Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a yacht share?

A Yacht Share is a form of ownership in which the ownership of a boat is split among a number of individuals. Therefore, when you buy a yacht share, you buy a percentage (fraction) of a boat rather than the whole thing. You enjoy guaranteed time on board each year in proportion to your share; similarly, the running costs are shared fairly among all owners.  When you buy a share, you actually own the boat along with the other owners; you and the other owners have full control over what happens with the boat.

2. How is the Syndicate run?

The syndicate will have agreed an Owners’ Agreement, which sets out how decisions are made, how sailing time is allocated and what needs to be done when an owner wants to sell their share.  The document describes the role of Syndicate Manager and sometimes other roles, such as accountant or bosun.  When you buy a share, you will need to sign this agreement together with the other owners.

3. How much time do I get on the boat?

Your sailing time depends on the size of your share.  As a guide:

• 25% share = around 6–12 weeks a year
• 33% share = around 8–16 weeks a year
• 50% share = around 14–23 weeks a year

This varies depending on the cruising area and, therefore, the season length.  For instance, the season in Greece is about six months, whereas in Spain it can be all year round.

4. What costs do I need to budget for?

There are two types of costs:

• The share purchase price – your one‑off cost to buy into the boat
• Running costs, shared between owners proportionate to the size of your share (mooring, insurance, maintenance, cleaning, etc.)

You only pay your percentage – nothing more.

5. How is the boat looked after?

Many syndicates manage the boat themselves, organising maintenance, etc., depending on the abilities and wishes of the members of the group.  These tasks include:

• repairs,
• cleaning,
• repairs,
• handovers, and
• winterisation.

Other syndicates use a local manager or agent who handles some or all of these tasks,

6. How is the sailing time allocated?

Each syndicate has a simple, fair system – this can be a rotating calendar, or a process of selecting sailing slots in turn.  You choose your weeks, and the process ensures everyone gets a good spread of peak and off‑peak time.

7. Can I sell my share later?

Yes. You can sell your share at any time, as you have full control over your share.  Often, you have to offer your share to the other owners first.  We can help you find a buyer, and the process is usually straightforward; however, you do not have to sell through us.

8. What happens if something breaks?

Repairs are organised by the syndicate manager or another nominated member of the group.  Costs are shared between owners according to their share size, or, if necessary, through an insurance claim.

9. Do I need to be an experienced sailor?

Most syndicates have a minimum requirement for the owner to have RYA Day Skipper or the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) and to have some experience as a skipper.  If you’re new to sailing, we can point you towards good training options.

10. What type of boat should I choose?

This depends on:

• how many people you intend to sail with
• where you want to sail
• your budget
• how much comfort you want

We can help you match your requirements to the right boat and share size.

11. What’s the difference between a UK‑based syndicate and a Mediterranean one?

• UK syndicates: shorter season, easier access for weekend sailing.
• Mediterranean syndicates: longer season, more sunshine, more weeks available per share.

12. How do I get started?

Just tell us:

• the size/age of boat you’re looking for
• your preferred location
• your budget
• the share size you want

We’ll let you know what’s available and whether we can match you with an existing syndicate or form a new one.