A Conversation with Matthew Stone, Award-Winning IYC Yacht Broker
Matthew Stone, the rising young star of IYC (International Yacht Company), won the prestigious IYC Broker of the Year Award after selling 1100 feet worth of yachts, including many 150-foot and 140-foot yachts. In addition, he helped IYC partner with Cantiere Delle Marche, a high-end shipyard from Italy. In a recent interview, he shared insights on the luxury yacht market and its evolution.
How is selling a yacht different from selling a home?
While there are some similarities between selling a yacht and selling real estate, buying a yacht is much more complex. You’re working with complex equipment surrounded by saltwater, and many clients are not entirely aware of what they want.
How has the luxury yacht market been evolving in the past few years?
The market has been evolving in all aspects, from construction methods to consumer expectations. Yachts are becoming more efficient and eco-friendly, and the consumer is evolving with new buyers looking for a safe environment to enjoy time with family and friends.
Where do you see the luxury yacht market in the next five years?
The yachting market will continue to grow, and we will see new buyers enter the market who want to enjoy a controlled environment. Experienced owners’ needs and wants are evolving, and the industry will continue to adapt and evolve to the times.
Matthew Stone is an award-winning IYC yacht broker who has been in the yachting industry for more than half of his life. He moved from being a yacht captain to yacht broker in 2016 and has been nominated for several awards, including the IYBA Outstanding Young Professional in Yachting award. As an IYC team member, he is committed to his clients’ continuing yacht education and has a particular passion for new construction builds.
According to Stone, selling a mega-yacht is significantly different from selling real estate, and the complexity of buying a yacht is far more rigorous than that of a house because of the equipment’s complexity and the fact that most people don’t need a yacht. The luxury yacht market has been evolving in all aspects, and Stone expects it to continue to grow in the future as new buyers enter the market. The COVID-19 pandemic also forced the charter market to restructure and adapt, resulting in a safer and more controlled environment.
All images courtesy of Matthew Stone Yachts.
