Yacht ownership is widely seen as a privilege reserved exclusively for dedicated seafarers and the hyper-wealthy. Many would be surprised to learn, therefore, that in recent years there has been a proliferation in the services offered within the yachting industry, which has opened the possibility of yacht ownership to a broader demographic. Though the rewards and esteem remain the same, it is now possible to dip one’s toes into this rewarding lifestyle without it needing to cost the earth.

Whereas outright ownership was the only option in bygone days, there is now an alternative, which involves dividing costs among a small group of owners. SmartYacht, a company that specialises in fractional yacht ownership, has emerged as a leading authority on yacht sharing schemes. These clever arrangements provide a small number of parties – usually up to four – with access to a luxury vessel, while splitting the costs of both acquisition and on-going maintenance.

Suitable for both experienced owners and newcomers, independent companies that will facilitate the arrangement between co-owners are offering yacht-sharing schemes. The practicalities, such as providing crew and provisions if required, are taken care of. Not only does this work to reduce the cost, but also it further decreases any unnecessary strain in the process of getting your yachting fantasy out to sea. All you have to do is relax whilst everything is taken care of for your spectacular first voyage as a new owner.

Conflicts of interest needn’t be a concern, as a good fractional ownership company will consider every detail to match you with other clients of theirs who have different seasonal holiday schedules than yourself. There will often be a system in place whereby each shareholder is guaranteed to have a particular period of reservation throughout each season in order to avoid any inconvenient overlap. As most yacht owners will wish to spend only a portion of the year on board, the system of shareholding makes little difference to overall satisfaction.  This makes a fair and flexible system of fractional ownership an extremely attractive and financially viable option, which those who have tried it would strongly testify to.

Yacht ownership will always carry with it an irresistible sense of prestige. What the new system of fractional ownership offers is a cost effective solution, which prospective owners can benefit from to make the dream of being on board not only achievable, but also considerably more affordable and lower in risk.