Indeed, IYC consistently ranks among the top three companies in annual yacht sales, with approximately 60% of transactions stemming from its own listings. This track record reinforces owners’ trust in the company. Notable achievements in 2024 included the sale of 40 yachts, the addition of 60 new sales listings over 80’ (24m), surpassing last year’s total of 44, and recording eight in-house deals. 

IYC’s robust performance across departments underscores the success of its strategic approach. CEO Raphael Sauleau attributed these achievements to the company’s expertise and reach: “Our brokers’ deep knowledge, extensive global network, and strong focus on the larger yacht segment have been critical drivers of our success.”

Michel Chryssicopoulos, Global Managing Partner, reflected on the company’s resilience: “In a difficult market, we’re proud to report growth across all divisions. We end the year with over 40 yachts sold and almost 3,000 days of charter booked, securing over 790 weeks on our charter fleet. Our charter-managed fleet now includes 160+ yachts, and we’ve expanded our technical management portfolio to 56 yachts.”

IYC continues to hold the title of the largest fleet in the world. This year, we welcomed 35 new charter listings, expanding our active fleet to over 160 yachts and solidifying our #1 position globally. Our charter management team successfully executed 804 charter contracts, achieving a remarkable total charter fee value of $115 million.

Frankie Maxwell, IYC’s US Sales & Charter Director, emphasized the strong synergy between the company’s Charter Retail and Charter Management departments, stating, “Our brokers take the time to know each yacht personally, thanks to our collaborative approach.” This empowers brokers to provide tailored recommendations, significantly boosting booking conversions.

Charter Retail Performance Highlights:

• 500 Contracts Signed
• $51 Million in Total Charter Fee Value
• 31% In-House Bookings

Greece remains a favorite for yacht charters, continuing to lead globally, capturing 26% of the world’s charter market. In summer 2024, IYC maintained its foothold in the region, boasting the largest charter fleet in Greece with over 60 yachts available. The East Mediterranean region, encompassing Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and nearby hotspots, accounted for an impressive 51% of all summer bookings, reflecting its enduring appeal among charter clients.

While the East Mediterranean shines in the summer, the Caribbean and The Bahamas dominate as winter destinations. Despite a slight slowdown in The Bahamas attributed to updated VAT regulations, interest in the Caribbean is on the rise. This seasonal shift highlights the importance of adaptability in catering to client preferences.

Looking forward, Southeast Asia, and Thailand in particular, is gaining traction as an emerging charter destination. With its pristine waters, vibrant culture, and unique cruising experiences, the region presents an exciting opportunity for IYC to expand its reach and offer clients a variety of charter experiences. 

Pioneering Digital Innovation

IYC’s success across departments stems from a decade of digital evolution, with a significant emphasis on SEO and advanced online tools. This strategy has paid off, with 2024 marking a five-year high for both revenue and conversion rates on IYC.com. IYC’s exceptional charter performance in 2024 is not only a result of its industry expertise but also a reflection of its strategic investments in digital growth. 

With a strong focus on leveraging technology, the company continues to set benchmarks for innovation and client engagement in the sector. In fact, 127 charters were booked through IYC.com in 2024, representing over $10 million in total charter fees. “Our investment in data analytics and technical tools has helped us stay competitive, particularly in the large yacht market of 131’-197’ (40-60m)” shared CEO Raphael Sauleau. 

Marketing efforts, both digital and traditional, have amplified global exposure for the company’s listings, bolstering IYC’s search engine rankings and enhancing lead generation. As Chryssicopoulos explained, “Our targeted campaigns have strengthened IYC’s global presence while ensuring measurable growth in website traffic.”

The introduction of the Horizons Blog in January 2024, for example, has helped shape and grow how IYC connects with its audience, generating hundreds of thousands of new visitors to the website. By offering engaging content on yachting trends, destinations, and insights, the blog drives traffic and builds trust with potential clients.

Innovation extends to IYC’s proprietary tools like BLUE, an AI-powered yacht management software, and the RESERVE feature, which streamline operations and simplify the client journey. RESERVE, for example, offers clients the ability to secure their desired yacht with just a 5% authorization of the charter fee. This priority reservation remains flexible, with no payment processing until the contract is finalized, allowing clients to confidently hold their yacht and consult with IYC experts to finalize details. “This tool has not only enhanced booking efficiency but also increased conversion rates,” Sauleau noted.

Strengthening Industry Partnerships

This year, IYC solidified its position as a leader in the yachting industry through major collaborations with renowned shipyards. We are honored to have become the exclusive commercial agent for Sunreef Yachts in the UK, bringing their innovative catamarans to discerning clients in this key market. Additionally, IYC was appointed as the official global representative for Moonen Yachts.

With 15 yacht shows attended globally, 2024 saw IYC’s presence resonate strongly with both clients and industry partners. Our signature lounges and activations drew acclaim for their hospitality and immersive experiences, made possible through the support of our valued partners, including Jet Aviation, Bollinger, Panerai, GWS, and many others who contributed to enhancing the moments we shared with our clients. 

Introducing the Green Team: A Sustainability Initiative

In 2024, we proudly launched the Green Team, reflecting IYC's commitment to a more sustainable future. Key actions of this program include implementing waste reduction strategies across all IYC offices, establishing green guidelines to drive sustainable practices company-wide, prioritizing suppliers and partners with demonstrable sustainability commitments, actively participating in local environmental events to give back to the communities we serve, and organizing worldwide eco-focused initiatives to inspire change and promote environmental awareness.

Looking to 2025, Sauleau concluded, “We’ve strengthened our performance across sales, charter, and yacht management. Our fleet has grown, and we’ve maintained our position among the top companies in sales. Strong activity in this last quarter of 2024 gives us confidence for the year ahead.”