Americans dream big about luxury yachting

Yacht.com recently conducted a nationwide survey among 1,006 Americans to understand how they dream about, value, and prioritize luxury yachting experiences. The results reveal a striking contrast between lived experience and aspiration: only a small fraction have ever set foot on a yacht, yet an overwhelming majority would seize the chance if money were no object, and many are prepared to spend several thousand dollars for a week at sea.

Mediterranean leads as Americans’ top yacht fantasy

When imagining the perfect yacht voyage, the Mediterranean tops the list of dream destinations for Americans. Just over 40% name it as their first pick. The Caribbean (20%) and Northern Europe (8%) are the next two top choices. At the bottom of the list are the Middle East (0%), South America (2%) and Central America (2%).

Ideal yacht trips: two weeks at sea with partners, friends and family

When it comes to how long and who they’d charter a yacht with, most Americans would bring the same kinds of people and stay for the same amount of time at sea. The majority would take either a significant other or a friend (54%), while another 39% would take other family members. As far as the perfect amount of time at sea? That would be a full 14 nights. Gen Z would opt for the shortest trip, at 11 nights, while Gen X would choose the longest, at 15.

Cruises are familiar, but yachts are more coveted

Cruises, on the other hand, are far more familiar to many Americans. Almost half (42%) have ever taken a cruise. That’s over 3X as many Americans who have sailed on a yacht. Of all
Americans, 90% would take a cruise if it were offered for free, which is less than the number that would accept a free yacht trip. In fact, 1 in 10 Americans would turn down a free cruise, but only 1 in 20 would turn down a free yacht trip.

Dream cruise maps mirror yacht fantasies

The top dream cruise destinations are the same as the top yachting destinations, just in slightly different order. At #1, with 25% dreaming, is the Caribbean. In a close second is the Mediterranean
with 24% dreaming. Then Northern Europe lands a distant third at 10%. The bottom of the dream cruise list is the same as for yachts, in the same order — Middle East, South America and Central America.

Who’s at the helm? Pros, pirates and partners

When asked who should captain their dream yacht, Americans blend pragmatism and escapism: an experienced professional is the clear first choice, trailed by the fictional Captain Jack Sparrow and,
endearingly, their own spouse or partner. Together, the findings sketch a portrait of a country that romanticizes life at sea and sees yachting as the pinnacle of aspirational travel, even as everyday realities of budget and time keep most people firmly on shore.

Key Findings
• Only 13% of Americans have sailed on a yacht, but 94% would if it were offered for free.
• Americans, on average, are willing to spend a total of $4,181 for a one-week private yacht trip.
• A majority (81%) would rather sail on a private yacht than fly on a private jet, and 69% would rather travel on a yacht than visit Disney World.
• The celebrities Americans associate most with yachting are #1 Leonardo DiCaprio, #2 Jeff Bezos, #3 Beyoncé, #4 Kim Kardashian and #5 Elon Musk.
• If Americans could pick a captain for their dream yacht trip, they would want #1 an experienced captain, #2 Captain Jack Sparrow or #3 spouse/ partner

www.yacht.com/american-state-of-yacht-dreams