Experiencing Superyacht Ownership: A Glimpse into the Lifestyle

The concept of yachts as luxurious status symbols dates back centuries. Although the technologies, materials, and construction methods of modern versions bear almost no resemblance to those early wooden and metallic masterpieces, little else has changed in so many ways. It was not until the 17th Century that the notion of creating a vessel ostensibly to be used for pleasure and relaxation was born. Prior to that, the onus had always been on the practicalities of moving from one location to another across the water safely and quickly. Those older vessels still contained lavish staterooms and berths fit for a King or Queen, but their goal was primarily to travel, not merely to exist on the water for the sheer pleasure of doing so. In this article, we will examine the role of the modern superyacht and the lifestyle its owner can expect to experience on board one of humankind’s most impressive creations.

Superyacht ownership

Yachting is seen by many as the epitome of wealth and privilege. Superyachts push that concept even further, becoming a commodity that is out of reach, even for rich people and celebrities. Owning a superyacht indicates that there is nothing on the planet an individual cannot afford, occupying a rarefied position even above that of private jets. Purchasing, maintaining, and operating a superyacht is not for the faint of heart but surely represents the very apex of acquisitions. The superyacht is a practical, working item unlike colossal, flawless diamonds or solid gold artefacts. It is an extraordinarily capable vehicle at the end of the day, and a considerable part of its appeal lies in the opportunities it provides to see the world from a viewpoint very few will ever see. Plus, there’s plenty of space inside for those diamonds and golden statuettes.

Floating opulence

Superyachts are so far removed from the typical waterborne craft many of us have experienced that it can be hard to explain and grasp the gulf between them. More akin to floating palaces, these vessels spare no expense in their construction or the luxury appointments and touches found around every corner. It has often been said that superyachts are the floating palaces of the modern world, and it’s hard to argue with that comparison. Yet, each superyacht is different and has a character of its own. From the most traditional, wood-panelled, marble-lined vessels to today’s ultra-modernistic versions with wall-to-wall gadgets, drop-down television screens, and the most sophisticated communication devices imaginable. 

Comparing these entities is like comparing luxury hotels; it cannot be done. All that can be said safely is that whatever the stylistic choices, nods to tradition or advanced technological appointments, all superyachts have one thing in common. They are charming, intoxicating places to spend your time. That’s before we even touch on the standard of food, drink, and other services regularly brought on board. From masseuses to baristas and cocktail mixers, top-tier chefs, and all manner of skilled professionals to raise the levels of comfort and decadence. 

Marvels of engineering 

Spanning up to 180m (600ft) in length, equipped with multiple decks, state-of-the-art technology and equipment, modern super yachts are more closely related to space stations than standard methods of travelling on water. That level of expertise, quality, and attention to detail does not only apply to the façade; these vessels are engineering marvels in their own right, to their very cores. Materials used in the construction of super yachts include: 

• Wood

• Aluminium and steel

• Fibreglass

• Composite fibre-reinforced plastic

Most modern superyacht engines are diesel ones, and although the basic technology has existed for over a hundred years, modern superyacht engines bear little resemblance to those pioneering designs of the past. They run a lot more cleanly, use less fuel, and produce vast sums of power by comparison. This power and torque propels the very fastest among them to a quite astonishing 70 knots. (130kph)

Superior interiors

Lavishly decorated with the most exquisite materials, modern superyachts contain everything from precious metals to exotic woods, marble, and rare gems. Whereas the premium quality of the engineering and construction materials remain hidden for the most part, the interior is where the designers can show their skills and desire to produce the most sensationally opulent spaces and objects. With fine art to adorn the walls and rare treasures displayed in cases, some super yachts are almost museum-like in their contents. 

Crew

Anyone who can afford to purchase such an incredible feat of design and engineering can also afford to pay people to run it for them. From captains, stewards, and operational crew to service staff, cleaners, cooks, and people performing all roles, a superyacht crew can extend into the dozens. Many will not remain on board during voyages but will swarm onto the vessel like ants when docked and perform their tasks. 

Much like staff in the most luxurious hotels in the world, the staff are trained to expect and meet demanding standards and provide levels of service above and beyond those expected of their position in less salubrious surroundings. Superyacht owners experience levels of attentive service and attention to detail that are hard to imagine, and nothing less than perfection is required of their staff, who are remunerated accordingly. Whether assisting with watersports and sporting activities, preparing Michelin Star-worthy delicacies, or monitoring weather patterns and storing clear of trouble spots, flawless results are the norm. 

Amenities

With multiple lounges and relaxation areas, some superyachts are known to have nightclubs and even a wine cellar stocked with unimaginably expensive bottles. Some other elements owners might experience include:

• Swimming pools

• Spas, saunas, and jacuzzis

• Gyms

• Miniature submersibles

• Jet Skis and powerboats

• Scuba and snorkelling gear

• Movie theatres

• Game rooms

Destinations

One of the great beauties of superyacht life is that they are not confined to one location alone. The sheer wealth of possibilities when considering which location to visit next boggles the mind. It represents a key that opens the world and invites superyacht owners to explore the most stunning, decadent places. Whether you have a hankering to visit the floating villages and markets of Vietnam, the stunning-if-unforgiving coastlines of Southern Argentina and Chile, or the pristine waters and pure silica sands of Whitehaven Beach in Australia, the world is your oyster. And you can eat as many of those as you wish on the way. 

Secluded, secret bays and quaint traditional harbours. Cosmopolitan coastline cities and island gambling meccas. Each place is unique and fascinating in its own way. Each with a charm not immediately apparent to those forced to dwell within its confines but much more evident when viewed from a calm, isolated position offshore and visited only sporadically as and when required. When you own a superyacht, the question is not 'Where should we go next?' but 'How should we whittle the list of places down to less than a hundred?'

Socialising and doing business

For rubbing shoulders with the elite, celebrities, and wealthy, influential figures of all kinds, nothing could be a bigger ice-breaker than a superyacht to catch their eye. Superyacht regattas and events are created for owners to proudly display their precious vessels and do some serious high-level networking. It is no secret that some of the most game-changing business partnerships and deals have been made on superyachts. Far away from photographers' lenses and virtually no chance of being overheard, it is easy to see why billionaires prefer this business method.

There are few party locations more exclusive than luxury superyachts, and they are the perfect place to host lavish blowouts with all manner of food, drinks, and music that can blare out long into the night. Bringing in a DJ to hit the vibe you’re looking for will always start the party with a bang. With various areas to kick back and relax or pools and jacuzzis to spend time in when things get too hectic, parties on board superyachts are on a level all to themselves. If exclusivity is the order of the day, it is hard to picture anything more appropriate than inviting guests to spend time on your floating wonderland. 

Fine dining 

Ask yourself what elements contribute to the success and desirability of any top-level restaurant, and you will find that the things are all available to superyacht owners, namely:

• Sumptuous, attractive décor

• Unrivalled service

• Top-quality food 

  Whether you are hosting a ten-course formal dinner or impromptu al fresco elevenses on deck, when you own a superyacht, it can be a fine dining experience to remember. With the right team behind you, the opportunities to sample incredible snacks, canapés and meals are second to none. Imagine knowing that a highly-trained chef is devoting time to creating masterpieces of taste and texture for you and your guests. They set off with a shopping list that includes nothing but the finest ingredients, and no expense is spared. It makes the mouth water to think of some of the creations they can produce; this is the everyday life of a superyacht owner.

Chartering vs. buying 

Although owning a superyacht might be the ultimate status symbol, chartering a superyacht remains a viable alternative for those less interested in impressing others with shows of wealth, grace, and favour. The lack of long-term commitment, hefty maintenance fees, and logistical considerations appeal to some who choose to charter their superyachts—the opportunity to change for a different model when the mood strikes is also a powerful motivator. When the trip's aim shifts from decadent dinner parties to relaxed sailing or adrenaline-fuelled deep-sea fishing, the perfect vessel exists, and they exchange for a more practical one—a tempting thought. We cater to other preferences at Simpson Superyachts, offering a peerless selection of new, used, and charter yachts.

Investing in a lifestyle

Picture yourself living on a superyacht and spending your time floating effortlessly from one sensational location to the next, being fed like royalty, and having all the toys, fitness equipment, and relaxation aids imaginable at your fingertips. To most of us, it sounds like spending the rest of our days living in the best hotel imaginable, and that is not a bad analogy to make. Yet superyacht ownership and its associated lifestyle are so much more than that. Living on board a superyacht is not merely residing there; it is an investment in a life less ordinary. In spending what fleeting time we have on this Earth, revelling in the opportunity to explore this beautiful planet and its delights and wonders. And if we do that whilst experiencing the lap of luxury? So be it. If life presents us with the chance to spend our time in such a fortunate manner, it is almost churlish of us not to make the absolute most of every moment. 

Conclusion

Much like the vessels themselves, the lives of super yacht owners are extraordinary in every way. Most people can only dream of such privilege, luxury, and extravagance, and even their wildest dreams might not come close to the reality of some people’s existence. Superyachts are much more than just floating high-tech luxury apartments. They are works of art, engineering marvels, and status symbols. They are the ultimate party location and the perfect wedding venue for wannabe princesses, representing a life that most people will never glimpse except on television screens or in lifestyle magazines. 
Does all this luxury and decadence mean the lives of those who own and inhabit them are perfect? No, surely not. True happiness does not come from material things and possessions. However, owning a top-of-the-range superyacht and sitting on the deck sipping champagne in the sunshine might go some way towards brightening the mood just a touch.

Contact us

If all this talk of living in the lap of luxury has piqued your interest in superyacht ownership or chartering, we hope you will get in touch with the team here at Simpson Superyachts and let us share our knowledge and guidance. With decades of collective experience in the industry and a range of outstanding yachts to please even the most demanding clients, you can trust us to handle your enquiry efficiently and discreetly.