Investing in 90-Foot Motor Yachts for Charter on the French Riviera

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) is an iconic hub for luxury motor yachting.  In 2025, an industry report found that 96%of all summer yacht charters took place in the Mediterranean , underlining the region’s dominance.  High-profile events and packed tourist seasons make Riviera marinas (Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco) extremely desirable – in fact, top French/Italian Riviera berths are “highly coveted” with very limited availability .  This fierce demand, met by a tight supply of high-end yachts, means charter prices stay premium and competition for space is intense.

Booming Mediterranean Charter Market

The yacht-charter industry is growing strongly worldwide.  Fortune Business Insights projects the global charter market at USD 8.33B (2024), rising to $15.53B by 2032 (CAGR ≈8.1%) .  Europe – and especially the Mediterranean – dominates this market (about 70% of the 2023 total ).  Demand is being driven by the rise of ultra-wealthy travelers and digital booking platforms.  For example, France’s charter market alone was $466.9M in 2024 and is forecast to reach $591.1M by 2030 (≈4% annual growth) .  Notably, France already represents about 5.6% of the global charter revenue and is expected to be Europe’s largest charter market by 2030 .  In short, investors are eyeing a rapidly expanding market: one forecast expects Mediterranean charter revenues to grow from $21B (2025) to $34B by 2035 (~5% CAGR) .

• Global growth: ~$8.3B (2024) → $15.5B (2032), +8.1%/yr

• Europe-led: Europe held ~69.6% share in 2023 (Mediterranean ports are charter hotspots).

• Mediterranean hub: 96% of summer charters in 2025 were in the Med .

• France market: $467M (2024) → $591M (2030), ~4% CAGR ; 5.6% of global market .

High Demand vs. Tight Supply in the Riviera

The French Riviera remains arguably the premier charter destination.  For instance, one charter guide notes “France is by far the most popular starting point for the classic ‘Mediterranean milk-run’ charter route (Saint-Tropez to Portofino)” .  Practically every July–August weekend sees yachts jostling for slips at Cannes, Antibes or Port Vauban.  Such hotspots are so booked that marina operators report “mooring costs…tend to be highest and availability is often extremely limited” .  At the same time, global supply remains tight: production backlogs and supply‐chain disruptions have extended new build timelines, and many existing owners are holding onto their yachts rather than selling .  The result is a charter market with demand vastly outstripping available yachts, which keeps charter rates at peak levels and favours owners who enter the market now.

• Coveted Riviera berths: Cited as “highly coveted” in summer .

• Supply shortage: Industry observers note production delays and few resale offerings, putting “upward pressure on pricing” .

• Prime demographics: EU rules (e.g. mandatory professional crew on yachts >79ft in some countries) and the influx of new wealth boost charter demand, especially on the Côte d’Azur .

The 90-Foot (27m) Segment: A Premium Category

Yachts around 90 feet (≈27m) occupy a “sweet spot” in the charter market.  Nearly half of charter revenue comes from vessels in the ~24–45m range .  This broadly includes 90ft motor yachts, as well as larger superyachts.  In France specifically, the 20–50ft segment (centered on ≈90ft) is already the largest revenue generator and the fastest-growingsize class .  Moreover, motor yachts (which 90ft models are) account for the lion’s share of earnings – roughly 68.5% of global charter revenue – since they offer the speed, comfort and opulent amenities that charter clients demand.

• Revenue leader: 24–45m yachts (≈80–150ft) account for ~49% of all charter income .

• France’s top segment: 20–50ft yachts are France’s #1 charter category .

• Motor yacht dominance: Diesel motor yachts (versus sailboats) drive ~68.5% of charter revenue .

• Top-tier pricing: Mediterranean motor yachts command massive rates – from ~$30K/week up to ~$1.6M/week for the most luxurious .  (Even average 90ft yachts often rent for mid-five-figure weeks.)

• High ROI potential: Industry experts note that “larger, more luxurious yachts typically command higher charter rates…attracting high-end clientele and potentially generating better ROI.”   A modern 90ft yacht (with pools, jetskis, gourmet galley, etc.) will thus secure premium bookings.

• Western Mediterranean demand: Brokers report “notable growth in high-value charter contracts across the Western Mediterranean” (France, Italy, Spain) – underscoring that the Riviera’s market is still climbing.

• Quality matters: New, well-maintained yachts outperform old boats.  As one charter analyst puts it, “Well-maintained yachts in excellent condition are highly likely to receive more bookings and generate higher rental rates” .  Investing in brand-new 90ft builds with the latest design and amenities (wellness spa, entertainment deck, etc.) directly appeals to charterers, maximizing occupancy and rates.

Financial Outlook: Returns and Projections

The financials of a Riviera charter yacht are compelling.  High-end motor yachts regularly charge on the order of $50–$150K per week (depending on size and season) .  Even an 80–100ft yacht with a base rate of ~$75K/week booked 10–12 weeks per year grosses ~$750K–$900K.  After typical operating costs (crew salaries, maintenance, dockage, fuel, brokerage fees – often 30–50% of gross), the net proceeds can still be in the mid hundreds of thousands.  For a fractional investor, that share of net income can cover a large slice of the annual costs.  (In fact, one charter advisor notes an owner “can make up to one hundred thousand or more in a single month” in peak season , illustrating the sector’s cash-generating power.)

Key points:

• High weekly rates: Top-tier charters hit ~$150K/week . A 90ft yacht might conservatively list at $50–$80K/week; seven busy summer weeks could yield $350K–$560K gross.

• Strong seasonality: The Riviera’s short high season concentrates demand into summer months, often enabling near-full booking and maximizing efficiency of each operating dollar.

• Growing demand: With forecasts of ~$21B→$34B growth in Mediterranean charters by 2035 , the future market looks robust. Rising global wealth and tourism (especially in Europe) will continue to support strong occupancy.

• Asset value: A new 90ft yacht is a multi‐million investment, but luxury marine assets are unusual in holding value well. In recent years, quality charter-capable yachts have seen steady resale prices thanks to limited supply. Thus investors gain both from charter income and potential asset appreciation.

• Expert consensus: Analysts conclude that yachts meeting market needs can pay back owners. As one investor summary states: “Renting out profitably…is largely dependent on having the right boat in the right location.” With a custom 90ft motor yacht in the French Riviera, that condition is satisfied – allowing owners to “make a successful business out of it almost passively” under the right conditions .

Conclusion:  All indicators point to a very attractive opportunity.  The Mediterranean charter market is expanding (5–8% CAGR), Europe remains its core (≈70% share) , and luxury motor yachts of ~90ft command the highest charter fees and are in surging demand .  When structured through fractional ownership, the investment risk is mitigated and the cashflow potential is maximized .  In short, for investors seeking both a high-end asset and a profit-oriented venture, a new 90-foot motor yacht built for charter on the French Riviera offers an exceptional value proposition in today’s market.

Sources:  Current market reports and industry analyses .