The Night Fury II: Yacht Financing through Operating Leases

At St Julian’s Maritime Finance, we proudly exhibit a fleet of yachts that range from sailboats to high-powered motor yachts. This fleet gives an excellent insight into the vessels we finance for our clients, some through an operating lease. Our operating lease is a finance product best suited for those seeking yachts that cost up to €20 million. Our expertise lies in bespoke maritime finance solutions that offer huge benefits to our clients when compared with a traditional yacht loan. In this article, we’d like to shine a spotlight on one of our fleet, as well as dive into some of the fundamentals and advantages of operating leases.

Following in the wake of the exceptional Belle Brise, we are thrilled to introduce the latest marvel to capture the imagination: the breathtaking Night Fury II.

Night Fury II

The Night Fury II is a stunning 43-metre motor yacht delivered by Columbus Yachts. Designed by Milan-based studio Hot Lab, its exterior masterfully blends motor yacht and classic sailing hull elements. The naval architecture is a collaboration between Palumbo Superyachts and Hydro Tec, ensuring both performance and elegance.

She boasts a defining feature: a spectacular beach club with two fold-out side wings and a panoramic swimming pool that sits only 50cm above the ocean surface, further blurring the barriers between boat and water. 

Inside, the yacht accommodates guests in exceptional comfort, with four double cabins, two VIP en suite cabins, and two twin cabins. The luxurious master cabin features a king-size bed, full-length windows, a dressing room, and a private terrace.

Amenities abound on the Night Fury II, including an al fresco dining table for 12 guests, a versatile gym/library, a 5.5-metre tender garage, and storage for a second tender or rescue boat and two Jet Skis. Powered by twin Cat C32 Acert engines of 970kW, the Night Fury II reaches a maximum speed of 15.5 knots and cruises comfortably at 14.5 knots.

Imagine yourself on a boat like the Night Fury, exploring secluded and private anchorages, hosting unforgettable gatherings, and indulging in the ultimate yachting lifestyle. This exceptional vessel represents a significant investment, and we at SJMF are dedicated to providing the financial pathways that can make this dream a reality.

Read about our other fleet boat, the Belle Brise here.

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Yacht Finance: Operating Lease vs. Traditional Loan

Understanding the nuances of yacht finance is crucial when considering an investment of this magnitude. Two primary financing options often come into play: an operating lease and a traditional yacht loan. While both serve a similar purpose, their structures, benefits, and implications differ significantly.

An operating lease for a yacht is essentially a rental agreement. You gain the right to use the vessel for a specified period in exchange for regular lease payments. Crucially, at the end of the lease term, you typically have options such as returning the yacht, renewing the lease, or potentially purchasing it at its fair market value.

Key Advantages of an Operating Lease:

Increased Privacy. Since SJMF is the lessor and legal owner of the yacht. This provides an added layer of discretion, privacy and security for high-profile clients who prefer to keep their involvement at arm’s length. By not being listed as the legal owner, clients can enjoy the full use of the vessel while maintaining a higher degree of anonymity.

No Additional Security Requirements: Since the yacht is purchased and owned by SJMF during the lease term, there is no need for the client to provide additional collateral, mortgages, or pledges. This structure simplifies the process and minimises the impact on the client’s balance sheet.

Potential Tax Benefits: Depending on your specific circumstances and jurisdiction, operating lease payments may be treated as operating expenses, potentially offering tax advantages. It is essential to consult with your tax advisor to understand the specific implications for your situation.

In addition, operating leases offer a unique VAT advantage for private clients: since often the yacht is not VAT-paid at the time of acquisition, the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) may enjoy private use of the vessel without the upfront VAT burden. At the end of the lease term, the yacht remains non-VAT paid, preserving its flexibility for resale to global buyers who may prefer or require a non-VAT paid status, enhancing its marketability and potential resale value.

Options for Payment Structure: SJMF offers both fixed and variable interest rate options, allowing clients to align their lease structure with their financial preferences. Opting for a fixed rate ensures predictable monthly payments, making budgeting and long-term financial planning more straightforward.

Comparison to Traditional & Private Bank Financing

While private banks may be seen as the conventional route for yacht financing, their offerings come with significant limitations, especially for clients seeking vessels below the ultra-luxury threshold. Many banks do not finance yachts under a certain value, creating a gap in the market that St. Julian’s Maritime Finance (SJMF) has strategically filled. This segment, though underserved by traditional finance, represents a substantial share of the yachting world.

Even where traditional banks are willing to lend in this range, terms are often restrictive. Financing typically requires substantial collateral beyond the yacht itself, such as mortgages on personal residences or pledges of unrelated assets. These options are largely concentrated in Western Europe and usually reserved for clients who are both residents in the bank’s jurisdiction and already maintain an established relationship. This narrow framework excludes a significant portion of the global yacht-buying population.

SJMF offers a more agile, inclusive, and truly independent alternative. As a pure asset-based lender, SJMF evaluates the yacht itself as the primary security, without requiring external collateral or assets under management (AUM). Financing is available to clients globally, provided there is a European-based asset or income structure, and is not bound by geographic or relationship-based constraints.

While private banks may advertise lower headline interest rates, these are often contingent on clients placing AUM exceeding the loan amount, significantly increasing the real cost once portfolio restrictions, management fees, and opportunity costs are considered.

By contrast, SJMF provides clear, predictable lease payments with no AUM obligations. When combined with potential VAT advantages and flexible end-of-term options, such as returning, upgrading, or purchasing the yacht, this structure simplifies the financial side of yacht ownership and enhances the overall client experience.

The leasing process is also far more efficient. SJMF’s approach is focused, responsive, and centred around the asset, avoiding the prolonged due diligence and onboarding timelines often associated with private banks. For clients seeking speed, flexibility, and discretion, the SJMF leasing model stands out as a highly effective solution.

Read about leaders of asset-backed yacht leasing here.

Making the Right Choice with St. Julian's Maritime Finance

Selecting the optimal financing structure for a yacht is a strategic decision that should align with financial objectives, capital allocation preferences, and long-term usage plans. For clients who value flexibility, reduced upfront capital requirements, and seamless cross-border accessibility, an operating lease from SJMF offers a robust alternative to traditional and private bank lending.

Private bank financing is often restricted by asset under management (AUM) thresholds, additional collateral requirements, and jurisdictional limitations, creating barriers for many potential yacht owners. SJMF eliminates these obstacles through a pure asset-based lending model, where the yacht itself serves as the sole security, no AUM and no relationship prerequisites.

SJMF specialises in independent, transparent leasing solutions, crafted to meet the unique needs of each client. The team brings deep maritime and financial expertise to every engagement, delivering tailored lease structures that preserve liquidity, enhance tax efficiency, and maintain global resale flexibility through non-VAT paid structuring.

SJMF provides more than financing, delivering clarity, control, and confidence in every transaction. For those seeking a streamlined, strategic approach to yacht acquisition, SJMF stands as a trusted partner in asset-backed yacht leasing.

Considering an operating lease for your dream yacht? Talk to our team today!