Invest In The Extraordinary: How Sunsail Makes Luxury Sailing Affordable And Accessible
10 Sunsail Yacht Ownership Myths Busted
Owning a yacht is one of those bucket-list dreams, the kind you picture happening someday. Maybe when the kids are grown. Maybe when work finally slows down. Maybe after you’ve mastered every sailing knot in the book… or when you finally win the lottery.
But here’s the secret Sunsail Owners already know: “someday” doesn’t have to wait. For many, their yacht ownership journey began the moment they took the plunge and joined the Sunsail Yacht Ownership Program. Without quitting their jobs, selling their homes, or memorizing an encyclopedia’s worth of sailing techniques.
The truth is, yacht ownership through Sunsail is far more accessible and flexible than most people realize. And while there are plenty of myths floating around about what it takes to own a yacht, we’re here to bust the biggest myths about Sunsail Yacht ownership and show you how real people are making this dream a reality right now.
1. “I already charter. Why would I want to own?”
Reality: Ownership gives you all the perks of chartering, plus a whole lot more.
Chartering is a great way to dip into sailing now and then, but owning through Sunsail turns those occasional getaways into something richer, more personal, and more rewarding. With your own yacht in the fleet, you still have access to Sunsail’s global network of destinations, but you’ll always have a home base: your boat.
That means no learning a new layout every trip, no wondering where things are stored, and no adjusting to unfamiliar equipment or unknown cruising grounds. Your galley, your gear, your comforts, and your favorite cruising grounds, exactly how you like them, every time.
And when you’re not using it? Your yacht is out on charter, earning income, being expertly maintained, and ready for your next adventure. It’s everything you love about chartering, upgraded into a lifestyle that’s uniquely yours.
2. “My kids are too young for this lifestyle.”
Reality: Whatever age your kids are, it is the perfect time to start raising little sailors.
Whether it’s a baby’s first crawl on deck, a toddler’s proud sandcastle and favorite seashell, or an older child mastering knots and snorkeling in turquoise waters, sailing offers endless opportunities for hands-on adventure at every stage of childhood.
One day, your child might be spotting dolphins, the next they’re helping raise the sail or figuring out which way the compass points. Every stop brings something new to discover, and every moment on the water is a chance to share simple, hands-on adventures as a family. Sunsail catamarans are designed with families in mind, offering a safe, stable platform with plenty of space to play and relax, both inside and out, and optional safety netting around the sides and front for extra peace of mind.
3. “Boats depreciate too fast. It’s not a smart investment.”
Reality: The Sunsail program turns ownership into a rewarding, income-generating experience.
With traditional private ownership, your yacht often sits unused, costing you money in maintenance, insurance, and dockage while quietly losing value. In the Sunsail Yacht Ownership Program, you receive a guaranteed monthly income for 5 years, no matter how often your yacht is chartered. We cover all the big expenses, from maintenance and insurance to dockage and cleaning, so your time on board is all about enjoyment, not upkeep.
Even better, you can enjoy up to 12 weeks of sailing each year, not only on your own yacht but also on sisterships in Sunsail’s fleet at more than 20 stunning destinations worldwide. From island-hopping in the Caribbean to exploring the Amalfi Coast and everything in between, the Sunsail program gives you the freedom to sail almost anywhere at no added cost.
And at the end of your term, you own a professionally maintained yacht outright, ready to keep, sell, or trade for a new model. With Sunsail, instead of your yacht being an expense, it becomes an asset that’s working for you year-round.
4. “Traveling to my yacht will be expensive and complicated.”
Reality: Sunsail bases are strategically placed near major airports, so getting to your yacht is often quicker and easier than you think.
Our bases are strategically located near major international airports, with plenty of affordable flight options, so you can arrive quickly and start your adventure the same day.
Whether you’re sailing in the British Virgin Islands, exploring the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, or cruising the historic coastlines of Greece and Croatia, your journey from airport to yacht is simple and stress-free. No long drives, no complicated logistics, just step off the plane, take a short transfer, and you’re on board.
Many owners combine their sailing trip with a land-based holiday, turning a week at sea into a full getaway. Spend a few days exploring local towns, beaches, or cultural landmarks before or after your time on the water, maximizing your adventure without any of the usual hassle.
5. “I’m not experienced enough to be a yacht owner.”
Reality: You don’t have to be a pro sailor to get started. Experience comes with the journey.
You don’t need decades at the helm to step into yacht ownership. Many Sunsail Owners started with zero sailing background and learned along the way. We provide optional ASA or RYA courses, the option to hire a skipper, flotilla trips to build confidence, and full on-base support to guide you every step of the way and help you build confidence at your own pace.
And if sailing isn’t your style, no problem! Our Moorings’ Powercats are designed for easy handling and require no sailing experience at all. Whether you prefer sails or engines, the only requirement is a sense of adventure and a love for the water. With Sunsail, stepping into yacht ownership is accessible, safe, and designed to fit your lifestyle.
6. “Selling your yacht later will be a hassle.”
Reality: We make transitioning out of ownership smooth and stress-free.
When your Sunsail Ownership program wraps up, you have options, and none of them involve you being left stranded. You can choose to keep your yacht and continue sailing on your own terms. Sell it and walk away a landlubber, or trade it in for a newer model and start fresh with the latest design and technology and let us handle the sale through our established brokerage network, connecting you with buyers worldwide.
Our team manages the marketing, viewings, paperwork, and negotiations, so you can focus on planning your next adventure instead of dealing with logistics. In fact, many owners choose to roll directly into another yacht. Once you’ve had a taste of ownership with a guaranteed income and global sailing privileges, it’s hard to imagine life without it.
Whatever you decide, we’ll be there to make the process smooth, simple, and completely stress-free.
7. “I’ll wait until I retire to own a yacht.”
Reality: Why wait to live your dream?
The Sunsail Ownership Program is designed to fit around your life today. Whether you’re building a career, raising a family, or balancing multiple commitments. Owners span a wide range of ages, from their 20s all the way to their 80s, each finding their own way to enjoy the freedom of yacht ownership.
You might spend a week sailing with the family, exploring calm bays, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Or host friends for a week-long getaway, sharing sunsets from your flybridge and dinners on deck. Some owners use their yacht time for solo retreats, disconnecting from work and reconnecting with themselves and their partners.
With 20+ Sunsail destinations to choose from and up to 12 weeks of sailing annually, no two adventures ever have to be the same. One trip might take you island-hopping through Belize, the next could find you exploring the colorful harbors of the Seychelles or getting completely off-grid in Tahiti. Your yacht isn’t a dream to delay for ‘someday’ when all the pieces fall into place. Sunsail makes ownership effortless and attainable right now.
8. “I’d have to stay in one place.”
Reality: Your yacht stays in one base. You don’t have to.
With the Sunsail Ownership Program, you can set sail from more than 20 bases across the globe. Sail past the towering limestone cliffs of Phuket, get lost in the wild beauty of the Whitsunday islands or hang out with giant tortoises in the Seychelles; the choices are endless.
This program gives you the best of both worlds. The comfort of knowing your own yacht is always cared for at its base, and the freedom to discover a new destination whenever wanderlust strikes. No matter where you go, you’ll enjoy the same trusted Sunsail experience of meticulously maintained yachts, well-equipped marinas, and welcoming on-base teams, so all you have to do is step aboard and sail away.
9. “I won’t get my yacht in peak season.”
Reality: Owners get priority access, and there are no blackout dates.
With Sunsail, peak season is made for owners. Owners enjoy priority booking and guaranteed weeks, so you won’t be competing with the general charter calendar. Whether it’s summer in the Mediterranean or school holidays in the Caribbean, your yacht will be ready when you want it.
Our dedicated Owner Team works with you to plan ahead, helping you lock in your preferred dates and make the most of prime weather windows and local events. With Sunsail, you can enjoy all the excitement of high-demand seasons without the stress.
10. “Maintenance sounds like a nightmare.”
Reality: That’s our job, not yours.
With Sunsail, yacht ownership comes with none of the usual stress. Our professional base teams handle every aspect of maintenance, from routine engine servicing and bottom paint to scrubbing decks and managing any unexpected repairs. Every yacht is carefully looked after year-round, so you never have to worry about the “what ifs.”
When you arrive for your owner weeks, your yacht is spotless, fully stocked, fueled, and ready to sail. After your trip, we take care of cleaning, servicing, and any upkeep, meaning you can focus entirely on the adventure, not the chores. Sunsail’s approach turns ownership into a worry-free experience, letting you enjoy all the benefits of having your own yacht while leaving the hard work to our experts.
The Real Story: Yacht Ownership Is Closer Than You Think
Sunsail Yacht Ownership isn’t about owning a boat for the sake of it; it’s about waking up in a quiet bay with your kids still asleep below, watching the sunset from your flybridge in a new country, and feeling the freedom to go wherever the wind takes you without waiting for “someday.”
From sunrise coffees in serene anchorages to sunset dinners on deck, every day is a new adventure with a different view. Yacht ownership with Sunsail is accessible, flexible, and unforgettable, and the best part is, you can start now.
Ready to bust your own myths? Explore our current ownership opportunities and discover how achievable your sailing dreams really are.
Hanrie Bosch
Guest blogger, Hanire Bosch, is a professional yacht chef. Based in the Caribbean and Bahamas, since 2013, she has worked on boats ranging from 48 ft Leopards to 160 ft superyachts.
