In the heart of the yachting world, Monaco played host to the World Yachting Summit (WYS), a prestigious gathering that brought together the industry’s top leaders, builders, visionaries, and innovators. With this year’s theme, “Yachting Worlds: A Data-Driven Global Picture Across Yachting Segments and Wealth,” the summit presented a forward-looking view into a market evolving faster than ever before.
From the very first keynote, it was clear: a generational shift is reshaping the tides of luxury yachting. The summit opened by highlighting the transfer of wealth to younger generations, especially the grandchildren of baby boomers—tech-savvy, experience-driven, and environmentally conscious individuals who are quickly becoming the industry’s new clientele.
Yachting’s Global Growth and the Next Frontier
The global yachting market is expected to reach a staggering $55 billion in 2024, with forecasts aiming for $68 billion by 2030. This growth is not only driven by demand for new vessels but also by the pre-owned yacht market, which now represents about 25% of the global fleet, valued at approximately $6 billion.
Italy continues to lead the way in the construction of yachts in the 24-60 meter range, while Turkey is rapidly expanding its shipyard capabilities. Meanwhile, Germany and the Netherlands dominate in the over-60m segment, delivering some of the world’s most iconic vessels.
Geopolitics, Sustainability, and Digitalization
Beyond the wealth transfer, WYS 2025 addressed key industry disruptors:
- Geopolitical tensions and potential U.S. import tariffs are pushing shipbuilders to consider localizing production.
- Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. Green technologies, sustainable materials, and eco-conscious design were spotlighted in several panels.
- Digital transformation is also revolutionizing how yachts are bought, chartered, and operated. The rise of data-driven decision-making and AI integration into yacht management was widely discussed.
A Global Conversation Among Leaders
Held at the iconic Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, the summit featured a powerhouse program, including:
- The Rise of Asia in the Yachting Market
- AI, Blockchain & Superyachts
- The Next Generation of Yacht Owners
- Climate Tech & ESG in Yachting
Attendees included CEOs of major shipyards, tech innovators, designers, brokers, and UHNWI representatives, making it a truly global event.
A Strategic Shift in Lifestyle and Luxury
“Yachting is no longer just about the vessel—it’s about the lifestyle, legacy, and community,” said one panelist. The conversations emphasized how younger owners are seeking unique experiences, from Arctic explorations to bespoke Mediterranean events, shifting the industry’s focus from status to storytelling.
The event concluded with strong optimism and a renewed sense of purpose: to make yachting more inclusive, forward-thinking, and sustainable without compromising its elegance and legacy.
Industry Titans in Attendance
The summit featured over 50 speakers and moderators from across the superyacht, tech, tourism, and finance sectors. Notable figures included:
Design & Shipbuilding Leaders
- Giovanna Vitelli – Chairwoman of Azimut Benneti
- Dan Lenard – Co-Founder, Nuvolari Lenard
- Espen Øino – Naval Architect, EOI
- Arjen van Elk – Feadship
- Michael Breman – Sales Director, Lürssen Yachts
- Artur Poloczanski – Sunreef Yachts
Sustainability & Tech Experts
- Luca Rizzotti – Founder, Foiling.org
- Guillaume Perben – Composite Recycling
- Nicolas Boulet – WISAMO
- Jeff Butler – Sustainability Strategist
- Jérémie Lagarrigue – CEO, EODev (Energy Observer)
Yacht Ownership & Operations
- David Seal – Yachts for Sale / Influencer & Broker
- Laurent Perignon – WYS
- Maria Razumi – Smart Yachts
- Patrick Coote – MarineMax
- Janet Xanthopoulos – Rosemont International
- Kevin Bodington – Yacht Buyer
Legal, Registries & Governance
- Julian Smith – Cayman Islands Registry
- Jo Assael – Marshall Islands Registry
- Stefano Comisi – Studio Armella
- Alessandro Tricoli – Fichte Legal
- Engel-Jan de Boer – Lloyd’s Register
- Carlo Vinelli – Isle of Man Registry
Luxury & Lifestyle Innovators
- Lynn Villadolid – Lifestyle Capital Partners
- Ra’anan Ben Zur – Habacoa Marina, Bahamas
- Dr. Fabiana Maccarini – Monaco Marina Management (M3)
- Neity Maddock – Yachting Strategist & Consultant
From ESG to AI: A Strategic Reset
Across thematic tracks—Business & Growth, Tourism & Experience, Reinventing Yachting, and The Practical Road to Net Zero—panels explored:
- The future of chartering vs. ownership
- Whether the dealership model still serves today’s fragmented market
- How to turn yachting into a sustainability showcase rather than a target
- The potential of digitalization, AI, and blockchain in operational efficiency
Networking, Dialogue & Momentum
More than just speeches and slides, WYS 2025 fostered real-time networking, idea exchange, and collaboration through:
- Salon-based panel sessions and intimate debates
- Elegant cocktail evenings and a gala dinner at Hôtel de Paris
- Wrap-up sessions that created tangible roadmaps and recommendations for the years ahead
Conclusion: The Future Is Now
As the summit concluded with drinks overlooking the Mediterranean, one theme stood out: yachting is evolving—not just in what we build, but how we think, connect, and lead.
The World Yachting Summit 2025 wasn’t just a conference—it was a call to action. And the world’s most influential stakeholders answered with clarity, conviction, and a shared ambition to redefine the luxury maritime experience for generations to come.
About the World Yachting Summit
The World Yachting Summit is an annual high-level event that connects leaders across the superyacht world—from design and engineering to investment and innovation. Organized in partnership with leading names such as Omiyat, Sky Valet, and RAK Properties, WYS is a cornerstone for strategic discussions shaping the future of the luxury maritime industry. Learn more at worldyachtingsummit.com.
