Key facts
- A network of off-market brokers is facilitating a surge in superyacht sales.
- Newly minted billionaires, largely from the AI boom, are driving demand for large yachts.
- Off-market transactions are estimated to be increasing, with some brokers reporting a 300% rise in inbound business.
- Sales of superyachts (over 30 meters) increased 12% in 2025, with megayachts (60-100 meters) and gigayachts (over 100 meters) showing even stronger growth.
- The average time on market for megayachts and gigayachts decreased last year.
A discreet network of off-market brokers is facilitating a significant boom in the sale of superyachts, driven by a surge in newly minted billionaires created by recent booms in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and stock markets. These brokers employ secretive tactics, such as sending cryptic text messages about "off-market offers," to connect wealthy buyers with sellers of ultra-luxury vessels that are typically never publicly listed.
Yacht broker Tomek Wrzesinski, who has over 20 years of experience, notes that this approach is highly effective, often securing a client's interest within minutes. He believes these off-market sales enhance the luxury experience by making clients feel treated in a special way. Data suggests this trend is growing, with Super Yacht Times Intelligence indicating a 5% increase in known off-market transactions this year compared to 2025. Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts, estimates that off-market transactions have likely doubled since 2019, with Wrzesinski himself reporting a 300% increase in inbound business since then.
This surge in off-market activity contrasts with a general slowdown in the broader yacht market. However, sales of superyachts (over 30 meters) have seen robust growth, increasing by 12% in 2025 to 442 sales, according to BOATPro. The market for megayachts (60-100 meters) and gigayachts (over 100 meters) has been particularly strong, with final asking prices soaring 33% and 38% respectively last year. These ultra-exclusive categories also saw a decrease in the average time spent on the market before purchase, indicating high demand.
The primary fuel for this red-hot market is the wealth generated by the AI boom and recent surges in stock and crypto prices. The world has seen 400 new billionaires created this year, bringing the global total to 3,428, who collectively hold over $20 trillion. Brokers like Wrzesinski explain that for the ultra-wealthy, these large yachts often function as status symbols and "toys," with a strong motivation to upgrade to larger vessels when encountering peers with bigger boats.