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Articles Key Yacht Charter Trends

16 Apr 2025 | Industry Insight

In 2024, the yacht charter industry saw some interesting changes, with shifts in both destinations and the types of yachts in demand. While traditional routes remain popular, lesser-known destinations are starting to attract more attention.

The rise of multihull yachts, particularly catamarans, reflects a growing interest in spacious and stable options, and there’s a noticeable shift towards wellness-focused charters becoming increasingly sought after. 2024 also saw a 32% rise in retail bookings for us at Ocean Independence, marking a record year. Keep reading to explore last year’s key charter trends and what we can expect as these developments shape the year ahead.

1 Yachts in Increased Demand

One of the most notable trends throughout 2024 was the rise in demand for specific types of yachts. Multihull yachts, particularly catamarans, are certainly on the rise, likely driven by their spaciousness and stability which makes them a fantastic option for larger groups, longer charters, and smooth sailing. Their shallow hulls make them ideal for navigating the shallow waters and remote islands of the Caribbean and Mediterranean. In fact, the number of multihull yachts chartered through Ocean Independence has more than doubled since 2022, representing 8.1% of the total transactions signed in comparison to 4.3% in 2022. This reflects a strong and growing demand for these types of vessels, and a trend that we expect to continue throughout the years to come.

Motor yachts have maintained their popularity throughout 2024, with annual increases in the number of bookings made through Ocean Independence. In 2023, motor yachts represented 81% of all transactions signed, which grew by an additional 2.5% in 2024. Their popularity is largely due to their speed, stability, and comfort, which make them a top choice for those seeking a relaxing, luxurious charter, or for newcomers to yacht chartering. Additionally, motor yachts typically allow a larger volume of passengers on board, making them ideal for group charters and larger parties.

While motor yachts and multihulls dominate the market, there remains a dedicated following for sailing yachts, particularly among those seeking a more traditional charter experience. That said, sailing yachts saw a slight dip in popularity last year. After making up 15% of total transactions signed in 2022, sailing yachts gained traction in 2023, representing 19% of total transactions signed, before declining slightly in 2024 to 16.5%. Despite this, we expect their continuance with an increase in eco-conscious clients and sailing enthusiasts.

Explorer yachts are becoming increasingly popular amongst charterers, providing them with a more appropriate platform for equipment, activities and longevity when it comes to visiting destinations that may not have a port, or when embarking on longer itineraries. VIKINGFJORD and FREYA are two genuine explorer vessels new to our charter fleet. They are designed for adventure, permanently based in off-the-beaten track locations and are ideal for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations with the features needed for such adventures.

2 Charter Destinations: Familiar Routes and New Discoveries

When it comes to charter destinations, 2024 saw a few interesting shifts while some continuous favourites maintained popularity. The West Mediterranean continued to be the go-to choice for charterers during the summer months, notably the French Riviera and the West Mediterranean Riviera which stretches from Cannes to Genoa. In fact, almost 40% of our charter transactions made within 2024 were from bookings to these cruising areas.

Meanwhile, The Bahamas was the most popular choice for winter charters, a particularly dreamy time of year when the hurricane season has come to an end and temperatures typically range from 23°C-30°C. Charters to The Bahamas increased last year, rising from 5.19% in 2023 to 6.21% in 2024. Additionally, the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, and the British Virgin Islands were highly sought-after destinations amongst charterers during winter 2023 and 2024. These destinations are known for their white-sand beaches and rugged mountains, offering a luxurious, laid-back experience. We expect the popularity of these destinations to continue to grow due to the strong market in the U.S. at present.

Another shift observed in 2024 was the growing desire for less conventional and quieter destinations. Charters to Southern Italy increased to 4.14% of all charter transactions within 2024. Naples, in particular, has remained consistently popular amongst charterers throughout 2023 and 2024. This indicates that some of the slightly less frequented spots within the south of Italy are gaining notable traction, emphasising a trend towards visiting slightly more peaceful destinations.

Secluded islands such as the Aegean Islands became increasingly sought after during 2024, with the number of bookings made to this archipelago representing 4.33% of total charter transactions. These islands boast unspoilt beaches, Michelin-starred restaurants and a slightly more remote yet notoriously glamorous charter experience. We expect the popularity of these islands to continue to grow in line with an increased focus on privacy and exclusivity.

3 The Importance of Early Charter Bookings

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of charters booked less than six months prior to departure. In 2024, the average time between booking a charter and the charter taking place was 104 days, compared to 94 days in 2023. This suggests that spontaneous bookings are becoming less frequent, highlighting the growing importance of planning and securing a charter well in advance.

According to Senior Charter Consultant, Hanneke Maljaars, clients typically book between six months to one year in advance. However, Hanneke highlighted that the feasibility of securing a particular yacht is dependent on the size of the vessel and the desired itinerary. Booking in advance remains the most effective way to ensure availability during peak season, allowing clients to secure both the yacht and destinations that align with their preferences.

4 Wellness and Lifestyle Amenities

Wellness and lifestyle amenities have become increasingly important to charterers in 2024, with many clients seeking yachts that offer not only luxury but also tailored wellness experiences. From onboard gyms to private beach clubs and wellness facilities, yachts that cater to personal well-being have become highly sought after.

An example of this is ETERNAL SPARK, a 50m yacht that boasts all of these facilities and more. The beauty of chartering a yacht is the aspect of personalisation and we’ve acknowledged an increased demand in wellness-focused charters that offer bespoke experiences, including treatment centres, beach clubs, personal trainers and nutritionists. As a result, yachts offering these kinds of services are often reserved up to a year in advance, underlining the importance of planning ahead for those looking to secure an exceptional, wellness-focused charter experience.

With these insights into last year’s key charter trends, it’s clear that the industry continues to evolve, with growing interest in more diverse destinations, flexible booking options, and enhanced wellness amenities. As we move into 2025, we expect these trends to continue to shape the future of yacht chartering, with a focus on offering clients personalised and unforgettable experiences.

With decades of experience and insider knowledge, our team are well equipped to help you navigate the ever-evolving yacht charter market. Whether you’re planning your next luxury getaway or seeking expert advice, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Enquire now and let us help you make the most of your charter experience.

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