Berthon International

Most yacht owners have insurance. But how many really know what their policy covers, where that cover applies, or what will happen when something actually goes wrong?

In this episode of the Berthon Podcast, Sophie Kemp is joined by Marcel Herrera, Chief Executive Officer of CompareYachtInsurance.com, for a practical look at yacht and boat insurance, without getting lost in the jargon.

Marcel brings an unusual perspective to the subject. Before building his career in marine insurance, working across Lloyd’s brokers, MGAs and syndicates, he was a professional yacht racer competing internationally in both inshore and offshore events. That combination of sailing and insurance experience makes this a conversation firmly centred on the realities facing yacht owners. 

They begin with a deceptively simple question: what does it actually mean when somebody says their yacht is “fully insured”?

Marcel explains the difference between Hull & Machinery, third-party liability and P&I, as well as agreed value, exclusions and the importance of looking beyond the premium when comparing policies. They also discuss why yacht insurance is very different from car insurance and why two apparently similar policies may provide very different protection. 

The conversation then moves into some of the situations owners may not think about until they become important. What happens if you retrofit lithium batteries? Can you lend your yacht to a friend? Does your insurer need to know that you're racing or sailing single-handed? What happens if you leave the yacht on a swinging mooring throughout the winter? And when should modifications, maintenance or changes in value be reported? 

For owners planning to cruise further afield, Sophie and Marcel explore how dramatically the insurance picture can change once you leave familiar waters. A policy suitable for cruising the UK and northern Europe may not necessarily follow you across the Atlantic, into the Caribbean or towards more adventurous destinations such as Patagonia, Svalbard or Antarctica. Marcel explains why cruising grounds, repair facilities, hurricane exposure, licensing and even geopolitical events can influence whether cover is available and what it costs. 

They also look at the owner themselves. Does an RYA qualification make a difference? Is experience more important than certificates? Can you buy a yacht that is simply too large for your experience? And could an insurer require a professional skipper until you've built up enough time aboard? 

Then comes the part nobody wants to experience: making a claim.

From stolen tenders and marina collisions to groundings, fires and total losses, Marcel explains what happens after the phone call to the insurer, who surveyors and loss adjusters are, how insurers establish the cause and cost of a loss, and why owners should “act as if uninsured” when dealing with an emergency by doing what is necessary to protect people and the yacht rather than waiting for permission. 

The discussion also covers chartering, surveys, ageing yachts, standing rigging, saildrive seals, VAT and flag-state complications, before looking towards the future. Could yacht insurance eventually resemble modern car insurance, with onboard monitoring showing battery voltage, bilge activity, shore power and how the yacht is actually being used? Some insurers are already moving in that direction.  

Whether you're buying your first yacht, preparing for an Atlantic crossing, moving up to a larger boat or simply renewing the policy you've had for years, this episode asks one question worth answering before you cast off:

Are you actually covered?

How do you become a yacht designer when your starting point isn't a drawing board, but thousands of miles at sea?

In this chapter of the Dashew Talking Books, Sue Grant sits down with Steve Dashew to explore how decades of sailing, cruising, building and maintaining boats shaped an entirely different approach to yacht design.

The story begins long before the FPBs, with Steve and Linda Dashew's early high-performance multihulls and their move aboard the 50-foot Intermezzo. Going from fast cats to a conventional cruising yacht proved frustrating, but it also provided an education that would influence everything Steve designed afterwards.

Experiences offshore reinforced one lesson in particular: performance wasn't simply about going faster. It could be an important part of safety. Steve recalls difficult passages, navigating by dead reckoning, close encounters with reefs and the realisation that reducing passage times could dramatically reduce exposure to weather, navigational uncertainty and risk. 

Those experiences led to a deceptively simple question: what would we do differently next time?

Steve explains how conversations between cruising sailors gradually developed into ideas for a new generation of offshore yachts. Materials, hull shape, engine rooms, ground tackle, refrigeration, maintenance and accessibility all became part of the same problem. As Steve puts it, when designing a yacht, "everything is related, and nothing is for free." 

The conversation follows the evolution of that thinking through the early Deerfoot yachts, collaborations with designers and shipyards, and eventually the arrival of computer-aided design. Technology allowed Steve to take greater control of the process, not only drawing hull shapes but considering virtually every component, system, plumbing run and maintenance requirement before construction began.

That attention to detail came from living with the boats. Equipment had to be accessible. Systems had to be repairable at sea. Structures had to survive the realities of offshore cruising. Even decisions that seemed excessive at the time, oversized anchors, additional access or apparently unnecessary conduits, were based on situations Steve and Linda had experienced themselves.

Eventually, the same philosophy would lead from the Deerfoot sailing yachts to Wind Horse and the FPB series.

This episode is the story of how Steve Dashew became a yacht designer, but more importantly, it's an exploration of why his boats were designed the way they were: not around convention, fashion or what had always been done, but around the realities of crossing oceans, maintaining a yacht far from home and keeping the people aboard safe.

As Steve explains, "The way that you get trained in how to make the right decisions is by living with your product."

Host: Sue Grant
Guest: Steve Dashew

About This Series

The Dashew Talking Books is a special podcast series exploring the life, experiences and ideas of Steve Dashew. Across these conversations, Steve reflects on decades of innovation, offshore cruising, yacht design, business, adventure and the many unexpected stories that shaped his remarkable career.

To explore more of Steve and Linda Dashew's work, visit SetSail for articles, owner stories and technical resources.

You can also watch more conversations and videos on the Dashew Offshore YouTube channel, and explore FPB Motor Yachts at Berthon International to learn more about the cruising yachts that grew from Steve's pioneering design philosophy.

To explore more of Steve's writing, technical articles and cruising knowledge, visit:

SetSail:
SetSail.com

Dashew Offshore YouTube Channel:
YouTube

To learn more about FPB Motor Yachts:

Berthon FPB Motor Yachts:
FPB Motor Yachts

Steve Dashew - Dashew Offshore
Iconic yacht designer and one of the true legends of modern ocean cruising.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Long Way Around: Sailing the World Aboard Sapphire II

What does it really take to sail around the world, and what happens when the carefully planned route suddenly disappears?

In this episode, Tim sits down with Simon Phillips, owner of Discovery 67 SAPPHIRE II, to look back on an extraordinary circumnavigation that ultimately saw the yacht cover around 47,000 nautical miles during Simon’s ownership.

The adventure began with a dream familiar to many sailors: to sail around the world. After buying SAPPHIRE II, Simon and his family prepared the yacht for serious bluewater cruising before setting off to join the World ARC. What followed was an adventure across oceans, through some of the world’s most spectacular cruising grounds, and ultimately far beyond the original itinerary.

Then COVID arrived.

With borders closing and the organised rally disrupted, plans had to change dramatically. Rather than ending the adventure, however, the interruption ultimately transformed it. The pressure of keeping to the World ARC schedule disappeared, allowing Simon and his family to slow down, change their route and spend considerably longer exploring the places they had sailed so far to reach.

Simon talks about passages through the Galápagos and French Polynesia, time in New Zealand and Fiji, cruising the Whitsundays, and continuing through Indonesia, Mauritius and South Africa as SAPPHIRE II gradually worked her way around the planet. 

Along the way, Tim and Simon discuss the realities behind a voyage of this scale: preparing a yacht for ocean sailing, managing maintenance thousands of miles from home, finding parts and expertise in remote locations, dealing with weather and making the decisions that keep both yacht and crew safe.

SAPPHIRE II herself is a major part of the story. The Discovery 67 was designed as a serious bluewater cruising yacht, combining the space and comfort needed for extended periods aboard with the capability to undertake long ocean passages. After tens of thousands of miles, Simon reflects on what worked, what he learned about the yacht and the equipment aboard, and what he would do differently if he were preparing to leave again.

But perhaps the biggest lesson from the circumnavigation has little to do with equipment.

Simon’s advice to anyone dreaming of doing something similar is simple: don’t rush it. A circumnavigation can easily become a succession of deadlines and ocean passages, when the real reward lies in having the time to stop, explore and experience the extraordinary places along the way.

As Simon puts it, “You’re never going to do this again… take your time and enjoy it.” 

From ambitious plans and unexpected interruptions to remote islands, ocean crossings and 47,000 nautical miles aboard SAPPHIRE II, this is the story of what happens when you stop dreaming about sailing around the world – and actually go.

Leaving home waters behind for ocean passages, Caribbean anchorages and the unexpected.

What happens when years of sailing the Solent turn into something much bigger?

In this episode, Alan McIlroy sits down aboard ARKYLA with her owner, James Kenning, to look back at the adventures, challenges and thousands of miles that have taken this Swedish-built Regina 43 from familiar UK waters to the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean.

James bought ARKYLA through Berthon in 2018. After a season sailing locally and preparing both yacht and skipper for longer passages, the plan began to grow. What followed was several years of cruising, refits, upgrades and offshore sailing that would take ARKYLA across Biscay, down the Iberian coast, into the Mediterranean and Balearics, through the waters now infamous for orca interactions, and eventually across the Atlantic with the 2024 ARC+ from the Canaries to Grenada via Cape Verde.  

The Atlantic crossing would prove considerably more eventful than expected.

Despite meticulous preparation, ARKYLA suffered a succession of problems at sea. A nearly new hydrogenerator failed, her Parasailor was destroyed, sargassum caused further difficulties and, most seriously, a suspected whale impact resulted in damage to the rudder and hull. James discusses managing those problems offshore and the importance of preparation, practical engineering knowledge and understanding the systems aboard your own yacht. 

As James puts it, “Mid-Atlantic is no place to be unprepared.” 

After arriving in Grenada, the problems weren't quite over. ARKYLA required two emergency haul-outs in December 2024 before undergoing significant hull repairs in early 2025. Yet the setbacks didn't end the adventure, and James was still able to explore the Windward Islands, including Grenada, Carriacou, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and Martinique. 

But this isn't simply a story about things going wrong at sea.

James and Alan also discuss why the Regina 43 has worked so well as a bluewater cruising yacht, the modifications made during James's ownership, sailing as a couple, choosing and preparing a yacht for serious offshore cruising, and some of the lessons accumulated along the way.

Photography has also become an important part of James's life aboard ARKYLA. His sailing photography and writing have received numerous awards, including Cruising Association Photo of the Year and Hanson Trophy honours, World Cruising Club ARC+ Best Photo Blog awards, and recognition from the International Cruisers Awards. ARKYLA herself even appeared on the cover of the 2025 Cruising Association Handbook. 

From quiet anchorages and spectacular ocean skies to equipment failures, orca encounters, emergency repairs and the reality of crossing an ocean in your own yacht, this is an honest conversation about taking sailing beyond home waters.

And, with ARKYLA now back with Berthon and offered for sale, it's also the closing chapter of one adventure, and perhaps the beginning of another.

What do the latest UK yacht registration changes mean for EU yacht owners? Can you still fly the British Red Ensign, and what are your options if you are no longer eligible for UK Part 1 Registration?

In this episode of the Berthon Podcast, Ben Cooper sits down with Duncan Swanson, Co-founder of Oceanskies, and Tom Ruff, Yacht Registration Manager and Head of Port Agency, to explain the recent changes to the UK Ship Register and why they matter to yacht owners around the world.

Following changes to UK legislation after Brexit, many European Union citizens who live outside the United Kingdom are no longer eligible to apply for or renew UK Part 1 Registration in their own name. The announcement has generated uncertainty across the international yachting community, with many owners questioning whether they can continue to fly the British Red Ensign, whether they need to change flag, and what practical steps they should take next.

This episode cuts through the confusion by explaining exactly what has changed, who is affected, and why there is no need to panic. Duncan and Tom discuss the legislation behind the changes, how the rules are being applied in practice, and the alternative registration options that remain available through other members of the British Red Ensign Group.

The conversation also serves as a complete introduction to yacht registration itself. While many owners are familiar with the registration process, few understand exactly why it exists or how important it becomes once a yacht leaves domestic waters. The team explains how a yacht's registration acts as its legal identity, often described as the vessel's passport, establishing nationality, ownership and the flag state under which the yacht operates.

They explore the differences between UK Part 1 Registration and the Small Ships Register (SSR), explaining the advantages and limitations of each. Topics include proof of ownership, title history, mortgages, financing, insurance requirements, international cruising, customs procedures and why many buyers, lenders and brokers place significant value on a properly registered yacht.

Ben, Duncan and Tom also discuss some of the most common misconceptions surrounding yacht registration. They explain why a yacht's flag is not simply about national pride, how ownership structures can affect eligibility, and why selecting the right registry depends on far more than where the owner lives. The discussion highlights the practical considerations involved in choosing a flag state, including taxation, financing, intended cruising grounds and future resale value.

Drawing on years of experience advising yacht owners, brokers, lawyers, management companies and marine professionals, the Oceanskies team shares real-world examples of the challenges owners face when navigating international registration requirements. They explain how early planning can prevent unnecessary costs and delays, particularly when buying or selling a yacht across international borders.

The episode also looks at the wider British Red Ensign Group and explains why these registries continue to be among the most respected yacht registries in the world. Duncan and Tom discuss the alternatives available to owners who may no longer qualify for the UK register, demonstrating that there are still well-established and highly regarded options available that allow owners to continue operating under the Red Ensign.

Whether you already own a yacht, are purchasing your first vessel, are planning extended cruising overseas, or simply want to understand how yacht registration works after Brexit, this conversation provides practical advice and expert insight from two of the industry's leading specialists.

In this episode

•  What yacht registration actually is and why it matters 
•  Understanding flag states and the British Red Ensign 
•  The difference between UK Part 1 Registration and the Small Ships Register (SSR) 
•  Why UK yacht registration rules have changed following Brexit 
•  Which EU yacht owners are affected by the new legislation 
•  Alternative registration options through the British Red Ensign Group 
•  How yacht registration affects ownership, finance, insurance and VAT 
•  Common mistakes owners make when registering a yacht 
•  Practical advice for buyers, brokers and existing yacht owners 
•  Why planning ahead can make the registration process significantly easier 

If you are researching UK yacht registration, Part 1 Registration, British Red Ensign registration, flag states, Brexit yacht registration changes, or EU yacht owner eligibility, this episode offers a clear and practical guide from the experts at Oceanskies, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions with confidence.

The Story Behind America's Muffler Men with Steve Dashew

Long before Steve Dashew became known for designing some of the world's most capable offshore cruising yachts, he accidentally helped create one of America's most recognisable pieces of roadside culture.

In this chapter of the Dashew Talking Books, host Sue Grant steps away from boats to uncover the remarkable story behind the towering fiberglass figures that became known as the Muffler Men, along with the famous Uniroyal Gals, giant dinosaurs, cowboys and Paul Bunyan statues that once stood outside service stations, restaurants and businesses across North America. 

Steve explains how what began as a struggling winter sideline for a small boatbuilding business quickly became something far bigger. As he says, "this started like most things we've been involved with... we never intended it to be in the display business."

The story begins with a tiny classified advert in the Los Angeles Times, a handful of fiberglass moulds, and an opportunity that few people would have recognised. Within a few years, Steve found himself pitching directly to the senior marketing executives of some of America's largest corporations, despite being just twenty-one years old. Looking back, he admits, "I had no fear. I didn't know what you couldn't do."

The episode explores how one Paul Bunyan statue installed outside a Las Vegas service station reportedly doubled fuel sales almost overnight, leading to national publicity and eventually orders from major brands including Texaco, Phillips 66, Sinclair and Uniroyal. Steve recalls the moment Texaco placed an order for hundreds of figures, transforming what had started as a small seasonal business into a nationwide manufacturing operation. 

Along the way, Steve recalls designing giant cowboys, dinosaurs, pirates, restaurant mascots and the famous Uniroyal Gal, while solving the surprisingly complex challenges of transporting, erecting and marketing these enormous fibreglass figures across the United States. Looking back, he describes the business simply as "great fun" before reflecting, "I had no idea what a wonderful business we had."

The conversation also follows the rise and eventual decline of the fiberglass giant industry, explaining why the business changed direction and how Steve ultimately left it behind before embarking on the next chapter of his career. Ironically, decades later, the very figures once dismissed as roadside advertising have become sought-after pieces of Americana, celebrated in museums, books and newspaper features across the United States. 

Whether you've spotted one standing proudly beside an old highway, photographed one on Route 66, or have never heard of a Muffler Man before, this episode reveals one of the most surprising chapters in Steve Dashew's extraordinary career. It's a story of entrepreneurship, ingenuity and accidental success that began with a small boatyard, detoured through giant fibreglass roadside icons, and became an unlikely part of American cultural history.

Host: Sue Grant
Guest: Steve Dashew

About This Series

The Dashew Talking Books is a special podcast series exploring the life, experiences and ideas of Steve Dashew. Across these conversations, Steve reflects on decades of innovation, offshore cruising, yacht design, business, adventure and the many unexpected stories that shaped his remarkable career.

To explore more of Steve and Linda Dashew's work, visit SetSail for articles, owner stories and technical resources.

You can also watch more conversations and videos on the Dashew Offshore YouTube channel, and explore FPB Motor Yachts at Berthon International to learn more about the cruising yachts that grew from Steve's pioneering design philosophy.

To explore more of Steve's writing, technical articles and cruising knowledge, visit:

SetSail:
SetSail.com

Dashew Offshore YouTube Channel:
YouTube

To learn more about FPB Motor Yachts:

Berthon FPB Motor Yachts:
FPB Motor Yachts

How is the yacht brokerage market performing halfway through the 2026 season? Are buyers still active? Which yachts are attracting the most interest? And what does it take to achieve a successful sale in today's market?

In this latest edition of Inside the Market, Berthon International Managing Director Tim Carbury is joined by Rob Steadman, Head of Large Motor Yacht Sales and New Yacht Sales Manager for Solaris Power, to discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping yacht brokerage through June and July.

Despite wider economic uncertainty, the market has continued to show encouraging resilience. Tim explains that Berthon has seen "a really marked increase in activity across the brokerage market in all our Berthon offices," with the business performing strongly across Europe, Scandinavia, Spain and North America.

The discussion explores why serious buyers are still making confident purchasing decisions, even though the market remains firmly in buyers' favour. Rob explains that today's purchasers are more discerning than ever, noting that "buyers are  expecting brokerage boats to fly through survey."

Tim and Rob examine why well-maintained, realistically priced yachts continue to outperform the rest of the market, and why professional presentation, regular upgrades and accurate pricing remain the key ingredients behind successful sales. They also discuss how rising new-build prices are increasing the appeal of quality brokerage yachts, with many owners choosing to invest in refits that deliver outstanding value compared with buying new.

The episode also goes behind the scenes of bringing a yacht to market. From photography, videography and walkthrough films to detailed specifications, brochures and international marketing, Tim explains why every new listing represents a significant investment of time and expertise before it is ever presented to prospective buyers.

One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is the importance of long-term relationships. Repeat clients account for a significant proportion of Berthon's listings and sales, something both Tim and Rob see as one of the company's greatest strengths. As Tim says, "It is a relationship business," with trust, face-to-face meetings and honest advice often proving just as important as the yachts themselves.

The pair also discuss the realities of brokerage, including survey negotiations, pricing expectations and why completed sales remain the clearest measure of market confidence. While surveys do not always go according to plan, both agree that navigating these challenges is simply part of the profession.

Looking further afield, the conversation highlights the increasingly international nature of today's brokerage market. Alongside continued activity across Europe and North America, Berthon is seeing enquiries from much further afield, with clients travelling from places including Mauritius and Tunisia to view yachts. These global enquiries reflect the growing reach of the brokerage market and the confidence buyers continue to place in experienced international brokers.

Whether you're considering selling your yacht, searching for your next purchase or simply interested in how the market is evolving, this episode provides an honest snapshot of where yacht brokerage stands as the 2026 season moves into its second half.

Join Tim and Rob as they share the latest market insights, discuss the trends they're seeing firsthand and explain why quality, preparation and trusted relationships continue to drive successful yacht sales.

The Search For Heavy Weather: How WIND HORSE Changed Offshore Powerboat Design, with Steve Dashew

In this episode, Sue Grant is joined by renowned yacht designer, sailor, author and offshore passagemaker Steve Dashew to discuss FPB 83 WIND HORSE, the yacht that became the genesis of the FPB fleet and fundamentally changed the way he thought about offshore powerboats.

Sue and Steve discuss:

•  The origins of FPB 83 WIND HORSE 
•  The transition from sailing yachts to offshore powerboats 
•  Designing for heavy weather 
•  Stability, safety and offshore survivability 
•  Fuel efficiency and long-range cruising 
•  The evolution of the FPB fleet 
•  Testing boats in real-world conditions 
•  Challenging conventional thinking in yacht design 
•  Lessons learned from decades of passagemaking

The conversation begins with a simple question: why go looking for heavy weather? For Steve, the answer was straightforward. When designing WIND HORSE, "the bottom line was how comfortable they would be at sea and how they'd handle heavy weather." After decades spent designing and sailing some of the world's most capable offshore sailing yachts, he had never encountered a powerboat that inspired confidence in difficult conditions.

Steve explains how the journey towards WIND HORSE began aboard his final sailing yacht, BEOWULF, a 78-foot water-ballasted ketch capable of remarkable passage times. Yet an unexpected boom failure during a passage from Panama ultimately forced a rethink. Faced with the prospect of spending another three or four years designing and building a new sailing yacht, Steve and Linda began exploring an idea they had previously dismissed: a serious offshore powerboat.

What followed was a design process that challenged almost every accepted convention. Naval architects questioned the concept. Experienced boat owners doubted it would work. As Steve recalls, "everybody said we were nuts."

The result was WIND HORSE, a yacht designed around efficiency, comfort and offshore capability rather than traditional powerboat thinking. Yet even after years of design work, there was only one way to know if the concept really worked. Steve admits that they "wouldn't know the answer" until they had been offshore in genuine heavy weather.

The episode explores the early sea trials in New Zealand and the growing realisation that the boat was attracting attention from experienced commercial operators. Ferry captains and fishermen began taking notice. According to Steve, "when you start attracting the attention of the professionals in a country like New Zealand, you know you're onto something."

One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion centres around a passage from the Bay of Islands, where WIND HORSE encountered a confused sea state made up of multiple crossing wave systems. Steve explains that "the seas from one direction aren't what get you in trouble or make you uncomfortable. It's when you get a crossing sea state, or sometimes two or three seas crossing."

It was during this voyage that the FPB concept truly proved itself. Passing through squalls and breaking seas, Steve experienced something entirely new. After decades of offshore sailing, he suddenly realised that there was "nothing to do." The absence of sail handling, reefing decisions and constant weather management created a very different offshore experience.

Reflecting on those early passages, Steve admits that he "had never realised up to that point how stressful it was" sailing BEOWULF. WIND HORSE offered something different: the ability to maintain passage speeds while dramatically reducing the physical and mental workload associated with long-distance cruising.

Sue and Steve also discuss the realities of yacht design, the limitations of modelling and CFD analysis, and why real-world experience remains irreplaceable. As Steve puts it, "you really don't know until you get the boat in the water in a confused sea state." Despite decades of technical development, many of his final design decisions are still guided by instinct, explaining that "the final decisions are always made by feel."

The conversation goes beyond heavy weather and into the philosophy behind the FPB range. Steve discusses reliability, simplicity, maintenance and why accessible systems matter offshore. In his view, if "you have good access, then you can check things," preventing small problems from becoming large ones.

The episode concludes with the story of how WIND HORSE evolved from a personal project into the foundation of an entirely new fleet. Steve never intended to return to boatbuilding and recalls that "when we built WIND HORSE, we thought that was the last boat." Yet demand quickly emerged, and before long the FPB 64 was on the drawing board.

For anyone interested in offshore passagemaking, yacht design, heavy weather seamanship or the origins of the FPB fleet, this is a fascinating insight into one of the most influential cruising concepts of the modern era.

Host: Sue Grant
Guest: Steve Dashew

About This Series

The Dashew Talking Books is a special podcast series exploring the life, experiences and ideas of Steve Dashew. Across these conversations, Steve reflects on decades of innovation, offshore cruising, yacht design, business, adventure and the many unexpected stories that shaped his remarkable career.

To explore more of Steve and Linda Dashew's work, visit SetSail for articles, owner stories and technical resources.

You can also watch more conversations and videos on the Dashew Offshore YouTube channel, and explore FPB Motor Yachts at Berthon International to learn more about the cruising yachts that grew from Steve's pioneering design philosophy.

To explore more of Steve's writing, technical articles and cruising knowledge, visit:

SetSail:
SetSail.com

Dashew Offshore YouTube Channel:
YouTube

To learn more about FPB Motor Yachts:

Berthon FPB Motor Yachts:
FPB Motor Yachts

Inside the Market: Yacht Sales Insights & Trends for May 2026 | Berthon International Yacht Brokerage

In this episode of Inside the Market, Hugh Rayner is joined by Ben Hitchen to discuss the latest trends, activity and observations from across the international yacht brokerage market.

Drawing on conversations with Berthon's teams in the UK, Sweden, Spain and the USA, Hugh and Ben explore what they are seeing on the ground as the season gains momentum and buyers return to the market.

After a quieter start to the year, May has brought a noticeably more positive tone. Viewings have increased, enquiry levels are improving, and there is growing activity across the core brokerage sector. However, buyers remain selective, with condition, presentation and realistic pricing continuing to play a critical role in determining which yachts attract serious interest.

As Hugh explains, "there is a lot of really encouraging activity across our core brokerage space, but the boats still have to be well-presented yachts and realistically priced for the market."

The discussion covers Berthon's Top 7 Yacht Sales Insights for May 2026, including:

• The continued resilience of the brokerage market between €300,000 and €400,000
• Strong demand for quality cruising yachts such as Hallberg-Rassys, Sweden Yachts, Southerlys and smaller Oysters
• Why good listings remain in short supply
• The importance of realistic pricing and presentation
• Increased viewings and buyer engagement during the latter part of the month
• Activity levels across Scandinavia and the wider European market
• The challenges currently facing larger yachts above 65 feet
• How buyers are approaching value and condition in today's market

Ben also shares his experience of increased demand for quality cruising yachts, noting that there remains "a decent amount of interest in the well-regarded quality boats" and that viewings, walk-ins and enquiries have all increased as the season progresses.

The conversation explores how the market is rewarding owners who are realistic about pricing, while boats that are overpriced or poorly presented continue to struggle for attention. Hugh reflects on the impact of recent price adjustments, explaining that even small corrections have resulted in direct enquiries and renewed buyer interest.

The episode also looks at regional differences, particularly the continued strength of the Scandinavian market, where healthy levels of activity, new listings and steady sales continue to provide positive signals.

As the discussion concludes, both Hugh and Ben reflect on a market that feels more active than it did earlier in the spring. Serious buyers remain present, particularly in the core cruising yacht sector, but they are informed, selective and looking for genuine value.

For yacht owners considering selling, buyers looking to enter the market, or anyone interested in the current state of international yacht brokerage, this episode provides a useful snapshot of what Berthon's brokers are seeing across the market in May 2026.

Host: Hugh Rayner
Guest: Ben Hitchen

Back from Palma International Boat Show 2026, Tim Carbury and Alan McIlroy sit down to reflect on one of the Mediterranean yachting calendar’s most important events.

Recorded just days after returning from Mallorca, this episode looks at the mood of the market, the atmosphere on the dock, and what Berthon observed across both brokerage and new yacht sales during the week.

The discussion covers Berthon’s presence at the show, including the HH66 NO CODE, Spirit 76 NAZGUL OF FORDELL, Swan 77 INVICTUS, and the Solaris 50 and Solaris 64 RS, as well as wider observations from across the industry.

Tim and Alan discuss whether footfall really felt lighter this year, why targeted enquiries still matter more than general crowds, and how Palma compares with shows such as Cannes and Düsseldorf.

The conversation also explores:

• the continued appetite for quality bluewater and performance cruising yachts
• the growing confidence returning to parts of the market
• why classic and modern-classic yachts continue to attract strong attention
• the realities of exhibiting at major international boat shows
• the importance of broker networking and industry visibility
• and why Palma remains such an important event despite changing buyer behaviour

There are also some behind-the-scenes reflections on the practical side of getting five yachts prepared and presented for an international show, alongside discussion around current brokerage trends, enquiry levels, and the state of the Mediterranean season as a whole.

As Alan notes during the episode:

“The dream is more alive when the boats are on the water and the sun’s out.”

A relaxed and honest conversation from two brokers fresh off the dock in Palma.