The Biggest Yachting Industry Stories of the Month

Industry News • Market Trends • Crew & Ownership

A curated roundup of the most important developments shaping yacht ownership, crew employment, and the global superyacht market — with practical takeaways for owners and operators.

Each month, the yachting industry sees major shifts — from fleet expansion and charter demand to regulatory changes and crew market pressures. Below is our breakdown of the most impactful stories, with original reporting sourced from BOAT International, the leading authority on superyacht news.

Global Superyacht Order Books and Newbuild Activity

Shipyards continue to report strong order books, with large custom builds and explorer yachts dominating new contracts — signaling sustained confidence among ultra-high-net-worth owners.

Read the original reporting on BOAT International →

MFS Insight: Increased newbuild activity typically translates into higher long-term crew demand, more complex payroll structures, and multi-jurisdiction tax exposure as yachts enter service.

Crew Market Pressure and Retention Challenges

Ongoing crew shortages and rising salary expectations remain a central theme, particularly for experienced officers and engineers across charter and private fleets.

See BOAT International’s crew market coverage →

MFS Insight: Owners are increasingly reassessing employment structures, benefits, and tax efficiency to attract and retain top-tier crew without escalating compliance risk.

Charter Demand, Regulatory Scrutiny, and Operational Costs

Charter activity remains strong in key cruising regions, while regulators continue focusing on crew contracts, payroll records, and VAT or tax compliance linked to charter operations.

Explore BOAT International’s charter news →

MFS Insight: Charter yachts face heightened scrutiny. Clean payroll documentation and aligned employment contracts are increasingly critical to avoid operational interruptions.

What this means for yacht owners & managers

Industry headlines don’t exist in a vacuum — they directly affect crew costs, payroll structures, tax exposure, and operational risk. Understanding the financial implications early helps avoid costly clean-ups later.

Discuss Your Crew & Payroll Structure