If you’ve ever persevered to the end of one of my 17 previous brokerage articles, you’ll be well acquainted with my frequent assertion that ‘not publicly listed’ opportunities exist in addition to the more visible yachts for sale. Traditionally, such discreet transactions have been relatively rare, but we are witnessing a growing shift among sellers – particularly in the large yacht sector – who increasingly prefer to engage brokers to handle their sales privately.
The reasons for this trend are multifaceted. Privacy and discretion remain the primary motivations, with many sellers preferring to keep their dealings confidential. However, psychology plays an equally important role. By limiting exposure and fostering a sense of exclusivity, these ‘whisper listings’ create an air of scarcity that often accelerates the sales process.
The success of this strategy is evident in the largest yacht sales of the past year, with the three most significant transactions not listed publicly. The most notable was the sale of the 142.08m Lürssen PROJECT ALI BABA (2024), followed by the 110m Feadship ANNA (2018) and the 94m Feadship VIVA (2021). While confidentiality prevents disclosure of the final sale prices, I can confirm that all three changed hands swiftly once they became available.
At Cecil Wright & Partners, we currently hold several central agency listings for yachts marketed in this discreet manner. Additionally, our extensive industry relationships provide us with access to a substantial number of other off-market opportunities, ranging from 50m to well over 100m.
A Strong Year for the Open Market
Despite the increasing preference of not publicly listed sales, the public brokerage market remains highly active. Once again, Cecil Wright & Partners has been involved in the year’s largest open-market transaction, the sale of the 90.10m Lürssen PHOENIX 2 (2010/2024), which had an asking price of EUR 124,900,000. This sale neatly coincided with the anniversary of our successful transaction of the 95.20m Lürssen KISMET (2014), further cementing our presence in this space.
Other significant sales include the 85.65m Abeking & Rasmussen B2 (2009/2024), which was listed at EUR 79,000,000, and the long-awaited sale of the 81.27m Oceanco ALFA NERO (2007/2024), which was finally completed following the failed Antiguan government auction, with a final agreed price of USD 40,000,000. Additionally, the 80m Oceanco AALTO (2007/2019) changed hands last month for EUR 79,800,000.
The Impact of New-Build Inflation
A key factor shaping today’s brokerage market is the sharp rise in new-build costs. Inflation in the yacht-building sector has surged by 35-40% over the past four years, yet this increase has not been fully reflected in brokerage pricing. As a result, many pre-owned yachts – particularly those that have remained at a fixed asking price – effectively represent a discount when compared to the cost of
commissioning a new build today.
At the very top end of the market, options remain relatively scarce, though there are a number of standout opportunities. The 105.26m Oceanco H3, which has undergone a total rebuild and now carries a revised build year of 2023, leads the pack with an asking price of EUR 295,000,000. The 91m Lürssen LADY LARA (2015/2023) remains on the market at EUR 230,000,000, while the 90m Oceanco LUNA (2018/2024) is asking EUR 218,000,000. Close behind is the 89m Amels HERE COMES THE SUN (2017/2021), now listed at EUR 185,000,000 following a recent reduction.
Feadship Market
The Feadship market has been particularly buoyant over the past 12 months, with over 20 sales completed to date. Among them was the off-market sale of the 80m Project THALASSA, which was sold in build (delivery 2026) after just 125 days on the market. Other notable transactions include the impeccably maintained 68.77m DRIZZLE (2012/2024), which had an asking price of EUR 63,000,000, and the 62.30m charter stalwart FLAG (2000/2022) asking USD 46,000,000. The 55.05m KAHALANI (2010/2024) asking EUR 42,500,000, one of the standout yachts at last year’s Monaco Yacht Show, also found a new owner.
Currently, 43 Feadships are available on the open market, though for buyers with specific preferences, the selection quickly narrows. Among the most notable options is the 85.30m SAVANNAH (2015/2020), listed at EUR 140,000,000. With a volume of 2,305 GT, she is by far the largest Feadship currently for sale on the open market. Another rare opportunity is the 55.21m SOMNIUM (2021), now reduced to EUR 62,500,000. While her initial asking price of EUR 75,000,000 may have seemed ambitious, this adjustment makes her a compelling alternative to a new build.
A particularly interesting proposition is the 65m WEDGE TOO (2002), a Monaco stalwart, she is one of the most recognisable Feadships on the market, now listed at EUR 49,500,000.
Newly listed with our team is the 43m GO (2010/2025), priced at EUR 17,900,000. Having recently completed her 15-year Lloyd’s survey, she presents a turnkey opportunity for those seeking a
robustly built Feadship.
Other notable Feadships currently on the market include:
– TRIDENT – 65.22m, 2009, EUR 63,000,000
– W – 57.6m, 2013/2020, EUR 42,500,000
– OLYMPUS – 55m, 1996/2023, EUR 23,750,000
– SEA HUNTRESS – 55m, 1997/2022, EUR 26,750,000
– EMERALD – 51.63m, 1990/2023, EUR 25,000,000
– TASIA – 48.2m, 1997/2024, USD 17,900,000
– SYNTHESIS 66 – 41.8m, 1982/2023, EUR 18,000,000
With both publicly and not publicly listed sectors remaining highly active, the superyacht brokerage landscape is in a dynamic phase. Whether discreetly negotiated through a ‘whisper listing’ or presented on the open market, buyer demand remains robust, particularly for high-calibre, well-maintained yachts.
For further details on any of the aforementioned yachts or to arrange an appraisal of your current vessel, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of the Cecil Wright team.
Article by Henry Smith