By Nick Hatfield – Managing Director of Sanlorenzo Yachts UK and Ireland.
For many discerning individuals, a yacht continues to represent the ultimate expression of freedom, privacy, and independence. More than a mode of travel, it is a lifestyle choice – a way to enjoy time with family and friends in complete seclusion, while retaining the flexibility to explore at will.
In the UK, yacht ownership has evolved significantly over recent years. Advances in bespoke yacht design, coupled with further investment in marina infrastructure, are reshaping not only how people approach ownership but also where they choose to spend their time on the water. The result is a market that feels more dynamic, more accessible, and more tailored than ever before.
Having witnessed these changes first-hand over the decades, I have seen how trends in ownership are shifting and why today feels like a particularly exciting moment for those considering the yachting lifestyle.
Choosing the right yacht for UK waters
Luxury yachting in the UK is enjoying a renewed sense of vitality. Increasingly, owners are looking to balance time between home waters and international cruising grounds. While 40-metre-plus superyachts remain a staple of Mediterranean glamour, closer to home the trend is towards smaller, more versatile vessels – typically between 20 and 30 metres.
These yachts strike an appealing balance: agile enough to handle the changeable conditions of the British coastline, yet refined and luxurious enough to deliver the comfort and style expected of a superyacht. Their versatility makes them well-suited for a weekend in the Solent, an extended cruise to the English Riviera, or a summer voyage north to Scotland’s dramatic west coast.
Marinas across the country are also responding to this resurgence in demand. From the south coast to the Scottish Highlands, facilities are expanding to accommodate larger yachts and offer enhanced services. Dedicated superyacht berths are becoming more common, creating an environment where owners can confidently base their yachts in the UK without compromise. This shift is helping to foster a culture of domestic cruising, encouraging more people to see Britain’s coastline not as a seasonal alternative, but as a rewarding destination in its own right.
The joy of the design journey
While the freedom of ownership is a powerful draw, the process of creating a yacht remains one of the most enjoyable aspects for many. The design journey is an opportunity to shape a vessel that feels entirely personal – a home on the water that reflects individual values, tastes, and lifestyles.
Shipyards, like Sanlorenzo, that embrace a truly bespoke, made-to-measure philosophy are thriving, allowing owners to collaborate closely with designers and naval architects. The creativity being expressed through these partnerships is striking. Expansive wellness areas with gyms, saunas, and treatment rooms are now commonplace. The growing trend towards remote working has also found its way on board, with elegant offices and study spaces becoming highly sought-after, supported by advanced connectivity such as Starlink satellite systems.
Social and leisure spaces, too, are evolving. Flexible layouts that can adapt from family time to entertaining are proving popular, while indulgent features such as private beach clubs, spa pools, and hammams bring an atmosphere of luxury once reserved for much larger yachts. In many ways, these innovations have transformed yachts from being primarily about transport and cruising into genuine retreats – floating sanctuaries where work, play, and relaxation can exist in harmony.
A shift towards sustainability
Another defining change in recent years has been the increasing emphasis on sustainability. Yacht owners are not only more conscious of their environmental impact, but they are also demanding practical solutions that align with their values.
Hybrid propulsion systems, advanced battery technology, and eco-conscious materials are no longer experimental; they are becoming integral parts of new-build projects. This shift allows owners to enjoy the performance and range of traditional yachts while reducing emissions and increasing efficiency. For many, it is reassuring to know that embracing the luxury of yachting does not have to come at the expense of the marine environment.
A positive outlook for UK yacht ownership
Taken together, these developments paint a picture of confidence and opportunity for yacht ownership in the UK. Marina investment is enabling larger vessels to remain domestically, the design process is more collaborative and personalised than ever, and the industry’s commitment to sustainability is setting a new benchmark.
Yet at its core, the essence of ownership has not changed. A yacht remains a powerful symbol of independence – a private platform from which to explore, unwind, and spend time with those who matter most. What has changed is the environment in which that ownership takes place: one that is more sophisticated, more supportive, and more aligned with modern values.
For those drawn to life on the water, there has rarely been a better time to take the step into ownership.
About the expert
Nick Hatfield is Managing Director of Sanlorenzo Yachts UK and Ireland. Nick heads up the award-winning sales team at Sanlorenzo Yachts UK with 17 years of yacht sales experience across multiple power brands. In 2020, Nick lead the introduction of the Sanlorenzo brand to the UK, to serve the growing demand for made-to-measure yachts amongst British-based consumers. Having grown up around the water, Nick has a genuine passion for boating and has competed for many years on dinghies and sailing yachts around UK and European waters. For more information, please visit sanlorenzoyachts.co.uk
