Broker’s Top Picks: Pocket superyachts

Sam Tucker reveals the most interesting yachts currently for sale that can be owner driven with minimal crew.

Having previously worked on board various 30m-plus yachts, Moravia Yachting sales broker Sam Tucker still makes use of his professional qualifications to charter small sailing yachts for his holidays. “This summer, my partner and I explored the bays and calas of Ibiza and Formentera – just the two of us – and it reminded me that bigger is not always better,” Sam explains. “We found many idyllic anchorages that larger yachts over 30m couldn’t fit into and enjoy.”

“This summer, my partner and I explored the bays and calas of Ibiza and Formentera – just the two of us – and it reminded me that bigger is not always better.”

And even in the luxurious realms of the superyacht market, it’s still possible to achieve this level of accessibility and independence. Below, Sam reveals the most interesting ‘pocket superyachts’ currently available for sale, all of which can be helmed by an owner with a Yachtmaster qualification with minimal, or perhaps even zero, crew while cruising.

SHOCKWAVE

25.7m | 8 Guests | 2020 | €4,250,000 (VAT paid)

Due to its Dynamic Positioning System, SHOCKWAVE can be easily operated and parked by only one person. “The captain simply presses a button and, via satellite, the yacht will stay in position by automatically adjusting the thrusters and propulsion system,” says Sam. “The yacht can also cruise at 40 knots, meaning you can have breakfast in Menorca, lunch in Mallorca, and your evening meal in Ibiza. The yacht is built out of carbon fibre meaning the overall weight is 30% lower than most other yachts of this size which means the fuel burn is reduced. Despite the simplicity, the yacht has four generous cabins for eight guests, and can accommodate four crew if needed.”

BEYOND CAPRICORN

23.9m | 10 Guests | 2018 | €5,400,000

Built out of steel, carrying over 40,000 litres of fuel and with an estimated top range of over 6,000nm, BEYOND CAPRICORN has worldwide cruising capabilities. “While she does come in at just over 200gt, insurance should be possible for an owner-driver if there are a few qualified crew members on board too,” comments Sam. “Other than being incredibly stable and seaworthy, a really cool feature of this yacht is the two skegs that run along the underside of the hull and propulsion gear. These mean that, should you find yourself in uncharted water and caught off guard with a surprise ebb tide, the hull has the strength to sit on the bottom until the next high tide refloats you (although this is not recommended). A flexible cabin layout of either six crew and eight guests, or four crew and 10 guests, means that you can explore with your desired level of service and privacy.”

ELETTRA

25.4m | 7 Guests | 1987 | €1,850,000

For the true sailors out there, Sam believes that ELETTRA is a great option. “The yacht has had a recent comprehensive refit in 2022, which included new sails, a complete overhaul of all technical equipment, full repaint, new teak deck and an interior refurbishment,” he adds. “The length as the waterline is under 24m, so many Mediterranean anchoring restrictions do not apply. While a crew is recommended, a competent owner could happily skipper ELETTRA for more private trips. A standout feature of ELLETRA is that the daggerboard can pivot, which reduces the draft of the yacht so that smaller and shallower anchorages can be accessed.”

ST-BARTH 85 FLY

25.8m | 8 Guests | 2024 | €6,995,000

Moravia Yachting the pleasure of showcasing the ST-BARTH 75 (main picture) at various yacht shows earlier this year. A slightly larger version, the ST-BARTH 85, is currently under construction for delivery in 2024, and is at a stage where a buyer can still choose many customisation options.

“The ST-BARTH 75 was designed and commissioned by a passionate owner who adopted a ‘no-expense-spared’ attitude to the build, with comprehensive specifications and a yard based in the Netherlands selected for the highest build quality,” Sam reflects. “The owner was happily skippering the ST-BARTH 75 himself this summer, and the same could be achieved with the ST-BARTH 85.”

UNREEL

21.4m | 6/16 guests | 2023 | $4,900,000 (US duty paid)

For our US clients, Moravia Yachting offers this Pershing 7X in as-new condition. “UNREEL is US duty paid, US flagged and built to the US 60-cycle electric system,” explains Sam. “The shallow draft of just five feet means she is well suited for cruising the US east coast or the Bahamas. The top speed is an incredibly high 50 knots, promising an exhilarating drive. Set up for six guests overnight or 16 during the day, UNREEL is ready for some serious fun. A competent owner should be able to get insurance, but for a more hands-off experience, UNREEL does have a single captain’s cabin.”

If you are interested in learning more about any of these yachts, please get in touch. Moravia’s experience team of yacht brokers will be happy to answer your questions and help find the perfect yacht for your needs.

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