The superyacht industry hasn’t had an easy year, with multiple vessels linked to Russian oligarchs being sanctioned and urgent calls for greater sustainability among its challenges. But, proving yachts are as invincible as they are utterly glamorous, the tide is changing.

This year’s Monaco Yacht Show, themed “seducation” (education and seduction), showcased more than 100 superyachts including the stunning new 62 metre RIO designed and built by CRN.

Alberto Galassi, CEO of Italian ship builder Ferretti Group (which include CRN and Riva, among other yacht brands), revealed a major “boost” in client interest and says the company is set to end the year on a 50%-plus high. While many shipyards predict 2023 will be the most lucrative yet.

What’s next in the world of superyachts? Here, with the help of key industry experts, we reveal the top yacht trends being floated for the year to come.

New technologies

In 2023, we’ll see iPad-controlled lighting and sound systems as standard. Cloud-based platforms will replace piles of paperwork when it comes to itinerary planners, navigational software and security systems. The metaverse is being embraced with yacht-specific NFTs, cryptocurrency and marketing campaigns devised using VR and AR to attract younger owners and offer something completely new.

Alberto Galassi, CEO of Italian shipbuilder Ferretti Group shares his view:

“This is something that cannot even compare with the pleasure of living, touching, owning, sharing and enjoying a real yacht. How can you own something that doesn’t exist? I’m an old dog, but even I am waking up to this technology and 3D parallel worlds are going to become our reality. We will use this technology to show the product off and reach potential owners earlier in their life.”

Lifestyle trends

Covid-19 has made a huge impact on how yacht owners use their vessels, with longer periods of time now spent at sea and a greater desire for freedom and privacy. Alberto Galassi amplifies this sentiment in saying owners and potential owners have realised the value of a yacht as their own “private island”. People want office space with lightning-fast wifi, but also space to entertain and a master bedroom with acoustic privacy. Brand new yachts for next year will also feature fold-out sea terraces for ample sunbathing space.

On experiential travel Friso Visser, CCO of Heesen, says:

“Over the past four years, we’ve also seen an increase in interest for crossover yachts that can take owners and their guests further away from the Mediterranean and Caribbean shores to the adventurous waters of the Arctic Ocean or the Galapagos islands.

Experiential travel is a growing market so we have partnered with Winch design to create a yacht that has all of the luxury amenities you would expect from a Heesen yacht, combined with the power of an all-terrain yacht. Our newest concept, XV67, will offer the best of both worlds.”

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