Yachting trends on the rise in 2023, enter the next-wave

2023 is proving to be off to a robust start for the yachting industry and experts signal these to be the biggest yachting trends to make a mark this year.

SUPER PREFORMING SUPER YACHTS

According to Boat International’s Global Order Book, there has been a 17.5% rise in the number of superyachts under construction from 1,024 in 2022 to 1,203 for 2023. The biggest area of growth for 2023 is the smaller superyacht sector (between 24 and 27 metres), rising by 25% year on year.

Azimut | Benetti Group has held the fore, as the worlds #1 superyacht builder for 23 consecutive years. With Azimut entering the superyacht market in 2022 with the launch of the Grande Trideck and the explorer crossover, the Magellano 30M.

Fountaine Pajot will follow suit later in 2023 with the launch of its first superyacht status catamaran, when the shipyard debuts the Sailing 80 at the Cannes International Yachting Festival in Septermber this year. 

THE RISE OF THE PREMIUM DAYBOAT

Expect an influx of new dayboat models in 2023 as major shipyards cater to the growing demand.

In the 10-15 metres range, the revived premium dayboat is progressively becoming increasingly attractive to boaters looking for short day outings. Last year we saw the launch of the Jeanneau DB/43, for which Jeanneau had more than a year’s worth of pre-orders before its world premiere. This year, Jeanneau will expand the line with the launch of the DB37. Like the DB43, this brilliant new entry will offer boaters the option of the inboard or outboard motors.

ECO-CONSCIOUS FLEETS 

Boat builders are increasingly focused on launching eco-conscious vessels, with the adoption of innovative propulsion systems including hybrid and electric; the development of increasingly efficient hulls, tailored to master the challenges of each model’s mission; and extensive use of carbon fiber to reduce weight. Many builders are also incorporating greener materials like synthetic teak decking, faux leather upholstery and the addition of solar panels as alternative energy sources. 

Notably, Fountaine Pajot's Aura 51 Smart Electric® moves into mass production in 2023. And, through the shipyard’s Odysséa 2024 accelerator program, Fountaine Pajot seeks to transform its production processes, producing low-carbon and ideally net carbon neutral cruising boats and scenarios by 2030. 

Technological innovation is one of the pillars supporting the success of the Azimut | Benetti Group, which plans to invest 130 million euros in R&D over the next 3 years. A rapidly growing share of yachts produced by the group guarantees a 20 to 30% reduction in fuel consumption, and therefore CO2 emissions, compared with equivalent shaft line models with hard-chine hulls. Azimut’s notable launches for 2023 is the S7 and the Magellano 60 which are at the forefront of this technologically advancement.

THE DEMAND FOR PREMIUM PREOWNED YACHTS

Luxury yacht resales are set to boom in 2023 as more yachting brands take control of their second-hand sales. By giving owners more options to sell their boats, specifically to an engaged audience, yacht brands are finding customers are more likely to remain loyal. Yacht brands with international dealer networks make it easier for customers to source and sell second hand boats..

Boating World represents Azimut, Fountaine Pajot and Jeanneau in the sale of new and secondhand boats, successfully sourcing and selling second-hand boats for clients throughout the world.