The State of Yachting 2026: In Partnership with Safe Harbor

Why It Matters

The expanding super‑yacht fleet and rising refit demand reshape the luxury marine ecosystem, creating lucrative opportunities for service providers and investors while demanding upgraded infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• Global super‑yacht fleet over 30 m grew six‑fold since 1990s.
• 60% of super‑yachts permanently base in the Mediterranean basin.
• 2025 saw record sales of 80 m+ yachts, 19 units sold.
• Refits surged to 2,600 in 2025, driven by 60 m+ vessels.
• Safe Harbor expanded by acquiring Monaco Marine, boosting refit capabilities.

Summary

Super Times released its 2026 State of Yachting report, marking a decade since the first edition and highlighting a partnership with maritime services firm Safe Harbor.

The data show the global fleet of yachts over 30 m has expanded nearly six‑fold since the early 1990s, with about 200 new builds delivered annually. Roughly 60 % of the super‑fleet remains anchored in the Mediterranean, while the remaining third, mostly 40‑50 m vessels, perform the annual Mediterranean‑Caribbean migration. New‑yacht sales rebounded in 2025, breaking records for 80 m+ models, and the construction book steadied at around 685 vessels, with a growing share of 40 m+ projects.

RER noted the industry’s shift toward professionalized data, processes and luxury‑market talent, and cited buyers’ increasing sophistication and demand for customization. The charter segment reported a strong 2025, with 30 % first‑time charter clients, and refit activity climbed to 2,600 jobs, driven by a surge in 60 m+ vessels requiring larger lifts and halls. Safe Harbor’s acquisition of Monaco Marine underscores the consolidation of refit capacity.

These trends signal expanding commercial opportunities for marina operators, refit yards, and technology providers, while also pressuring existing infrastructure to invest in larger‑scale facilities. Companies that can leverage granular movement data and offer bespoke services are poised to capture the growing value chain.

Original Description

SuperYacht Times is pleased to announce the launch of The State of Yachting 2026. Created in partnership with Safe Harbor, the annual report returns with its most comprehensive edition to date, offering an in-depth analysis of the global superyacht market and the trends shaping the industry’s future.

Now in its 11th edition, The State of Yachting has established itself as one of the industry’s leading market intelligence reports, delivering detailed insights into new-build activity, brokerage sales, charter performance, refit developments and wider market movements.

Powered by SuperYacht Times’ proprietary intelligence platform SuperYacht iQ, the report combines extensive market data with expert analysis to provide a clear overview of the current state of the superyacht sector.

What to expect from The State of Yachting 2026?

This year’s edition explores some of the key developments influencing the market across 2025 and into 2026. Alongside detailed statistical breakdowns covering yacht sales, order books and fleet development, the report also examines shifting regional dynamics, evolving owner demographics and emerging trends across design, sustainability and charter operations.

SYT Premium subscribers will be able to access and download the full report directly via the SuperYacht Times website. In partnership with Safe Harbor, this year’s report reflects a shared commitment to delivering meaningful industry insight and supporting informed decision-making across the global superyacht sector.

Want to know more about Premium Content? Subscribers can unlock access to The State of Yachting 2026, exclusive market reports, How To Build It, quarterly newspapers and additional premium intelligence content through a SuperYacht Times Premium subscription.

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Produced by Gijs Niewold / Crest Company