Burgess Reports 35% Rise in Yacht Charter Days as Private Travel Demand Grows

Burgess says yacht charter demand has continued to strengthen, with charter days booked increasing from 4,432 in 2024 to 5,970 in 2025, a rise of 35 percent. The brokerage links that growth to rising demand for privacy, flexible itineraries and highly personalised travel, while bookings in the 40- to 60-metre sectors have also recorded substantial gains.

Charter days rose by more than 1,500 in a year

Burgess reports an increase of 1,538 booked charter days between 2024 and 2025, taking the annual total to 5,970. The company says the growth is not limited to a single destination or yacht type, but reflects a broader shift in how high-net-worth travellers are approaching private holidays.

A yacht can combine accommodation, transport and access to several destinations within one trip, while keeping the guest group private. Burgess argues that this flexibility is becoming increasingly important as clients seek alternatives to fixed resorts and heavily visited luxury destinations.

The 40–60m sectors recorded particularly strong gains

Bookings in the 40- to 50-metre segment increased by 26 percent, while the 50- to 60-metre category rose by 23 percent. Those sizes can offer substantial guest amenities, water toys, wellness spaces and experienced crews without the higher operating scale associated with much larger charter yachts.

The figures also align with wider brokerage interest in the mid-size superyacht market. For charter clients, the segment offers a large selection of yachts across Mediterranean and Caribbean fleets, helping brokers match different styles of travel without relying on a small pool of very large vessels.

Demand recovered after a slower spring in 2026

Burgess says geopolitical uncertainty temporarily slowed bookings during spring 2026, but demand recovered quickly as the summer season approached. Summer bookings remained ahead of the previous year, suggesting that clients postponed decisions rather than abandoning yacht charter plans altogether.

That resilience matters to owners who rely on charter revenue to offset part of their annual operating costs. Strong seasonal demand can support utilisation, but yachts still need competitive pricing, professional crew and consistent presentation to convert enquiries into booked weeks.

Winter 2026/27 bookings are already running well ahead

The brokerage says winter 2026/27 bookings were already 150 percent ahead of the same point in 2025 when it published its analysis. Early winter demand can be particularly important for yachts moving from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, where owners must decide whether transport and repositioning costs are justified by expected charter activity.

For Superyacht Guide readers, the data suggests charter remains one of the stronger parts of the yacht economy. Growth in booked days, particularly in the 40–60m range, indicates that clients are continuing to value privacy and flexibility even as wider luxury-travel spending becomes more selective.

Official sources: www.burgessyachts.com.