IN MEDITERRANEAN every summer, the world’s wealthiest vacationers turn superyachts into highly personalized playgrounds, whether they own them or not. Jeff Bezos has been seen cruising the Balearics on his 417-foot sailing yacht, Koru, since its debut in 2023, while Google co Sergey BrinThe 466-foot Dragonfly, delivered in 2024, has been spotted along the French Riviera. Meanwhile, chartering remains just as visible: Beyoncé and Jay-Z have holidayed consistently at the Flying Fox 450ft off Ibiza in recent years, and Kim Kardashian used the 241-foot Naia as a floating base during the Monaco Grand Prix in June 2026.
Owning a superyacht is perhaps the ultimate symbol of wealth, but even among the top 0.1 percent who can afford one, the purchase isn’t always ideal. Instead, a growing class of billionaires is opting to charter these vessels, dipping in and out of the lifestyle for a few weeks each year without being tied down to ownership.
Global yacht broker Burgess Yachts said charter bookings for all yachts in its fleet were up 6.5 per cent year-on-year, while retail charter bookings were up 15 per cent. Fraser Yachts, which handles a yacht portfolio worth more than $7.4 billion, reported earlier this year that Last minute charter bookings are on the rise, also, suggesting flexibility as a key motivator.
“Charter has traditionally been something that someone will do before they buy.” George Jousmapresident of yacht broker Italian Yacht Group in Florida and New York, told the Observer. He noted that both chartering and ownership are growing rapidly, particularly in the superyacht segment, which generally includes fully staffed luxury vessels that are at least 79 meters long. “There is a lot of wealth being produced in the upper sector,” he said. “It’s kind of exponential.”
Today there are 3,428 billionaires worldwide, up from just over 3,000 last year. The population of ultra high net worth individuals is projected to jump 31 percent in the next five years, generating more than 166,000 new potential charter customers, according to Fraser. “The rise of high-profile entrepreneurs in the tech sector has helped drive growth.” Adam Moorehead of business intelligence at the superyacht broker Edmiston, said the Observer.
Ownership remains strong at the top. Bezos bought Koru in 2023 for $500 million, and Sergey Brin bought Dragonfly in 2024 for $450 million. In June of this year, The Black Stone CEO, Steve Schwarzman earned $400 million “Destiny”. However, discretion, flexibility and the ability to explore new destinations without long-term commitments are all pushing some billionaires to rent.
Musk is reluctant to take a vacation, but he has chartered the 79-foot Zeus in Greece in 2022, it is said. for about $7,000 a day. Bill Gates sold his $645 million Breakthrough yacht in 2025 before ever using it, despite having it custom built. He has instead favored charter vessels such as the 351-foot “Lana.” and the 436-foot Serene, valued at approximately $200 million and $400 million, respectively.
On the celebrity side, Beyonce and her family have been frequent guests aboard the Flying Fox, the world’s most expensive charter yacht at around $4 million a week. Kim Kardashian used Naia, which costs around $700,000 a week, during the Monaco Grand Prix in June. Although not billionaires, other high-profile figures are also card-leaning: Kevin Hart Vacationed with his family on the 236-foot Axioma in June and the Formula 1 driver Lando Norris spent time aboard the 238-foot Coral Ocean during last year’s Monaco Grand Prix.
“Many young high net worth individuals are less focused on accumulating assets and more focused on making the most of their time.” Alex Guya charter broker for Burgess in London and Palm Beach, told the Observer. “That said, there are still many who see the yacht as an extension of their home and workplace. With remote working now so common, both charter and ownership allow people to stay connected to the business while spending quality time with family and friends.”
Billionaires and their superyachts
Billionaires spend heavily to buy, maintain and operate superyachts, with annual maintenance typically running around 10 percent of a vessel’s value. Notable examples include:
- Steve Schwarzman’s $400 million Destiny: The 332-foot yacht, purchased in June, accommodates 15 guests and a crew of 30, with a helipad, glass-bottom pool and beach club.
- Jeff Bezos’ $500 million ‘Chorus’: Delivered in 2023, the 417-foot sailing yacht features three 230-foot masts, space for 18 guests and up to 40 crew, along with a pool and multiple Jacuzzis.
- Sergey Brin’s $450 million Dragonfly: Delivered in 2024, the 466-foot vessel includes a glass-bottom pool, spa and helipad, accommodating 24 guests and 53 crew.
- Roman AbramovichEclipse and Solaris ($1.3 billion combined): At 533 feet, Eclipse remains one of the longest yachts in the world, with room for 36 guests and 74 crew and advanced security systems. Solaris, delivered in 2021, features a helicopter hangar, beach club and capacity for 36 guests and 60 crew.
