Call it a shift in lifestyle, a growing love of privacy or just an appreciation for sea air over crowded airports - either way, the superyacht charter market is evolving. Longer trips, earlier bookings and more experience-led charters are all shaping this summer and winter’s most memorable moments on the water.
BOAT caught up with IYC’s global charter experts to find out what’s really going on behind the scenes, from trending destinations and guest preferences to what makes the perfect yacht charter tick.
1. The Mediterranean is hot - and not just in terms of temperature
Countries like Croatia, Greece, Italy and France are as in-demand as ever, but not necessarily in the way you might expect. “More and more clients are looking to get away from crowded places,” says Nela Matas, charter manager Croatia at IYC. “They want privacy, space and time to really disconnect - and they’re spending more time at anchor rather than hopping between busy marinas.”
With over 1,000 islands and countless quiet bays, Croatia has emerged as a favourite for its natural beauty and remote hideaways. Meanwhile, Greece is seeing “consequent demand,” according to Marie Molls, IYC’s global director of charter management, thanks in part to the early bookings from North American clients setting the tone for the season.
2. Guests are booking earlier and staying longer
Forget last-minute scrambling, this year’s mantra is “plan ahead”. IYC has noted a noticeable shift toward earlier planning, particularly among repeat clients who don’t want to risk missing their preferred yacht.
“The 2025 season is already showing signs of more advanced bookings, slightly longer charters and a greater emphasis on wellness, sustainability and bespoke onboard experiences,” says CEO Raphael Sauleau.
That means if you’re eyeing a peak summer or festive winter getaway, now is the time to lock it in, especially for some of IYC’s standout yachts, such as 65-metre Artisan, 55.4-metre Holdin’ My Own and 55.2-metre Raja², a new addition to the charter market.
3. Experience is everything
Across the fleet, guests are asking for more than just fine dining and snorkelling gear. “Clients are increasingly asking for chefs with specific culinary expertise, wellness programmes on board and eco-conscious operations,” notes Sauleau.
Molls echoes this: “Wellness is becoming a higher priority, with more clients seeking yachts that offer spa services, fitness amenities and health-conscious cuisine.”
Experience-led itineraries are also trending - think culinary tours, guided hikes or diving adventures, not just lounging on the sundeck (though that’s still encouraged).
4. Tech is transforming the charter experience - but not replacing the people
While digital tools are changing how charters are planned, IYC is clear about one thing: the personal touch still comes first. “Technology is essential to simplifying the process without losing the human touch,” says Molls. A prime example is RESERVE, proprietary technology created by IYC that is exclusively available to yachts under the IYC Central Agreement for Charter, allowing charterers to view and book available yachts on the IYC website with real-time pricing and availability - essentially putting the brokerage process in the palm of your hand.
“RESERVE was created to deliver real-time, transparent yacht data… directly at their fingertips, much like a Google search,” says Molls. It’s fast, intuitive and refreshingly transparent, but also backed by expert brokers who guide clients through the finer details.
5. IYC’s fleet is bigger than ever before
With over 30 new yachts joining in the past 18 months, IYC’s fleet has expanded by nearly 20 per cent to over 160 yachts worldwide. “We’ve welcomed a number of exceptional new yachts into the fleet,” says Sauleau, “with a strong focus on high-demand size segments and standout design, amenities and crew experience.”
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly explorer or a high-spec yacht with a top-notch spa and chef, there is something for every style of charter. A few standout names currently available through IYC include 80-metre Batello, 74-metre Atlas and 73.2-metre Laurel.
6. Yacht shows are still where the magic happens
While tech is changing the way yachts are booked, face-to-face time is still critical, especially for building relationships between brokers, owners and crews. “These shows are invaluable… not just as marketplaces, but as platforms to build relationships, evaluate the condition and quality of yachts, and spend face-to-face time with crew,” says Sauleau. IYC participates in more than 15 yachting events around the world each year - a number that continues to grow - with shows like the Mediterranean Yacht Show and the Palm Beach International Boat Show remaining cornerstones of its annual calendar.
What’s more, clients can take advantage of The Lounge by IYC at the Monaco Yacht Show - a quiet space to welcome prospective clients, host private meetings or simply provide a quiet glass of something cold between showings. “It reflects our approach to luxury: warm, refined and personal,” says Sauleau.
7. Off-the-beaten-track is the new badge of luxury
The Caribbean remains a firm favourite for winter charters, especially around New Year’s, but demand is growing for more adventurous destinations. “We’re observing increased interest in more adventurous and less traditional regions such as Central America and Southeast Asia,” says Anna Granlund, head of charter management Monaco. Experienced charterers, she says, are increasingly looking to escape the usual circuits and explore more remote cruising grounds.
If you’re dreaming of something different this winter, vessels like 55.7-metre Galileo and 50-metre sailing yacht Almyra II offer the kind of flexibility and range perfect for less-trodden routes.
8. Who you charter with makes all the difference
It’s no secret that IYC is growing rapidly, but what’s impressive is how it has managed to scale without losing the boutique feel. “At IYC, especially in the Adriatic region, our strength lies in combining global reach with deep local insight,” says Matas. “We’re not just managing yachts - we’re building partnerships.”
That local expertise is paired with a strong internal culture. “We maintain a boutique approach by dividing our teams by key cruising destinations,” adds Molls. The result is that every yacht feels personally championed, and every owner and guest gets highly tailored service, whether they’re booking in Monaco or the Maldives.
Whether it’s a summer sail through Croatian islands or a festive escape to the Caribbean, IYC is helping clients make it happen. Book your dream yacht charter with RESERVE now or contact the IYC team for more information.
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