicholsons Marinas investing heavily.
Jebely noted that aviation and yachting are increasingly inseparable. “Jets and yachts now pair as one. Seamless handoffs, one concierge brain covering both sky and sea.”
Companies such as VistaJet and NetJets are forming partnerships with yacht brokers to create seamless travel packages, demonstrating how owners increasingly expect one integrated lifestyle service.
Finally, he summed up the evolving mindset of today’s buyers: “Smart capital treats a yacht like a portfolio company—clear mission, strong leadership, data-driven upkeep, all to protect value and joy. The client conversation has flipped. Lead with mission, range, lifecycle costs, hotel experience. Save the teak decks and toy chests for dessert.”
Wealth and Legacy
Joshua Rubenstein, partner at Katten, is a leading private client and trusts lawyer, widely recognised for advising high-net-worth individuals and families on succession planning, tax and wealth structuring. With decades of experience tracking how fortunes are created, preserved, and passed down, his perspective offers a window into the drivers behind luxury sectors like aviation and yachting.
As he put it: “Yachts and planes are still big and still vogue. The growth, and display, of extreme wealth does not seem to be slowing. Tech is certainly one of the sources of the wealth. I am seeing a lot from wealth generated from commercial real estate as well.”
Sustainability and Shifting Fleets
In a recent interview with Luxury London magazine, Michelle Van Der Merwe, Superyacht Account Manager at Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, noted that “sustainability continues to be a major focus at the Monaco Yacht Show. This year, the organisers are emphasising their commitment by introducing the Blue Wake area,” which she explained is an endorsement programme ensuring that products and services have met certain environmental criteria, preventing “blue washing.”
She also pointed out that the fleet profile is shifting. “Following the sanctions on Russian ownership, there was a period when the average size of new yacht builds decreased. However, lengths are now starting to rise again, indicating renewed confidence in the sector. Notably, there has been an increase in ownership from the United States, which is driving demand for larger vessels and adding further momentum to the market.”
A Sailor’s Perspective
Nick Walker, Client Director, Imperium Trust Company (Jersey), brings his personal experience to bear: “I grew up sailing and am an RYA yachtmaster. I took part in a round-the-world yacht race, and then worked as an RYA cruising instructor in the Balearics, teaching and skippering. After moving ashore, I worked for a merchant shipowner and qualified as a chartered shipbroker. I then moved into the ‘pleasure’ yacht industry which I have been doing for over 15 years. During my career in financial services I have supported clients with their ownership and operation of marine assets as diverse as 1700teu container vessels, 26 m offshore crew transfer vessels, 12 m motor yachts and 135 m superyachts. I currently own a rib and take any opportunity to spend time on the water.”
Reflecting on market trends, he added: “Many trends from 2024 remain, being a focus on sustainability with eco-friendly production and hybrid energy efficient propulsion. Exploration yachts remain popular with a present desire for owners and guests to beat the crowds; this has also led to increased demand for bespoke itineraries and brokers who cater for providing unique experiences, such as YOMIRA and MGMT, who provide bespoke and individual services for yacht itineraries. Onboard wellness is important in design and function of yachts, and AI is becoming more involved with onboard functions.”
“There have been some significant and large launches in 2025 so far, particularly in the 80–120 m range. That said, our personal experience of enquiries and support for clients has been a noticeable increase for sailing yachts – with sustainability and access (to more exclusive anchorages as they tend to be smaller) being important to owners. In this vein, UK cruising has been quite popular this summer.”
“AI on board is continuously evolving, as is the case with all industries, but we have already seen application in predictive maintenance and navigation (optimising routing). The application of AI on board and in construction will be massive, as most yacht owners have such a hunger for new developments and tech to increase efficiency.”
“As a sailor at heart I am pleased to see names like Swan staying active in the industry – we are taking delivery of one soon for a client and they are a firm personal favourite of mine. They will be showing at MYS with a Swan 128.”
“Finally, as an ex-professional sailor and chartered shipbroker, the MAIB report on the sinking of the Bayesian was a key 2025 moment for me, and how this may influence the industry in the future. There was a lot of initial speculation and ‘blame’ following this tragic event, which was regrettably inevitable but not helpful or appropriate. There will hopefully be a learning curve that highlights the importance of allowing a professional industry to see the course and wait for the formal report (the interim report has been issued), not least because, as the interim report clearly states, it is its objective to prevent future accidents, not determine liability or apportion blame. The industry can then move forward with the report conclusions in a safer way which is what all marine stakeholders will wish for.”
Racing, Regulation and Reality
Sarah Allan, Head of the Yacht team and Partner, Penningtons Manches Cooper, points to the vitality of the racing scene: “This year racing on the Solent from Cowes was a focal point with the Royal Thames Yacht Club 250th regatta shortly followed by the Admiral’s Cup. The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) revived the historic offshore sailing event in their centenary year attracting some 20 grand prix sailing yachts. The 2025 Admiral’s Cup saw Yacht Club de Monaco win the event on their debut, while the final races of the series coincided with the Rolex Fastnet Race. Many of the yachts competing are now back in the Mediterranean for the Maxi World Cup in Sardinia.”
She also flagged challenges for stakeholders: “The market remains buoyant but there are certainly more challenges for the builders and suppliers in the industry that they have to navigate. A closer eye on the detail of contracts is important to provide greater commercial certainty down the line. There is increasing know your client and due diligence obligations in luxury sectors, including yachting, that stakeholders, including brokers, have to comply with. It also takes a lot more time to set up bank accounts for the operation of yachts. Prospective buyers need to form a view on the ownership structure they might want to use and have their paper work in order at a very early stage.”
Management, Tech and Personalisation
Dean & Waters, a specialist yacht management company founded by Nicholas Dean, highlight how client expectations are shifting. “Superyacht ownership is evolving, and so too is management. A younger, more discerning generation of owners expects more than generic oversight – they want tailored solutions, seamless operations, and a team that puts people first. Dean & Waters believe clients are names, not numbers, and that bespoke management isn’t an add-on – it’s the future. Our role isn’t to deliver a blanket service, but to understand the individuality of every yacht and every owner. That means applying decades of experience with a fresh, forward-thinking mindset – tech-savvy, crew-first and client-driven. For today’s perceptive owners, the difference lies not in what we do, but in how we do it.”
They continue: “Cutting-edge technology – so, this isn’t just about faster Wi-Fi (although that side of tech is vital) – it’s about integrated systems that make life on board really seamless. From our bespoke digital compliance tools and advanced financial platforms like VOLY for yacht management, to intelligent AV/IT systems that rival the best homes and offices ashore, younger owners expect yachts to be as connected and efficient as their lifestyle on land.”
“Adventure and discovery are increasingly high on the agenda. This can mean itineraries that push beyond the traditional Med/Caribbean circuit into regions such as South America or Northern Europe, with support yachts carrying submersibles, dive gear, myriads of toys and overland vehicles. Owners want yachts that are platforms for exploration, not just floating villas. There are yachts being used as research vessels for marine conservation which has a big pull to the highly aware younger generation.”
“Wellness and wellbeing now go far beyond a simple gym. We’re seeing demand for full spa environments – saunas, hammams, cryotherapy – and even specialist crew like onboard beauticians or therapists offering treatments such as ‘Seed to Skin.’ These features are becoming integral to up the guest experience to the very next level.”
“Connectivity, digitally and socially, speaks both to staying in touch with work and networks while at sea, and to creating yachts that are effectively social hubs. That could be a sundeck that transforms into a cinema or sports bar, or layouts designed to encourage crew and guests to interact more harmoniously – something we view as vital for owner satisfaction and crew retention alike. Connectivity extends beyond digital access, it’s about creating meaningful moments with family, friends and crew.” “In a nutshell, the future of yacht ownership is personalisation. Owners don’t want a template or a one-size-fits-all superyacht; they want management and support that align with their lifestyle, values and ambitions to create a seamless, luxurious environment. That’s why a tight, focused team with vast experience matters, where clients are names, not numbers, and every decision is shaped around them. For Dean & Waters, this ethos defines everything that we do.”
Indian Ownership and Global Responsibility
One of the most prominent early examples of Indian ownership was Vijay Mallya, whose 311-foot yacht Indian Empress (originally H3) became a floating symbol of wealth in India. Frequently photographed in the Mediterranean and featured in gossip columns, the vessel embodied the glamour and visibility of first-generation Indian superyacht ownership.
Nic Arnold, Head of JTC Private Office, London, emphasises the continuing draw of such assets: “The international attraction of owning luxury assets such as superyachts and private jets continues to appeal to those that can afford it, especially where they represent the reward of many years of entrepreneurial endeavour. New owners will always want to have their prized possession berthed in the opulent European environment of the South of France, and even a relatively modest 30 metre will provide a beautiful environment to hide away with family amongst the bays of Antibes, or party with friends in Saint Tropez or Monaco.
However, we are seeing a trend of owners looking for more from their yachts. The ability to sail further afield, enabling longer term round the world trips and transatlantic crossings. This requires a higher degree of due diligence when choosing the right yacht, and a trust in your broker to put your vision beyond their commission. Explorer yachts are becoming ever more popular. The international yacht shows outside of Europe are growing in popularity, from the Palm Beach show to the growing Qatar and Singapore shows.
We are also seeing owner due diligence going beyond what the yacht will give them, to what they need to know about the tax and legal systems surrounding a yacht’s operation. The years have gone where the superyacht industry was considered by tax authorities as an irrelevant playground for the rich. These days owners are ensuring that they know exactly how any country on their global travels feels about yachts operating in their waters, especially when they want to charter them out when they are not on board.
Owning a yacht can be akin to running a medium sized hotel or business, and owners are looking beyond their captains to ensure that they get the right advice, from the right source, at the right time to prevent financial or reputational risk.”
Superyacht Security Under Scrutiny
While the focus at Cannes and Monaco is often lifestyle and design, security is never far from the agenda. Border Force director of maritime Charlie Eastaugh recently told the BBC that the force patrols “24/7, carrying out proactive as well as reactive operations,” citing the interception of a luxury yacht en route to Newquay last month with 20 Albanians hidden below deck.
Simon J Giddins, founder of Blackstone Consultancy, warned in Luxury London that “in the past five to ten years, risks for private clients on their yachts have become more common across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and even during transits. We’re seeing organised crime targeting vessels, piracy around the Horn of Africa, drone incursions, and even the interaction with migrant boats becoming an unpredictable security concern.”
Even high-profile yachts have been targeted. The 2023 vandalism of MY Kaos in Ibiza, carried out as a political protest, demonstrated that size and crew are no guarantee of safety. Kate Bright, CEO of Umbra International, put it : “The most common oversight is treating the yacht as an escape from risk rather than a floating extension of your real-world risk profile. A yacht is often more vulnerable – not less – due to its visibility.”
Conclusion
From the glamour of Cannes to the serious business of sustainability, security, and succession, the superyacht sector is evolving at speed. Sailing yachts like the Swan 128 remind the market of heritage and craft, while Sanlorenzo, Benetti, and others embody the pull of new wealth and new values. Aviation’s integration, Asia’s ascent, and the demand for personalisation all point to a market that is no longer just about bigger hulls, but about smarter capital and deeper experiences.
As Paul Jebely summed it up: “Smart capital treats a yacht like a portfolio company—clear mission, strong leadership, data-driven upkeep, all to protect value and joy.” That, more than anything, defines the superyacht market’s new era.
Key Takeaways
- The Monaco Yacht Show & Cannes 2025 showcase superyachts and reflect the blend of heritage and innovation in yachting.
- Private aviation increasingly converges with yachting, evident through helicopter support and collaborative luxury services.
- Asia’s yacht market is growing, with strong demand for larger vessels and increasing charter activity in Southeast Asia.
- New generational wealth influences yacht ownership, as younger buyers prioritise sustainability, wellness, and unique experiences.
- Security concerns are rising in the yachting industry, with increased risks like piracy and organised crime affecting luxury vessels.
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