Record increase in superyachts registered in Costa Smeralda
Over the last five years, the number of vessels in the area has increased by 500. The total value of the vessels that have sailed these waters is $15.625 billion.
Costa Smeralda, Porto Rotondo, and Olbia have achieved a new record in terms of superyacht attendance in summer 2023. This is according to a study conducted by Cipnes Gallura (a public consortium for the economic growth of Northeast Sardinia) for one of the Mediterranean's most important districts. The study, together with UniOlbia (the Olbia university consortium), used satellite data from a leading global operator, covering the last five years, from 2018 to 2023, as a reference.
During the five-year period From 2018 to 2023, the area between Porto Cervo (Costa Smeralda) and Porto Rotondo saw a steady increase in the number of superyachts. In 2018, the study details, a total of 1.782 yachts were registered, with a peak in August (58,06%). The number gradually increased, peaking in 2023 with 2.330 yachts, 57,66% of which were concentrated in August alone. Overall, from 2018 to 2023, 6.682 yachts were registered, with a total of 357 days and 56.429 movements.
2023 saw significant growth compared to previous years; comparing the latest data with the initial 2018 figures, the total number of yachts increased by 30,7%. This increase highlights the Costa Smeralda's growing appeal as a leading destination for luxury yachting.
In terms of total superyacht movements, from 2018 to 2023, there were 56.429, with a total number of days of 357. This indicates not only an increase in the number of yachts but also a longer duration of their stays. In 2018, total movements were 10.335, while in 2023, this number rose to 12.998, demonstrating an upward trend.
Turning to the total value of yachts arriving in Costa Smeralda: over the past five years, it has amounted to $15.625 billion. The United States leads the ranking in terms of value, followed by Russia, Greece, Qatar, and others. The yacht "Flying Dagger" leads the ranking in terms of attendance, with 290 days, followed by "Sibelle" with 224, and "Dilbar" with 160.
The Cipness-Uniolbia study regarding the nationality of superyacht owners records that the United States leads with 57 owners, followed by Russia (35), the United Kingdom (28), Italy (27) and Germany (20). This reflects not only the trends in luxury tourism but also the international attractiveness of Sardinia.
The yachts varied greatly in size: 21 50-meter yachts, 16 60-meter yachts, 14 55-meter yachts, and 12 each of the 45-, 62-, and 65-meter categories passed through these areas. This variety, the study explains, demonstrates the Costa Smeralda's ability to accommodate vessels of varying sizes, satisfying the needs of an elite and diverse clientele.
This report, the first of its kind in Sardinia, was commissioned by Cipnes Gallura, with its General Management and Communications and Research Centers, to use data to analyze one of the region's most important industrial sectors, the nautical industry, and thus offer further insights for its understanding and development.
Another factor that led to the survey – explains Cipness Gallura – is the programming of the Naval Engineering degree program in Olbia, with the strategic partnership between UniOlbia and the University of Cagliari, which aims to help new generations build their future in this sector.
The shipbuilding district boasts over 80 companies operating in the shipbuilding and nautical sectors in general, establishing the Olbia district as a center of excellence in the Mediterranean.
2023 marks a golden age for the Costa Smeralda and Olbia in the luxury nautical tourism landscape, and with this study—Cipness concludes—not only will the region's image be strengthened internationally, but it will also open up new prospects for the region's economic and social development, consolidating its position as one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury tourism.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SUPER YACHT 24 NEWSLETTER
