Despite current global economic challenges, the luxury yacht market is booming. The appetite for British-made vessels saw a 33.2% increase in exports in the past few years, according to a report by British Marine – but what is not so clear, given the exclusivity of the market, is the finances needed to buy, maintain, and enjoy such a superyacht. Think you are ready to get on board? The following figures will make even the strongest sea legs weak at the knees.

In the beginning

“Building a custom superyacht costs £1.5 million per square meter on average and takes three to four years to build,” begins Stuart. “It starts with the exterior and interior design, then a shipyard is chosen. From there the hull is constructed. Next comes fitting of the engines, running gear, water treatment, air conditioning and pumps. The superstructure is then built and attached to the hull. This is before the interior fit-out takes place and the exterior is painted. Sea trails are then carried out before the yacht is handed over for warranty work.” Not prepared to wait? Buying second-hand is a very sensible option. “Many prospective owners choose to purchase a second-hand superyacht. It costs around £20 million on average, but increases dramatically if customisation takes place. Fitting out a new or used vessel costs around £35 million, but this can varies depending on size.”

Overall spend

Get your numbers straight before taking the plunge. “In general, the overall operating cost is now 20% or more of its original price. So, a vessel costing £1 billion pounds will set you back £200 million per year after paying for fuel, dockage, crew, maintenance, insurance and so on. A decade ago, the operating cost was around 10% of a vessel’s original price. This demonstrates a huge increase in running costs due to soaring inflation.”

Financing fuel

And while fuel costs have always been eye-watering, today’s superyacht spend is astronomical. “Fuel is one of the biggest superyacht costs, starting at £2,000 per hour and over £24,000 per overnight cruise. For example, a 70-metre vessel is estimated to use around 500 litres of fuel per hour, and while annual fuel costs were estimated at around £327,000 back in 2012, they are now estimated to hit over £420,000 in the current climate.”

People power

Next, you need to think about a key factor in yachting excellence – your staff. “As a general rule, a 60 meter yacht will have a 16-person crew, setting you back around £1.2 million per year based on industry-standard pay rates. Owners of superyachts of 100 meters and beyond will pay significantly more to staff their vessels. These can vary from the skipper’s salary of around £12,000 per month, to the stewards at around £4,000. Typically, these salaries would not be subject to tax at source”.

Operating and maintenance

So how much cash will it take to keep your boat ship shape? “The annual operating costs of a superyacht is around 12% of its original cost for the first four years, 15% for the next three years, and 20% annually from then onwards. They must come out of the water every five years for maintenance such as painting, underwater work, gear checks, and antifouling. This basically equates to 10-12% of the vessel’s original price. So, a superyacht that costs £1 billion would require around £1 million of maintenance work a year.” 

Insurance

Such a hefty investment demands sound insurance, and here, shopping around will help immensely. “Insurance costs are difficult to pinpoint as many factors determine what you will need to pay, such as value, cruising area, and usage. Again, as an example a superyacht costing £1 billion could cost £8 million or more to insure. Fire, theft, loss of tender, onboard injury, and collisions are the most common claims received from yacht owners, according to Insure4Boats data.”

Marina dockage

“Finally, always keep in mind the fact that superyacht costs go far beyond the initial build or purchase price, especially when used as a base for luxury holidays or experiences such as the Cannes Film Festival. A two-week holiday in Marbella could cost you £60,046 in dockage alone, without considering the cost of fuel or refreshments. It’s easy to see how superyacht owners can rack up almost £300,000 in dockage fees per year on average.”

The post Spending Money Like Water: The Real Expense of Owning a Superyacht appeared first on Best of Living.

Scotland

Cruising round-trip from Oban you’ll head to Salen on Loch Sunart, Armadale, Kyle of Lochalsh, Eigg, Muck, Hynish, Iona, Jura, and Tayvallich and cruise Ardnamurchan and the Sound of Islay. Visit an award-winning art gallery on the edge of Loch Sunart; the Museum of the Isles set in the grounds of a ruined castle; walks on Eigg and Muck; discover the hidden gem of Lip na Cloiche Garden on Mull; unwind in the spiritual calm of Iona Abbey with the opportunity to join the Easter Sunday service; enjoy walks at Craighouse on Jura where red deer outnumber people; and visit the picturesque village of Tayvallich. The cruise takes place on the 48-guest Hebridean Princess, an iconic vessel twice chartered by Queen Elizabeth II for private family holidays. The epitome of understated elegance, it combines the atmosphere of a fine country house hotel with a renowned level of service and attention to detail, top class dining, and knowledgeable onboard guides. 
Departs 31 March 2026 with prices from £4,167 per person based on two sharing an Inside Super King, rising to £9,576 per person for a Balcony Super King. www.hebridean.co.uk

Italy

Leave the crowds behind and experience Italy and the Adriatic from a different perspective on this unique off-season voyage from Venice to Rome, with calls in Zadar, Dubrovnik, Messina, and Naples. Along the way, visit popular attractions like the Sistine Chapel, St Mark’s Square and Pompeii without the crowds, giving you time to absorb the talent of Michaelangelo, the beauty of Venice and the tragedy of Pompeii. Walk the legendary walls of Dubrovnik’s old town, hike tranquil Dalmatian parks, dine in family homes in small villages, and learn to cook authentic pizza in a Sicilian kitchen. The eight-night cruise takes place onboard the 312-guest all-suite yacht Star Legend which features spacious ocean-view accommodation, fully equipped fitness centre, spa with complimentary sauna, infinity pool and hot tubs, water sports marina and choice of bars and restaurants.
Departing 23 March 2026 with prices from £2,043 per person based on two sharing a Star Porthole Suite, rising to £4,603 per person for the Owner’s Suite. www.windstarcruises.com

Arctic

Set sail to Svalbard, said to be one of the best places on the planet to see polar bears in their native habitat. In addition to the bears, there’s a chance to see walrus, reindeer, Arctic foxes, fur seals and numerous species of birds. The archipelago offers unique hikes, with artful arrangements of whale bones on pebbled beaches, and the ghostly remains of trapper’s huts. On this 10-day cruise you can also explore under the midnight sun and take advantage of spectacular photo opportunities with tips from a National Geographic expert; sail up to rock-wall rookeries teeming with thousands of birds; actively explore by kayak and Zodiac cruise; and hike the spongy tundra. The cruise takes place onboard the National Geographic Resolution, a fully-stabilised vessel with ice class PC5, category A, which features an observation lounge, library, main lounge with bar, an expedition based with lockers for expedition gear, restaurant with 270-degree wrap-around view, and two other dining options.
Departing 18 May 2026 with prices from £10,565 per person based on two sharing a category 2 stateroom, rising to £18,891 per person for a category 7 Bridge Deck cabin. www.uk.expeditions.com

France

Enjoy a journey into the past of the Impressionist masters on a week-long cruise that begins and ends in Paris and visits Conflans, Rouen, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, Les Andelys, Vernon, and Mantes-la-Jolie. As the ship winds along the Seine into the Normandy countryside to Le Havre on the rugged Atlantic coast, guests can follow the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne and Gauguin and visit idyllic villages; the museum town of Rouen with its many monuments and architectural treasures; the white cliffs of Étretat which is full of history and legends; and the picturesque harbour town of Honfleur. You’ll cruise on board the 146-guest AMADEUS Diamond, which combines smart technology and modern design with the utmost in comfort. From the lower decks to the open-air River Terrace, there’s countless ways to spend the day, such as indulging and unwinding with a massage, keeping active in the fitness studio, or challenging your shipmates to a putting contest on the Sun Deck.
Departing 22 April 2026 with prices from £2,081 per person based on two sharing a C4 category cabin with panoramic window, rising to £3,679 per person for an AMADEUS Suite with French balcony. www.amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk

Asia

Sail from Japan to Taiwan and back during cherry blossom season on this two-week voyage. Setting off from Tokyo, the ships sails to Shimizu, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful ports because of its outlook on Mount Fuji, then continues west to Kobe, renowned as a culinary hotspot and a good base for visits to Kyoto. A day at sea is followed by the coral-fringed Okinawa archipelago before reaching Taiwan, stopping at Keelung, a gateway to Taipei. Sailing back to Japan, there are calls in at Kagoshima and Kochi before returning to Tokyo. The cruise takes place on the 606-guest Crystal Symphony which offers discerning travellers enriching experiences onshore and at sea, with almost one member of crew per guest. The ship is home to the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea, part of an exclusive partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM). Wellness can be enjoyed at the Aurōra Spa, and spectacular entertainment comes courtesy of Broadway-standard shows. Then there’s the world-class dining, including Umi Uma – the only dining experience at sea by chef Nobu (Nobuyuki Matsuhisa) – and a specially curated Osteria d’Ovidio menu by three-time Michelin-starred Italian chef Massimiliano and celebrated restaurateur Raffaele Alajmo.
Departing 5 April 2026 with prices from £8,600 per person based on two sharing a Sapphire Ocean View Suite, rising to £19,100 per person for a Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite. www.crystalcruises.com

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From its shipyard in Plymouth, on the south coast of England, Princess Yachts has built a reputation as one of the most respected names in modern yacht design. Every yacht begins as a vision crafted by in-house naval architects and is brought to life by master boatbuilders whose skill reflects decades of British maritime heritage. The result is a fleet that blends dynamic performance with refined luxury, from the agile F Class flybridge models to the commanding X Class superflys and the flagship Y95.

Inside, Princess yachts are conceived as light-filled sanctuaries at sea. Expansive glazing, thoughtful layouts and meticulous craftsmanship create interiors that are both functional and beautiful. Each space can be customised to suit an owner’s individual style, with hand-selected materials, bespoke furnishings and seamless indoor-outdoor flow ensuring every journey is as comfortable as it is memorable.

Sustainability is central to Princess’s approach. The brand continues to invest in hybrid propulsion research, advanced hull designs for greater fuel efficiency, and environmentally responsible building techniques. Their Plymouth yard operates with a commitment to reducing environmental impact while preserving the exceptional standards of performance and luxury that define the marque.

For those who desire the Princess experience without full ownership responsibilities, the YachtQuarters shared ownership programme offers a flexible way to enjoy a new Princess yacht. Co-owners share costs and usage, with full management provided by the brand — an arrangement that delivers all the pleasures of yachting, without the logistical demands.

Whether cruising a secluded bay in the Mediterranean or hosting family and friends on a weekend voyage, Princess Yachts offers more than transportation — it delivers a gateway to exploration, relaxation and enduring memories.

Discover more at princessyachts.com or arrange a private consultation to explore the full fleet and YachtQuarters programme.

The post Princess Yachts: Defining British Craftsmanship on the Water appeared first on Best of Living.

Laugh while you cruise

Comedy Boat Party offers a unique way to experience London — cruising the River Thames aboard a floating entertainment venue. Combining stand-up comedy, scenic views and DJ-led parties, their events are designed for groups, celebrations and corporate occasions alike.

With experienced captains at the helm and top-tier comedians on deck, every detail is considered to create an evening that blends humour and hospitality. It’s not just a river cruise — it’s a night to remember.

Visit comedyboatparty.co.uk

Luxury yachts for bluewater sailing

For over 50 years, Southerly Yachts has been known for its innovative lifting-keel designs and raised deck saloons, offering exceptional performance and comfort. Now owned by Concept Marine Group, the brand continues to honour British boatbuilding heritage.

Southerly’s 420, 480 and newly launched 580 models are built with bluewater versatility in mind. Each yacht can be tailored to suit individual cruising preferences, ensuring a long-range sailing experience with enduring craftsmanship.

Visit southerly-yachts.com

Comprehensive yacht and superyacht insurance

Lockton Marine provides tailored insurance solutions for motor and sailing yachts — whether for pleasure, racing or commercial use. With multilingual experts in seven maritime locations, they serve clients across the globe.

From new build coverage to specialist risks such as piracy, crew medical, or fine art protection, Lockton Marine delivers flexible insurance packages that reflect the complexity of yacht ownership.

Visit lockton.com

Explore the world in classic luxury with Classic Charters

Classic Charters specialises in creating bespoke yacht charters aboard elegant vessels around the world. From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and beyond, each itinerary is designed to reflect your pace, taste and ambitions.

Among their fleet is Far Niente, a 32-metre modern classic available for private charter. Featuring expansive decks and refined interiors, it offers a fully staffed, high-end experience tailored to each client.

Visit classic-charters.com

Luxury yachting redefined

Phoenix Yacht Management delivers end-to-end support for yacht owners — from operational and technical oversight to crew recruitment, refit supervision, legal compliance and cybersecurity. Headquartered in Dubai, the company manages assets across global cruising grounds.

Their services also include worldwide charter brokerage and bespoke event hosting at sea. With a team made up of former captains, engineers and yacht professionals, Phoenix offers insight-led service from design to delivery.

Visit phoenix-yachts.com

Reach bluewater with no hassle

Smart Yachting was created to make yacht ownership seamless — managing every aspect from purchase and refit to resale and charter. With offices in Ibiza, Mallorca and Marbella, the team supports owners throughout the Mediterranean.

Their Ibiza headquarters handles full servicing and upgrades, with in-house mechanics offering everything from repairs to complete refits. Smart Yachting also assists with charter management, storage, and long-term mooring solutions through their sister company Smart Charter.

Visit smartyachting.com

Boating all year round in perfect comfort

Krueger designs and installs heating, air conditioning and water systems for vessels of all sizes — from compact cruisers to superyachts. Specialists in ultra-efficient, low-consumption climate systems, they offer full service across the UK and Europe.

Whether retrofitting or building from new, Krueger provides solutions tailored to vessel type and usage. Trusted by boatbuilders, commercial operators and leisure clients alike, their systems ensure year-round comfort on board.

Visit krueger.co.uk

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