The Yacht Share Network | Yacht Syndicates | Yacht Fractions
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a syndicate created?
Yacht Share connects like-minded owners to co-own a luxury yacht — professionally managed and crewed for seamless enjoyment. Each owner enjoys access to the yacht in proportion to their share, with every stay personally prepared. Your items are placed on board, others’ removed, and everything is set up just like a 5-star hotel suite — with fresh linens, towels, and essentials ready. It’s a turnkey yachting experience, every time you step aboard.
How is a syndicate legally set up?
Each syndicate is structured by Yacht Share as an SPV limited company, incorporated in the UK with the sole purpose of owning and operating the vessel. Each syndicate member holds a direct shareholding in the company, proportionate to their equity in the yacht, and becomes part of a community of like-minded owners.
How is the syndicate operated?
The syndicate is operated for the benefit of its owners and managed by Yacht Share. Yacht Share oversees all day-to-day operations and reports activity through the yacht’s dedicated app, which provides real-time data across every aspect of usage and maintenance. The app also ensures fair scheduling, using an algorithm that allocates onboard time proportionate to each owner’s equity stake.
One syndicate member is appointed as Finance Manager, responsible for overseeing running expenses on behalf of all owners. This role provides financial transparency and ensures the syndicate always receives strong value for money.
Are there different sizes of shares in a syndicate?
Yes — we know one size doesn’t fit all. Some families may only want to yacht a few weeks a year, while others, like retirees, might have more time to enjoy the vessel. This flexibility is achieved by making every aspect of the syndicate proportional to each owner’s equity stake. For example, an owner with a 12-week share contributes triple the maintenance costs compared to an owner with a 4-week share. In return, the 12-week shareholder receives triple the onboard time and selection preferences, making it more likely they’ll secure peak season weeks. In short, all usage and costs are allocated fairly and proportionally to each owner’s share size.
What is included with each yacht?
Every yacht in our fleet is customised based on owner preferences through a majority vote. For example, any owner can suggest adding a jetski, seabob, kayak, paddleboard, or other water toys to the yacht’s inventory. This suggestion is then put to a vote via the yacht’s app. If the majority of owners approve, the item is added, and the associated costs are shared pro-rata according to each owner’s equity stake. (Their voting power is also proportional to their equity.)
How easy is it to exit from a syndicate?
Yacht Share continuously advertises shares for all yachts in the fleet to maintain a ready pool of interested buyers. This ongoing exposure helps ensure there is usually a waiting list of potential purchasers, making it quicker and simpler for current owners to sell their share when they choose to exit the syndicate.
What happens if somebody breaks something on our yacht?
Each owner has a duty of care as set out in the syndicate agreement. If damage occurs during their use, they are responsible for covering the cost of repairs. However, insurance is in place to cover any major incidents.
What happens if somebody doesn't pay their maintenance dues?
The syndicate agreement which every owner signs and abides by covers this in great detail.
- If a owner is behind on their payment they cannot use their allocated weeks. That week is then placed on the app as available and the remains owner can pay the maintenance fund dues to use the week. Typically that is a relatively small sum (circa £3k to £5k per week) which is likely less than 10% of the cost of an equivalent charter rate. Generally, there are a number of owner would would happily pay the £3k – £5k sum for an extra week on board so the maintenance account is quickly replenished.
- If the defaulting owner contuse to default there is a simple mechanism where his share is auctioned to a new owner after 3 months, and the proceeds are used to repay his dues before returning any residual balance to him.
How is usage allocated?
When you buy a share in a yacht through Yacht Share, your onboard time is fairly distributed across the year in proportion to your share size. Whether you own 4, 6, 8, or 12 weeks, our system spaces your time throughout the calendar rather than bunching it into one season.
We use a fair scheduling algorithm with two key features: it allows each owner to select weeks one at a time according to their share size, and it reverses the selection order every year to ensure everyone gets fair access to peak weeks over time. You can also swap weeks with other owners via our app to adjust dates or combine your time for longer stays.
If I can't use my week, can I offer it for charter?
Unfortunately, no. Our yachts are generally not licensed for charter, and owners prefer not to have charter guests onboard since they don’t share the same sense of care and responsibility without an equity stake.
However, as long as there’s no commercial use, you can invite family and friends to use your week. Many owners happily welcome relatives aboard even when they aren’t present themselves.
Can I buy my share through my company or with a friend?
Yes, absolutely. Many shares are held by companies such as accountancy firms, law practices, or architectural firms, where individual partners enjoy the yacht for both business and personal use.
What happens if we can't all agree on something?
In the unlikely event that an individual owner or a small group cannot reach agreement, Yacht Share draws on extensive experience to find a fair and equitable solution. With over 300 yachts under management and many years of expertise, we have successfully resolved a wide range of issues.
If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached internally, all syndicate members, as part of the agreement, are bound by the Fractional Association’s Code of Conduct for Yachting as Platinum Members. This includes agreeing to use their mediation services to settle disputes. For more information, visit: www.fractionalassociation.com