The UK is busier than it has ever been
The UK has become a Superyacht destination. It has seen a dramatic rise in Superyacht visitors in the last 4 years. This is largely due to the work we at MGMT have done to market the UK to the Superyacht industry. Add in some quirks/ benefits of BREXIT plus the usual desire of Superyacht owners to try somewhere new and here we are. The UK now averages over 50 Superyacht visits per year. This is due to increase in 2025 to somewhere in the region of 70, based on current bookings.
We started as a Superyacht agent back in 2011 in the run up to the 2012 Olympics. Back then, nobody knew you could even bring a Superyacht up the River Thames. Never mind cruise the rest of the UK whilst you were visiting. We have come a long way since then.
What have we learned?
It has been a long time coming but the UK is finally recognised as a Superyacht destination for a number of reasons;
- From a Marine perspective: It’s a hugely diverse country with everything from Stunning rivers, rugged cliffs and coastlines to white sand beaches. There is a view and type of scenery for everyone.
- From an owner and guests perspective there is something for everyone: There are very few countries where you can take your Superyacht into the centre of the Capital city for a few days. Followed by anchoring in one of the most remote and beautiful spots on earth. Experience heritage, royalty, history, culture, food, drink, sport and so much more in a relatively small country with a huge coastline.
- Service: Whether it is the service we provide as agents or the standards our partners and suppliers work to. The UK is considered to be one of the best in the world. Yacht owners and their guests expect and appreciate this.
Location is Key:
All yacht owners and their guests are different from one yacht to the next. So, with this in mind we are very careful to produce itineraries that suit the specific requirements of each group. Whilst the West coast of Scotland is one of the most beautiful places on earth it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Conversely, London is one of the most exciting, diverse and immersive cities on earth and one of the best destinations for a superyacht. BUT, it’s not where everyone wants to be. So, we listen and carefully plan every trip based on the information we are given during our initial exploratory talks with every yacht.
You need to do it right!
We have been doing this a long time and yes, there are plenty of Superyacht itinerary planning companies, UHNW concierge companies, Security companies turned Yacht agents, and even Crew who have just left yachting. But they are all companies with specialities in one area turning their hand to another. That’s not us. We have the experience to pull it off properly and 16 years of experience as Superyacht agents. We know what we are doing
Over the last 16 years we have researched in great detail every possible suitable destination Superyachts could successfully (note successfully) visit in the UK. Yes, of course we have been there and have gone to the lengths of meeting people. The ports, harbour masters, marina managers, pilots, local businesses, suppliers, hotels and restaurants in each place to ensure every yacht we look after is taken care of properly. But we don’t stop there as information can quickly become outdated. Coastline and tides don’t alter much but marinas and ports do. Destinations and suppliers develop and change over time. Things evolve, often as a result of Superyachts visiting.
We are very proud to have built relationships with local people and businesses in the destinations we send yachts to. We spend a lot of time working on strengthening these and building new ones over each winter. This way we know everything when it comes to planning your trip this summer.
Local support is key.
In every UK Superyacht destination, we will always without exception have one of our team meet the yacht on arrival. We work closely with local communities to ensure we do everything we can to generate as much local business as possible every time a yacht visits. This way, when a yacht comes to town as many local businesses as possible benefit from it.
It’s a novelty: For now….
Yes, we get it. The UK as a Superyacht destination is something new which is great. We have worked very hard to increase popularity and it has worked. But, we don’t for a second believe that’s it. The key to continued growth and success is to keep pushing marinas and ports to ensure they understand this and provide the levels of service as well as the types of services expected by visiting Superyachts. Over the last 5 years the number of visiting yachts has increased from an average of 12 per year in 2018/19 to 60+ in 2024. Whilst the UK was a relative novelty to most visiting yachts they were prepared to put up with certain shortfalls as long as the overall experience was positive and their owners and guests were happy.
We, as agents obviously take care of the latter and are very proud of the lengths we go to to ensure guest trips are a great success. But, the shortfalls something the ports and marinas need to take responsibility for. With our guidance we ensure that marinas and ports are very clear on what visiting Superyachts expect
The future:
The future of the UK as a Superyacht destination is now certain. However, this does not mean we are satisfied with the current situation. As mentioned above, we continue to work with Marinas, ports, authorities and private companies to ensure the UK reaches and exceeds the expectations and demands of visiting Superyachts. There is still some work to do with regard to infrastructure but this is set to improve massively during 2025 and beyond. We believe we can now confidently call the UK a successful Superyacht destination.
To learn more about how we can support you and your guests on a UK visit, whether it is for VAT clearance, a fuel stop or a full guest itinerary please get in touch. We are always happy to help. info@mgmtyacht.com www.mgmtyacht.com