Fractional ownership has intrigued financially sensible people for many years. To own a piece of luxury, be it property, a private jet or a yacht, the idea is being able to enjoy all the advantages of ownership, while only paying for the fraction that you own.

There have been many variations on the theme of sharing the costs of ownership. Property timeshares have had a turbulent, but ultimately successful past leading to the present situation where there is an abundant choice of how you would prefer to share the time. Some companies concentrate on the original concept where you buy a week at a time and own the property for that week every year. Other concepts work more complex but offer flexibility to choose when you would like to use the property, and importantly some enable you to use your time in a variety of locations.

Private jet ownership is reported to have begun in 1964 when Executive Jet Aviation was launched (Later to have a well know subsidiary of NetJets launched in 1986.) It was in the 1980's that the concept of fractional jet ownership really took off and jets led the way in true fractional ownership. In 1998 Warren Buffet invested $725 million to purchase NetJets, changing the name to Executive Jet that offers various fractional ownership concepts. Today it is expected that fractional ownership and leasing options will become the dominant form of ownership of business jets for both companies and individuals.

Fractional yacht ownership has taken a much longer route to reach the position it is in today. However, there have been many ways to enjoy the wonders of boating without buying a boat, these include rentals and charters, both good options but obviously very costly for anyone wishing to use the boat more than a couple of times per year. More recently in influx of 'boat clubs' have opened all around the coast. These clubs are a great cost effective way to enjoy the ocean and use a variety of boats, in some cases they are limited to the size of boats and can be restrictive on where the boats are used, however they can be great family fun.

True fractional yacht ownership is presently only offered by a handful of companies with American Yacht Share leading the way. The concept is simple, share the costs involved in owning a boat between a handful of like-minded individuals to dramatically reduce your overall costs. The latest development in fractional yacht ownership is fractional lease, and in typical style American Yacht Share has been leading the way to offer the lowest cost way to enjoy the wonders of boat ownership. Furthermore, with strategic alliances with the worlds top boat manufacturers, American Yacht Share has brought fractional leases right to your doorstep!

As with the private jet industry, fractional yacht ownership and fractional lease is predicted by some to become a major way to buy a boat in the near future. Fractional yacht ownership offers the sensible, cost efficient, flexible way to enjoy the sea with your family and friends.