About Us

Yacht Fractions is the only dedicated professional brokerage currently operating in the UK who specialises in the sale of shares in UK and Overseas based sailing boats and motor yachts.

Established in 1991, the business has gained a vast knowledge of yacht sharing through;

• Formation of new groups
• Brokering the sale of 1000’s of shares
• Advising existing groups
• Sourcing new boats on behalf of clients
• Whole boat sales

Buyer / Seller relationship

Whilst we are contracted primarily to the seller, we are mindful that we are also acting on behalf of the buyer, and the rest of the share group that the buyer is joining to ensure a good working relationship going forward. Many share owners repeatedly trade their boat shares for new ones, and we want you to return to us.

Throughout your experience with us, we aim to give you a very personal service, and will never pressure you or try to alter your own judgement. Our philosophy is that a buyer will only buy what they want when they want, and we respect this. However, we do ask you keep us informed of your discussions.

The History

Established in 1991, Yacht Fractions (as far as we are aware) is the only professionally run yacht share brokerage business in Europe and the USA dedicated to selling shares in privately owned sailing and motor yachts, which are jointly owned and managed by the owners.

We have a large number of loyal regular clients who deal with us time and time again.

The business was founded in 1991 by Chris Hawes, who built it into a fully web-based brokerage.  Chris sold Yacht Fractions to David Watts in 2017, who ran it until Denis and Pip Lyons bought it in 2024.

The Company

Yacht Fractions Ltd is a private limited company run and controlled by the directors, who are also the 100% shareholders. The company has a no debt policy; it does not have an overdraft facility and has no creditors other than minor amounts to administrative service providers. The future and control of the company are thus safely within the hands of the Directors.

Yacht Fractions Ltd is owned by Denis and Pip Lyons, who have been fractional yacht owners for over 13 years and owners of Yacht Fractions since May 2024.  We have great first-hand experience of being a buyer, seller and owner and are therefore best placed to be able to help you through this process.

Our Aim

To operate the company on a fair and morally sound basis for all parties, and provide a top quality bespoke service.

Whole boat sales

In 1998 Yachtfractions teamed up with brokers based in Athens and now have access to the largest selection of privately owned second-hand yachts in the eastern Mediterranean. Having sold dozens of yachts from Greece to clients from all over the world, we feel that we understand most of the peculiarities of buying in Greece, including:

• The legal side of the transaction, de-registration, re-registration etc.
• Surveyors and remedial works
• Insurance
• Transport from Greece to Northern Europe
• VAT
• Payment of international funds.

Banking Transactions

In pursuit of good business practice, we operate a secure Client account where any funds held for clients are held pending payment. These are separate from our normal business funds.

British Marine

We are proud to be members of British Marine.  What does that mean for our clients?

British Marine believes it is of critical importance that you can trust each of its members. Our Code of Practice outlines the expected conduct and business practices of members and explains how firms will be removed from membership in the event that they breach our standards and requirements.

All members of British Marine must declare themselves as compliant with the Code of Practice. The code asks members to;

• Comply with all relevant legislation
• Maintain adequate levels of public liability, employer’s liability, occupier’s liability and professional indemnity liability insurance cover applicable to their business
• Strive to maintain the best practicable standard of service to their customers, treating them fairly and courteously
• Acknowledge customers’ reasonable enquiries or complaints promptly and respond to them within a reasonable period of time
• Where appropriate, encourage their customers to refer disputes which arise between them, and which cannot be resolved amicably, for resolution under the British Marine Mediation Scheme