Period: 1–31 December 2025
December closed the year with clear momentum across sales, charter and new-build activity, reinforcing confidence as the market transitions into 2026. Transaction volume remained strong throughout the month, inventory stayed selective, and forward indicators, particularly in new builds and charter, point to a constructive year ahead.
December at a Glance
- Yachts sold (20m+): 29 confirmed transactions across the month
- Sales concentration: Strongest in the 30–50m segment, with additional activity at both the ultra-luxury and sub-30m ends
- New listings: Limited and selective, supporting buyer urgency for well-positioned yachts
- New builds & launches: Multiple high-profile launches, deliveries and new-build contracts
- Market sentiment: Strong year-end momentum, resilient demand, and positive outlook into 2026
Sales Activity
December saw consistent weekly sales volume, culminating in a particularly active final week before year-end. Across the month:
- The 30–50m segment emerged as the most liquid, driven by demand for yachts offering range, comfort and modern efficiency
- Turnkey yachts, those with recent refits, modern layouts or immediate operational readiness, outperformed
- Larger flagship transactions and off-market sales reinforced confidence at the top end
- Well-presented classic yachts also transacted efficiently when pedigree and condition aligned
Key theme: Buyers remained selective, but decisive when quality, value and readiness aligned.
New Builds, Launches & Shipyard Activity
December reinforced strong confidence in the new-build market:
- Major launches included a 117m Northern European flagship and the first hull in a new 50m Italian series
- Large custom projects continued to progress toward 2026 delivery
- New-build contracting remained active, particularly in the 30–55m semi-custom range
- A landmark milestone was reached with the start of construction on a 125m+ superyacht in Turkey, signalling expanding global shipyard capability
Industry trend: Hybrid, electric and alternative propulsion systems remain front-of-mind, alongside long-range and explorer-style platforms designed for versatility and autonomy.
Charter & Experience-Led Demand
Charter activity remained a key pillar of confidence throughout December:
- Holiday and winter charters performed strongly in the Caribbean and Australia/New Zealand
2026 charter bookings are building earlier than usual, particularly for yachts with long-range capability and flexible itineraries
- Catamarans and explorer-style yachts continue to gain share, reflecting evolving guest preferences
Regional Overview
Mediterranean
Year-end sales activity remained steady, with owners positioning yachts for refit and early spring deployment ahead of the 2026 season.
Caribbean & United States
Florida emerged as a focal point for late-year closings. Charter demand remained strong through the New Year period, reinforcing winter-season confidence.
Asia-Pacific
Infrastructure investment and refit activity continue to support long-term growth, with Turkey’s expansion into the 125m+ category marking a significant regional milestone.
Australia & New Zealand
Peak charter season was underway, supported by visiting fleets, local sales momentum and growing interest in long-range cruising itineraries.
Industry Themes to Watch
- Turnkey advantage: Presentation, refits and readiness are increasingly decisive
- Sustainability focus: Hybrid, electric and fuel-efficient platforms gaining traction
- Selective inventory: Limited listings continue to support pricing discipline
- Experience-led ownership: Charter versatility and itinerary flexibility shaping buyer decisions
Key Takeaways
- December closed with strong year-end momentum, particularly in the mid-size segment
- Quality assets continue to transact, even in a selective market
- New-build confidence remains high, extending well into the 2026–27 delivery pipeline
- Charter demand is supporting sentiment, with early bookings pointing to a positive 2026 season
Complied: Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 5:07pm (Sydney/Australia)
Sources: BOAT International, SuperYacht Times,