Some of the biggest names in the luxury yacht industry showed their wares as perfect weather fell on perfect tans in Newport Beach for the 2007 Lido Yacht Expo earlier this month. Helium Report was there to get the latest scoop for consumers.

Brokers, apparel companies and manufacturers milled about – representatives of a number of different areas in the luxury boat world were present, and buyers of new and pre-owned yachts climbed aboard boats with big badges like Viking, McKinna, Chris Craft and Sunseeker.

Among fractional yacht providers, SeaNet, based in Southern California, also made a showing – offering six yachts between 50 and 82 feet. Fractions range between $278,000 for a 1/4 share of the 50-footer, and $1,500,000 for a 1/3 share of the 82-footer. More on SeaNet’s pricing here.

Among companies offering vacation ownerships, Magellan Residential Cruise Ships gained significant attention. While The Magellan isn’t set to launch until 2010, the 856-foot megayacht is the only residential cruise ship to offer fractional shares of its suites. Helium Report’s Decision Guide to Residential Cruise Ships explains more about this upcoming category of yachts.

The marine financing arm of Trident Funding and Beacon Marine Credit was also there to offer their expertise – a prudent move considering that consumers were eyeballing multi-million dollar purchases.

If you’re interested in yacht ownership, you don’t necessarily need to look at the sticker-price on the hull. Fractional ownership and charter clubs give your money more flexibility. Start your research with our directory.