The 2025 GlobeSailor report reveals significant trends in the charter market, highlighting Italy’s dominance and the rising popularity of catamarans. This annual analysis provides insights into global charter activities, drawing from data collected by GlobeSailor, a major boat charter booking platform.
Key Trends in the Charter Market
The charter industry is experiencing a mixed bag of results across different regions. Some areas, particularly Greece, the Pacific, and the Caribbean, are facing challenges. Conversely, countries like Sweden are seeing substantial growth.
Sweden’s Remarkable Growth
- 46.4% increase in bookings from 2024 to 2025.
- Despite the growth, absolute numbers remain low, making percentage increases significant.
Rising Charter Prices
One concerning trend is the rise in charter prices, which have increased by 39% compared to 2019. This rise significantly outpaces inflation during the same period. Factors influencing this increase include:
- Higher global prices for boats, impacting fleet renewal costs.
- A VAT increase from 10% to 22% effective November 1, 2020.
Italy Leads the Way
Italy continues to be the leading destination for charters, capturing 31.3% of bookings globally. This places it ahead of Greece at 25.8% and Croatia at 24%, despite Greece having a significantly larger fleet size.
Popularity of Catamarans
Catamarans dominate the charter market this year, with the top three boats being:
| Boat Model | Average Weekly Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Lagoon 42 | 5,589 |
| Lagoon 46 | 7,714 |
| Lagoon 40 | 4,673 |
Interestingly, the bookings for charters during high and medium seasons are on the rise, while those for peak season are declining. This could indicate customers’ efforts to manage costs effectively.
Increase in Crew Charters
Another notable trend is the 41% increase in bookings for crewed vessels. This signifies a shift in customer demographics, attracting those who prefer a more leisure-oriented sailing experience, further boosted by the allure of catamarans.
Overall, while the data from GlobeSailor only depicts a segment of the charter market, it offers a valuable perspective on current trends and consumer behavior in 2025.
