The last 10 years have witnessed a dramatic surge in demand for super-sized, 100ft-plus sailing yachts as technology makes them easier to sail and relatively cheaper to run. Demand for instant delivery is such that speculative building of superyachts is attracting price premiums for those who cannot wait for their boat to be built.
Ease of use is one reason for this increased popularity. A yacht that 30 years ago might have needed a crew of 20 now needs just five thanks to push-button sail control. Green issues have given large sailing yachts a perceived edge over motor-yachts, now dubbed fossil-fuel hogs, and the increasing popularity of regattas sates the competitive appetite of owners who can race their luxurious floating holiday homes in exotic venues while entertaining their friends and, thanks to modern communications, keeping an eye on their businesses.
