“One of the strongest trends in the yachting industry today is the trend for luxury catamarans,” states Francis Lapp.
But he would, being as he’s the founder and president of Sunreef Yachts – the Polish builder of behemoth catamarans (and only catamarans). Given the numbers which the company’s sold this year, and expected to next, he’s in a good place to be confident.
Last year the company rose to 9th in the Global Order Book — which tracks all yachts over 24 metres currently on order, or under construction, with contracts signed before 1 September 2024 — and it’s a mere 22-years-old.
“Catamarans are getting bigger and bigger and their overall quality is improving,” Lapp continues. “Building a luxury multihull is the perfect way to enjoy more volume and comfort. We realised this over two decades ago and this is what gives us a crucial advantage today.”
That advantage comes as the industry is shifting its stance to satisfy the demand for ever bigger boats.
The number of high-net-worth individuals — or those with assets worth more than $10 million — rose 4.4 per cent worldwide in 2024. And the number of millionaires is increasing globally, with reports showing millions of new millionaires in recent years. For example, over 680,000 new millionaires were created in 2024 alone, and the global population of millionaires grew by 3.8 million between mid-2013 and early 2024. Key regions like the United States, China, and Europe have seen significant growth in their millionaire populations. (Data comes from multiple sources, including the World Bank’s global wealth reports.)
When the wealth increase combines with multiple advances in technology which make boating far more accessible to those who might have quailed at the thought of berthing pre-dock sense etc demand is burgeoning for bigger vessels.
Trend toward longer boats in the recreational segment
“We clearly see a strong trend toward longer boats in the recreational segment, particularly in day cruisers,” says Marc Forné, sales manager for Maxim Yachts.
“This evolution is being driven by customers who want more space, greater comfort, and enhanced performance, while still retaining the possibility of personally handling their boat without needing a professional crew.”
As a concrete response to this demand, Maxim is designing and developing a new 50ft model. The launch is planned for 2026.
“The market between 40ft and 50ft is especially dynamic right now, and our strategy in this segment confirms that our vision is aligned with customer expectations.
“For us, every shift in the market is an opportunity, and producing boats in this range has validated our approach, while opening new possibilities to expand across different markets and continents,” Forné continues. The Max 43 Comfort is pictured (left).
“At the same time, we do not yet see the market moving massively toward boats far larger than this range. Our focus is on maximizing comfort and performance, while keeping boats accessible for owner operation. In parallel, we are also working on developing a smaller line — below 40ft — so that we can respond to a broader spectrum of clients. This dual approach allows us to grow as a company and to offer solutions that many shipyards are not currently providing, but that customers are increasingly searching for.”
Owner demands now shape strategy for boatbuilders
“Owners are increasingly looking to spend longer on board without sacrificing comfort or privacy,” details Andrea Frabetti, CEO, Sunseeker International (pictured).
“They want yachts that can take them further afield, that offer multifunctional living, and that balance flexible entertaining spaces with opportunities for solitude. Above all, they want environments that feel open, light-filled, seamlessly connected to the sea, and every bit as comfortable as home while enabling extended cruising in absolute luxury.”
Frabetti says that one of the great advantages of maintaining such close relationships with clients is the constant flow of insight into how their lifestyles and preferences are evolving. “We hear directly from them what they want from their next yacht.” It’s for this reason that Sunseeker has been expanding its Ocean and Yacht Ranges.”
“As I shared at Düsseldorf in January, a central focus for Sunseeker is the rollout of our superyacht strategy. While we have a proud history in this space, the next few years will see the launch of groundbreaking new designs that take this to another level. These projects will not only meet the growing demand for larger yachts but will also set new benchmarks in innovation, design, and lifestyle at sea.”
Risks outweighed by benefits in larger yacht manufacturing
“Manufacturing larger yachts carries certain risks and challenges these are outweighed by the benefits,” posits Iain Smallridge, founder and MD of Pearl Yachts. The company’s introducing its new flagship, the Pearl 100, at this year’s Cannes, extending its range of flybridge yachts from 63ft to 100ft. “We are currently seeing more enquires at the higher end of that range,” says Smallridge.
Recreational market growing steadily for longer vessels
“The market is growing strongly, with vessels between 24 and 45 metres now representing around 64 per cent of sales, while superyachts over 45 metres are expanding at a compound annual growth rate above seven per cent,” says Milvio Ricci – CCO at Sialia Yachts.
“For Sialia, this shift represents a major opportunity. Our 80 Explorer at 26.6 metres sits squarely in the heart of this growth segment, offering sustainable electric performance in a spacious package designed for long-range cruising.
“At the same time, we continue to demonstrate that upscale electrification is not limited to larger vessels. Our 45 Sport, at 13 metres, has already been recognised with Electric Boat Award, proving that high performance, compact electric boats can redefine luxury on their own terms.
“We see the ‘bigger boats’ movement not as a threat but as an invitation to scale our philosophy of conscious luxury, electric propulsion, and emotional design into larger formats.”
Larger boats built differently
Evo Yachts is utilising different materials to answer the call.
Rosario Mercuri, shipyard owner, says larger boats is an important opportunity that the company is already investing in.
The company’s using new materials and technology (new for it and its history). “This is why the brand started working on different materials such as aluminium, typically used on large boats. Recently we presented the Evo R9, a revolutionary 30-meter aluminium superyacht,” says Mercuri.
“Conceived to place the owner firmly at the centre of the design process, the Evo R9 will be highly customizable and is intended to become a new benchmark in the superyacht sector, opening a new chapter in the evolution of our brand.
“At the same time, we remain committed to the 40 – 60 foot segment, which has always embodied Evo Yachts’ DNA. This year, for instance, we will present the R4 Icone [pictured above] as a world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival, reaffirming our dedication to offering innovative solutions to our loyal owners while expanding our reach to new customers.”
Customers on the lookout for more space
Finnmaster Boats is also responding to the opportunity. “We recently expanded our Grandezza line with the 37 Outboard and 30 Outboard, and we are already working on even larger models,” explains Pia Niska, COO of Finnmaster Boats. “Customers are increasingly looking for more space, comfort, and premium features, and we’re responding with designs that combine our 100 per cent Made-in-Finland craftsmanship, smart use of space, and powerful, reliable performance. At the same time, we maintain a strong range of versatile mid-sized boats to serve a wide customer base.”
Accessories and equipment manufacturers benefit too
It’s not only the builders who are looking to larger boats for building their businesses.
“We definitely see the trend towards larger yachts, and for us this is more of an opportunity than a challenge,” says Fiorella Besenzoni, marketing manger for Besenzoni, pictured below.
“Larger vessels often require more complex, customised solutions, and this is exactly where we can bring strong added value.
“To respond to this demand, we created UNICA, our dedicated division specialized in one-off, tailor-made products. Through UNICA, we can design and manufacture completely bespoke systems — gangways, cranes, hatches, doors, seating or any kind of automated equipment — according to the specific requirements of each project.”
She says that this system allows the company to meet the expectations of owners, designers, and shipyards who are increasingly looking for unique, innovative solutions that combine functionality, technology, and design.
“So yes, the trend towards bigger yachts is very much happening, and it pushes us to keep innovating while strengthening our role as a partner for custom engineering in the superyacht sector.”
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