Common misconceptions about owning a yacht

Luxury yachts are often seen as a symbol of wealth and freedom, but the realities of ownership are more nuanced. Many people assume buying a sailing yacht is purely an extravagance, an expensive toy that only rich hobbyists enjoy. In fact, with careful planning and support, yacht ownership is a strategic investment.

It’s not just a luxury, It’s an investment with incentives

Ever wonder why there are such a vast number of sailing yachts sailing around Greece? One could guess that this is proof of Greeks living a lavish lifestyle, but clearly that is not the case. Then what is it? A sailing yacht is like a floating living space. And a living space can be either turned into an apartment or a rental space. And just like rentals, Yachts can become profitable vessels too. A yacht, standalone, with the right management and care, is meant to be a profitable venture, and since we are living in Greece, there are additional factors that are favouring yacht purchasing.

Subsidies and financial incentives can make yacht ownership more accessible. Contrary to the myth that yachts are just frivolous luxuries, many governments treat yachting as an industry worth supporting. For example, in Greece a recent EU‑funded program (ESPA, ΕΣΠΑ) offered a 50% grant on qualified yacht purchases (up to €400,000 for boats over 7 meters). This means hundreds of boats were co‑funded by state funds, recognizing yachts as professional assets rather than mere toys. In other words, buyers can benefit from tax breaks and subsidies that greatly reduce the net cost. And on a personal level, owners can even earn income by chartering their yacht – turning an apparent luxury into a revenue-generating investment. As industry guides note, chartering a yacht can offset ownership costs and produce steady returns.

It’s not a bad financial investment if managed well

Another myth is that yachts always lose money and never hold value. In fact, a well-chosen yacht can retain value and even appreciate, depending on market demand and upkeep. Industry sources note that while a new yacht may depreciate (often ~10% in year one and ~6–8% thereafter), top-quality yachts from reputable shipyards often hold their value much better. More importantly, owners have ways to turn a yacht into a long-term asset. Chartering the yacht when you’re not using it is a prime strategy: reports suggest a chartered yacht can book 12–20 weeks per year, generating substantial income. Professional management companies typically take about 20–30% of charter fees, leaving the rest for the owner – easily covering maintenance and loan costs. As one yachting guide puts it, “Charter Programs: Offset ownership costs by chartering your yacht,” and certain yachts “may appreciate, becoming a profitable asset”.

The amenities of a Yacht vs a Supercar in Greece

A related myth is that docking and maintaining a yacht is a constant hassle. In reality, marinas today are well-equipped to support owners. Many also have on-site fuel stations and bunkering services, so filling up is quick and often discounted for residents. Beyond essentials, marinas typically provide secure dock space, restrooms and showers, Wi-Fi, chandlery shops and even restaurants or events nearby. This infrastructure means you’re not stranded at sea – you have shore-side support. The upshot is that even newcomers find yacht ownership easier than they imagine, thanks to the conveniences built into modern marinas.

Furthermore, the density of nautical infrastructure in Greece and the access to yacht spare parts allow for affordable competition in maintenance and servicing. Unlike in other countries where mooring fees and maintenance services are cost-prohibitive, in Greece, the market is active and relatively cost-efficient due to high demand and availability of skilled labor.

By contrast, consider the ownership of a supercar in Greece. While the purchase price might be comparable to that of a yacht, the infrastructure to support supercar ownership is severely lacking. Greek roads are often unsuitable for low-clearance performance vehicles, there are few legal opportunities to truly enjoy high speeds, and specialized service centers for exotic brands are scarce. Spare parts often require long waits, and insurance costs can be excessive, making supercars a frustrating asset to enjoy or maintain properly.

You don’t need to be a nautical expert to buy one

It’s also often assumed that only a seasoned sailor or marine engineer can own a yacht. In truth, most owners are not lone experts, they rely on teams of professionals. Yacht buyers typically engage brokers, captains, crew, technical managers, and legal advisors to handle every detail of ownership. As one industry article explains, many first-time owners “rely on industry professionals like brokers, yacht managers, captains, legal advisors and other experts” to navigate purchases and operations. In practice, this means you don’t have to know engines or navigation systems yourself. For example, our company even offers a yacht partnership program: you retain ownership of the boat, but we handle everything else. We arrange charter bookings, crews, maintenance schedules, insurance and paperwork on your behalf. That way, you can enjoy your sailing holidays without sweating the technical or bureaucratic details. In short, professional management services are widely available – there’s no need to be an engineer to own a yacht safely.

In summary, many fears about buying a sailing yacht come from outdated ideas or misconceptions. Today’s yacht owners benefit from supportive financing, revenue opportunities, infrastructure and management services. By understanding the facts – government incentives, charter revenues, marina services, and professional support – it’s clear that yacht ownership can be both practical and rewarding, not just an unreachable extravagance.