Option to Purchase

This programme offers a route into ownership with a lower initial outlay: you contribute 45% of the yacht’s value, Sunsail operates the boat within the charter fleet, and you enjoy owner time without being billed for running costs during the term. There is no monthly income, but at the end you either pay a final 20% instalment to take ownership of the yacht, or choose a guaranteed 20% cash payment and conclude the agreement.

In the Guaranteed Income structure, you purchase the yacht outright and receive a fixed monthly income while it is in charter. Under Option to Purchase, Sunsail retains the charter revenue to support fleet operations; in exchange, you begin with only a 45% payment and face a simple choice at the end of the term – either a 20% title payment or a 20% buy‑back payment.

Only certain Sunsail models and locations are eligible at any given time, as the programme is tied to specific fleet plans and demand levels. A Sunsail Yacht Ownership specialist will explain which current monohulls and catamarans, and which bases, are available on an Option to Purchase basis when you enquire.

To join, you pay 45% of the yacht’s selling price at the time of signing the contract. Sunsail maintains operational control and places the yacht into the charter fleet. That initial contribution is your only payment until the end‑of‑term decision point.

No – this plan is intentionally income‑free. Instead of receiving monthly payments, your benefit lies in enjoying owner holidays without running costs, while retaining the option to either purchase the yacht for just a further 20% or receive a 20% cash settlement.

Yes. During the programme period, Sunsail covers typical ownership overheads such as berthing, scheduled maintenance, standard repairs, and insurance for charter operations.

As an Option to Purchase owner, you can enjoy up to 12 weeks of sailing per year for yourself and your immediate family, either on your own yacht or on comparable sister ships. This mirrors the level of access provided under the Guaranteed Income programme, giving you the flexibility to spread trips throughout the year.

You are not limited to a single yacht or base. You may book comparable Sunsail yachts in other destinations and, where rules and availability allow, upgrade to larger models. This means you could sail your “home” yacht one trip and enjoy a sister ship in another region on your next.

Your owner allocation covers the yacht itself for those weeks. While sailing, you’ll cover personal trip costs such as fuel, food and drink, optional extras (for example, kayaks, paddleboards, or Wi‑Fi), and any hired skipper or crew—just as with a standard Sunsail charter. There is also a small turnaround fee to cover consumables like the cleaning, laundry of linens, butane etc.

When the agreed term finishes, you have two clear options:

Decline title and receive a guaranteed cash payment equal to 20% of the yacht’s retail value

OR

Pay a final 20% and have the yacht transferred into your name, free of any programme commitments.

Before handover, the yacht undergoes a structured phase‑out process with detailed technical inspections and cosmetic works, ensuring it is delivered as a sound ex‑charter vessel ready for private cruising or resale. You may appoint your own surveyor to inspect the yacht before final acceptance.

Yes. After paying the final 20% and taking ownership, you are free to keep the yacht, relocate her, or sell through Sunsail Brokerage or another broker of your choice. Some owners choose this route specifically to capture the full market value of a well‑maintained ex‑charter yacht.

Option to Purchase tends to suit buyers who want generous sailing time, whilst deferring the decision as to whether to commit to owning until the end of contract. They enjoy a lower upfront capital outlay and sail without responsibility for day‑to‑day operating expenses. It can be especially attractive with respect to potential tax efficiencies. Rather than gaining another taxable income, this is put to use by Sunsail, allowing the owner to take full ownership later with only a final 20% payment. During the programme term Sunsail holds the title, so sales taxes are not yet payable either, though they may apply to the depreciated value later. Ask our experienced ownership team for more information.

The programme is open to buyers able to fund the 45% entry payment and meet Sunsail’s eligibility criteria, but it is restricted to specific boats and bases aligned with current fleet planning. Because availability changes over time, the best next step is to speak with a Sunsail Ownership specialist to match your timing, budget, and preferred cruising grounds with the current Option to Purchase opportunities.