At what point do yachts become superyachts? Superyachts become megayachts? Does size matter? After years of crewing on these floating havens I'd like to give you some of my insight!
Size matters: Constant competitions 🥇
Yachts break down into categories reflecting their length, the modest boat shifts into the superyacht space at around 24 meters (80 foot), a superyacht progresses to a megayacht when passing the 60 meter (200 foot) mark.
There are no official sizing guidelines and some builders have upped the ante, with the gigantic, crème de la crème of yachts: Gigayachts. These colossal yachts usually push well past 70 meters (230 foot) and are almost always custom-built. This is where the 1% compete constantly! Yacht builds are on the rise and the end is nowhere in sight. 📈
Quality vs. quantity: Good bones? 🦴
It’s no wonder that leaders of our automotive industry have dabbled in yacht builds. The likes of Ferrari, Porsche and Lamboughini are all pushing into the yacht build space more and more. Can they stand tall amongst the titans of quality yacht building? Feadship, Hessen, Amels are a few of the “Rolls-Royce” yacht builders.
The true test of quality is often best known to the vessels crew and brokers, on the surface they all shine bright but below the perfect polish and unparalleled decks is another world all together.
Serene sailing 🌬️ or muscle motoring? 💥
Motor yachts make up the vast majority of yachts in all categories, they offer a distinct prestige in comparison to their older cousins; sailing yachts. The sailing yacht energy feels more natural, passionate and peaceful, gliding across the seas harmoniously.
The motor yacht energy is robust, bold and purposeful. These impressive floating marvels can get you from country to country whilst experiencing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ service, whether that be lounging in the jacuzzi, sipping champagne or simply napping in the sun… not to mention all in perfect style.
Price tags: A boat load of cash? 💰
It will come of no surprise when I say that these assets are in a league of their own… with the initial cost being well into the millions for smaller yachts and running up into the hundreds of millions for gigayachts they are accessible only to the most fortunate of us! 🤑
A major cost and often unestimated one is the constant upkeep needed on yachts. A good ballpark figure is 10% of the price of the yacht is needed per annum just to keep things ship shape! Permanent crew, constant maintenance and management just about scratch the surface of the many costs after purchasing. All too often poor management and upkeep lead to devastating financial losses. 💸
Where there is a will, there is a wave!
I've also recently covered private jets and their recent rise.
Thanks for reading.
LM
