Though the superyacht business is a relatively small industry, it is packed with international professionals from all walks of life, and it can certainly be easy to get lost in the sea of faces we're presented with at boat shows, yachting events and beyond. In this series of articles, we take a step back from rushed business meetings and hurried networking and sit down with professionals from across the wide spectrum of the superyacht business to learn more about who they are and what they do for the industry. In this week’s episode, we get to know Mike Simpson, Managing Director of Simpson Marine.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/31587/image/large-8637db02a291b3120f4d8263af6cfe6b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31587"> Tell us a little about yourself and your journey into the superyacht world. I started Simpson Marine in 1984 after several years of sailing in the North Sea, Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean and China Sea on various sailing yachts up to 80ft. When I started the business I was a ‘dyed in the wool’ sailboat man, but in those days sailing was still not very popular in Asia and most buyers wanted big engines rather than wind power. My first motor yacht sale was an Azimut 76 which I delivered to an Australian customer in Perth. This was my introduction to the world of large motor yachts.&nbsp;We became Azimut dealers and I sold my first superyacht to a Taiwanese customer living in Hong Kong who, after buying an Azimut 90, quickly upgraded to a 40-metre Benetti yacht and then upgraded again to a 45-metre yacht, also from Benetti. That was in the early 1990s. During the 1990s, the Malaysian market became quite active with encouragement and support from the Prime Minister, Doctor Mahathir, and we were able to sell several superyachts there including a 45-metre Benetti, a Swedeship 57m, a 45-metre Feadship, a new build 58-metre Abeking, a 38-metre Technomarine, a 36-metre Broward and so on.In time we expanded and opened offices around Asia which led to a few more Benetti sales and then in 2015 we took on the distribution of Sanlorenzo for the whole of Asia. This was the right move at the right time as the superyacht market has finally started to gather pace in Asia and the ‘made to measure’ Sanlorenzo has already made a big impact. We have sold a couple of Sanlorenzo 46-metres, a 47-metre 500EXP explorer, an SD126, an SL 106, an SL 102, an SD92 and have ongoing negotiations for larger yachts.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/31589/image/large-f5ecd6cebf91fdb51ed3888ac7965bef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31589"> You are often noted as one of the pioneers of yachting in Asia. What are your thoughts on the speed of progression of the superyacht industry in Asia, and what do you see as the biggest hurdles for the future?Of course, I would like to see the superyacht market growing faster than it is currently. We all would! The main difficulty is convincing regional authorities that superyachts provide employment, direct revenue and ‘trickle down’ benefits to the regional economy. All too often we hear that they only benefit the rich and the government cannot be seen to be supporting them with friendly rules and facilities. Currently, superyachts face heavy taxes, sometimes restrictive rules regarding the hiring of qualified foreign crew, lack of trained local crew, lack of suitable marina berths, shortage of good repair yards and so on.Probably the biggest obstacle to the development of the superyacht market in Asia and a serious problem for visiting superyacht is the lack of marina berths. Even for smaller production yachts up to 100 feet, berths are difficult to find. Hong Kong, for example, has the greatest potential to become the regional hub for superyachts because of its beautiful coastline, many islands, close proximity to China, zero import tax on yachts (versus 43.65% tax in Mainland China), large number of wealthy yacht owners and long tradition of entertaining friends and business associates onboard and so is a perfect place to keep a superyacht. Unfortunately, the few superyacht berths in Hong Kong marinas are all taken and the Hong Kong Government has until now refused to consider the construction of any new marina. Nevertheless, despite many challenges and obstacles, the market is starting to open up and wealthy Asians, particularly the Chinese, are warming to the idea of owning superyachts.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/31590/image/large-0cf6b5d7ac896f4afab0b500bd37c7cd.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31590">The Sanlorenzo 46Steel Apries W (ex: Achilles F)&nbsp;What are some of the most important sales of larger yachts you’ve made at Simpson Marine in the region over the past few years?Since we became exclusive distributors for Sanlorenzo in Asia in 2015, all our recent sales of superyachts have been Sanlorenzos. We have sold two 46-metre Sanlorenzo Steel yachts, an SD126, a 500EXP (a 47-metre expedition yacht), and we now have several ongoing discussions for larger steel superyachts in the range of 50-70 metres. What are a couple of your personal most memorable sales - from anywhere in the world? I think one of the great pleasures of being a yacht broker is meeting interesting people. Superyacht buyers all have interesting stories to tell and we brokers often have the opportunity to get to know them and sometimes their families and friends well. The journey from first meeting to handover party is always memorable and there are certainly many great stories to tell, but discretion dictates that most of these tales will remain untold!The most recent memorable sale for me was a Sanlorenzo 500EXP, a 47-metre 500GT Expedition yacht currently being built at Sanlorenzo’s La Spezia shipyard. The owner is an adventurous Asian who was inspired by the possibility of exploring the world on his yacht. This attracted him to the Sanlorenzo 460EXP, (a 42-metre superyacht of which Sanlorenzo has already sold seven units), but as the project developed, he became determined to carry a helicopter, a submarine and other vehicles and watercraft to explore the sea and hinterland of areas he cruised in. Thanks to Sanlorenzo’s ‘made to measure’ philosophy and their creative design office, the yacht grew into the current 47-metre 500 GT configuration with huge entertainment spaces, large helideck and garage for toys.Working with him and helping him to build a yacht which will take him to the wild places he plans to explore has been an interesting journey. We will be managing the yacht after delivery and so I hope to be able to share some of his adventures!<img src="/uploads/store/photo/31591/image/large-c2b91909d18924c9a377a5ef0ea5dc02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31591">The Sanlorenzo 500EXP&nbsp;Last but not least: you have been in the industry for over 30 years, and have certainly made your mark on the superyacht world with much more to come. So, what is your top advice for young brokers looking to carve out as impressive a career as your own? The best advice I could give to any aspiring top broker, if he is really confident that he can make the grade, is to give me a call! We are always on the lookout for good brokers and Asia is the next big market. If you want to make a career as a broker, a solid background in yachting and plenty of sea time is a good starting point, whichever direction your yacht broking career takes you, hands-on experience will give you a head start and will give confidence to buyers.&nbsp;I always tell brokers at Simpson Marine to think carefully before making a commitment to a customer, because once made, commitments must be honoured. Earning a buyer’s trust is a process; it has to be earned through meeting or exceeding your buyers’ expectations. This is true everywhere but especially if you are interacting with newcomers to yachting like so many of our buyers out here. Their lack of knowledge and uncertainty makes them cautious and they need constant reassurance that you are the right person to advise and help them.If anyone wants to carve out a career for themselves as a yacht broker, there is no shortcut to success. The really successful brokers are in it for the long haul. Their success depends on the personal reputation they have established in the industry, their relationships with owners whose trust they have earned and their deep knowledge of the industry. This takes time to build up. 34 years in my case!Simpson Marine will be at the upcoming Singapore Yacht Show. Get in touch to make an appointment&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simpsonmarine.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here.</a>

Mike Simpson 

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Simpson Marine team at Singapore Yacht Show

Achilles in Hong Kong 

SanLorenzo 500EXP exterior design

5 questions with... Mike Simpson from Simpson Marine 

Austria-based furniture design company F/LIST has announced the founding of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a>. Launched as part of the F/LAB Grand Opening last week, SuperYacht Times received an exclusive tour of the Thomasberg facilities, which are known for their high-quality interiors in the aircraft and residence sector. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311919/image/large-8e37ac597c4340c253f5884a8128bea0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311919">F/LAB stands as the epicentre of innovation for both F/LIST and now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a>. F/LAB is a dynamic hub where the company develops new materials, as well as ground-breaking technologies and mechanisms, all of which are geared towards pushing the limits of interior design.The facility sees cutting-edge laboratories, workshops, and testing facilities, outfitted with state-of-the-art tools and pioneering technology, which are finely tuned to explore unprecedented opportunities within the interior design domain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311920/image/large-898d3e60f72ecd13d05bcf7f955571ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311920"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a> stands for the ‘Future of Yachting’ and aims to offer its clientele ground-breaking solutions that harmonise sustainability. "The creation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a> is a significant step for F/LIST and underscores our continued innovation and commitment to premium quality," explained Katharina List-Nagl, CEO of F/LIST.&nbsp; <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/948260095?share=copy" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> F/LIST is a global supplier of interiors for business and private jets, as well as residences. The introduction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a> allows the company to focus solely on the yachting industry, a venture they have been involved in for around 30 years.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311916/image/large-e1f3059264221249f8f349cc7a1656d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311916">F/LIST has been supplying general contractors in the yacht outfitting sector since the 1990s, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a> allows them to develop, coordinate, and implement yacht interiors as a sparring partner for owner teams, designers, and shipyards under its own brand."F/LIST is changing the game by offering 361° services to the users and owners of luxury homes, yachts and corporate jets, while enhancing craftsmanship in all relevant disciplines to ensure the highest quality interiors," added Katharina List-Nagl. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311922/image/large-dfe3a9348aca72374645eddda1ff44ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311922"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/YACHTING (Company)">F/YACHTING</a> will see Werner Kartner, F/LIST CCO, and Andreas Aigner, F/LIST COO take over the management of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a> in addition to their F/LIST management activities."We are always the right people to talk to about outfitting, interiors and exteriors, whether the yacht is just an idea in our client's head, already in dry dock or on the water waiting to be fitted out, refitted or refurbished", explained Werner Kartner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311917/image/large-1867d5d338a4b0798d929fd3b2c8b3d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311917"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a> aims to be embedded within the owner’s foundation team from inception. This allows them to revolutionise large yacht interiors and exteriors through the adoption of innovative materials and execution techniques from the beginning, providing a 361° service to both owner and crew throughout their lifetime."Through innovative solutions in furniture construction, we create unique living spaces on the water for our customers. Our new approach, our 361° service, stems from this innovative spirit. We are dissolving the boundaries of yacht design and focusing on a holistic approach in which we are partners at eye level right from the start,” added Andreas Aigner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311923/image/large-cb2cd99e48e4f176ff7e46bd03e75791.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311923">During the F/LAB Grand Opening, F/LIST also announced its partnership with Nature Squared, an ethical design brand focussed on creating innovative sustainable surfaces, using abundant natural materials such as eggshell, seeds, bark and feathers.The founding of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a> marks a significant milestone for the business and the future of design in the yachting industry. “As we shape the future in the F/LAB, we invite you to expect the unexpected, as we prepare for tomorrow’s interiors, today,” concluded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7421" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="F/Yachting (Company)">F/YACHTING</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311918/image/large-ff1c08863ade7d7fa806e0db60c65095.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311918">

F/LIST announces the launch of F/YACHTING

Austria-based furniture design company F/LIST has announced the founding of F/YACHTING. 

<a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> is software for superyachts that digitises essential information for the owner, guests and crew. Our software means that key information for everyone onboard can be made digital and accessible via the web, the <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> iPad or mobile app.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/293758/image/large-e861fd888254ba19ea3d01ef05195bb8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/293758">Make communications before and during the trip or charter run smoothly, as everyone onboard has access to the most up-to-date information.What kind of essential information can be made digital through YachtEye?<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/286901/image/large-8defdd490628d90bb717556354f626d9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/286901">MenusAdministrative users can upload PDF copies of onboard menus to <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a>’s Menu feature by logging into the admin web version. Guests can then use the <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> app on their iPad or mobile from anywhere onboard to browse what’s on offer onboard, from the wine menu, to smoothies and juices and spa and wellness treatments.Administrative users can customise or change menus anytime and simply re-upload the updated PDF, with no need to reprint anything. This means that users can easily alternate between specific menus for different groups, such as breakfast menus based on guest preferences or a cocktail list inspired by the owner’s favourites.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311630/image/large-5585c10755c10f26985acb9788813391.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311630">Tenders and toysUsing <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a>’s Tenders and Toys feature, administrative users can input the various tenders and water toys on offer, and make any adjustments to availability in seconds. If one of the water toys is being serviced, crew can easily adjust the displayed quantity or hide the toy from the guest interface.Do the guests want to know what water toys are available? Guests are free to browse the most up-to-date selection of water toys, understand the set up time and learn all about the age requirements, regulations and more.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/293740/image/large-de38eb6d25c9f2a72ebc78b22e3f83da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/293740">Crew profiles<a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a>’s Crew Profiles feature displays all of the yacht’s crew members in one place. Give everyone onboard paperless access to all crew profiles.Guests can always check the names of crew and learn more about them by reading their crew profile.Our favourite part? Administrative users can easily edit which crew members are visible to users at the click of a button. Simply select ’Onboard’ or ‘On leave’ based on which crew members are currently onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311451/image/large-432a5e945b15837d13edc55bb7cf941c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311451">Digitise the guest welcome folderWith <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a>’s Documents feature, administrative users can upload PDF files to <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> for everyone onboard to access. Simply upload the documents to <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> using the Documents feature. These documents can be accessed by the owner, guests and crew through the devices of their choice, from either the web or through the <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> iPad or mobile app.Crew can use the Documents feature to upload the guest welcome folder in PDF format. Enjoy paper-free guest welcome folders which are easy to edit, meaning no more excessive printing before charters and trips.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/293520/image/large-bcaf871c82671be3bc474149a03718d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/293520">Create and edit itineraries in seconds<a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a>’s Itineraries feature means that the Captain and interior crew benefit from an integrated system that allows for easy editing and updating of itineraries and schedules. The Itinerary feature eliminates the need for paper printout itineraries, saving everybody time and allowing for edits to be made in seconds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311450/image/large-953cc2b5445f1cb8248f106307355540.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311450">Display and change the daily guest scheduleWith <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a>, display the daily schedule clearly and digitally so everyone onboard is updated with the plan. Whether plans change due to weather or guest preferences, administrative users can make edits to the schedule in seconds, so that everyone onboard has access to the most up-to-date information.Curious about how <a href="https://www.yachteye.com/#YachtEye" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> can enhance your yacht or your charters? Get in touch with the team now to learn more:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sales@yachteye.com?subject=YachtEye%20demo%20inquiry" target="_blank">sales@yachteye.com</a>.

How YachtEye makes essential information for superyacht guests and crew digital

YachtEye is software for superyachts that digitises essential information for the owner, guests and crew.

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YachtEye: Digitising superyacht essentials for guests and crew

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Life Foundation (Company)">The Superyacht Life Foundation</a> has announced their endorsement of an industry-funded three-part TV documentary series by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Breed Media (Company)">Breed Media</a>, which aims to uncover the ins-and-outs of the yachting industry, including the sectors of superyacht design, engineering, and science.&nbsp;Striving to attract fresh talent and create intrigue for prospective yacht owners, the series titled The Age of a Superyacht will follow stories that showcase the technical expertise of engineers, designers, builders, scientists, crews, and manufacturers across its three “Design, Science and Engineering” episodes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311341/image/large-47e225c45c1d32e3b178f54dc363126b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311341">“We have generated a real buzz around the international buyers for the series and are certain that it will make a big noise on high profile platforms across the world,” Stephen McQuillan, Founder and Creative Director of Atomic Television commented.Now that their planning has reached its final stages, with the appointment of Abacus Media Rights in order to secure global coverage across streaming platforms, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Breed Media (Company)">Breed Media</a> and Atomic Television hope to perpetuate positive narratives of yachting within the public sphere.“For over 20 years, and especially in more recent years, we have been listening to members of the Superyacht Industry describe the impact perceptions of our industry are having on their businesses. How they struggle to attract new employees to fill the skill shortages and how potential owners prefer other activities rather than be known as a superyacht owner,” Robert Gleed and Jeff Brown, Co-Founders, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5064" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Breed Media (Company)">Breed Media Creative</a> explained.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311342/image/large-dd20f1d132b67d4d80191ef47ce48b8e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311342">“We believe the only way to move the dial and really grow the industry, for the benefit of all, is if the industry communicates positive stories to a global TV audience in a high quality and professional manner through this and future documentary series,” the pair added.&nbsp;In terms of funding, as of now, support is being sought after from within the industry, as there are a myriad of opportunities for stakeholders to make an appearance within the TV series in exchange for a financial return.“We are delighted to lend a helping hand and support this premium documentary series, which will work for the overall benefit of the superyacht industry by showcasing the talent, craftsmanship, and everyday magic that unfolds in our backyards,” Dilan Saraç, Executive Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Superyacht Life Foundation (Company)">The Superyacht Life Foundation</a>, said. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311343/image/large-fbc153664ed432e2281208f62c865788.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311343">

Breed Media to make TV documentary series titled The Age of a Superyacht

A new industry-funded TV documentary series by Breed Media will uncover the ins-and-outs of the yachting industry. 


The Age of a Superyacht: Breed Media’s new TV documentary series

According to Italian media outlets, the yachting industry in Liguria, Italy, is currently under scrutiny due to allegations of corruption involving high-profile figures &nbsp;that have led to the arrest of Governor Giovanni Toti of Liguria.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183544/image/large-914183790c9a319914f10efe66c3b19d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183544">The focus centres on an alleged series of transactions and administrative decisions favouring <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/86" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amico & Co. s.r.l. (Company)">Amico&amp;Co</a>, highlighted by a May 2021 conversation between Alberto Amico and Matteo Cozzani, Toti's chief of staff, who is now under house arrest. These discussions allegedly include prolonged concession renewals and strategic financial interactions intended to secure political support.&nbsp;Further investigations have also implicated other significant figures in the port of Genoa. These revelations have also impacted the Genoa Boat Show, where Saverio Cecchi, president of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6533" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Confindustra Nautica (Company)">Confindustria Nautica</a>, and Alessandro Campagna, commercial director, face allegations of funding irregularities. Named as suspects in the corruption probe conducted by prosecutors from Genoa and La Spezia, this investigation is part of a larger inquiry by the Genoa Prosecutor's Office. Consequently, Cecchi and Campagna have been barred from engaging in business activities and from holding any managerial positions. Moreover Saverio Cecchi has suspended himself in response to these developments.<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a> has reached out to the involved parties and will continue to monitor the situation. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/86" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amico & Co. s.r.l. (Company)">Amico&amp;Co</a> has issued a statement clarifying that, to date, no charges have been filed against the company by the Italian judiciary. Reaffirming their trust in the judicial process, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/86" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amico & Co. s.r.l. (Company)">Amico&amp;Co</a> also stated that it remains available to clarify its position to investigators if and when requested.

Scandal rocks yachting industry in Liguria, Italy

According to Italian media outlets, the yachting industry in Liguria, Italy, is currently under scrutiny due to allegations of corruption.

A well-stocked fridge, perfected pantry and state-of-the-art appliances are the ingredients every kitchen onboard a yacht requires. Yet the galley kitchens onboard can, in some cases, be afterthoughts for yacht designers. Enter Brennan Dates, a sought-after superyacht chef with over two decades of experience working on superyachts he has accumulated a know-how when it comes to galley designs, including must-have essentials. Today, the superyacht chef has garnered his expertise with his company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Galley Designs (Company)">Superyacht Galley Designs</a> and turned his eye toward consulting yacht designers, shipyards and owner’s when crafting various yacht galleys. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311010/image/large-b68a55be3d5df153aa84fbf4e9ef152b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311010">SuperYacht Times' Digital Editor sat down with Brennan Dates to discuss the do’s and don’ts when designing, configuring and shopping for the superyacht galley to ensure the food onboard is as impeccable as the dining table on which it is served.Please share a bit about yourself, how you got involved in the sector, and which vessels you have worked on during your career onboardAfter working for 22 years onboard superyachts and travelling around the world, it became clear to me that yacht chefs should be collaborating with designers and other crew members to create efficient designs of service and culinary spaces. I’ve worked on a few different high profile vessels, the 52.12-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Bettered Bull&nbsp;(now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/611" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maria52.12m (170'12&quot;)Feadship1995">Maria</a>), 85.95-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ecstasea85.95m (281'12&quot;)Feadship2004">Ecstasea</a>, 73.51-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1713" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mogambo73.51m (241'2&quot;)Nobiskrug2012">Mogambo</a> and more recently 60-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2616" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arience60.0m (196'10&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2012">Arience</a>.&nbsp;Personally, I like charter boats. I thrive and respect the work that goes into these charter seasons, each set of guests want a different type of service and food requirement which keeps things exciting. This is where I began to think about galley designs and amenities when catering for different clientele.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311009/image/large-5af8fa386560169e1ee4ab4fa98415a6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311009">What inspired you to turn your experience onboard into a career in design?I’m not going to tell you it was some sort of epiphany moment by any means. It took a few ebbs and flows over the years into the top end of the industry where I realised that all of the service areas of 90% of new-builds are being designed and built by people that have never worked in the hospitality industry. Very few of the designers building galleys are ex-crew members. Once I recognised this issue and paired it with the poorly designed galleys I’ve worked in, I saw a gap in the market and founded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Galley Designs (Company)">Superyacht Galley Designs</a>.In retrospect It isn’t just galleys suffering when it comes to design. There are also small and impractical pantries I’ve seen while listening to the service staff complain about bad layouts and not enough space. This is when I decided to start my own business. We’ll make sure service areas are protected and outfitted by professional crew during a build, while at the same time pushing a refit down the line by two to three years. This saves the yacht owner money in the long run while positively impacting the guest experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311011/image/large-0799295a4239acf90fc6505137c5557e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311011">Can you share some of the challenges you faced while working in superyacht galleys and how your designs work to overcome them?Problems in the galley design are often around space and lack of proximity. Ideally, wherever the guests eat the galley should realistically be on the same deck - this is great for temperature-controlled delicate food. Another challenge is the hours, ideally if you fit out the galley with the right equipment it can speed up certain tasks immensely.&nbsp;How does your involvement improve the build or refit process onboard?By building a galley from scratch you can install top end equipment that will require little maintenance, ensure less breakdowns, and push back a refit by 2 to 5 years. For example, a galley kitted out with Miele or other domestic appliances is not going to suffice for the constant high-quality food required onboard so ensuring to use industrial brands such as Rational ovens, EGO cook tops, Hobart dishwashers and Liebherr fridges and freezers this will save money in the long run and ultimately prevent any failures during guest trips. Domestic appliances were not designed to feed 30 people three times a day; they break down and negatively impact the guest experience. In my opinion, the busiest spaces on the boat deserve the highest quality equipment and should be designed by people with experience working within that environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311013/image/large-79d1021e142b49b976320353b47715cb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311013">Can you share some of the projects you have worked on during your design and consultancy career?The recently launched 84-metre Feadship, Obsidian has gotten a lot of good reviews from the build team, owner’s team and crew. I also design the galley for the 100-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonrise99.95m (327'11&quot;)Feadship2020">Moonrise</a>. I was proud that this design was replicated on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6651" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ShadowCAT (Company)">Shadowcat</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nebula68.2m (223'9&quot;)Astilleros Armon2022">Nebula</a> and then again on Moonrise 2. My first design has been repeated twice since I initially drew it. I think that says a lot about having a chef design galleys versus companies with experience designing these very unique spaces. There is a new 140m in the water this year that I’m proud of and I’m in the initial design phase of another 140m+.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/205225/image/large-6dc826418d9254ba1d52f4a29faf6bdb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/205225">Do you find that owners/shipyards recognise the importance of crew areas and has this changed during your career?Yes. I believe when a yacht owner has owned multiple yachts they become very aware of the need for enhanced service areas. With spacious and efficient service spaces you will have quicker more efficient service times and a smaller turnover of staff, which ultimately keeps the owner happy. Strangely, shows like Below Deck have helped showcase the lack of space and amenities for crew onboard, which I think has had a positive impact when crafting crew spaces today. &nbsp;I’ve seen so many instances where the service areas get ignored until the last minute of a build.&nbsp;I also notice how guests are coming into the galley more and more. You, of course, have guests who are foodies who want to see, smell and interact with those of us making the food they are about to eat. Today there are more yachts being built with ‘show’ cooking configurations, I think this is down to the primal side in all of us - we like to see others cook for us, hence why galleys should be crafted with owner’s and guests in mind.&nbsp;This article is featured in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/issue-48-superyacht-times-newspaper" target="_blank">Issue 48</a>&nbsp;of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe now</a>&nbsp;to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.&nbsp;

Superyacht galley with Brennan Dates

Superyacht Chef Brennan Dates turns galley designer to elevate onboard dining.

Chef Brennan Dates on the do's and don'ts of galley design

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a> has announced an exclusive appointment as the agent for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> in Asia. This strategic partnership hopes to bring together the two iconic brands, both of which are renowned for their commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and pioneering in the yachting industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309284/image/large-93bdce7c99289d2ae58e9267a68f7e82.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309284">Operating as one of Asia-Pacific’s leading yacht sales and service companies, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a> has already begun a new strategic chapter, with the retirement of the company’s founder, Mike Simpson and the recent acquisition by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, announced on 5th March 2024.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/59876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo acquires 95% of Simpson Marine Group (2024-03-06 09:45:00 +0100)">Sanlorenzo acquires 95% of Simpson Marine Group</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309290/image/large-bbfa5629e30fe9af8305cc907df9a4c3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309290">Simpson Marine</a> now plans to expand beyond Asia and continue operating as a multi-brand dealership with an updated brand portfolio including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bluegame (Company)">Bluegame</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2793" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fairline Boats Ltd (Company)">Fairline</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>.“This notable addition to our portfolio consolidates our presence in the high-end yachting market segment, offering our customers a range of yachts sharing the same principles of the highest craftsmanship and artisan approach,” explained Richard Allen, Chief Operating Officer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309292/image/large-c02fb38a81ceb3b6ad6502ea55d75d7f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309292">The collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> will be officially launched at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/222" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Singapore Yachting Festival - 2024">Singapore Yachting Festival</a>, taking place this week from 25 to 28 April.&nbsp;"The strong network, the key locations and the highly qualified sales and service teams of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a> will bring the best opportunities to develop the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> brand in some established and upcoming markets of Asia,” added Olivier Decamps, Asia-Pacific Regional Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309293/image/large-1d9c30ee6bab86a4338b2dcedc4263c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309293">Simpson Marine</a> is committed to growing the Asia-Pacific market, with the inaugural <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit">Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit</a> being held under the patronage of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Superyachts (Company)">Simpson Superyachts</a>. Taking place in Hong Kong on the 5 and 6 of June, at the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel, the summit aims to develop the Asian superyacht market, in a bid to attract more yachts to the region.James Clayton, Sales Director for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Superyachts (Company)">Simpson Superyachts</a> is also one of the confirmed speakers at the event for the topic of “Selling superyachts in Asia”You can<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/59887" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit 2024 programme announced (2024-04-04 17:00:00 +0200)">&nbsp;find out more about the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit</a> and <a href="https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/asia-pacific-superyacht-summit-2024-tickets-810039679487" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">purchase tickets here</a>.

Simpson Marine appointed Asia's exclusive agent for Nautor Swan

Simpson Marine has announced an exclusive appointment as the agent for Nautor Swan in Asia.

Simpson Marine appointed as exclusive agent for Nautor Swan in Asia

The 98.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aviva98.4m (322'10&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2017">Aviva</a> has reportedly left Malta after her owner, convicted inside-trader Joe Lewis, paid a €5 million fine to the US authorities. The yacht reportedly travelled from Malta along Albania’s coast, before docking at Zakynthos.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/300951/image/large-2f5e08db5ae6a1fd969e72a40dc16f91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/300951">British billionaire Joe Lewis was sentenced to three years of probation on 4 April 2024, after pleading guilty to insider trading charges in New York and admitting to sharing business secrets with personal friends.Lewis was sentenced by a federal judge after admitting to repeatedly passing information about four publicly traded companies to his girlfriend, personal pilot, employees and friends, though he did not personally trade or financially benefit from the information shared.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291464/image/large-55953f9cd105cbb3f7689ffe4cbcc39c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291464">One of Lewis’ companies, Broad Bay Ltd, also pleaded guilty to securities fraud in the case and agreed to pay a $50 million penalty. According to the Associated Press this is "the largest financial penalty for insider trading in a decade.”According to Bloomberg, Lewis pledged his yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aviva98.4m (322'10&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2017">Aviva</a>, along with his private jet to secure his release following his arrest in July. He was prohibited from setting foot onboard the yacht until he had paid a $5 million fine after sentencing, which he settled soon after the verdict in Manhattan.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/59837" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="98m Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht Aviva in Malta (2024-03-01 08:00:00 +0100)">98m Abeking &amp; Rasmussen superyacht Aviva in Malta</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aviva98.4m (322'10&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2017"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291465/image/large-c8a5b4b76e871b101d43dad5b394f424.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291465">Aviva</a> had remained in the Mediterranean port for the past year while Lewis faced charges in the US, but has since cruised to the Greek island of Zakynthos earlier last week. The yacht was then seen near Kalamata in southern Greece, although it was unclear whether Lewis was onboard.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aviva98.4m (322'10&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2017">Aviva</a> was delivered in 2017 from Germany and features interior and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/56" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reymond Langton Design Ltd. (Company)">Reymond Langton Design</a>, with naval architecture by her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a>. She boasts eight guest suites, with key amenities including a helipad, padel tennis court, spa and a cinema.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/43360/image/large-152f9a2cee7ae593d6015229206b47e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/43360">

98m yacht Aviva on the move again after convicted owner pays US fine

The 98m Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht Aviva has reportedly left Malta, after her owner Joe Lewis paid a €5 million fine to the US authorities.

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98m superyacht Aviva on the move again after convicted owner pays US fine

Netherlands-based shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> has announced the retirement of founder Wim van der Valk. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308901/image/large-0cfa0ff17e671aa8b5e90856283454ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308901">Wim van der Valk has been at the helm of the shipyard since its foundation in 1967, and his retirement coincided with the celebration of his 79th birthday. As a result of this, a management buyout of Van der Valk’s shares has taken place, financially supported by a family of experienced yacht owners who have previously commissioned three custom superyachts from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk Shipyard</a>.“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> has firmly established itself in recent years as one of the only yards in the world with the capacity and flexibility to build all-custom superyachts up to 45 metres in length,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308902/image/large-44fd1a92471c056f658eaaffd2f05467.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308902">“The management team of Enrico Theuns, Bram Kooltjes and Yoeri Bijker can leverage on decades of combined experience in the high-end yachting industry and will continue to enjoy the ongoing support of President Emeritus Wim van der Valk as an advisor to the board.”Based in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> boasts 9,000 square metres of facilities, with its seventh construction hall opening last November. As well as this, they also reported a full order book stretching well into 2026, which includes their largest superyacht built to date. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/272384/image/large-3f79af43b9989549f108404a8d5cf2f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/272384">“The significant capital investment will enable <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> to continue growing our unique niche in the market for bespoke yachts between 25 and 45 metres,” commented head of sales Yoeri Bijker.&nbsp;“The new primary shareholders fully understand our yard’s ethos having built several award-winning yachts with us and are committed to ensuring <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> retains its Dutch structure, heritage and quality. We have a solid financial future as an independent entity with various options available for further expansion. Wim’s unrivalled legacy could not be in safer hands.”

Wim Van der Valk retires from Van der Valk shipyard

Netherlands-based shipyard Van der Valk has announced the retirement of founder Wim van der Valk.

Van der Valk Shipyard announces retirement of founder and management buyout

A group of 16 leading boat manufacturers and eight industry associations have come together to develop the first-ever environmental footprint methodology for recreational boats under 24 metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308823/image/large-7f755a2c28b948b5137b3cb872f411d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308823">Tackling climate change and minimising environmental impact a is a significant challenge for the yachting industry. The industry is committed to addressing emissions across the entire lifecycle, however this is only possible with a unified approach.Developed under the umbrella of the European Boating Industry (EBI), the project will be backed up by a database and assessment tool, to allow small and large manufacturers to access the green transition.Among those involved with the project include, Amel Yachts, Amer Yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut|Benetti Group</a>, Bavaria Yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7047" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Beneteau (Company)">Beneteau Group</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7265" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere Del Pardo (Company)">Cantiere del Pardo</a>, Catana Group, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>, Fountaine Pajot, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grand Large Yachting (Company)">Grand Large Yachting</a>, Greenline, Inha Works, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a>, Sasga, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>.The environmental sustainability consultancy Quantis has been chosen as technical partner for the project, with ICOMIA, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations, acting as a strategic partner of the project to ensure global alignment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308818/image/large-e1d9f5e94b0e65abeb83a659c96ef5a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308818">“This is a unique and highly welcome cooperation,” explained Robert Marx, President of EBI. “For the first time, competing manufacturers are committed to jointly addressing the sustainability challenge.”The project will be conducted in two phases, first focusing on developing a science-based and transparent environmental footprint methodology to harmonise calculation rules. In the second phase, the focus will be on implementing this with a comprehensive materials database and user-friendly calculation tool.&nbsp;This will allow manufacturers to conduct eco-design and comprehensively reduce environmental impact, as well as communicate the environmental footprint to consumers, stakeholders and regulators. The project hopes to eventually go beyond carbon emissions and include other critical environmental indicators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308824/image/large-13ce8e821b3be7401b58db04e363f78a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308824">“The outcomes will allow companies of all sizes to access the green transition without greenwashing, reduce environmental impact and proactively shape the regulatory approach in Europe and globally,” added Robert Marx.This combined effort will allow the yachting industry to comply with the latest EU environmental legislation and be ahead of the regulatory curve. The project has already been presented to the EU Commission and has received strong support.The threshold of 24 metres was chosen to align with EU regulations, and will be based on a coherent Life Cycle Assessment approach, following the stringent EU Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules.“We need a proactive and pragmatic approach to sustainability and this project will develop the tools that industry needs,” concluded Robert Marx.

Boating industry to develop landmark Environmental Footprint Standard 

A group of boat manufacturers and industry associations have come together to develop the first environmental footprint methodology for boats.

Boating industry comes together to tackle sustainability in yachts

In January, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a> announced that it had to enter a restructuring phase, stating that it had to transition from a 'founder-funded entity to an investor-funded one, led by experienced industry professionals." The company has now completed its restructuring, with German-American investor and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a> client Michael Said having acquired the shipyard out of administration to fund the construction of all in-build projects. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308337/image/large-812058c3c2553e503fd4e90ebb28dd38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308337">The company has also put a new management team in place, led by the new CEO Fabrizio Iarrera, formerly of both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4387" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monte Carlo Yachts (Company)">Monte Carlo Yachts</a> and Dolce Vita Yachts. Iarrera will run day-to-day operations with support from Michael Said and a board of shareholders. Steve Bell, a veteran manager from manufacturing businesses, has agreed to serve as Vice Chairman of this board and together, they will oversee the new business and assist the new management team to achieve growth.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308325/image/large-34efb50e8a582c4756be751867e7f036.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308325">New CEO Fabrizio Iarrera commented, "<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a> is known and recognised throughout the yachting world for developing the technology to make electric catamarans a reality. There are costs associated with creating an entirely new market, and the original business fell prey to these, at a time when price inflation everywhere was spiralling out of control."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308333/image/large-6e974e48db713ec1223b3e352e089d51.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308333">Michael Said has acquired <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a> through his acquisition firm Helios Yacht Investments GmbH and has taken control of all assets and intellectual property, including the yachts' design and the shipyard in Fano. Said's investment protected the companies 140 employees jobs and has enabled the yard to continue its production, with the company also announcing the launch of the first <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent</a> 62 catamaran. A further seven of the model are due to launch this year. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a> has also confirmed that it will launch the first 23.95-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent</a> 80 model in 2025, the first of which were due for delivery this year.&nbsp;Iarrera added, "Our yacht owners are passionate about the brand and the yacht itself, as our very strong pipeline of orders shows. For Michael Said, it was an easy decision to invest in a restructured S<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">ilent Yachts</a>, and many of our other owners are just as keen. We know we have a job to do to rebuild the brand's reputation, but we've been thrilled by the positive reception we've had from those who have already put in orders."Over the coming two years, the focus of the yard will be to complete all projects currently under construction and will offer additional build slots of 2025 and 2026.

Silent Yachts new ownership

Silent Yachts announces new management and ownership.

Silent Yachts announces new ownership and management

The 42.37-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Class42.37m (139'0&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen1985">Sea Class</a> is on the market with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6884" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Boathouse Auctions (Company)">Boathouse Auctions</a>, and will be up for auction on 13 June. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312398/image/large-23f4d16245585a403e1a4945bf874072.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312398">Delivered by her Germany-based shipyard in 1985, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a>, previously named No Buoys, features an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom Fexas Yacht Design Inc. (Company)">Tom Fexas Yacht Design</a>, interiors by<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1898" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Orsini Design Associates (Company)">&nbsp;Orsini Design Associates</a>, and naval architecture imagined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/566" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Langan Design Partners (Company)">Langan Design Partners</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199644/image/large-082dc714b0848b03c84eab98bdb8959d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199644">With a volume of 279 GT and a beam of 7.02-metres, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> is capable of accommodating as many as 12 guests across her six elegant staterooms, while separate crew living quarters forward can also host up to six crew members.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199634/image/large-11d9bdd02aafbf86fd3280a9c1187205.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199634">When it comes to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3339" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Class42.37m (139'0&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen1985">Sea Class</a>’s exterior deck spaces, plenty of entertainment forms are on offer, ranging from sun-kissed alfresco dining with family and friends across several seating arrangements, or catching some rays while reclining on nautical, navy blue-coloured sunpads. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/192800/image/large-253d0cdd0f3904b5ebfc1ce4e66c8fa9.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/192800">Moreover, guests can admire a panorama of stunning sea views from the comfort of a cosy Jacuzzi while holding a beverage in hand.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199624/image/large-ba9e3ad81c969059d45083f395bbbf31.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199624">Moving inside, convivial gatherings can be hosted in the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/abeking-rasmussen/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen yacht for sale</a>’s saloon, where a plush cream carpet, timeless furnishings, and glamorous dark wood panelling allow for those onboard to socialise in style.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199641/image/large-388efe3a7c11631c6ac06391d5d60e0b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199641">Similarly, the glossy staterooms are decked out in shiny dark wood as well as sumptuous, classic white bedding illuminated by light from the windows, ensuring a relaxing, soothing sleeping environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199635/image/large-ad6b475f4566d33295fcbebc6835f92b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199635">Performance-wise, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sea-class/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Sea Class for sale</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines that can reach a cruising speed of 16 knots, and have an impressive 5,500 nautical mile range at 10 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/11178/image/large-224cd8e02374c14abf9b86c94ec7be11.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11178">

42m Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht Sea Class auction 

The 42.37-metre Abeking & Rasmussen motor yacht Sea Class is on the market with Boathouse Auctions, and will be up for auction on 13 June. 


Auction: 42m Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht Sea Class for sale

After some months of bankruptcy speculation and concerns over the delays in yacht deliveries, the Italian shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a> announced that it would undergo a restructuring to “transition from a founder-funded entity to an investor-funded one.” This April that process came to a close and Michael Said, owner of an in-build <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent</a> 62 and retired lawyer, was reported as the yard’s new majority owner. Michael and his team have since initiated significant changes within the yard to both strategy and personnel. We sat down with him to find out more about his vision for the company going forward and to understand how he plans to rebuild trust in the name <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a>.&nbsp;Firstly, what encouraged you to make this acquisition and where did the journey begin for you?I'm a very, very strong believer in solar, electric boats. I think that's the future. Oil is a limited resource, it's going to get more and more expensive, whereas sailing will always be available to us. There has to be another alternative. So in a way it was very easy for me, when the opportunity came, to say okay I'll jump into the business. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/308333/image/large-6e974e48db713ec1223b3e352e089d51.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/308333">I also have a yacht in construction and when the issues with the yard began I didn't want to lose that project. I made the decision to fund them in liquidation because no one else did and that would have left all of the current owners without their yachts – in that sense it was an easy decision.Why did you buy a&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent</a>&nbsp;62 in the first place, why not another company such as&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a>?This is my first yacht, though I have always been passionate about the sea. I did a lot of research before choosing the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a> and the main thing that swayed me is that they are the only fully solar powered yachts, whereas <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> are hybrid-electric. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> is an excellent company and they perform very well in their niche, but I do not see them as a direct competitor of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a>. We do, of course, have a small generator in case anything goes wrong, but the main energy source is solar and I was very impressed with that. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312409/image/large-2a9201244771d261a3c55586bcc87134.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312409">You acquired&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a>&nbsp;with Helios Yacht Investments, is this a new company and your first foray into yachting?Yes it is. &nbsp;I have an absolutely fantastic team around me. People who know what they're doing. Between the new CEO of the company, Fabrizio Iarrera and Steve Bell, the vice chairman of the board, who is looking after my investments, I feel very comfortable that I trust them. I also know everybody at the factory and have made the effort to be very hands-on at the shipyard. Overall I feel very comfortable with our decisions and I plan to be in this for the long term.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312410/image/large-1771fd8422eb15b390d69bf915a24acc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312410">The company's reputation has suffered in recent years, particularly with very few yachts in the water. What is your strategy to change this?&nbsp;Right now our entire focus is to get yachts delivered. We are committed to all of those owners who have already invested in us and a lot of them have signed LOI’s, and we are also receiving a lot of interest from new clients. The promise I made when I took over the company was ‘I am one of you, I am in the same boat as I have waited for my yacht and I understand your frustration, but we promise to turn this around.’&nbsp;We are implementing new production lines to increase the speed of production and with every launch, I believe, we will rebuild that trust. It is important to say that we see this as a new business, this is now a corporation not a founder run shipyard. I invite anybody who has any doubts to come and visit us, we're not hiding anything. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312408/image/large-80d9db438fd3a4258757c2931c1402a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312408">The only way to prove that we are committed is to fulfill the promises we’ve made to our clients and we look forward to doing exactly that.

A new era for Silent Yachts? 

 Francesca Webster sits down with Michael Said, the new owner of Silent Yachts, which completed major restructuring following bankruptcy. 


New Silent Yachts owner Michael Said on rebuilding the brand

The Maxi 72 yacht Bella Mente has been crowned as the winner of the third IMA Maxi European Championship. Held out of Sorrento, the event, which comprised the Regata dei Tre Golfi offshore race followed by four days of windward-leeward and coastal racing. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312415/image/large-6f5d088ade9f53768e1806ea88ff5e83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312415">Supported by Rolex as the Official Timepiece, yesterday’s popular lap of Capri, was organised by Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia (CRVI) and supported by Loro Piana. Taking place between 17 to 23 May, the regatta includes a 150 miles long-distance race along the course of the 69th Regata dei Tre Golfi.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312412/image/large-26d246cee79ad4d97d6924ce673e5501.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312412">After taking the lead the previous day, Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente took an early lead and remained there for the rest of the race. Although the three <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>centos , <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet 3</a> were expected to hold the top positions, Bella Mente remained ahead to secure the final race win. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312414/image/large-db8908b50e0072e3138c7f00c778f37f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312414">Sir Peter Ogden’s IRC 77 yacht Jethou finished six points behind Bella Mente and claimed the second place podium, while the defending champion, Peter Dubens' Maxi 72 North Star finished in third place. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312417/image/large-494c9597b0e950223388c3a9d438ff3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312417">“She has legs is all I can say,” explained Hap Fauth of Bella Mente. We got an unbelievably good start - there was a lot of congestion but we found a hole and were gone. We had speed against all of the 100 footers, I am so glad that they got a race off today, even if it required patience for everyone, participants and committee.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312416/image/large-d8e4b667045e7b6d2e3635d6affab9a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312416">Although Bella Mente is only five-years old, she has undergone constant renovations to ensure she is a high-performer. Since her delivery, she now sports twin rudders, a water ballast system and a powerboat-style interceptor on her transom.Having won the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup last September and the IMA Maxi European this week, Hap Fauth is hoping to make it a triple win if his AC75 American Magic successfully challenges for the America’s Cup in Barcelona this October.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312414/image/large-db8908b50e0072e3138c7f00c778f37f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312414">Due to the way this championship is scored, Paul Berger's <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 80 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6562" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kallima24.89m (81'8&quot;)Nautor Swan2001">Kallima</a> won Class 3 by two points, based on results from Class 3 alone, while Guido Paolo Gamucci’s canting Mylius 60 Cippa Lippa X was the higher scoring Class 3 boat in the overall results.“We have had a fantastic week with a great mix of conditions and almost no rain,” concluded the International Maxi Association Secretary General Andrew McIrvine. “Congratulations to IMA Vice President Hap Fauth and the Bella Mente team - they are worthy winners.”

Bella Mente wins the IMA Maxi European Championship 2024

The Maxi 72 yacht Bella Mente has been crowned as the winner of the IMA Maxi European Championship 2024.

Standing out in the sea of yacht charter, sales, and management companies can be challenging, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DOKA YACHTING (Company)">Doka Yachting</a> has honed its vision to set itself apart. Founded in 2020 by dynamic duo Antoni Vlnieska and Dominika Kitowska, former crew members, they recognised the importance of sound advice and guidance, drawing from first-hand experiences onboard. We learn more about their journey, from former crew members to successful entrepreneurs, their vision for the future of their business, and their thoughts on the industry. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310980/image/large-8e1f81f2f2ac8146f5e112288037960d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310980">How did you first establish&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DOKA YACHTING (Company)">Doka Yachting</a>?Antoni: I started in the yachting industry at 16 years old; I was an engineer, then worked my way to Captain. I worked across the Mediterranean and the US and met Dominika six years ago when we worked onboard together. Then, in 2020, we decided to move away from crewing and start the company. I first started it on my own, and once I had more work, we built it together. In the beginning, we just had one yacht and were doing charters. Then, step by step, friends and colleagues in our network started to refer us. We have now been based in Monaco for a year. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310982/image/large-00e778335ea1dc63d6a97e7f63d3261b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310982">What factors helped&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DOKA YACHTING (Company)">Doka Yachting</a>&nbsp;develop?&nbsp;Dominika: Firstly, starting in the pandemic was a huge benefit for us. It brought us many new clients who were scared of conventional travel and turned toward the yachting industry. The charter season of 2022 was an excellent season for us. Being ex-crew members has been so beneficial for us in building our company, as we began by utilising our existing yachting network.Antoni: Being a young company, in the beginning, it took some time to gain the trust of brokers and clients and go through all the correct processes and certifications, but we are there now and are much more established. Last year was a breakthrough year in sales for us, which helped develop our branch in Monaco and included sales such as 46.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6034" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Audace46.6m (152'11&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2019">Audace</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1726" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arcadia Yachts (Company)">Arcadia</a> 115’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4974" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M35.0m (114'10&quot;)Arcadia Yachts2014">M</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> 36.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Matsu36.5m (119'9&quot;)ISA Yachts2007">Matsu</a>. Today, we have a great fleet for an agency our size and a promising season ahead, with bookings already for next year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/87079/image/large-12a28e945cd0bf08ab68439f7aa835d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/87079"> How has your onboard experience benefitted&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DOKA YACHTING (Company)">Doka Yachting</a>?Antoni: Being a couple and former crew members ourselves, we wanted to establish a family-oriented business. Transitioning into yacht brokerage felt like a natural progression for us. While we had to learn the professional aspects of brokerage, our first-hand experience onboard gives us a deep understanding of crew dynamics and technical operations. When we assist in selling or purchasing a yacht, we discuss all aspects with the crew and go onboard the vessel, allowing us to give an in-depth technical perspective that sets us apart. This hands-on approach of being ex-crew allows us to see the whole picture that some may overlook. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310984/image/large-f1274e30bb9960bceafb20782ac57a5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310984">Can you describe your current portfolio and client base?&nbsp;Antoni: Most of our yachts came naturally to us. For example, the friend of an owner who was the first seller of the first boat we sold is how we transitioned into sales. We always knew we wanted to do sales, but we started with charter and then it developed. Our big goal at the moment is to get more yachts in our portfolio above 60 metres for charter to allow us to have more yachts to propose to our clients.&nbsp;Dominika: We have quite a lot of clients that come back to us each year since we began, which is great. In terms of the clients requesting charters, we have definitely experienced the wave of the younger generation entering the industry. We work closely with a lot of Captains and have built these relationships, so a lot of our business comes from these referrals. We have quite a big CA charter listing for an agency our size. Some of our most successful charter yachts are <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Matsu36.5m (119'9&quot;)ISA Yachts2007">Matsu</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> 37-metres, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1975" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Eva31.52m (103'5&quot;)Cheoy Lee1993">Eva</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/517" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cheoy Lee (Company)">Cheoy Lee</a> 35-metres; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12887" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skyra28.51m (93'6&quot;)Riviera2013">Skyra</a> Integrity 29-metres; and Splash <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> 22-metre for day charters. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310985/image/large-06c4ebe6d541c4de3cb75d9968cddd76.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310985">What sets you apart from the competition?Antoni: The key factors for us are our technical knowledge and our previous experience as a former crew; we understand how the industry works on both sides. Our clients are very happy, and they come back to us as they know we bring this experience. When I go to check out a boat for a client, I always talk to the Captain and analyse the technical side and look into how it has been maintained.&nbsp;Dominika: Combining our charter crewing experience with our fresh approach is what sets us apart. We have a genuine passion for what we do, and we hope to bring a younger, more dynamic perspective to the brokerage industry through ourselves and by building our team out. Also, having worked on charter yachts ourselves, we have a lot of knowledge about client needs, which is a big advantage for us when securing our charter clients. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310979/image/large-1a7a68b5c78db6c2f71bc9f262392dd8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310979">How will you look to build your team?Antoni: Each year, we set goals to see where we want to go, and this year, our vision is growth. So, we are looking at a bigger office and to grow the company. But growth isn't just about size; it's about the joy of collaborating and working with others to develop a team with one vision. We want like-minded and passionate people working with us. We are looking for long-term partners to develop a trustworthy relationship and who will value <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DOKA YACHTING (Company)">Doka</a> just as much as we do.&nbsp;Dominika: For now, we are recruiting people with that same technical, first-hand knowledge. We are first looking for an additional person on the sales side to accompany Antoni, and I will need another person to help me with the charter side in the run-up to a busy season. Our work ethic has always been to help each other out, so we aim to grow our team naturally over the next couple of months and keep that element of teamwork at the front. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310983/image/large-d079939cf433d2f91a0b4b2f810f7c28.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310983">How do you embrace technology and adapt to industry developments?Dominika: Today, it isn't as important to have a physical office but to be present online. For a smaller company like ours, our online presence is how we can get quickly on top. There are definitely more and more digital tools out there; we are pretty strong on the digital side and utilise various platforms, smart tools and technologies within our company. There is also the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), which has enormous potential to shape the industry's future. Many clients coming into the industry have made their money in these technology sectors, such as AI and cryptocurrency, so it will almost become obligatory for the industry to accept these developments. Although, at the moment, our AI implementation is modest, we understand its significance and will expand our use of these digital tools as the industry evolves.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310976/image/large-58ba3e2992fd8aee49ff08bb1612cbd0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310976">Finally, what do you envision for the future of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="DOKA YACHTING (Company)">Doka Yachting</a>?Antoni: We try to do a little more each year, and this has come naturally so far, so it will continue when the team grows. We will advise each other and continually improve. We want to keep our family-oriented values when we offer something we deliver, which is very important and why clients keep returning to us. At the moment, our recruitment will focus on sales and charter, but eventually, we would also like to grow our management team.Dominika: We take pride in our achievements so far as a small company based in Monaco, and we continue to be driven by our passion for steady and sustainable growth and evolution. By embracing innovation, adapting to changes in the industry, and nurturing a team, we are confident that we will continue to thrive and establish ourselves even further in the industry.&nbsp;

Doka Yachting superyacht agency

Behind the scenes of the boutique brokerage Doka Yachting.

How Doka Yachting leverages crew experience to develop boutique agency 

The first renders of 36.3-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> Martinique motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshine36.3m (119'1&quot;)Moonen Yachts2024">Moonshine</a>’s custom interiors have been revealed, providing a closer look at the vessel’s craftsmanship, following her launch in April.&nbsp;Due to be delivered to her owners before the summer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshine36.3m (119'1&quot;)Moonen Yachts2024">Moonshine</a>’s indoor living areas showcase an imaginative colour scheme and playful use of light, which are the product of a collaboration between the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6871" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hollander Yacht Design (Company)">Hollander Yacht Design</a> team and her Dutch builder, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a>.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60297" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sixth 36m Moonen Martinique motor yacht Moonshine launched (2024-04-26 14:00:00 +0200)">Sixth 36m Moonen Martinique motor yacht Moonshine launched</a>Exhibiting a colour palette inspired by the moon, according to the design studio’s co-founders Simon Hollander and Alexandra Nicolaescu, the sixth Martinique yacht from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a>’s fast displacement steel hull series. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312394/image/large-fc7c662fa0bedca5403ed6eff4c88ecd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312394">“The owners emphasised the importance of infusing distinct personalities into each area of the yacht based on its function. Drawing inspiration from both the light and dark side of the moon, the main deck is dominated by soft, silver, and beige hues, transitioning seamlessly to a darker, more enigmatic atmosphere on the bridge deck,” explained Alexandra Nicolaescu.The same enigmatic quality extends to the lofty saloon’s interesting, varied abundance of textures, as a sumptuous cream sofa is embellished with fluffy pillows, while artwork decorating the walls seems to resemble shattered glass.&nbsp;A moon-like ambiance also surrounds the lavish formal dining area, where intricately patterned chairs, a deep blue colour palette referencing both the ocean and sky, along with contemporary-styled lighting fixtures pave the way for an aesthetically pleasing dining experience. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312393/image/large-0780e303712fbec53acacc3e168ba102.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312393">Moving into the motor yacht’s twin stateroom, light-coloured ceilings, walls, and floors, paired with a window for natural light, create a luminous sleeping sanctuary. In addition, eye-catching, red, orange and cold pillows as well as fluffy blankets adorn the glamorous bedding. At a volume of 345 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshine36.3m (119'1&quot;)Moonen Yachts2024">Moonshine</a> is capable of sleeping up to 12 guests onboard thanks to her five stateroom layout. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312392/image/large-725e98a7597af9aa72fc8a35dc87d949.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312392">On her exterior deck, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshine36.3m (119'1&quot;)Moonen Yachts2024">Moonshine</a> also sports an impressive, futuristic Infinity pool so that guests can take in uninterrupted, panoramic views of the surrounding scenery, or catch some rays on the seating arrangements nearby. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312395/image/large-3565a9e1a4291e0c554a03e480a98ef2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312395">“The owners had a clear vision of what they wanted,” Simon Hollander added. “The amount of special materials from different suppliers is quite something! We also ended up custom making furniture to make sure it would meet their needs perfectly.”Performance-wise, the yacht is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines that propel her to a cruising speed of 14.5 knots and a top speed of 17 knots. Once she is delivered, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonshine36.3m (119'1&quot;)Moonen Yachts2024">Moonshine</a> is set to cruise the Mediterranean and Caribbean before arriving at her new home in San Diego, California. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/309783/image/large-b9c21e89921a69bc4f295721a3e78391.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/309783">

First interior look at 36m Moonen Martinique yacht Moonshine 

Renders of 36.3-metre Moonen Martinique motor yacht Moonshine’s custom interiors have been revealed, providing a closer look at her craftsmanship. 


First look inside 36m Moonen Martinique motor yacht Moonshine 

Yacht brokerage <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5532" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roccabella Yachts (Company)">Roccabella Yachts</a> has appointed Nick Duke as their new Director of the US-based firm. Founded in 2014, the company specialises in the representation of clients during sale, purchase, and the construction of motor and sailing yachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312385/image/large-7d7145b9daaf730cd8cb73c16f577142.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312385">As a Virginia native who spent his childhood summers sailing on the east end of New York’s Long Island, Nick Duke has had a lifelong passion for boating and yachting. Joining the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5532" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roccabella Yachts (Company)">Roccabella</a> team after working at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>, Duke's background was originally in communications and advertising before he joined the yachting industry.Later, Duke worked as a crew member onboard a number of private and charter yachts. Therefore, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5532" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roccabella Yachts (Company)">Roccabella Yachts</a>’ new Director boasts a wealth of knowledge when it comes to vessels and the wider industry, including regulations, operations, and crewing guidelines, all of which make his expertise a valuable asset to his new team.&nbsp;

Roccabella Yachts USA appoints Nick Duke as Director 

Yacht brokerage firm Roccabella Yachts has appointed Nick Duke as their new Director. 


Nick Duke appointed as Director of Roccabella Yachts USA 

The 32.72-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1784" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenora32.72m (107'4&quot;)Wally1999">Kenora</a> sold in a deal with Sean McCarter of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop & Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> acting on behalf of the buyer and seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312379/image/large-85fcdc37a32f85ca3b9ef25a4627047c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312379">Delivered in 1999 from the UK, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1784" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenora32.72m (107'4&quot;)Wally1999">Kenora</a> was designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/502" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Brenta & Co (Company)">Luca Brenta &amp; Co</a> which were responsible for the interior, exterior and naval architecture. She showcases a sleek and modern exterior design, with innovative lines that were ahead of her time. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312377/image/large-bcb8296d1e3afc6c029fd045180a9390.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312377"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312381/image/large-7d18eade2d6de9962bc3776d475f6102.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312381">Designed with comfort and safety in mind, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1784" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenora32.72m (107'4&quot;)Wally1999">Kenora</a> features a light and bright saloon, with ample seating and a dining area. The blend of wood, carbon and light-colored fabrics create a modern feel, with a wet bar and study area providing distinct areas to work and relax. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1784" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenora32.72m (107'4&quot;)Wally1999"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312383/image/large-ed2e52ea27a66f92c9a8138c1178eac9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312383"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312384/image/large-304036aa8eae0ff8710dbfb22553a9ba.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312384">Kenora</a> can comfortably accommodate up to six guests across three staterooms, with her master stateroom including his-and-hers washrooms, while two ensuite guest staterooms are situated forward. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1784" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenora32.72m (107'4&quot;)Wally1999"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312376/image/large-86deb6689f169206f8f68e8943febdc9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312376"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312380/image/large-8ea1d88830df8d4e503de32111c69528.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312380">Kenora</a> provides spacious areas for sunbathing and relaxing at the water’s edge. Her flush foredeck provides additional storage space if desired for a large tender.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312378/image/large-9bb9ef7d1d171911491df14be181b539.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312378">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1784" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenora32.72m (107'4&quot;)Wally1999">Kenora</a> is powered by one <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engine, which gives her a top speed of 10 knots. At the time of sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1784" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kenora32.72m (107'4&quot;)Wally1999">Kenora</a> had a last known asking price of €2,750,000.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312375/image/large-dac13a2c2a7aeb7d278b1673e71ad53f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312375">

33m Wally sailing yacht Kenora sold

The 33m Wally sailing yacht Kenora sold, with a last known asking price of €2,750,000.

33m Wally sailing yacht Kenora sold in-house

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/312354/image/large-e207811f0adc0dc1514ac06413ee084d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/312354">The 71.1-metre classic motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft1929">Haida 1929</a> was recently seen cruising through the Chittenden Locks and Lake Washington Ship Canal in Seattle, United States. Built by the German shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/263" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft (Company)">Krupp Germaniawerft</a> in 1929, she has sailed under various names such as Dona Amelia and has undergone multiple refits, notably in 2016, 2018, and most recently in 2023. Her exterior design was crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>, while her interior was originally styled by<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/264" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J.G. Verges Design (Company)">&nbsp;J.G. Verges Design</a>, with significant contributions from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/477" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adam Lay Studio (Company)">Adam Lay Studio</a> during later refits. She is powered by original twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1615" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Krupp Mak (Company)">Krupp Mak</a> six-cylinder diesel engines, which are among the oldest working engines still in their original setting, allowing her to reach a maximum speed of 14 knots. With a volume of 720 GT, the classic yacht accommodates up to 12 guests in seven staterooms and can carry up to 18 crew members. Awarded Best Refitted Yacht in 2019, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft1929">Haida 1929</a> features a spa, cinema, and an extended top deck for al fresco dining and spectacular sea views.&nbsp;

Classic motor yacht Haida 1929 in Seattle

The classic yacht Haida 1929, built by Krupp Germaniawerft, is seen cruising in Seattle, United States.

The 37.04-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line (Company)">Custom Line</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9345" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules37.04m (121'6&quot;)Custom Line2022">Jules</a>, previously named Think Bigger, has been sold with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Yacht International (Company)">Royal Yacht International</a> introducing the buyer, whilst Sean Fenniman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allied Marine (Company)">Allied Marine</a> represented the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299584/image/large-5b74723aedf04be3622b691508c1f649.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299584"> Delivered in 2022 as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line (Company)">Custom Line</a> Navetta 37 series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9345" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules37.04m (121'6&quot;)Custom Line2022">Jules</a> features exterior and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuccon International Project (Company)">Zuccon International Project</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line (Company)">Custom Line</a>. She can accommodate up to 10 guests onboard, across five staterooms, as well as seven crew members, including the captain.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299574/image/large-77cb15aee886b71c8cd0929bcfd07ff9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299574"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9345" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules37.04m (121'6&quot;)Custom Line2022">Jules</a> features a contemporary saloon with an elongated L-shaped sofa and two circular coffee tables. The expansive windows in her main saloon allow ample natural light to fill the space.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299578/image/large-438da293ba5358f333856f8d66468967.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299578"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299579/image/large-f7b9faeea1165e556975db152e0896f9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299579"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299580/image/large-745b1ec9a4a1c7663f88cf2a60e98bcb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299580">Exterior features onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9345" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules37.04m (121'6&quot;)Custom Line2022">Jules</a> include a sundeck with a temperature-controlled Jacuzzi, spacious bow sunpads, a fully-equipped bar, and comfortable lounge seating beneath a jet-black hardtop.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299576/image/large-6ab28b49555533900799401c13f892cc.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299576"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9345" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jules37.04m (121'6&quot;)Custom Line2022">Jules</a> has a GRP hull and superstructure. Performance-wise, she is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which give her a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 15.5 knots. At the time of her sale, she had a last known asking price of $18,900,000.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299582/image/large-b5024151216046b8eee8f009ea182151.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299582">

37m Custom Line motor yacht Jules sold

The 37m Custom Line motor yacht Jules sold with Royal Yacht International introducing the buyer and Allied Marine representing the seller.

Expedition yacht charters have traditionally been associated with a predominantly Western clientele. It is, however, interesting to find that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>, a superyacht brokerage, new-build and charter service company established in 1984 that specialises in the Asian market, has achieved notable success in this sector. This success highlights a shifting dynamic in the preferences and behaviours of yacht charter customers, particularly in the Asian market.An expedition yacht charter offers the charter of specialised yachts designed for long-distance, autonomous cruising in diverse marine environments, including remote and often challenging locations. The yachts, often known as explorer yachts, are built for durability and extended voyages, featuring robust hulls and advanced navigation systems that enable them to withstand rough waters. Larger and offering enhanced autonomy, they allow for extensive travel without the need for frequent resupply, allowing them to travel to more remote destinations.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/288142/image/large-e746be8f1d68aafc2188dc72b6190da9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/288142"><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a> writer Enrico Chhibber recently sat down with James Clayton, the Director of Sales at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Superyachts (Company)">Simpson Superyachts</a> division, to discuss the latest trend of expedition yacht charters in the Asian market and explore how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a> excels in facilitating this type of service for their clients.Origins of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>&nbsp;expedition yacht charter market: The conversation began by tracing the origins of the increasing demand for expedition yacht charters. Clayton, noted <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>’s pioneering role in the yachting industry within the region, stating that: "Historically, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a> has been at the forefront, facilitating not only the sale of expedition yachts, with some being from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> Explorer range (500EXP <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6442" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Dreamwalker III47.0m (154'2&quot;)Sanlorenzo2018">Dreamwalker III</a>), but also managing the sale of the first superyacht in Asia—the 64.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/607" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ambrosia64.8m (212'7&quot;)Benetti SpA2006">Ambrosia</a>. This vessel featured advanced technology, such as diesel-electric propulsion pods, enabling it to travel thousands of miles.”Moreover, Clayton noted that over the years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a> has facilitated the construction and delivery of approximately four expedition yachts. He also noted that this growing interest in expedition-style yachts has been mirrored by an increased demand for chartering the explorer-style vessels in the last five years.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178726/image/large-35669913bf6a17e70198ac1bcdc548e2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178726">Ewa Starchuska, Vice President of Marketing at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>, affirmed James Clayton’s observations, stating, “Asian clients have increasingly sought out expedition charters. Although still in its early stages, this trend started to emerge around &nbsp;five years ago, it has been steadily growing.”Client composition and expedition preferences at Simpson Marine: When asked about the composition of the Asian market and its main nationalities, Clayton explained that the majority of their charter clients are Chinese, accounting for more than half. “Around a quarter are Thai, a market not to be underestimated,” he noted. He also mentioned that a significant number of clients are Singaporeans, a group with considerable wealth. Indonesians, too, are beginning to enter the market. However, Clayton affirmed the Chinese customers are the primary clientele for expedition charters at the moment.Further highlighting the exploratory preferences among Asian buyers, Starchuska shared details about a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sanlorenzo (Company)">Sanlorenzo</a> 500EXP Explorer superyacht &nbsp;which was delivered in La Spezia, Italy in 2019 and only recently arrived in Hong Kong this January after a remarkable five-and-a-half-year global journey. She explained: &nbsp;“The superyacht has navigated the globe, from the Caribbean to Alaska, across the South Pacific, and through Australia and New Zealand, before reaching the Philippines, Indonesia, and China. This extensive itinerary further underscores the exploratory desires of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>’s Asian clients.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311984/image/large-8664763a4e8e5691123eb1c4eca4b92d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311984">Clayton then pointed out that he had booked a long charter for Chinese clients in Svalbard, Norway—a beautiful, semi-autonomous group of islands under Norwegian jurisdiction. He described it as a place where guests can see polar bears and have incredible experiences. Clayton then added that this is just one of many examples of charters they have booked in such exotic locations.Popular cruising destinations: As the conversation progressed, Clayton expanded on the popular cruising destinations among his clientele. “During the Northern European summer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>'s clients frequently visit the Arctic regions. Many expedition yacht charters head north, with key destinations including the Arctic Ocean, the Norwegian coastline, Iceland, and Greenland.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311997/image/large-a0186b8770aabdcaa74f2e8707da0d12.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311997">In the summer months of June, July, and August, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Simpson Marine (Company)">Simpson Marine</a>’s clients enjoy itineraries that feature the stunning northern parts of Norway, such as Lofoten, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. For those in the Americas during this period, Alaska is a favoured destination. Transitioning to spring, Clayton highlights the unique opportunities for heli-skiing off the coast of Greenland, particularly in April. These expeditions necessitate yachts equipped with helicopter landing capabilities, crucial not only for the sport but also for ensuring safety and addressing medical emergencies.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311983/image/large-25b46e69da7296ab9e002fb324eee9ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311983">As European winter sets in, those seeking a winter adventure turn their sights toward Antarctica, where it is summer. The optimal time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months of December, January, and February. Additionally, Patagonia offers exceptional heli-skiing opportunities in October or March, appealing to adventurers during South America's spring and autumn. Beyond these cold-weather activities, Clayton notes fantastic opportunities for diving in the South Pacific, including French Polynesia, and the Indian Ocean destinations like Mauritius and Seychelles, ideal for those eager to engage in underwater expeditions during diving-centric weeks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178724/image/large-dfe261686fb51fadf9eed11621e4c051.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178724">When asked as to why the Asian charter clients are drawn to expedition yacht charters, Clayton attributed this to a distinct approach to adventure. He further commented that: “Unlike typical European charter clients who might prefer the social scenes of beach clubs, tennis, and upscale restaurants, Asian clients seek more remote and adventurous experiences. They are not interested in the conventional beach holiday that can be enjoyed without a yacht. Instead, they are drawn to charters that allow them to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations that are accessible only by yacht, where the vessel's self-sufficiency becomes essential.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311998/image/large-8281415a52a995634c7073373bd12081.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311998">During the ongoing conversation, Clayton further elaborated explaining how expedition yachts are particularly suited to these needs because they are equipped with the necessary amenities for extended, remote voyages. This includes ample cold storage, medical facilities, and the capability for emergency evacuations. Additionally, the range of these yachts is a crucial factor. Unlike a standard yacht that might travel around the Mediterranean with a range of 1,000-2,000 nautical miles, expedition yachts can have a range of 5,000-7,000 miles, enabling them to reach remote islands in the South Pacific and return without needing to refuel.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/311985/image/large-3647d2e88ebf04f45d7000af5bea255f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/311985">Clayton further commented that planning these trips requires meticulous attention to detail. Everything needed for the duration of the journey must be onboard from the outset, as there won't be opportunities to resupply at a local store. This level of planning makes the charters highly organised and tailored to the specific needs of their clients.” It's a growing market, especially popular among Asians who appreciate the unique blend of luxury and adventure that these charters provide,” affirmed Clayton.

How Simpson Marine delivers the ideal expedition charter experiences

SYT sat down with James Clayton to discuss the latest trend of expedition yacht charters in the Asian market.

Business

5 questions with... Mike Simpson from Simpson Marine