14 - Inside the Market - Yacht Sales Insights & Trends for February 2026 - Berthon International Yacht Brokerage

Spring is approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, and with it the start of another yachting season. In this episode of Inside the Market, we take a closer look at the yacht brokerage landscape as it stood at the end of February 2026.

Joining the conversation is Sophie Kemp, who has recently returned to Berthon after maternity leave and celebrates ten years with the company. Sophie specialises in sailing yacht brokerage and has also been closely involved in launching Berthon Essential, a dedicated platform for yachts under £110,000 designed to give smaller boats their own space in the market.

https://boatsforsale.berthoninternational.com/ 

Together we discuss what we are seeing across Berthon’s five international brokerage offices and what buyers and sellers should understand as the new season begins. Conditions vary widely across the globe. In Newport, Rhode Island, over two feet of snow has made showing yachts a challenge, while changes to tariff structures are forcing some buyers to reconsider the costs of importing yachts into the United States and the wider implications for their businesses.

Despite this uncertainty, the brokerage market continues to move. While enquiry levels remain modest overall, Berthon’s long-standing client base continues to provide stability, with more than half of transactions coming from repeat clients returning to buy or sell their next yacht.

Pricing remains a sensitive issue across the market. There is pressure on values in many segments, particularly where there is a larger supply of comparable yachts available. However, well-presented yachts with strong pedigree, proper service histories, and good overall condition continue to attract buyers without difficulty.

Another notable trend is buyer behaviour. A significant number of active leads are currently researching and monitoring the market rather than rushing to commit. With a good selection of yachts available in certain segments, many buyers feel comfortable taking time to evaluate their options before making a decision.

The new yacht market continues to face challenges, although activity remains healthy in parts of the production segment. Major industry developments are also unfolding, including the widely reported bid by Donerail for MarineMax, a move that could have significant implications across the brokerage, marina, and service sectors.

As ever, the fundamentals remain the same. Pricing correctly, presenting yachts well, and maintaining strong service histories continue to be the factors that determine which yachts sell and which remain on the market.

Key Points

• Newport office facing difficult showing conditions due to heavy snowfall, while tariff changes are creating uncertainty for some US buyers.
 • Enquiry rates remain modest, but repeat clients continue to drive activity across the brokerage.
 • Prices are under pressure across much of the market, although well-presented yachts still sell without difficulty.
 • In segments with greater supply, buyers are taking time to research and secure the right deal.
 • A larger number of active leads are monitoring the market rather than committing immediately.
 • The new yacht market remains challenging, although activity continues in parts of the production sector.
 • The proposed Donerail bid for MarineMax is a major development that could influence the wider yachting market.