The yachting industry has never been particularly good at standing still. Every season brings a new topic everyone seems convinced will change everything. Most don't. Some do.
This year, three subjects keep coming up in conversations with owners, brokers, captains, and managers. Different people approach them from different angles, but they all point to the same reality: the industry is becoming more demanding, more regulated, and, in some respects, more mature.
The Refit Boom
A significant portion of the global fleet is now more than ten years old. For many owners, replacing a yacht with a new build is becoming a less obvious choice than it once was.
Newbuild prices have risen. Delivery slots have stretched further into the future. At the same time, expectations around efficiency, technology, guest experience, and sustainability continue to evolve. As a result, many owners are choosing to modernise existing yachts rather than start from scratch.
That shift has placed increasing pressure on refit facilities. Yards capable of handling complex projects, particularly those designed specifically for refit work rather than adapting space originally intended for new construction, are seeing strong demand. The most sought-after facilities are often booked well in advance.
Compliance Has Moved to the Front of the Conversation
There was a time when ownership structures, beneficial ownership disclosures, and source-of-funds documentation were largely dealt with behind the scenes.
Not anymore.
Across yacht transactions, AML and KYC requirements are receiving greater scrutiny than ever. Buyers, brokers, managers, and service providers are all feeling the impact. What was once considered an administrative process now directly influences transaction timelines and, increasingly, decisions about where yachts are owned, managed, refitted, and operated.
The industry has adapted before, and it will adapt again. But there is little sign that regulators are becoming less interested in transparency.
The Challenge of Keeping Good Crew
Finding experienced crew is difficult. Keeping them is becoming even more difficult.
As MLC compliance receives closer attention and demand for qualified professionals continues to outpace supply, owners and management companies are competing on far more than salary alone. Contract terms, working conditions, welfare standards, training opportunities, and long-term career development have all become important factors.
For many crews, these are no longer nice extras. They are part of the decision-making process.
The result is that crew retention has become a genuine operational consideration rather than a simple HR issue.
Continuing the Conversation at Monaco
What makes these three topics interesting is that they are connected.
Refit projects increasingly involve regulatory considerations. Ownership structures affect operational decisions. Crew expectations influence how yachts are managed and upgraded. Looking at any one of these issues in isolation rarely gives the full picture.
These are exactly the kinds of conversations I look forward to having at this year's Monaco Yacht Show.
I will be at the Monaco Yacht Show from 23-26 September 2026 and would be delighted to meet you at the Cantiere Rossini stand (AL6, Quai Albert Ier).
Whether you're planning a refit, reviewing ownership structures, considering operational changes, or simply interested in where the industry is heading, I would be very pleased to continue the discussion in person.
