How international families are redefining yacht ownership

Yacht ownership is shifting from a leisure pursuit to a strategic asset within family office and private wealth planning. 

The shift is driven by broader trends, including increased global mobility, remote working and growing expectations around how significant assets contribute to long-term value. 

This article, by Bruce Maltwood, Yacht Services Director and Darren Toudic, Private Client Director, explores the key considerations for private clients and advisers, including the importance of ownership structure, long-term planning, operational efficiency, safety and governance. 

From lifestyle asset to long-term strategy

Yachts were once seen primarily as lifestyle assets, offering a way to enjoy time with family and friends in comfort wherever the season allowed. Today, that view is evolving and owners, particularly NextGens, expect more from their investment than occasional use. Extended travel windows, charter income and jurisdictional flexibility are high on the agenda. 

Many are also using yachts as a professional platform. Onboard offices are becoming commonplace, enabling owners to maintain access to global markets and clients while travelling. For private clients, this shift calls for greater rigour in how yachts are acquired, held and operated. 

Yacht ownership should be approached in the same way as other significant assets, with full due diligence, realistic operational budgeting, and early consideration of exit and succession planning. 

Operational and financial dynamics

Yacht ownership is a substantial ongoing commitment. Annual costs, which typically include crew, insurance, fuel, maintenance and marina fees, can reach 10-15% of the vessel’s value per annum. For many families, a charter strategy is used to help offset some of these costs, though this requires careful planning, experienced management and appropriate insurance. 

Timing also plays a role. Acquiring a yacht post-season can present better value and improved negotiation opportunities. On resale, vessels that are well maintained and built by reputable shipyards tend to retain their value more effectively, while heavily customised or younger models can depreciate more quickly. 

A well-considered ownership structure in the right jurisdiction is essential to manage tax and VAT exposure. Local requirements differ between the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Gulf, and specialist advice should be sought at the outset and throughout the life cycle of the yacht to ensure it is positioned and operated efficiently. 

Location, mobility and strategic positioning

Location has a direct impact on both charter demand and resale prospects. Hubs such as Monaco, the South of France and the Caribbean remain popular for purchase and charter activity. 

For families, where the yacht is based often forms part of a broader planning strategy. This may include lifestyle preferences, regulatory considerations or the desire to support wider mobility planning. 

Cruising patterns are changing, with growing interest in remote destinations, explorer vessels and new regulatory zones. Asia and the United States are increasingly important to the industry. The US has seen a notable rise in both ownership and new build orders, reinforcing its position as a leading market. 

Privacy, safety and reputational protection

Privacy and security remain critical issues. Rising geopolitical instability, increased data breaches and greater public scrutiny have led to higher investment in onboard systems such as Automatic Identification System cloaking and digital privacy protocols. 

Family offices must also address the legal and operational risks associated with crew management, guest safety, insurance and compliance. These are no longer secondary concerns, and a clear governance framework and robust asset protection are essential. 

Establishing trust and working with a specialist yacht management partner can provide additional protection, particularly where coordination and discretion are embedded into the service. 

ESG, regulation and future proofing

Environmental regulation, emissions limits and marine conservation zones are now shaping how yachts are built and operated. Owners and family offices are increasingly considering how their vessels align with their broader ESG principles. 

Developments such as hybrid propulsion, sustainable materials and more efficient engineering are helping owners meet future regulatory standards and improving long-term resilience and appeal in the charter market. Regulatory drivers, including IMO Tier III requirements and the EU Emissions Trading System for large yachts, are becoming central to planning and refit decisions. 

Good governance remains vital. A full and transparent service history, regular upgrades and strong documentation all support long-term value. A well-managed, environmentally aware yacht also reflects positively on the owner’s broader reputation. 

Family office planning and multigenerational use

Yachts often span generations and should be aligned with the overall wealth strategy. This includes estate planning, succession and clarity around how and when the vessel is used by family members. Family governance documents can help manage this, ensuring that expectations are agreed and understood. 

Ownership structures must be carefully assessed. The chosen jurisdiction, treatment of charter income and management of risk all have tax and legal implications. Crew employment and regulatory compliance also require careful oversight.

Families should also define the primary use of the vessel. Whether it is for private enjoyment, shared use with relatives and friends, or commercial chartering will shape how it is managed and how its long-term value is preserved. 

Key steps for owner-investors

Yacht ownership requires the same level of oversight and discipline as any other major asset, with clear objectives, sound structure and good governance from the outset.

There are three key stages:

1. Before acquisition, select reputable designers and financially stable shipyards, verify history where relevant and prepare for running costs. 
2. During ownership, align charter and personal use, maintain proper records, and ensure the vessel is operated under the right flag and legal structure.
3. At exit, maintain condition, track market conditions and consider timing and jurisdiction for sale or repositioning. 

At each stage, coordinated advice from legal, tax and operational specialists ensures that decisions made about the vessel align with the family’s overarching governance and long-term wealth objectives. 

For more information on Praxis’ private wealth, yacht ownership & yacht management services please reach out to Bruce or Darren. 

This article was first published in the Winter 2026 PIB Xclusive Insights magazine. 

Please note that this article is intended to provide a general overview of the matters to which it relates. It is not intended as professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Any engagement in respect of our professional services is subject to our standard terms and conditions of business and the provision of all necessary due diligence. © Praxis 2026