New Motor Yacht Sales | 2024

By Robert Steadman

In comparison to previous years, 2023 brought relative normality. With UK inflation heading down the slope and interest rates staying unchanged, there was a sense of positivity. The price of shipping a container dropped 66% from the peak in 2022 and China finally ended its zero-Covid policy, in early January, further easing supply chain pressures.

However, we also saw significant price increases in new yacht prices from 15 – 33%. This combined with the squeeze on living standards because of energy prices, inflation, and interest rates, brought the inevitable falter in demand. Globally, the yachting sector saw a 43% decrease in sales in comparison to 2022. That said, the total monetary value of yacht sales increased from €3.6 billion to €3.9 billion euros indicating the resilience of the large yacht market.

The British boutique yacht builder Pearl Yachts marked 25 years in production in 2023. First conceived in 1998 by Iain Smallridge, an experienced yacht captain, combined with John Yarnold, a local businessman, they started building aft cabin cruisers. In 2003, Margaret & Tony Whittaker, entrepreneurs, and yachting enthusiasts, decided to invest in the brand to produce a range of sleek, stylish flybridge yachts. Naval architect Bill Dixon and production manager Paul Hannah were brought into the company and in 2004 the Pearl 55 was born. Kelly Hoppen agreed to work exclusively with Pearl Yachts in 2013 and the award winning range now spans 62, 72, 80 & 95.

It was with a heavy heart that Berthon announced that we would no longer be dealers for Pearl Yachts from the end of 2023. Sadly, it was clear that the two businesses were travelling on vastly differing trajectories. We are proud of the fact we sold 7 Pearl Yachts in three years, and we remain strong friends with Pearl, and continue to work with the brand and with our clients on both new yacht sales and brokerage. We wish the Pearl Yachts Team good luck and look forward to seeing the incredible new innovations they will bring to the market in the future.

However, as the saying goes, when one door closes another opens. We announced our new UK dealership for Solaris Power at the end of 2023, expanding on our successful relationship with their sister company Solaris Yachts, who build exceptionally pretty sailing yachts to the highest standards, from their state of the art shipyard in Aquileia, Italy.

Solaris Power was formed in 2008, born from the success of Solaris Yachts and the Power shipyard is situated in the historic town of Forli, in the industrial heart of Italy. Now building 55 Solaris Power yachts each year, they have gained a solid reputation for their high quality, Italian style and most importantly their epic seakeeping! The experienced workforce of 160 work within a modern facility. The designers are on site and the build is meticulously managed in house from concept to completion. In the UK, we offer the Solaris Power range from 40 to 60 feet with Open, Lobster, Coupé and Flybridge options available.

The unique teardrop hulls are designed by renowned naval architect Brunello Acampora of Victory Design. The yachts are powered by Volvo Penta Integrated Propulsion System (IPS) for efficiency, manoeuvrability and also to maximise the accommodation space that is available.

We are very excited to bring the Solaris Power brand to the UK, with no direct competition when comparing the style, build quality and sea keeping. The launch of the Solaris Power 52 Coupé at boot Düsseldorf 2024 appealed to our clients, giving them the possibility to enjoy long passages in complete style and comfort. The sweeping clean exterior lines combined with a flush deck and comforting tall bulwarks confirm that she is indeed a Solaris Power yacht. The construction uses an infusion layup for strength and the Victory Design hull provides a uniquely dry and comfortable ride that maintains stability from displacement all the way up to fast planning speeds, with minimal vibration. Of course, the paint finishes are of the highest standards, and clients are encouraged to personalise their Solaris from a wide range of colours and interior layouts.

Open boats have been selling well in the UK in the last five years with clients looking for those perfect days spent on the water in style, rather than being aboard for weeks on end. We think the Solaris Power 40 Open is a very clever yacht and see her popularity growing. Ordering one today you will receive the normal Solaris Power superb paint finish and Italian styling, together with that synonymous flush walk-around deck and tall bulwarks. The cockpit is shaded by a large standalone T-top, which means that three people can sit or stand at the helm, protected by the chunky windscreen. A large leafed dining table with adjustable seating will comfortably accommodate eight people. There is an outdoor galley adjacent to the seating and plenty of fridge space too. Down below you will find a huge master cabin with an ensuite heads compartment with separate shower. There is also the choice of an additional cabin fit out or storage as you prefer.

SOLARIS POWER 52 COUPÉ

Looking ahead for the upcoming 2024 season, we feel that it will be more important than ever to market yachts in a high quality and professional manner so that yacht buyers have accurate information about what is on offer. Look out for the information that is available on Solaris Power from Berthon and do ask us for more data about these great yachts. The size and diverse range of the Solaris Power line-up will appeal to the UK market, along with the style and build quality. With UK VAT paid status, clients can be assured that a pre-owned Solaris Power yacht in the UK will deliver great residual value.

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