The Greek seas remain the #1 destination for charters for another year super yachts World. This development is explained, on the one hand, by its strengthening brand name country and its incomparable natural beauty and, on the one hand, the fact that all kinds of fees levied on chartered ships in Greece are negligible, while at the same time the possibilities of uncontrolled mooring and anchoring are endless. Elements that seem to make up for the lack of serious berthing infrastructure which, even when it exists, is available at very low cost, with the rare exception of a few private interest marinas that have been developed in recent years.

Result, Greece’s share of the world market yacht charter be impressive and indeed many times bigger than Greek tourism.

According to confirmed bookings for 2023 (data up to 30/4), throughout the year Greece remains the #1 yacht charter destination in the world with a market share of 27% of all weekly bookings for yachts over 20 meters in length. to your data International Yacht Company (IYC), which has an extended network of 14 offices in 9 countries and is one of the largest yacht sales companies internationally. This share increased by three percentage points from 24% in 2022. And almost double that of second-place France, which is 15%.

It is clear that a very large number of vessels place a disproportionate burden on the environment and, given the limited capacity of the Greek control mechanism, raises questions about the proper handling of the solid and liquid waste they generate.

Every third yacht chartered worldwide between May and October goes to Greece.

Along with the rapid development of yacht charter in Greece, which has attracted a large number of foreign private yachts and owner companies, there is also an increasing number of Greek businessmen who are already active in this market or are currently entering the industry with a fleet of superyachts. . Among them is shipowner Paris Dragnis, who manages 15 yachts through his company Golden Yachts, many of which he built in Greece himself. The superyacht fleet he manages is also being replenished by shipowner and former mayor of Oinousa, Evangelos Angelakos, who a few weeks ago ordered three ultra-luxury yachts, 70 meters each, from The Italian Sea Group shipyards.

The businessman already has two other charter yachts under management. But other Greek shipowners, such as Spyros Vamvakas, who have entered the market in recent years, are now building additional superyachts.

The boom of this activity in Greece is even more dynamic if we look at the peak summer months separately: if we look at the summer season separately, that is, from May to October, Greece will become not only the No. 1 boat charter destination in the world. , but it is the destination of one in three superyachts chartered worldwide, with a market share of 33% of all weekly bookings. This share in 2022 was 29%. In second place is significantly lower, with a share of 21%, France, and in third Italy with 19%. Countries that have strict restrictions on where and for what fee such large yachts can moor. For example, in these countries, mooring astern in the bays, the famous straight line, is allowed only in very certain places, and then for a considerable fee.

The implementation of the restrictions is strictly controlled by their port authorities. In addition, the mooring dues in the local port funds of these countries are much higher than the amounts charged in Greece when they are charged. However, with such a policy, the countries in question manage and have significantly higher yachting revenues for their state budget than Greece.

It is worth noting that according to IYC this year there is an increase in the dynamics of charters of very large boats, yachts from 40 to 50 meters. In 40-50m boats, confirmed bookings are already up 75% compared to 2022, and as the main summer season approaches, they could exceed last year’s figures. In the 20-40m and 50-60m categories, the number of confirmed bookings is about 65% compared to 2022.

However, an increase in bookings is also recorded for boats from 60 meters and above. The Greek fleet of boats available for charter is growing every year. According to IYC, “Many new vessels entered the market in 2023 and currently, for the summer of 2023, there are confirmed orders for 70% of the fleet.” Americans still make up the largest percentage of customers when it comes to boat charter in the Mediterranean including Greece.

But what do all these travelers leave behind in Greece? Any revenues do not even appear in the budget and are only entries in the sales of some port funds, which nevertheless amount to single digits of millions per year, as well as fees and VAT on ships and charters, respectively. For their part, charter companies claim that this type of activity attracts a category of tourists with high purchasing power. In 2022, “travel expenses” were estimated at 144 million, which is money spent in the country by travelers who chartered yachts.

These costs, according to market sources, have a positive effect on the economy of small islands, and yachting creates opportunities for professional employment. Today it is estimated that more than 45,000 professionals are directly or indirectly employed in yachting.