Lombard Sailing Yacht Finance - Rate Table
| Product | APR Range | Max Term | Max LTV | Min Loan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase (HP) | 5.5% – 7.5% | 12 years | 75% | £25,000 | Fixed rate, NatWest Group backing |
| Finance Lease | 5.6% – 7.8% | 10 years | 75% | £25,000 | Business use, off-balance-sheet option |
| Operating Lease | 5.8% – 8.2% | 8 years | 75% | £50,000 | Flexible, return-at-end structure |
| Refinance | 6.0% – 8.2% | 10 years | 70% | £25,000 | Capital release on owned vessel |
Rates are indicative and for illustrative purposes only. Your rate will depend on your individual circumstances, credit history, vessel specification, and loan-to-value ratio. Rates correct as of October 2026 and subject to change.
Market Context
Lombard is the asset finance arm of NatWest Group and one of the UK's largest and most established business asset finance lenders. For sailing yacht purchases - particularly those made through a company or partnership structure - Lombard offers a compelling combination of competitive rates, institutional credibility, and flexible product structures.
Their indicative base rate of 5.5% APR is the lowest on our panel, though this rate is reserved for strong business applicants with clean credit, established trading history, and lower loan-to-value ratios. Lombard's minimum loan of £25,000 reflects their business-oriented focus: they are less active in the personal buyer market than lenders such as Black Horse or Close Brothers.
Lombard's product range extends beyond simple HP to include Finance Lease and Operating Lease structures, which can offer meaningful tax and accounting advantages for business purchasers. Operating Lease, in particular, allows the lease payments to be treated as a business expense and keeps the asset off the company balance sheet - relevant for businesses where balance sheet management is a consideration.
Their maximum term of 12 years (shorter than some competitors) reflects a conservative approach to asset depreciation, which is appropriate for marine assets that can depreciate significantly over longer periods. For premium sailing yachts from Hallberg-Rassy, Oyster, Swan, or similar builders - which tend to hold value well - this may be less of a constraint than for production vessels.
Lombard is best accessed through a business finance broker with an established relationship. Doulton Bridging Finance works with Lombard's marine and asset finance team and can present your requirements with the context and structuring that maximises approval prospects and pricing.
Strengths
- Lowest indicative base rate on the full panel at 5.5% APR for strong business applicants
- Part of NatWest Group - financial strength and institutional depth for larger transactions
- Finance Lease and Operating Lease products for VAT and accounting efficiency
- Strong relationship-based underwriting - broker-presented cases receive dedicated attention
Considerations
- Primarily a business lender - private individual applications are not their core market and may be better placed elsewhere.
- Maximum term of 12 years is shorter than some competitors - monthly payments will be higher for a given loan amount.
- Minimum loan of £25,000 excludes smaller sailing yacht purchases.