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Inside the Market: Yacht Sales Insights & Trends for May 2026 | Berthon International Yacht Brokerage
In this episode of Inside the Market, Hugh Rayner is joined by Ben Hitchen to discuss the latest trends, activity and observations from across the international yacht brokerage market.
Drawing on conversations with Berthon's teams in the UK, Sweden, Spain and the USA, Hugh and Ben explore what they are seeing on the ground as the season gains momentum and buyers return to the market.
After a quieter start to the year, May has brought a noticeably more positive tone. Viewings have increased, enquiry levels are improving, and there is growing activity across the core brokerage sector. However, buyers remain selective, with condition, presentation and realistic pricing continuing to play a critical role in determining which yachts attract serious interest.
As Hugh explains, "there is a lot of really encouraging activity across our core brokerage space, but the boats still have to be well-presented yachts and realistically priced for the market."
The discussion covers Berthon's Top 7 Yacht Sales Insights for May 2026, including:
The continued resilience of the brokerage market between €300,000 and €400,000Strong demand for quality cruising yachts such as Hallberg-Rassys, Sweden Yachts, Southerlys and smaller OystersWhy good listings remain in short supplyThe importance of realistic pricing and presentationIncreased viewings and buyer engagement during the latter part of the monthActivity levels across Scandinavia and the wider European marketThe challenges currently facing larger yachts above 65 feetHow buyers are approaching value and condition in today's marketBen also shares his experience of increased demand for quality cruising yachts, noting that there remains "a decent amount of interest in the well-regarded quality boats" and that viewings, walk-ins and enquiries have all increased as the season progresses.
The conversation explores how the market is rewarding owners who are realistic about pricing, while boats that are overpriced or poorly presented continue to struggle for attention. Hugh reflects on the impact of recent price adjustments, explaining that even small corrections have resulted in direct enquiries and renewed buyer interest.
The episode also looks at regional differences, particularly the continued strength of the Scandinavian market, where healthy levels of activity, new listings and steady sales continue to provide positive signals.
As the discussion concludes, both Hugh and Ben reflect on a market that feels more active than it did earlier in the spring. Serious buyers remain present, particularly in the core cruising yacht sector, but they are informed, selective and looking for genuine value.
For yacht owners considering selling, buyers looking to enter the market, or anyone interested in the current state of international yacht brokerage, this episode provides a useful snapshot of what Berthon's brokers are seeing across the market in May 2026.
Host: Hugh Rayner
Guest: Ben Hitchen -
Back from Palma International Boat Show 2026, Tim Carbury and Alan McIlroy sit down to reflect on one of the Mediterranean yachting calendar’s most important events.
Recorded just days after returning from Mallorca, this episode looks at the mood of the market, the atmosphere on the dock, and what Berthon observed across both brokerage and new yacht sales during the week.
The discussion covers Berthon’s presence at the show, including the HH66 NO CODE, Spirit 76 NAZGUL OF FORDELL, Swan 77 INVICTUS, and the Solaris 50 and Solaris 64 RS, as well as wider observations from across the industry.
Tim and Alan discuss whether footfall really felt lighter this year, why targeted enquiries still matter more than general crowds, and how Palma compares with shows such as Cannes and Düsseldorf.
The conversation also explores:
the continued appetite for quality bluewater and performance cruising yachtsthe growing confidence returning to parts of the marketwhy classic and modern-classic yachts continue to attract strong attentionthe realities of exhibiting at major international boat showsthe importance of broker networking and industry visibilityand why Palma remains such an important event despite changing buyer behaviourThere are also some behind-the-scenes reflections on the practical side of getting five yachts prepared and presented for an international show, alongside discussion around current brokerage trends, enquiry levels, and the state of the Mediterranean season as a whole.
As Alan notes during the episode:
“The dream is more alive when the boats are on the water and the sun’s out.”
A relaxed and honest conversation from two brokers fresh off the dock in Palma.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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The 2026 sailing season is now properly underway, and with boats launching across Europe and the Mediterranean season beginning to gather pace, the market is starting to reveal where confidence, caution, and genuine activity currently sit.
In this episode of Inside the Market, Ben Cooper and Alan McIlroy discuss the Top 7 Yacht Sales Insights for April 2026, drawing on conversations from across Berthon’s international offices in the UK, Spain, Sweden, and the USA.
The picture, as ever, is mixed.
General enquiry levels remain noticeably lower than this time last year, but the quality of enquiry has improved considerably. As Ben explains, “the people that you are talking to, those targeted enquiries, they’re quite focused and they want to buy boats.” Fewer casual browsers perhaps, but more serious buyers prepared to make decisions.
One of the clearest trends emerging this spring is the pressure on the production yacht market between 40 and 60 feet. Buyers appear to be waiting for further price adjustments, even as the season begins. In a crowded marketplace, pricing and presentation are becoming more important than ever.
At the other end of the spectrum, well-prepared quality yachts continue to attract strong interest. Bluewater cruisers and proven offshore brands remain particularly resilient. “There’s always a market for those well-presented quality marques that represent good value,” Alan notes, reflecting a trend being seen across multiple territories.
The discussion also looks at the Palma International Boat Show, which Berthon has just returned from. While general footfall may have felt lighter than previous years, both Ben and Alan highlight that the show remains hugely important from a brokerage perspective, particularly for networking, getting brokers aboard yachts, and generating future sales conversations. As Alan puts it, “what we as an industry use Palma for really is to show other brokers the boats.”
New yacht sales remain more measured overall, although there are signs of renewed confidence within the quality segment. Both Pegasus and Solaris are seeing more serious discussions beginning to develop again, particularly where buyers are looking for well-built, performance-oriented cruising yachts designed for long-term ownership.
The episode also touches on broader regional differences. Sweden continues to see a highly active and liquid local market, while elsewhere some owners are choosing to hold onto their yachts for another season rather than bring them to market after investing in spring preparation and refit work.
As always, the fundamentals remain remarkably consistent. High quality yachts, properly presented and realistically priced, continue to find buyers, even in a more selective marketplace.
Key Points
• The 2026 sailing season is now underway, with activity increasing across all Berthon territories
• Enquiry levels are lower than in 2025, but conversion rates are significantly stronger
• Production yachts in the 40–60 foot segment remain under pricing pressure
• Palma Boat Show delivered focused, high-quality brokerage interest despite lighter footfall
• Sweden and parts of Northern Europe continue to show strong local market activity
• New yacht sales are showing signs of renewed confidence in the premium segment
• Well-presented, high-quality yachts continue to sell at sensible price levels -
About VAT – Is The UK A Strategic Cruising Choice? | PKF Francis Clark
VAT is one of the most discussed, and often misunderstood, areas of yacht ownership. In this episode of the Berthon Podcast, we take a closer look at whether the UK has become a genuinely strategic cruising choice from a tax and customs perspective.
Joining the conversation is Joe Francis, Director of VAT and Customs at PKF Francis Clark. With more than 20 years’ experience across a range of sectors, including marine, Joe brings a clear and practical view on how VAT is being applied in today’s post-Brexit landscape.
The starting point is simple. As Joe explains, “If the rules are applied correctly, the UK should offer multiple well-defined routes to manage VAT and customs exposure.” What follows is a detailed but accessible discussion on how those routes actually work in practice.
Temporary Admission remains one of the most important tools available to yacht owners entering UK waters. With the time limit now extended to 24 months, it offers a straightforward way for many non-UK flagged vessels to cruise without triggering import VAT, provided the conditions are met.
The conversation also explores some of the more nuanced areas that owners and brokers regularly encounter. One example is the commonly used “12-mile dip”. While this is generally accepted from a customs perspective to reset Temporary Admission, Joe highlights that it may not always qualify as a valid export for VAT purposes. As he puts it, “they may not accept that as an export for VAT purposes,” which can create significant exposure if relied upon incorrectly.
Returned Goods Relief is another area covered in detail. While it can allow a vessel to re-enter the UK without triggering VAT, the conditions are strict, particularly around maintaining the vessel in the same condition. Even relatively routine work can fall into a grey area, making early planning and proper documentation essential.
For commercially operated yachts, the position shifts again. Temporary Admission is generally not available, but alternative reliefs may apply, particularly where vessels are providing passenger transport. In some cases, this can allow operations to continue in UK waters without a formal import, depending on how the activity is structured.
The discussion also touches on one of the least understood areas of the current framework, Unfettered Access Relief under the Northern Ireland protocol. While complex, it can offer unique advantages in certain scenarios, including the ability to move vessels into Great Britain without triggering import VAT, although not without trade-offs.
As the episode makes clear, the UK’s VAT and customs position has evolved into something far more structured and, in many cases, advantageous. However, the detail matters. As Joe explains throughout, “you’ve got to plan it out,” because getting it wrong can result in significant and unnecessary cost.
This is a practical conversation around real scenarios, offering clarity on a topic that continues to shape buying, selling, and cruising decisions across the market.
PKF Francis Clark
Specialist VAT and tax advice for yacht owners, brokers and marine businesses.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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March brings a complex backdrop for the yachting industry, with global uncertainty continuing to influence buyer confidence and decision-making. In this episode of Inside the Market, we take a closer look at the yacht brokerage landscape as it stands heading into the spring season.
Joining the discussion are Sue Grant and Tim Carbury, who share Berthon’s Top 7 Yacht Sales Insights for March 2026. This episode also marks a transition within the business, as Tim prepares to take over leadership of the sales group, with Sue stepping away after many years at the centre of Berthon’s brokerage activity.
Across the market, conditions remain mixed. The new yacht sector is currently flat, with a noticeable slowdown in buyer activity. Rising build costs and wider economic pressures are leading some buyers to delay decisions, while others are shifting their focus towards brokerage yachts, where the gap in value between new and second-hand vessels has widened significantly.
In contrast, the brokerage market continues to show steady activity. Sales are completing across a range of sectors, particularly in larger yachts and well-presented, recent listings. While enquiry levels vary by region, there is a consistent flow of transactions, supported by both new listings coming to market and committed buyers who are prepared to move forward when the right opportunity presents itself.
Pricing and negotiation remain central to the current landscape. Buyers are approaching deals carefully and often making firm offers, but there is a clear willingness to proceed when agreements are reached. This has created a relatively balanced environment, where neither buyers nor sellers hold a decisive advantage.
There are also differences in sentiment across the industry. While parts of the new yacht sector are experiencing more challenging conditions, the brokerage market remains active and responsive. As discussed in the episode, understanding these distinctions and responding accordingly is key to navigating the current environment.
At the same time, some buyers continue to monitor the market rather than commit immediately, often waiting for greater clarity around geopolitical and economic conditions. However, as the conversation highlights, purchasing decisions in yachting are frequently driven by personal timelines as much as external factors, and interest in yacht ownership remains consistent.
As ever, the fundamentals remain unchanged. Well-maintained yachts, realistic pricing, and clear market positioning continue to determine which yachts sell and which remain available.
Key Points
• The new yacht market is currently flat, with some buyers delaying decisions or moving into brokerage due to rising build costs.
• Brokerage activity remains steady, particularly in larger yachts and recent, well-presented listings.
• New listings are entering the market, with a mix of discretionary and necessary sales.
• Buyers are negotiating firmly but are following through when deals are agreed.
• Market sentiment varies across sectors, with brokerage remaining more active than new build.
• Some buyers are monitoring conditions closely before committing, influenced by wider geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
• Strong pricing, good presentation, and proper service history remain critical to achieving a successful sale. -
In this episode we step aboard the remarkable Grey Wolf II (FPB 78-2) to explore a subject that is rarely discussed outside professional circles: MCA Category 0 certification, the highest operational coding available under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Owner Peter Watson joins the conversation to explain why he insisted that she be built and operated to this demanding standard, even though it created extra work for the designer, the shipyard, and almost everyone involved in the project.
Grey Wolf II is the only FPB yacht in the fleet to hold MCA Category 0 coding, allowing her to operate commercially anywhere in the world, without restriction to distance from a safe haven. For Peter, however, the motivation was not charter income. The goal was much simpler: safety and capability.
As Peter explains, the MCA code has evolved over decades and incorporates lessons learned about stability, structural integrity, systems redundancy, and operational procedures. Achieving Category 0 status means a yacht has been designed and equipped to meet an extremely high standard of offshore safety.
The discussion also looks at the new MCA coding requirements being introduced for 2027, which significantly raise the bar for vessels seeking or maintaining commercial certification. Grey Wolf II is currently being updated to meet the revised standard, a process that involves both physical upgrades and extensive documentation.
Some of the modifications include replacing existing composite seacocks with custom stainless steel valves, installing additional electrical redundancy to ensure navigation lights remain operational even during total power loss, and adding new system shut-off controls and operational protocols.
Beyond the engineering work, the updated code also introduces new administrative requirements, from cyber security policies to expanded safety management documentation. While the upgrades themselves are manageable for a yacht built with serious offshore capability in mind, the paperwork required to demonstrate compliance is considerable.
Grey Wolf II’s ability to pass the new standards relatively smoothly is also a testament to the original design philosophy behind the FPB series and the work carried out during her construction in New Zealand in collaboration with designer Steve Dashew.
Having already cruised extensively across the Pacific, visited remote regions including Antarctica, and completed long-distance voyages in both tropical and polar environments, she has proven herself as a genuine go-anywhere expedition yacht. Her next adventure: a family holiday, a Mediterranean cruising season, travelling through the islands of Greece with children and grandchildren aboard.
It is a reminder that despite her formidable capability, she remains at heart a family cruising yacht, equally comfortable exploring the polar regions or enjoying relaxed voyages in the Mediterranean.
In a world where many yachts are built for appearance or occasional coastal cruising, she stands apart as a vessel designed, built, and certified to operate anywhere on the planet.
Episode 11. Grey Wolf FPB78-2 Adventures from the Pacific to Antarctica – Building the Ultimate Expedition Yacht - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528535/episodes/18323395
Inside the FPB 78 GREY WOLF II MCA Category 0 Seacock Refit | Owner Interview - https://youtu.be/t4KlacOkbO4
Inside the FPB 78 GREY WOLF II MCA Category 0 Seacock Refit | Walkthrough Tour - https://youtu.be/reEV2V16IKU
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Spring is approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, and with it the start of another yachting season. In this episode of Inside the Market, we take a closer look at the yacht brokerage landscape as it stood at the end of February 2026.
Joining the conversation is Sophie Kemp, who has recently returned to Berthon after maternity leave and celebrates ten years with the company. Sophie specialises in sailing yacht brokerage and has also been closely involved in launching Berthon Essential, a dedicated platform for yachts under £110,000 designed to give smaller boats their own space in the market.
https://boatsforsale.berthoninternational.com/
Together we discuss what we are seeing across Berthon’s five international brokerage offices and what buyers and sellers should understand as the new season begins. Conditions vary widely across the globe. In Newport, Rhode Island, over two feet of snow has made showing yachts a challenge, while changes to tariff structures are forcing some buyers to reconsider the costs of importing yachts into the United States and the wider implications for their businesses.
Despite this uncertainty, the brokerage market continues to move. While enquiry levels remain modest overall, Berthon’s long-standing client base continues to provide stability, with more than half of transactions coming from repeat clients returning to buy or sell their next yacht.
Pricing remains a sensitive issue across the market. There is pressure on values in many segments, particularly where there is a larger supply of comparable yachts available. However, well-presented yachts with strong pedigree, proper service histories, and good overall condition continue to attract buyers without difficulty.
Another notable trend is buyer behaviour. A significant number of active leads are currently researching and monitoring the market rather than rushing to commit. With a good selection of yachts available in certain segments, many buyers feel comfortable taking time to evaluate their options before making a decision.
The new yacht market continues to face challenges, although activity remains healthy in parts of the production segment. Major industry developments are also unfolding, including the widely reported bid by Donerail for MarineMax, a move that could have significant implications across the brokerage, marina, and service sectors.
As ever, the fundamentals remain the same. Pricing correctly, presenting yachts well, and maintaining strong service histories continue to be the factors that determine which yachts sell and which remain on the market.
Key Points
• Newport office facing difficult showing conditions due to heavy snowfall, while tariff changes are creating uncertainty for some US buyers.
• Enquiry rates remain modest, but repeat clients continue to drive activity across the brokerage.
• Prices are under pressure across much of the market, although well-presented yachts still sell without difficulty.
• In segments with greater supply, buyers are taking time to research and secure the right deal.
• A larger number of active leads are monitoring the market rather than committing immediately.
• The new yacht market remains challenging, although activity continues in parts of the production sector.
• The proposed Donerail bid for MarineMax is a major development that could influence the wider yachting market. -
Is Sweden the best place to find a proper cruising yacht right now? In this special crossover episode, Berthon Scandinavia join BoatsinSweden to share a practical, buyer-focused guide to the Swedish used boat market, and how to navigate it safely if you are shopping from abroad.
Ingus Purgalis
Host Ingus Purgalis from BoatsinSweden is joined by Magnus Kullberg from Berthon Scandinavia, a broker with nearly 15 years in the trade and roughly 400 boats sold. Together they strip away the romantic brochure talk and get into what actually matters when you are wiring serious money for a serious boat.
First, they unpack why Scandinavian yachts earn the “Swedish Gold” reputation. It is not a fairytale. It is often down to storage and environment. Boats spend months ashore each year, many inside heated storage halls, and in large parts of Sweden they live in brackish or even fresh water. That can mean less corrosion, less wear in the places you do not immediately see, and a better chance of finding an older boat that still presents well. As Magnus puts it, “The fact that it is less salt makes a difference. And also the fact that the boats are up on the land for six months makes a difference.”
They also cut through a common assumption about the weak Swedish Krona. Yes, it can help, but Magnus explains that many premium listings are benchmarked against the wider European market anyway. In other words, the buyer does not always get a miraculous discount just because of currency headlines. The real advantage is often condition, provenance, and a sensible seller. When owners push prices beyond reality, the market responds fast. “If we put the price too high… we don’t get any enquiries.”
If you are buying internationally, the most valuable section is the step-by-step process: broker versus private sale, what legal protections apply when buying from a company, and why a proper survey is still the best investment you can make. Magnus is blunt about doing the work early: “If you do the work good from the beginning… we don’t have this type of problems.” In his experience, issues after completion are rare, and the goal is simple: no surprises, no drama, no long-distance arguments.
They also tackle paperwork that can quietly wreck resale value later, especially VAT evidence and registration. If you plan to cruise across borders, you want clean proof from day one. “If you don’t have the paper, but you know that it is paid, then you cannot prove it. And then you have a problem.” It is not glamorous, but it can save you from years of friction when you move countries, change flag, or try to sell.
Finally, they talk about how deals actually get done in the real world: deposits, time limits, exclusivity, escrow handling, and how brokers can hold funds back until launch and sea trial if a boat is sold while in winter storage. It is the unsexy machinery that keeps buyers and sellers safe when the numbers get big.
And for anyone dreaming of bluewater cruising, there is a reminder that cuts through years of over-planning and refit procrastination: “Just buy a boat… and go.”
Audio pulled from the original BoatsinSweden video published Jan 9, 2026.
Host of BoatsinSweden, focused on real-world boat buying and life afloat in Sweden.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Our first Inside the Market episode of 2026 sees Sue joined by Tim Carbury, newly appointed Head of Sales at Berthon Spain, for a wide ranging and timely discussion on yacht sales, buyer behaviour and the realities of trading at the start of a challenging but active year.
Tim joined Berthon on 1 January after more than a decade working at the sharp end of the Mediterranean superyacht sector. His background spans offshore sailing, yacht deliveries, yacht management and brokerage, with extensive experience based in Palma. In this episode, Tim shares his journey into the industry, what drew him ashore, and why Berthon’s collaborative, team led approach stood out in a brokerage world that can often feel competitive and siloed.
We discuss the wider market, informed by normal trading activity across Berthon’s UK, Spain, USA and Sweden offices, and by time spent together at boot Düsseldorf. While the Show was positive overall and clearly more active on power than sail, one of the strongest takeaways was its increasingly regional feel. International attendance was noticeably down, with fewer UK and US visitors than expected, suggesting buyers are prioritising local and regional shows rather than long distance travel.
In Spain, Berthon’s service, refit and repair operation continues to be busy, driven largely by smaller assignments rather than large scale upgrades. Budgets are clearly under pressure, and this extends well beyond the sub 24 metre market into the superyacht sector. Owners are focusing on repairs rather than enhancements, with price sensitivity increasing as local authority and operational costs continue to rise.
On the brokerage side, high quality new listings are joining the Berthon fleet across multiple territories. Sweden, in particular, is seeing strong early season activity, with yacht sales performing well despite heavy winter conditions and the fact that the traditional selling cycle has barely begun.
American buyers remain active in brokerage, but a clear shift is emerging. Increasingly, they are purchasing yachts for use in Europe, for bluewater cruising or for global programmes, rather than for domestic US use. This is mirrored by increased transatlantic travel and growing American presence in Mediterranean cruising grounds.
In a harder market, some suppliers of brokerage marketing platforms continue to raise prices, adding pressure at a time when careful cost control matters more than ever.
Within the US domestic market, pricing remains challenging. Some buying brokers are advising offers around 20 percent below asking, irrespective of underlying value. This contrasts sharply with European norms and reinforces the importance of accurate, realistic pricing from the outset.
What remains consistent is that recent, well known brands continue to sell when yachts are well maintained, correctly marketed and survey well. Buyers are cautious, but they are still decisive when quality, transparency and value align. -
What does it take to build a yacht capable of crossing the Pacific, riding out 100 knots at anchor, refuelling from 45-gallon drums on remote islands, and cruising among drifting ice and orca in Antarctica? In this episode of the Berthon Podcast, Sue Grant sits aboard FPB 78-2 Grey Wolf II with owner Peter Watson to talk through one of the most extraordinary private cruising programs of the last decade.
Peter’s FPB story began with Little Grey Wolf, an FPB 64 he bought in New Zealand. Instead of shipping her home, he made the bold decision to drive her across the Pacific. “I looked at shipping the boat back,” he says, “and then thought, no, let’s drive it back.”
The resulting three-month journey carried a crew of five, including a retired MOD naval architect and two apprentices, through Tahiti, the equatorial countercurrents, Panama, the Azores and on to the Channel Islands. It was on this voyage that Peter learned the practical truths that would shape his next FPB: carry the spares you may need, because help is thousands of miles away, and make sure everything on board is accessible.While the 64 was crossing oceans, Grey Wolf II was under construction in New Zealand. The design was a collaborative process between Peter, fellow FPB owner Pete Rossin, and Steve Dashew himself. “It was very much a group effort,” Peter explains. “Steve designed the hull, but we all worked together to refine how she should be equipped and laid out.” He even spent nine months in the yard during the build, ensuring the systems, access and fit-out met the standard needed for high-latitude cruising.
Safety was at the core of the project. Peter insisted the yacht be built to MCA Category Zero. “I wanted the boat to be as safe as it possibly could be. The MCA standard is one of the best internationally,” he says. Grey Wolf II is the only FPB 78 coded to that level.
Once completed, she took the long route home. New Zealand to Tahiti, then the Gambier Islands, where fuel was hand-pumped aboard from 45-gallon drums. Past Pitcairn and Christmas Island, then into Chile. From there she and FPB 78-3 Iron Lady II travelled south together and spent three unforgettable weeks in Antarctica. “The wildlife was extraordinary,” Peter says. “Orca, penguins, seals. By the end I was almost penguined out.”
The conditions, of course, were real. Charts were unreliable, ice drifted unpredictably and anchoring required constant vigilance. “You might put the anchor down and be fine, then the wind shifts and suddenly the ice is coming at you. You have to decide whether you can push it off or lift the anchor and move.”
Between Little Grey Wolf and Grey Wolf II, Peter estimates he has logged close to 100,000 FPB miles. The capability, he says, is what keeps drawing him back. “You do not go looking for bad weather,” he explains, “but you know the boat can handle it. We had 100 knots on the nose in Chile and everything held without a problem.”
If you are interested in real world ocean crossing capability, practical design lessons, or what it means to run a family expedition yacht to some of the most remote places on earth, this conversation is not to be missed. Grey Wolf II is a remarkable platform, and Peter’s miles prove the point.
Listen now and step aboard one of the most capable private cruising yachts afloat
Steve Dashew - Dashew Offshore
Iconic yacht designer and one of the true legends of modern ocean cruising.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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In this final Inside the Market of 2025, Sue Grant is joined by Berthon motorboat broker and lifelong yachtsman, Hugh Rayner, to unpack what is really happening across sail and power as we head into 2026.
They start with a striking datapoint from the USA. For brokerage yachts over 500,000 dollars, 1,893 motorboats have sold in 2025, against just 149 sailboats including multihulls. As Sue says, it is a sobering statistic. Hugh sees it every day as experienced sailors quietly move to semi displacement and long range motor yachts. As he puts it, many are discovering that “straight line sailing is quite nice because you can sit inside, put the heating on and avoid a face full of salt water every fifteen minutes”.
Multihulls are another clear growth story on both sides of the Atlantic, sail and power. Deck space, comfort and performance are drawing in new owners. At the same time, more mature and heavier designs must now be priced very keenly to compete with rapidly evolving new models and materials.
New yacht sales remain challenging overall. Confidence, not capital, is the limiting factor. Yet truly new designs in the quality segment still cut through. From serious blue water sailing yachts to long range motorboats, the best of the new launches are selling off the drawing board in both Europe and the USA.
Across the group, buyers are asking Berthon to act for them in growing numbers. They want accurate, unvarnished advice on values, VAT, build quality and where a yacht really sits in the market. As Hugh says, “you are not just buying a boat, you are buying what that owner has done with that boat”.
Correctly priced, well marketed recent yachts with good pedigree, strong service history and sensible specification are still finding buyers readily. Berthon goes into the holiday period with more yachts under contract for early 2026 than we would normally expect.
None of this hides the fact that 2025 has been a bruising, turbulent year and that 2026 is likely to be similar. Reading the market accurately and telling owners the truth about price and presentation is critical. Overpriced, badly marketed yachts will not sell, however cheap the commission deal.
The episode closes with a look at the Berthon Fleet itself. The marketing team in all territories is busy, with an unusually high volume of new listings joining the fleet for the time of year. If you want a clear, honest view of where the market really sits at the end of 2025, this is the place to start.
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Inside the Market returns for November 2025 with a straight talking look at what is really happening in the yacht world right now. In this episode, Berthon International’s Sue Grant is joined by Alan Baines, Managing Director of Berthon USA, to unpack refit trends, pricing reality, and why some yachts are quietly selling while others sit and gather dust.
They begin in Palma, where Berthon’s refit and service operation is busier than ever, but the profile of work has shifted. The focus now is on seaworthiness, safety and essential maintenance, not teak decks and shiny cosmetics. Owners are spending to keep boats safe and moving, not to win beauty contests.
Across the Atlantic, the US brokerage market is surprisingly active, helped by one key factor: realistic sellers. Alan explains that where owners accept genuine market value, yachts are changing hands. Where they cling to 2022 pricing, they simply do not. Overpriced yachts remain a major drag on the market, often the result of brokers over promising to secure the listing in the first place.
That leads to one of the central themes of this episode. The market is more diverse and specialised than ever, and no broker can credibly be an expert in every segment. Choosing someone who truly understands your type of yacht may not support an over optimistic asking price, but it dramatically improves the chances of a sale within a sensible time frame.
Price remains the main driver of deals. Extra equipment and long option lists rarely raise the headline number. They make a yacht easier to sell, not inherently worth more. In a cautious, cost conscious environment, buyers reward value, not gadget count.
Presentation also matters. With a good choice of yachts on the market, buyers are deeply project averse. Cluttered interiors, obvious deferred maintenance and “fixer upper” listings are sticking. Clean, de personalised, well prepared yachts are the ones that get serious viewings and offers.
Location is the final, often overlooked, factor. As winter bites and charter flights shut down, anything parked in a hard to reach corner of the Med or Caribbean becomes difficult to show. If a visit involves multiple connections and an overnight stay, most buyers will simply not go. Until flight schedules resume in spring, badly located yachts are at a real disadvantage.
Across the conversation, Sue and Alan keep circling back to seven simple truths that define this market right now:
1.Refit demand is strong, but focused on safety and seaworthiness.
2.In the USA, deals are happening where sellers accept true market pricing.
3.There are still too many overpriced yachts, often the result of over promising to win listings.
4.Specialist brokers who know a segment deeply give owners the best chance of a timely sale.
5.Yachts are selling on price. Extra kit helps them sell, but does not add real value.
6.Poorly presented yachts are being left behind. Buyers do not want projects.
7.With winter here, remote locations make yachts hard to show and harder to sell.
If you want an honest view of where the market really sits at the end of 2025, this one is worth a listen. -
What really makes a motor yacht safe, comfortable and capable of crossing oceans, not just surviving them?
Sue sits down with legendary designer and lifelong cruiser Steve Dashew to talk about FPB explorer yachts, and why not every metal boat in the anchorage is created equal.
Now retired from full time yacht building, Steve and Linda have swapped FPB commissioning for land yachting in Arizona, photography, and a very serious Ford truck and camper project. But Steve is still studying hulls, watching the America’s Cup, advising quietly in the background and thinking deeply about what makes a truly capable long range cruiser.
Drawing on hundreds of thousands of sea miles, including Greenland, the South Pacific and long upwind slogs that most of us try to avoid, Steve explains why their approach was always “cruisers first, designers second” and how that changed the shape of FPB.A core theme in this episode is the importance of consistently high average speed at sea. Many boats can post an impressive top speed in flat water, but very few can maintain meaningful pace through crossing sea states, head seas, or long downwind passages. Steve explains why average speed, not peak speed, is the fundamental pillar of safe passagemaking.
A yacht that can reliably deliver consistently high average speeds unlocks shorter passage times, the ability to ride or outrun weather systems, and, most importantly, a calmer, more predictable experience for the crew. Comfort and safety are not separate ideas; they are linked directly to whether a boat can keep moving fast while keeping motion under control.
Steve explains how maintaining 10–11 knots in real ocean conditions lets you stay with favourable systems, avoid the worst of storms, and dramatically reduce fatigue on passage. As he says, “If you can keep your average up, the weather works for you. If you can’t, it works against you.”Why explorer style yachts have exploded in popularity, and why many look like FPBs but do not behave like them when the barometer falls.The idea of yacht design as a zero sum game, where every interior gain, hull tweak or fashion line has a direct impact on motion, steering control and safety.How to evaluate an explorer yacht if you are planning serious miles: why you should sea trial in ugly weather, insist on going out when the broker would rather stay alongside, and look closely at the people behind the design.The difference between a boat that “can take it” and a crew that actually wants to keep going. As Steve puts it, successful cruising is about being mentally and physically comfortable, not just structurally safe.The story behind FPB 83 WIND HORSE. Steve and Linda staked their own money and miles on a radical concept that many experts said would not work. Tank testing, CFD and ratios got them part of the way, but the real proof came after 15,000 to 20,000 miles at sea.Why steering control is everything offshore. FPBs are designed to surf safely at speed, why many owners are initially afraid to do so, and how average speed around 10 to 11 knots lets you work with weather systems instead of being punished by them.The trade off between interior volume and true seagoing ability.
In this conversation, we dig into:If you care about long range cruising, motion comfort, or are quietly shopping for an explorer yacht that can really cross oceans, this is a conversation worth your time. Steve is candid about risk, generous with hard won lessons and very clear on one thing: it is much safer, and far more fun, to go fast in control than to go slowly and suffer.
Steve Dashew - Dashew Offshore
Iconic yacht designer and one of the true legends of modern ocean cruising.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Tom Cunliffe joins us for a proper cup of tea and a wide-ranging conversation about boats, books, and why real seamanship still matters. A merchant seaman turned delivery skipper, Yachtmaster Examiner, columnist and broadcaster, Tom has spent a lifetime at sea—from engine-less beginnings on the Norfolk Broads to long ocean passages on traditional gaff craft and a Colin Archer to South America, the Caribbean and back. He shares the formative moments that shaped his philosophy: sailing without an engine, learning to think like a sailor (not a motor-boater with sails), and why how you recover from a mistake tells you more than whether you make one.
Tom Cunliffe
We talk navigation then and now. Tom argues that modern electronics are brilliant—but can diminish us if we forget the craft. He explains why raster charts and analogue plotting still earn a place on an iPad, and how his AngelNav approach lets you keep navigating if GPS goes dark. Starlink, he says, has changed cruising beyond recognition—useful, yes, but it dilutes the old solitude that bred self-reliance.
Tom also lifts the lid on the writing life: columns on both sides of the Atlantic, the decision to leave certain magazines over copyright, and the long road from textbooks and history to fiction. That leads to his new novel, Hurricane Force—a 1970s Caribbean sailing thriller with rave reviews (Alexander McCall Smith calls him “the Dick Francis of yachting thrillers”). We explore why he set it pre-GPS, how real people and places inspire composite characters, and why plotting a thriller sometimes needs an old roll of wallpaper more than a fancy app.
Stories abound: a teenage initiation on a 25-foot gaff sloop with no engine; beating for days into current off Venezuela; sharing an anchorage (and a mishap) with Don Street; ship-handling lessons from the merchant service that still apply to tying up a 45-footer with two people and no drama. Throughout, Tom keeps circling one idea: seamanship is joyful competence—clear thinking, tidy lines, and the confidence to make landfall by the stars if you must.
If you love traditional craft, bluewater problem-solving, or just a well-told sea story, this one’s for you. We cover:
• Learning under canvas: why starting engine-free rewires your seamanship
• The philosophy behind analogue-first navigation on digital tools
• The romance and reality of long passages then vs. now
• How Hurricane Force was born, shelved, and reborn—plus hints at the sequel
• Practical ship-handling tips yacht owners forget (and examiners notice)
Pour a brew, settle in, and let one of yachting’s great raconteurs remind you why we go to sea in the first place, and why the best safety gear lives between your ears.
Sailor, author and broadcaster, sharing classic seamanship and a lifetime of stories.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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In this October Market Insights episode, Sue is joined by Andrew Fairbrass from Berthon Spain to discuss the global yacht market as the team returns from the Annapolis Boat Show. Across all Berthon offices, activity remains steady, but the way buyers are engaging, researching, and making decisions continues to evolve. The conversation explores changing buyer behaviour, the challenges facing yacht manufacturers, and what’s driving momentum across new yacht sales, brokerage, and refit sectors as 2025 heads toward its final quarter.
This month’s insights:
1. The day of the boat show is waning. With more localised events, digital walkthroughs, and access to detailed online specifications, most buyers are viewing, assessing, and deciding outside traditional exhibition settings. The autumn shows have seen busy docks and halls, but fewer committed buyers as organisers prioritise visitor numbers over qualified clients.
2. Multihulls are hot. Interest continues to rise, led by production models linked to charter opportunities. Alongside these, there is strong demand for semi-custom, well-engineered, high-quality designs offering performance, comfort, and long-range capability. These are yachts that combine speed, seakeeping, and liveability, true bluewater cruisers appealing to experienced sailors and newcomers alike.
3. New yacht sales remain challenging. Long-standing American builder Catalina announced the suspension of production – a significant indicator of wider pressures in the sector. Rising costs, cautious buyers, and stock overhangs have slowed the pace of new orders. More announcements of this kind are expected into 2026.
4. Production yacht and motor yacht builders are struggling to reduce stock levels. As 2025 draws to a close, unsold stock remains high, a concern as unsold boats cross into a new model year. Many manufacturers are expected to delay or scale back production rather than discount heavily, in order to preserve pricing integrity.
5. Refit and service demand remains strong at the top end. Berthon’s service and refit operation in Palma has a full order book stretching into 2026, largely from yachts 100 feet and above. However, activity in the 60–100 foot range has slowed, impacted by high berthing costs and market hesitation. Palma’s berth prices have begun to soften again after sharp increases last year, and brokers are now negotiating attractive winter deals to keep yachts local.
6. Buyer confidence remains fragile. Levels of buyer remorse are high, with some clients stepping back at the final moment. Global uncertainty and economic caution are feeding a wait-and-see approach, particularly among first-time buyers and those upgrading into larger yachts. Brokers across all offices report that their role now involves more reassurance, education, and managing expectations throughout the process.
7. Market sentiment expects prices to fall, but stability continues. Some buyers remain convinced that brokerage prices will drop sharply over the winter, but this appears unlikely. The price delta between new and brokerage yachts remains wide, and builders are far more likely to slow or pause production than to sell below cost. For now brokerage values are holding steady, with well-presented, sensibly priced yachts still finding serious buyers.
Across the group, the message is consistent: while confidence wavers and decision-making takes longer, the market remains active, disciplined, and value-driven. Multihulls are a clear growth story, refit work continues strongly at the large-yacht end, and owners who price realistically are seeing results. The final months of 2025 look set to close on a stable footing, as the yacht industry continues to balance global caution with a steady appetite for quality and adventure afloat. -
Sue Grant sits down with designer, yachtsman, and long-time friend Steve Dashew to chart the leap from the record-setting sailboat BEOWULF to FPB 83 WIND HORSE—the boat that founded the FPB explorer-yacht line. Steve recalls why he and Linda built a fast, easily run sailboat, the two-handed 300-mile days they logged, and the stormy passage that flipped a prejudice against powerboats on its head: a broken boom, a hard motor-sail home, and a revelation about comfort, control, and speed. That moment led to Wind Horse—long, lean, efficient, and conceived from a sailor’s priorities: steering control, gentle motion, accessible systems, and high average speed. Sue and Steve dig into tank-test lessons, why 10–14-knot passages transform routing and safety, and how two people can realistically manage a serious ocean machine. They close with how those ideas became a family of 18 FPB hulls—powerboats designed by sailors to go farther, faster, and in control.
Steve Dashew - Dashew Offshore
Iconic yacht designer and one of the true legends of modern ocean cruising.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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In this September Market Insights episode, Sue Grant is joined by Magnus Kullberg, Managing Director of Berthon Scandinavia, to reflect on the yacht market as the season changes. With Cannes and Newport Boat Shows behind us and Annapolis ahead, both events were quieter than expected for immediate deals, though valuable for gauging trends and client interest.
This month’s key insights:1. Cannes and Newport were information-gathering, not deal-making.
2. Brokerage enquiries are well up on 2024 levels.
3. Marketing teams are flat out as new listings swell stock.
4. Sweden is seeing a rebound after a slow August.
5. Buyers are focusing on value, ignoring overpriced yachts.
6. Owners should heed broker advice when offers arrive.
7. Custom yachts are out of favour in today’s price-sensitive market.
The message across the group is clear: the market is active yet disciplined, with serious buyers stepping forward, price sensitivity dictating movement, and residual value under close watch. -
In this episode, Ben Cooper, Rob, and Alan from Berthon sit down, for their first attempt at recording a podcast, and share an insider’s look at the yacht market, fresh from a busy September of shows and racing. Rob reports back from the Cannes Yachting Festival, where Solaris unveiled the new 60 Coupé alongside the latest 55, 50, and 74, while Ben and Alan reflect on the performance cruising sector and the innovation driving today’s sleeker, faster designs. From the flush decks of Solaris to the growing demand for wide transoms and twin rudders, they discuss how expectations for speed and style are shaping modern blue water and coastal sailing. Ben also recounts racing at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2025 in Porto Cervo, where 43 yachts battled in sunshine and Mistral breezes across stunning coastal courses. Alongside the excitement on the water, the team reviews brokerage trends across cruising and motor yachts, highlighting a price-sensitive market with strong opportunities as owners and buyers look ahead to next season.
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In this episode, Sue Grant (Managing Director of Berthon Sales Group) shares our latest yacht sales insights for August 2025. What began as a light-hearted Teams chat between our international offices has grown into a more structured monthly review of the yacht market — and now into a regular podcast feature.
Why August is traditionally a quiet month for yacht sales, and what made this year different.The surge in repeat business from long-standing Berthon clients.Busy activity in Scandinavia around the Öppet Varv show.Growing interest from American buyers in Mediterranean yachts.Legal challenges around YachtWorld and what that could mean for the industry.Which yacht sizes and styles are most in demand right now.Encouraging early signs of renewed appetite for new yacht sales.
Sue dives into what’s happening across our territories — the UK, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the USA, and beyond. From seasonal slowdowns in August to the build-up for the autumn boat shows, we explore what’s hot, what’s not, and the wider trends shaping brokerage today.
Highlights include:It’s a mix of clear insight and open conversation, blending market analysis with first-hand perspective, aimed at making sense of where the yacht market stands today, where it’s heading, and how these shifts affect both buyers and sellers.
If you’re curious about the state of international yacht sales, this episode gives you an inside look at the conversations shaping the market right now.www.berthoninternational.com
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Welcome to the very first episode of the Berthon Podcast. In this short pilot, Sue Grant, Managing Director of the Berthon Sales Group, introduces who we are, what we do, and why we’ve launched this series.
Berthon is a fourth-generation, family-owned business with shipyard roots stretching back centuries, and today we’re one of the most established international yacht brokerages in the market. We sell around 200 yachts a year, across sail and power, from 35ft bluewater cruisers to 120ft performance yachts, working out of offices in the UK, Sweden, Spain, and the USA.
In this introduction, Sue shares:
The history and heritage behind Berthon.What makes our brokerage different, from specialist brokers to in-house photography and video.Our passion for yachts, people, and the incredible stories that come with them.A look at the publications and events we produce, from the Berthon Book to our annual Market Report.What you can expect from this podcast — future episodes will cover yacht sales insights, bluewater cruising, interviews with owners and designers, and much more.Whether you’re buying, selling, dreaming of bluewater horizons, or simply curious about the world of yachting, this podcast is here to share insights, stories, and a bit of behind-the-scenes life at Berthon. We’re glad you’re here at the start — subscribe, follow along, and join us for the journey.
www.berthoninternational.com
