Charting the Future of Luxury Yacht Charter – September’s Boat Shows Usher in a New Era
- Brainz Magazine
- Sep 19
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Written by Eldin Basic, Yacht Charter Manager
Eldin is a well-known yacht charter broker, arranging private yachts for sailing holidays in all the main sailing destinations, with a specific expertise in long-term yacht charters and luxury yacht charters in particular.
When it comes to September in the luxury yachting world, this usually means the end of the high season in the Med and the start of several major boat shows. This is the month when major transformation may happen by the convergence of cutting-edge yacht launches, special last-minute superyacht hire deals, a development of a few dynamic charter trends, and most recently, a spotlight on sustainability and experiential travel. As the Cannes Yachting Festival, Monaco Yacht Show, Genoa International Boat Show, Southampton Boat Show, and Annapolis all take centre stage, industry leaders, charter professionals, and yacht enthusiasts gather at these prestigious shows to witness innovations that will shape the sector for years to come, while those keen on extended season, try and enjoy what’s left of the amazing summer in the Mediterranean.
Showcases of innovation and grandeur
The late Summer and early Autumn season in Europe is anchored by boat shows that do far more than display vessels, these events set benchmarks for luxury, technology, new destinations, and itineraries, as well as new or even groundbreaking designs or design elements at least. Cannes, which started on September 9th and just ended this weekend, featured world premieres from top shipyards such as Tankoa, Benetti, Sanlorenzo with their SD132 and SX120, and Columbus Yachts, on top of more than 500 other models on display. This year, the debut of Tankoa's 45m "Singolare" and Columbus's 42m "Big Naan" represents a surge in crossover yacht popularity, vessels designed to take charter guests further into the wild with robust capabilities, flexible interiors, and outdoor living spaces that blur the boundary between yacht and sea, while still maintaining all the prestige of high-end luxury and superyacht finesse.
At the Monaco Yacht Show, which is to take place at the end of September, the so-called "jewel in the crown" of boat shows, the emphasis intensifies. With over 600 brands and 125 superyachts in the iconic Port Hercules, the event is both a platform for world premieres and a “who’s who” networking arena. Genoa, meanwhile, underlines Italy’s prowess in motor yacht design, while Southampton and Annapolis showcase the broad appeal of yachting among enthusiasts and the technical community.
Charter trends: Sustainability, wellness, and experience
Beyond the glitz of these fine events, one of the most striking shifts is the move toward sustainability and wellness aboard charter yachts. This is visible even on smaller yachts, but it is amongst the superyachts where shipyards, designers, and brokers all report a surge in requests for hybrid propulsion, solar energy integration, and eco-friendly build materials. Silent Yachts’ solar-electric flagship, “Sundance,” the SY80 from the solar-electric catamaran series, made its show debut at Cannes. At the same time, the Italian brand Picchiotti launched a Gentleman line focused on ultra-efficient hulls and optional hybrid drives, which is likely to attract niche buyers but may not be the most popular in the luxury yacht charter market.
Wellness themes now permeate the charter brief, with features like spa terraces, hammams, and beach clubs transforming the traditional superyacht experience. “Ocean Angel,” Permare’s latest 41.3m explorer, debuting at Cannes, offers guests a gym, sauna, and versatile beach area, a nod to the growing appetite for fitness and relaxation at sea. Meanwhile, long-range explorers such as Cantiere delle Marche’s “Project T” emphasize large open-air lounges for yoga, al fresco dining, and meditation, a direct response to traveler demand for immersive, restorative itineraries.
That said, the Cannes Boat Show seemed to have been the best location for Numarine and their 27XP superyacht, which attracted a lot of attention from the media and visitors alike. She was also positioned in one of the prime berths, or at least it appeared so by the number of visitors she attracted. The most prestigious stand of all was reserved by Azimut, where many assistants provided service in both French and English, as well as other international languages.
That said, Cantieri di Pisa seems to have embarked on a new path with a significant presence in the main lobby, where many new projects, ranging from approximately 40m to 70m, were presented, each with a steel hull, aluminium superstructure, and carbon top decks. The new Italian shipyard’s owner appears to have a well-defined strategy, with several projects lined up. The brand is certainly one to watch, and if you are keen on Italian brands, superyacht ownership, and the latest designs and tech, this is one to follow.
Finally, just outside of Cannes, many boats attracted the attention of buyers while at anchor. One of the most spectacular offerings was Azimut’s 38 Grande Tamanya. Offered from 18.5 million euros, this 2023-launched superyacht boasts a fantastic setup with many luxuries and unique details. This includes a 50,000 Euro TV that projects onto the master cabin's mirror and a special engineering setup where fuel filters, a second water maker, and special attention to the engine room ensure the highest quality engine management, fuel management, waste and bilge management, and water management. M/Y Tamanya is certainly one to watch amongst second-hand yachts, and buyers are invited to consider her if the design and waiting time for new boats are not appealing.
The power of experience: Destinations and activities
Charterers are also driving a shift in itineraries. Mediterranean routes remain beloved from Corsica’s rugged coastline to the glimmering Greek Cyclades islands, mostly Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini, but there’s rising interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations that blend adventure, culture, and privacy. Owners and charter brokers now design “experiential charters,” arranging everything from vineyard tours and culinary excursions to remote beach picnics and guided diving. In this context, newly built explorer yachts like Sanlorenzo’s “Andiamo” cater not just to luxury, but to meaningful experiences tailored to individual guests. One of the best charter yachts, both in terms of equipment and owner flexibility, is M/Y King Benji, which cruises the Mediterranean, and M/Y Mischief, which usually cruises the South Pacific and Australia. Both have excellent equipment, very flexible itineraries, and will consider bespoke deals for long-term charters. Even further away, there is a shift towards long-term sabbaticals in the superyacht industry too, following almost a decade of such expansion in the bareboat charter market. Some of the most suitable yachts for such extended charters and possibly full-year sabbaticals on crewed yachts are catamarans with shallow drafts, and Bali 5.8 comes to mind as the first option. Power catamarans such as VisionF 101, Wider 92 (also present at the Cannes Boat Show), and new launches such as Sunreef 100 Power (from €14.5 million) or the soon-to-be-launched Moon 100 Power (from €10-11 million) are the ones to consider. Offering excellent volume, increased space, and possibly great value, they are certainly one of the latest trends in the superyacht industry this year and perhaps in luxury yacht charter as of 2026.
Yacht design: Breaking boundaries
The high-profile debuts at September’s shows reflect broader trends in yacht architecture and onboard lifestyle. Most contemporary models usually champion open-plan layouts, panoramic windows, and convertible spaces, although some models also turn to traditional layouts and looks. Sanlorenzo’s SD132 “Andiamo” features lateral terraces and a seamless connection between the cockpit and beach club, delivering unobstructed ocean views. Sunseeker’s Ocean 156, first seen at Southampton but on display again at Cannes, exemplifies the move to “penthouse at sea” living with multifunctional salons and 360-degree vistas. A notable theme this year, as in the last few years, is “increased volume” with more usable space per meter and creative ways to maximize outdoor enjoyment even in smaller hulls. Swimming pools, fold-out balconies, foldable beach clubs, and hidden garage spaces are in vogue. Many new launches, from Riva’s sporty 112 Dolcevita Super to the glass-fronted owner’s cabin of Majesty’s 100 Terrace, are setting new standards for comfort and versatility in this aspect. If you are keen to explore what options exist or would even like to consider building your own superyacht, a project manager could certainly be allocated to your idea, and a suitable shipyard found that will execute the most peculiar desires into reality.
The charter market: Opportunities and insights
Boat show season is also when brokers and owners are eager to monetize their investments by selling their beloved yachts or connecting with charter professionals to discuss trends, pricing, and fleet positioning. Late summer and early autumn are prime times for bookings, where clients often secure winter escapes in the Caribbean and early reservations for Mediterranean superyacht charter adventures in 2026. New builds enter the charter market, or older, well-established yachts such as Baglietto’s 47.6m “Andiamo,” assumed to be available from €255,000 per week, offering guests access to world-class amenities, high sustainability standards, and exclusive locations. All brokers report heightened interest in luxury yacht charter boats with flexible layouts, gym and spa spaces, and advanced AV entertainment systems features often first glimpsed at September’s premieres and quickly adopted by the wider fleet. The ripple effect is apparent, what the shows unveil in 2025 drives charter trends well into the future. At the time of writing, the Monaco Yacht Show has not yet started thus, news from mega yachts, those from 200ft and above, and giga yachts, as defined by us, the superyachts that cost €1 million or more per week, is not in just yet. That said, preliminary information from boat shows like Cannes confirms that a number of new 70-meter-plus yachts will be launched in the coming months and years. Some of these will inevitably be offered for private superyacht charters in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean as soon as they have passed their first sea trials.
Conclusion: Charting new horizons
September’s international boat shows are more than annual markers, they are leading platforms where shipyards and yacht brokerages announce the future of luxury charter. By converging dazzling yacht launches, fresh charter trends, and visionary design, the events in Cannes, Monaco, Genoa, Southampton, and Annapolis set the agenda for the next 12 months at least. One of the latest trends to be featured mostly at CRO.YA., a Yacht Charter Show in Split, Croatia are new type of superyachts, such as FREEDOM or Alfa Mario, that accommodate from 12 - 32 guests in great luxury and present an amazing opportunity to sail in high-end luxury at an average rate of only 100,000 Euros per week. British shipyards such as Princess Yachts and Sunseeker, Italian ones such as Azimut-Ferretti in particular, and many Turkish ones such as Numarine seem to lead the way. For charter brokers, yacht enthusiasts, and potential new superyacht owners alike, this is the moment to watch, learn, and engage. This was the time of the year to make suitable deals well in advance of restricted availabilities and the need to compromise. As the yachting sector expands toward sustainability, wellness, and deep customization, yacht charter becomes not just about luxury, but about living well, exploring deeply, and savoring experiences beyond what is available off the shelf. If you are keen to invest in complete privacy, exclusivity, and prestige, becoming a yacht owner or chartering a private luxury yacht is the way to go, and A2A Yachting and SuperSailYachts.com are ideally placed to assist you in the best way possible by arranging a bespoke, completely tailored, and unique yacht charter experience or to become a yacht owner in your own right.
Eldin Basic, Yacht Charter Manager
Eldin is the Charter & Sales manager at A2A Yachting (SuperSailYachts.com), where he overseas all aspects of business & marketing operations. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Eldin brings a wealth of expertise and insight to this role.
He holds a degree from the University College Birmingham, supplemented by leadership training from Harvard Business School and ThePowerMBA, giving him a solid foundation in strategic management.
Known for his talent in developing innovative Blue Ocean Strategies, Eldin is also a certified breathwork practitioner & an active supporter of various charitable initiatives. Passionate about helping others, he is committed to turning dreams into reality & inspiring all to live more fulfilling lives.
