NEWS

Notwithstanding volatile world affairs, the appetite and demand for yachting do not seem to have diminished, provided the asking price is correct, the yacht is in good condition, and the seller is realistic.
ODYSSEY hit the sweet spots. Built by CRN in 2013 for "more than the Mediterranean season", ODYSSEY combines robust engineering with clean, balanced lines and a remarkably efficient use of her 939GT interior volume. Special features, including her re-engineered floating dock and touch-and-go helideck, make her one of the most versatile platforms in her class, as demonstrated by more than six years of South Pacific cruising with helicopter operations.

Zuccon International Project designed both her exterior and interior. Known and respected for their design philosophy, based on "feeling at one with the sea", ODYSSEY was conceived as the ideal platform for multi-generational adventure cruising, extended time on board, outdoor living, and watersports.

ODYSSEY’S layout maximizes her interior volume and features large windows, with floor to ceiling glass in the upper deck salon, abundant natural light, wonderful views, and a clear hierarchy between social and private areas. The full-beam, very private owner's suite forward on the main deck includes a balcony that opens at the touch of a button.

For a 58m yacht, the size of her exterior decks is one of her defining strengths. Her beach club, designed as a "lounge on the ocean", incorporates a drive-in dock, while her sundeck doubles as a helipad for a Bell 429 or similar. She also carries an impressive range of tenders and toys.

Odyssey was built as commercially compliant, although she has never been used for charter, and can accommodate up to 13 guests in six staterooms, along with 14 crew. The asking price was EUR 29,500,000.
 

Stuart is pleased to announce the delivery of the newly christened RAFTER, the fourth yacht in the very successful Damen Support Yacht (YS) 53m / 171’ series.

Built in Antalya, Turkey, and designed in-house by Damen Yachting, RAFTER makes smart use of every inch of her 497 GT while still feeling warm and welcoming. Her interior décor design is by Gianluca Sist from H2 Design, part of the well-known Johnny Horsefield design team. Accommodation includes a lounge and five staterooms for 10 guests, while the 115 sqm / 1238 sq ft bridge deck features a sky lounge and al fresco dining. Accommodation for 11 crew is located on the lower deck. 

One of the standout features is the sheer amount of deck space. With more than 200 sqm / 2153 sq ft available, the deck has been kitted out for Bertram 31’ Classic Sport Fish, a Dragon Fly 36’ folding trimaran, an Intrepid 31’ or a 31’ Protector Targa RIB, and a 23’ MasterCraft ski boat. 

A heavy-lift 15-tonne crane makes launching and recovering the watercraft quick and straightforward. Extremely versatile, the aft deck space isn't limited to carrying toys. It can also be reconfigured to take containers fitted with a portable hospital and medical equipment for hurricane or natural disaster relief efforts, or even a helicopter. 

Built to Lloyd’s class and featuring an ECO class notation, Rafter is IMO Tier III compliant which entails a 70% reduction on harmful emissions. Powered by two MTU 16V4000 engines delivering a combined output of 6,000hp and a top speed of 19 knots, Rafter cruises comfortably at 12 knots, offering an impressive range of 5,000 nautical miles.
 

Stuart is pleased to announce the in-house sale of the 43m / 142’ CALLIOPE, with Lon McCloskey introducing the buyer. US duty paid, a competitive price, and a motivated seller helped close the transaction following a recent refresh of the guest areas, which generated renewed market interest.

A North American modern classic built by Richmond Yachts in 2007, the 43m / 142’ CALLIOPE ticks all the key boxes—seaworthiness, performance, functionality, and value. Her welcoming interior complements her capabilities, while the practical layout, designed for leisure and entertaining, reflects the more informal approach to yachting appreciated in the American market.

Designed by the award-winning Ward Setzer, with interiors by Sven Pavlik, CALLIOPE features a shallow draft suited to coastal cruising. A bulbous bow was added during her 2022 refit to improve fuel efficiency.

CALLIOPE showcases Richmond Yachts’ focus on semi-custom fiberglass yachts with high-quality interiors, incorporating thoughtful features typically not found on comparable vessels. She offers excellent interior volume and generous deck space, accommodating up to 12 guests in six staterooms, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck. Overall, she feels larger than her 43m length.

Her exterior guest areas are equally well arranged, with al fresco dining on both the main and upper decks. The sundeck is a key feature, centered around a large whirlpool, with a bar and observation area forward. Aft, the tender storage area converts to a sunbathing space when the tenders are in the water.

The sale of CALLIOPE reflects continued demand for well-maintained, competitively priced yachts with practical layouts and efficient cruising capabilities.

Following the end of the pandemic bubble, the outlook for yachts over 60m is defined by ‘resilient normalization’ with strong demand for top pedigree, newly built or yachts close to delivery while the "aspirational" luxury market (sub-40m) has seen a 12% drop.

The resulting brokerage market is forked: there is a lack of inventory in the large, recent segment whereas the smaller, older (~pre 2016 or thereabouts) inventory is characterized by lingering and optimistically inflated asking prices.
"Pedigree" is predicted to be the ultimate currency: yachts built within the last five years command premiums while older vessels will see depreciation.

Total UHNW wealth is estimated to have increased from $ 49.2 trillion in 2023 to $59.8 trillion in 2025 and growth is expected to continue in 2026 driven by the AI revolution and interest rates and strong markets, benefitting cash-rich savers. The US remains the single largest market for superyachts although demand in the EU and ROW continues steady.

But, times are turbulent with a marked disconnect between frothy stock market results and the fractured geopolitical realities on the ground. For now, optimism prevails and US UHNWI (accounting for approximately 23%–25% of global buyers) are feeling confident on the back of the AI-driven bull market and a resurgent, faster paced business approach fostered by the current US administration, in contrast to the more ‘low-key luxury’ trend, post pandemic. However, young and wealthy clients do not want to wait or deal with the hassle and the decisions that have to go into a new build, and everything that goes along with that. They want instant yacht and are generally prepared to pay for it so near to completion projects command a strong premium.

A moderate weakening of the US dollar toward the $1.20 range against the Euro is contemplated by late 2026, making European builds 5–8% more expensive for dollar-denominated buyers. However, the US Federal Reserve is expected to stabilize rates near 3.0%–3.25% in 2026, so the cost of capital for financing large builds will be more predictable.

In summary, I do not expect to see much change in the 2026 market for larger yachts. Most indicators suggest an active market, steady demand, with prices driven by the lack of quality inventory. Owners are hanging on to their existing yachts deterred by the cost of replacement – most new build contracts come with an inflation clause – so, with fewer yachts under construction, prices for recent yachts that do not need significant refits or downtime, will firm up further or potentially increase.

I also expect the brokerage market to be buoyed by charter clients that realize the only way to get the time, locations and dates they want for their personal use is to transition from charter to owning their own yacht.

Finally, absent a crisis driven by AI or global volatility, the tax benefits resulting from the current US Government bonus depreciation scheme for business assets, that are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, will buttress or at least stabilize the US market in a positive fashion.

Stuart is pleased to announce the sale of MOSAIQUE the 50m/164’ full displacement yacht built in 2002 by Proteksan Turquoise, now Turquoise Yachts. Notwithstanding or thanks to a weaker US Dollar American and international buyers continue to be very active in the larger yacht market. MOSAIQUE is Stuart’s eighth sale in 2025.

A full displacement yacht with streamlined classical lines, MOSAIQUE was built in steel and aluminum to ABS class and MCA compliance. Ed Dubois was responsible for her well-proportioned exterior while the original interior was by Don Starkey. Fully refitted in 2022, the interior décor was refreshed with a Hampton Beach vibe, although the original cabinetry, boiserie and layout were preserved.

Designed to reflect the style of a country house, MOSAIQUE was originally intended for private use, but became an extremely successful charter yacht thanks to her well laid out, welcoming interior, six stateroom accommodations, versatile exterior decks, and Quantum zero speed stabilization providing extra comfort at anchor.

At 589 GT, MOSAIQUE is unusually spacious for a 50m yacht and sleeps up to 12 guests. The full-beam Master suite and study and the VIP stateroom are on the main deck with the four remaining staterooms, three doubles and a twin, on the lower deck. She carries 12 crew.

MOSAIQUE is Cayman flagged and completed her 20-year ABS classification surveys in 2022. She is powered by twin diesel Caterpillar engines and cruises comfortably at 12 knots. She has a 4,500 nm range at 14 knots can reach a top speed of 15 knots.
Mosaique was asking USD 11,900,000.

Stuart is pleased to announce the sale of the 60m/196’ Formosa built by Benetti on its successful 60m platform. Delivered in 2015, Formosa was designed to be a family boat for world cruising so comfort at sea and performance were essential. In addition to a track record of worldwide cruising, including a 5-year circumnavigation, Formosa has proven to be a very successful charter yacht on account of her spectacular interior décor, welcoming layout and capabilities.  

Listed for sale only in April 2025 and correctly priced, Formosa has the layout, features and pedigree appreciated by the current market.  She was built to a very high spec on a proven platform and at 1,089GT, her interior is well above the usual volume of a 60m yacht. Her interior layout and décor were designed by the then relatively unknown Sander Sinot, now one of the leading names in yacht design.

Sinot was an inspired choice, since his clean, uncluttered Asian-inspired aesthetic focused on harmony, meticulous craftsmanship and natural materials and now counts many enthusiastic clients. His palette of blue and cream combined with light and exotic woods, natural stone, touches of gold and beaten bronze paneling is exquisitely sophisticated.

The layout is unusual and makes use of every inch of space inside and out with areas that work for both formal entertainment or more secluded times. Formosa accommodates 13 guests in six staterooms including the 70m2/753f2 owner’s forward-facing apartment on the upper deck, two VIP staterooms on the main deck forward and three large staterooms on the lower deck.

Formosa was built to ABS class and is powered by twin MTU 12V4000 M53 engines. She cruises comfortably at 14 knots, can reach a top speed of 16 knots and at 12 knots has a range of 5,000 nautical miles. For comfort she is equipped with Naiad zero speed stabilizers and is MCA compliant.

Stuart is pleased to announce his sale of Planet Nine, the 72.3 m I 240'02" exploration yacht delivered by Admiral in 2018.

A huge volume “go anywhere” yacht, Planet Nine was inspired by two trailblazing expedition yachts, Amazon Express and Maupiti. Her original owner took his time to refine and improve the original concepts with input from two masters of their craft, Tim Heywood and Tino Zervudachi. The result is as unusual as it is appealing.

Conceived as a home away from home for leisurely living, PLANET NINE  accommodates a party of 18 for a long cruise and at any latitude. The nine-stateroom interior with two master staterooms, built by the renowned German luxury outfitter Fitz Interiors, was designed to be enjoyed in both hot and cold climates. Zervudachi created vibrant and eclectic spaces, intimate enough for a couple but grand enough for a big party. The décor is bold yet elegant with exotic woods and artisanal fabrics from across the globe; a nod to the yacht’s go-anywhere capabilities.

PLANET NINE is ice-classed and quiet, with an extremely efficient hull and excellent stability at anchor, even in heavy seas. With a commercially rated helipad and large tenders, the capacity to carry, Srefuel, and stow a helicopter and deploy large, long-range tenders with ease is central to the concept of PLANET NINE. When the on-board helicopter is garaged, the helipad can be used for additional “touch and go” flights. Her “all-weather fleet” of toys and tenders includes two 10m custom-built Rupert RIBs, ideal for scouting, yet comfortable and safe for guests.

PLANET NINE is powered by two Caterpillar 3516 engines and runs three Caterpillar C18 generators with HUG converters for clean exhaust emissions. She carries 340,000 liters of fuel which enables her to cruise over 6,000nm at 14 knots or 10,000nm at 10 knots.

PLANET NINE has been used non-stop both privately and commercially since she was launched and covered over 120,000 nautical miles in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans as well as Antarctica. Her well-designed technical and crew areas have a lot to do with her impressive track record in terms of performance, service and crew retention. PLANET NINE was asking €79.5 million.