Why I Chose the Dream Yacht Ownership Program: One Owner’s Story
For passionate sailors who charter regularly, yacht ownership often becomes the next logical step. That was certainly the case for me. I had already been chartering with Dream Yacht Charter (DYC) up to three times a year—mostly during the winter months—and a good friend of mine had transitioned from Sunsail/Moorings to the DYC program. Her positive experience piqued my interest and helped solidify my decision to invest in yacht ownership with Dream Yacht.
My sailing journey started on a Laser, then later a 470—and that’s where I fell in love with life on the water. Over time, I moved on to larger yachts, mostly monohulls at first, before eventually making the switch to catamarans.
From Charter Guest to Owner
My journey as a yacht owner began in 2010 with a different fleet in Croatia. Then, in September 2019, I purchased my first yacht with Dream Yacht—a Sun Odyssey 449 (2018 model). The boat was already nearly two years old when I took it over, and she served me well until her phase-out in November 2023. Shortly after, I upgraded to my second yacht in the DYC program: a brand-new Dufour 470 in February 2024.
A Financially Smart Lifestyle Choice
While the lifestyle of owning a yacht is certainly attractive, my primary motivation was actually financial. I was already spending a considerable amount each year on charters—4 to 6 weeks annually—so turning those expenses into an asset just made sense. The ownership program allowed me to enjoy more sailing while optimizing costs. Owning a yacht through Dream is not only a lifestyle upgrade but a smart financial move, too.
Favorite Yachts and Where I Sail
Across all my boats, my favorite remains a Lagoon 400 I had in Croatia. Despite being a bit dated now, it offered incredible space and was easy to sail—even solo. I’ve found newer catamarans don’t always match its thoughtful design.
Today, my Dufour 470 is based in Lefkas, Greece. Previously, my Sun Odyssey 449 was stationed in Corfu. For logistical and personal reasons, I prefer to keep my yachts in the Mediterranean, and after their DYC phase-out, I continue operating them through my own Croatian company.
Using My Owner Time to the Fullest
The Dream Yacht Ownership Program offers 12 owner weeks annually—and I use every single one. Whether it’s a last-minute trip to Croatia or planning a longer escape, the flexibility to book worldwide is a huge advantage. I’ve been consistently impressed with the overall condition of boats across the DYC bases, especially in Australia and Sicily, where the quality and service exceeded my expectations.
Favorite Destinations and Next on The List
If I had to name a top destination, French Polynesia would be it—Bora Bora and the surrounding islands offer unmatched beauty and snorkeling. But I always return to Croatia. The Kornati National Park alone makes it one of the world’s best cruising areas.
Still on my dream list? Hawaii. Every time I book a trip, I find myself checking the owner’s calendar thinking, “Where have I not been yet?”. My goal is to hit every destination Dream Yachts has.
A Smooth Start and a Strong Finish
My onboarding experience with Dream Yacht was seamless, helped in part by a friend who had already gone through the process and acted as my informal advisor. The exit process when I phased out my Sun Odyssey in 2023 also went smoothly—thanks to a helpful base manager with a strong technical background.
Advice for Future Owners
If you’re considering joining the Dream Yacht Ownership Program, my advice is simple: use all your owner weeks. You’ll get the most out of your investment by experiencing the world under sail. The flexibility and global base access are unmatched, and being able to book trips even on short notice—like a last-minute escape to Croatia—is a real luxury.
What Yacht Ownership Means to Me
At its core, yacht ownership is an investment—but one that comes with immense lifestyle benefits. It’s more than just numbers; it’s pride, freedom, and the joy of sailing on your own terms. Let’s be honest, it’s also a bit chic. There’s something special about saying, “Yes, I own a yacht.”
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Written by Ulrich Baussmann
