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IYC - The Allure Of Sailing: Why A Sailing Yacht Should Be Your Next Investment

The Allure Of Sailing: Why A Sailing Yacht Should Be Your Next Investment

Owning a 
sailing yacht has long been more about the lifestyle it provides than anything else. Sailing offers plenty of opportunities to connect more with the ocean, for unique experiences, and the sense of freedom and independence it brings. 

We spoke with our expert Sales Consultant, Jamie Swaine, to explore what makes sailing yachts such an excellent choice for ownership and to shine a spotlight on some of our latest sailing yachts for sale. 

Connection To The Ocean

For sailing yacht owners, it is as much about the journey as the destination. No matter where you sail, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, it offers an immersive and rewarding experience. "When you own a sailing yacht, you're not just buying a vessel, you're buying into a way of life," says Jamie. "There's something incredibly compelling about moving across the water under sail, driven purely by harnessing the wind." Relying on wind-powered propulsion allows you to cover vast distances and heightens your understanding of nature and connection to the ocean. "It's a very different relationship with the oceans, and allows owners to still have that connection with 'yachting' as an activity as opposed to an asset ownership experience," he explains. A well-designed sailing yacht, like the ones currently listed for sale with IYC, offer a feeling of security and self-sufficiency that's not easily replicated.

Sailing Vs. Motor

When comparing owning sailing and motor yachts, Jamie mentions there are "two different mindsets." Both types of yachts for sale offer adventure and luxury intertwined; however, the experience hugely differs. "Motor yachts are about speed, luxury, and effortless travel. You have the freedom to cover large distances quickly with a focus on comfort and amenities," he says. However, the flip side he points out is the cost and logistics of fueling.

According to Jamie, sailing yachts offer "more engagement with your environment, and it's about seamanship and reading the conditions." Sailing yacht owners tend to feel more connected to the ocean and embrace nature's elements. Engineering factors also play a part in the differences; sailing yachts have a lighter engineering load than high-performance motor yachts; however, they require additional considerations for sails and rigging. The sailing yacht category includes various yachts with differing ownership experiences, from monohulls to multihulls, contemporary to classic, and motor sailors; IYC has a range of these sailing yachts currently for sale.

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The International Yacht Company Partners for The Ultimate Mixer London Edition this March in Knightsbridge

The International Yacht Company Partners for The Ultimate Mixer London Edition this March in Knightsbridge..

One of the most successful and highly-regarded brokerage houses in the yachting industry, IYC offers clients a full complement of services with their team of over 150 passionate professionals, in 15 offices across the globe.

IYC partners for The Ultimate Mixer London Edition on Wednesday 19th March 2025 at House of Beluga by TWIGA. With exclusive ticketing limited to a maximum of 80 guests, our first edition of this highly anticipated event focuses on a growing list of global brands including the attendance of many of our Club Vivanova partners, international business leaders, celebrities, innovators, sports professionals, influencers and other distinguished guests.

8pm to 10pm Cocktail CanapΓ© Service
with Premium International Wines
and Business Presentations
Dynamic Live Networking

10pm Public Access and Open Bar
DJ Entertainment
2am Close

BOOK ONLINE
Β£100 per ticket
Β£500 per partner (includes two tickets)

*View the partner benefits
Limited Capacity

2024's Top 5 Yachting Trends According to IYC's Sales Experts

2024's Top 5 Yachting Trends According to IYC's Sales Experts

As we near the start of a new year, we take time to reflect on the latest trends and changing landscape. To help keep your finger on the pulse, we turned to the industry's leading Sales Consultants to uncover the top 5 features for 2024. From cutting-edge technology to eco-conscious considerations, these features are not only captivating discerning buyers but are also founding perspectives for charterers.

Whether 2024 is the year you decide to purchase your first yacht or if you are already an experienced owner, we hope the insights shared below will help you understand the state of the market and make more informed decisions. 

Volume and Space

While traditionally one might expect an emphasis to be placed on sleek lines, cutting-edge speeds, and agile maneuverability, for many, increased volume and space have taken over. The allure of spacious interiors, high ceilings, and family-friendly layouts is redefining the very essence of luxury at sea.

Not merely a shift in aesthetics, the demand for this particular feature perhaps reflects a broader cultural change. As yachting becomes increasingly synonymous with family retreats and multi-generational vacations, the demand for expansive interiors and ample headroom is on the rise. Discerning buyers are seeking vessels that not only cater to the thrill of the open sea but also provide a comfortable and spacious platform for family bonding. For many buyers, the true measure of luxury lies in the freedom to explore, unwind, and create cherished moments in a voluminous and inviting space.

Advancements in yacht technology are responding to this growing trend. Smart and efficient use of space allows for larger living areas without compromising on performance. Innovations in propulsion systems and hull design ensure that spacious interiors do not offset navigation, offering a harmonious balance between comfort and performance.

This trend should also be taken into consideration for those interested in making their yacht also available for charter. Charterers are increasingly seeking vessels that provide a home-like ambiance on the water, making extended voyages more appealing and comfortable. 

Long Range and Low Consumption

A significant tide is turning towards a new era of exploration and efficiency. Many yacht buyers are increasingly setting their sights on a combination of two key attributes: extended range and fuel efficiency. 

Explorer yachts, once niche, are now at the forefront of yachting trends. β€œThe desire to be in congested ports is becoming less appealing, with an increased appetite for remote destinations, sea-worthiness, and autonomy, impacting the client's needs and expectations of the yacht's capabilities. This has led to an all-time high of explorer yachts in-build and on order,” says Matthew Stone, IYC Sales Consultant and Managing Partner California

With environmental consciousness at the forefront of global conversations, yacht owners are not only looking to extend their journeys but also to do so with minimal ecological impact. β€œRising fuel costs and recent high-profile β€˜eco incidents’ reported in the media,” shares Michel Chryssicopoulos, IYC Global Managing Partner, β€œhave heightened awareness about the environmental footprint of luxury travel. Expedition yachts, with their advanced propulsion systems and energy-efficient technologies, are well-positioned to allow owners to indulge their wanderlust while minimizing their carbon footprint.”

Economic considerations of those looking to maximize the utility of their yachting investment, the ability to travel farther on a tank of fuel not only enhances the yachting experience but also stretches the economic value of each voyage.

To read more about this growing trend, read our full feature on explorer yachts and the work our partner, Cantiere delle Marche, are doing.

Wellness & Fitness Facilities

 β€œAs clients increasingly view yachting as a lifestyle choice, the integration of wellness and fitness facilities becomes a compelling and necessary addition to superyachts,” says Richard Gray, IYC Head of Sales UK. These additions offer a dedicated space for physical activity, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Fitness centers equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment cater to guests who prioritize maintaining their health and fitness routines while at sea. 

Wellness spaces, such as spa facilities, meditation rooms, and yoga decks, provide a holistic approach to overall well-being. Regular access to fitness facilities supports physical health, while spa and relaxation spaces contribute to mental well-being. Such considerations align with a contemporary understanding that true luxury is in the investment made in one's own health, making wellness facilities on superyachts a vital component in the pursuit of a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.  

In addition, the incorporation of features such as juice bars, cold and hot rooms, and more highlight the commitment to comprehensive well-being. β€œCold plunges and contra-flow swimming pools are also proving to be desired indulgences on board,” says D.J. Kiernan, IYC US Commercial Director. These wellness approaches represent a departure from conventional deck designs, transforming the yacht into a sanctuary that promotes health, relaxation, and balance in a way that exceeds the accustomed options on superyachts.

AV/IT

Staying connected is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With the rise of new satellite internet providers, it is indeed becoming more and more important for owners to be as well connected as possible for both work and leisure. As such, TV, HI-FI, Wi-FI in all areas including external areas are becoming as important as technical design features. 

Starlink, with its constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, stands out as a necessary luxury on board. Starlink's global coverage and cutting-edge technology ensure seamless communication, entertainment, and work capabilities. With reduced signal travel time, and its potential to offer more consistent connectivity in challenging environments, Starlink promises high-speed, low-latency internet access even in the most remote corners of the ocean.

Manufacturer Reputation

β€œIn a world where the number of new build construction shipyards is increasing year on year, clients are looking for their yachts to have distinguished features and a sense of respect within the industry,” says IYC Sales Consultant, Jamie Swaine. Discerning clients continue to set their sights on vessels delivered by major Northern European shipyards, with a secondary nod towards esteemed Italian builders when budget considerations 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.

Yachts with Dutch and German pedigree have long held a revered status. The commitment to precision, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship these yards promise contributes significantly to their enduring allure. As yachts age gracefully, the continued respect for the meticulous build quality synonymous with Northern European shipyards serves as a hallmark, maintaining and, in some cases, even appreciating the vessel's intrinsic value over time.

Some clients turn their attention to major Italian builds who offer an appeal for budgets that don’t stretch as far, without compromising on elegance and functionality. While potentially more accessible in terms of cost, Italian-built yachts still carry the legacy of fine craftsmanship and a commitment to quality that resonates with those who seek a balance between value and prestige.

Amidst these established maritime giants, a rising star emerges β€”Turkish shipyards. The increasing prominence of Turkish builders is the result of a deliberate pursuit of excellence in design, engineering, and construction. As Turkish shipyards 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.

Looking to buy or sell your yacht? Our expert Sales Consultants are available to help guide you towards the yacht that best matches your unique vision and needs. Contact them here.