United States

Fleming Yachts 

Founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Outer Reef Yachts (Company)">Outer Reef Yachts</a>, Jeff Druek, reflects on a maritime journey that began with commercial fishing and led to the foundation of one of the American industry’s favourite long-range cruiser brands. In this exclusive conversation, he discusses the brand’s foundations, his strategic expansion into Europe, and how a shifting clientele is reshaping <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Outer Reef Yachts (Company)">Outer Reef’s</a> future.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373903/image/large-1d475310c5dcb3872066e02af123b8d5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373903">Jeff, your path into yacht building is quite unconventional. Can you tell us how your early career led to the founding of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Outer Reef Yachts (Company)">Outer Reef Yachts</a>?It all started somewhat unintentionally. Before I ever considered yacht building, I was a lifelong boater – a true boat rat. My commercial fishing background gave me a deep appreciation for trawler-style vessels. After many years of building custom homes in the Hamptons, I found myself shopping for a long-range cruiser, something beyond the 30 to 50-foot sport yachts I owned. I was seriously considering a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6321" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fleming Yachts (Company)">Fleming</a>, which at the time was one of the industry leaders. But as a custom home builder, I was baffled by the lack of flexibility in yacht design – it reminded me of Henry Ford’s famous line: “You can have any colour you want, as long as it’s black.”So, I made the bold – and somewhat naïve – decision to build my own boat. It was never intended to become a business. But the first 60-foot yacht I built attracted interest right away and sold at a boat show. I made a modest profit and decided to build a second, a 75-footer, which also sold quickly. What began as a passion project evolved into <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Outer Reef Yachts (Company)">Outer Reef Yachts</a>, which has now been going strong for over 25 years.Outer Reef builds in Taiwan – why did you choose to base production there?Taiwan has long been the benchmark for building long-range cruisers. Most of the major players – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6321" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fleming Yachts (Company)">Fleming</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2047" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nordhavn Yachts (Company)">Nordhavn</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6381" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kadey-Krogen Yachts (Company)">Krogen</a> – have or had a presence there. The build quality and value for money are exceptional, and we’ve worked with the same shipyard for well over two decades. Though costs have risen, the consistency and craftsmanship remain top-tier. I don’t own the facility – like most in the industry, we subcontract, which has been a recognisable model since the 1970s.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373901/image/large-dbafb8c923841aa0837b07cd1a1d1dcc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373901">Was it difficult to ensure quality control so far from home in those early days?It was a significant challenge. I was flying over to Taiwan every three weeks in the beginning. Even now, while I don’t travel quite as frequently, each yacht undergoes a rigorous inspection and sea trial regime by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Outer Reef Yachts (Company)">Outer Reef</a> staff. Quality assurance has never been an afterthought – it’s embedded in everything we do.Building a brand in the yachting world isn’t easy. How did&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Outer Reef Yachts (Company)">Outer Reef</a>&nbsp;establish itself?It took years, but I’ve always approached this as a serious business. Back in the 80s and 90s, the industry in the US had more of a party culture, but I brought a business-first mentality. I funded everything myself – no banks, no investors. I’ve never worked for anyone else, so failure wasn’t an option.What really cemented our brand was our commitment to after-sales service. Boats – no matter how well-built – will have issues. But when you solve them quickly and support your clients unconditionally, that’s what builds loyalty. Many of my team members have been with me for over 20 years. It’s a close-knit group and that continuity shows.Tell us about the merger of the Dutch builder&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3031" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lynx Yachts (Company)">Lynx Yachts</a>&nbsp;– how did that relationship begin?Initially, we were simply looking to expand our product offering to reduce lead times, which had reached almost three years. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3031" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lynx Yachts (Company)">Lynx</a> was an interesting prospect because they were building a solid product but lacked in-house marketing and they relied on brokers who were more focused on commissions than brand building.Our expertise is in branding and marketing, so the synergy was obvious. I sometimes say we are a marketing company that happens to build boats. What began as a potential sales partnership evolved into something much larger. Eventually, we merged with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3031" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lynx Yachts (Company)">Lynx</a> to secure long-term stability and ensure we weren’t building a brand for someone else to capitalise on later.What has the European response been since the European move?The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Our American clients applauded the move, and we’ve seen a significant uptick in European interest – nearly 60% of current leads are now from Europe. US Buyers have historically been more cautious about metal yachts, however the market’s understanding of metal construction is quickly evolving, particularly with innovations in modern yachting coating systems. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373900/image/large-a1d65c12c90555c0b1a835a0b99bd48f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373900">You mentioned changing demographics. How have buyer expectations evolved?Our average client age has shifted dramatically – from 60–65 down to around 45–50. Many younger clients are after adventure and exploration, and they’re often seeking more contemporary interiors, even in classically styled hulls. Our new 54 Adventure series, for example, was designed with a younger audience in mind. We worked with Bernd Weel on the design, and remarkably, the final version is almost identical to his first draft – he just nailed it.You’ve also hinted at moving into the 40–50-metre segment. Will those builds be on spec?No. I’m a conservative businessman. I don’t build anything on spec. Everything we build has an owner involved in the project. I’ve seen too many businesses collapse by overextending. We’ve designed and engineered a 43-metre model, and now, with a capable steel shipyard in the Netherlands, we’re poised to expand into that market.&nbsp;And geographically – where is&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4433" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Outer Reef Yachts (Company)">Outer Reef</a>&nbsp;heading next?The Pacific Rim is a key growth area. We’re entering Indonesia and revisiting Australia, where we had a presence for 15 years. The Aussie dollar hasn’t been favourable in recent years, but we’re seeing renewed potential there. Europe remains strong, and with our new steel capabilities, we expect to grow significantly in the 24–50 metre range.Finally, what are clients asking for now that they weren’t before?There’s a real shift towards owner-operated boats and downsizing. Many are coming from 40 metre yachts and seeking something more manageable, with less reliance on crew. Design is also crucial – if you can deliver 50 metre interior volume on a 30 metre hull through smart design, you’re on to something. That’s where we’re focusing our energy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373899/image/large-63386133ac6a98a32018eb3d6f55dcdf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373899">This article was first published in issue 54 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, available for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-54?utm_source=yachtchartermarket.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=cruising-asia-s-untapped-paradise" target="_blank">download here</a>.

Charting New Waters: Jeff Druek on the origins and evolution of Outer Reef Yachts

Jeff Druek on the origins and evolution of Outer Reef Yachts, expansion into Europe and plans for bigger yachts.

New yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival 2025

SuperYacht Times curated a list of yachts expected to have their public debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025.


Yacht debuts at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025

The third hull in the 25.98–metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6321" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fleming Yachts (Company)">Fleming</a> 85 series has been delivered to her new owners in the United States of America.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294964/image/large-ec42aacac427cae8ae874d3cf49a632c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294964">Scheduled to be delivered in 2023, she features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1111" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norman R. Wright & Son's (Company)">Norman R. Wright &amp; Sons</a>. Furthermore, she can accomodate up to eight guests onboard the motor yacht and she also has accommodation for three crew members including the captain. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294966/image/large-5b0c11fae59f51d8b2bc3f6d9a66b59d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294966">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6321" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fleming Yachts (Company)">Fleming</a> 85/03 yacht has a GRP hull and superstructure. She is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MAN (Company)">MAN</a> engines. The yacht carries 12,000 litres of fuel onboard, and 1,892 litres of water.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294965/image/large-c39559db1576bff5b857788deeaa3092.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294965">According to SYT IQ, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6321" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fleming Yachts (Company)">Fleming</a> 85/03 is one of five yachts in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6321" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fleming Yachts (Company)">Fleming 85 series</a>. The first motor yacht delivered in the series was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ticket to Ride25.9m (84'12&quot;)Fleming Yachts 2023">Ticket to Ride</a> in 2023.

26-metre Fleming 85 motor yacht delivered

The 25.9-metre Fleming 85 motor yacht 85/03 has arrived at the port of Baltimore and is now undergoing outfitting

26m Fleming 85 motor yacht delivered

In April 2021 the 31.09-metre classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> motor yacht Blue, now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4489" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nereus31.09m (102'0&quot;)Feadship1969">Nereus</a>, was sold, Francesca Webster sat down over video call with her new owner to learn more about the story behind the boat and his unplanned ownership of her. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/214433/image/large-5fb10d981ef37cf17185c08f188584bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/214433"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4489" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nereus31.09m (102'0&quot;)Feadship1969">Nereus</a> was launched in 1969 to the designs of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a>, meaning she belongs to a particularly fine period of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> motor yachts. In her owner’s opinion; “There is something about the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadships</a> from that period that I have always admired, the proportions; the bow; the way the whole boat comes together is unequalled. No one made prettier motor yachts than the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadships</a> of the 1960s.”Despite a lifelong admiration for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> motor yachts, her owner was not contemplating acquiring one. A diehard sailor and owner of mostly classic sailing yachts, owning a large motor yacht was not on the radar, that was until a yacht broker friend mentioned the down-on-her-luck, but beautifully restored, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> sitting at Lauderdale Marine Centre. “He sent me an article which described her history and said ‘Hey, you think you spent a lot restoring yachts, take a look at this..”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223698/image/large-ea810950b20cbba97c4248079b39e50d.webp" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223698">Blue, as she was then called, had an unfortunate history of ownership, with her last two owners, one after the other, having poured their hearts and souls into her restoration, but having both sadly passed away before she was complete. In fact, it is estimated that combined they spent in excess of $20,000,000 stripping her down and restoring her to better than new condition, an extraordinary cost for a yacht of some 31-metres. “I remember parking the car at the marine centre, we could see her from where we sat, and I knew straight away that I would be writing a cheque before the day was done.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223701/image/large-4ee5ad7d8dae5b3e406bccbdee9c774b.webp" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223701"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223694/image/large-e55e0ef05dfddd22dbc9f2005321555f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223694">For his wife, stepping aboard the yacht was the moment the deal was signed, as Blue’s 7.62-metre beam and 184 GT volume opened around her. Spending winters living aboard &nbsp;their 65-foot <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6321" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fleming Yachts (Company)">Fleming</a>, the couple are not strangers to life onboard yachts, but the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> offers something more. Able to accommodate six guests between three comfortable staterooms, including a large master suite with walk-around bed and ensuite, as well as a saloon with separate dining area, there is an abundance of entertainment and living space. As her owner put it, “It was one of those terrible things that can happen when you know you’re about to make a huge and crazy decision. My wife was inside the yacht and I saw the look on her face and we just said OK, let's try it and see what we think of life owning a boat this size. So far we have had a ball!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223693/image/large-35fc65fb13cac5c6c836d8340f053364.webp" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223693"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223700/image/large-b76edffa57aa98e043f536eccfb94c39.webp" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223700">So the decision was made and Blue was renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4489" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nereus31.09m (102'0&quot;)Feadship1969">Nereus</a>. When any yacht is renamed, it is always a wonder how the new name is chosen, but for her owner the name <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4489" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nereus31.09m (102'0&quot;)Feadship1969">Nereus</a> was a natural choice. In addition to his various boats, the owner is currently restoring a 78-foot <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Herreshoff</a> from 1905 named Doris. “Doris was one of the original Greek goddesses of the sea, while Nereus was the Old Man of the Sea. Together, they had 51 children. &nbsp;We’ve been restoring Doris for a long time and when we had this crazy idea of buying the old <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, we thought this would be a fun name because finally Doris and Nereus can be reunited – once Doris’ restoration is finally complete, of course!”&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223699/image/large-bd4295eb6119e0c1b3a5d575119440f2.webp" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223699">The step up to full displacement has been a big change for the couple, but they have enjoyed being able to run the boat lightly handed, and they don’t intend to have crew onboard. “We have a captain that oversees the entire fleet of boats and he and I have had a fantastic time. We’ve taken her from New York to Maryland, Palm Beach to Key Largo, just the two of us and she has been completely manageable.” Offering comfort even in rough seas.Over the coming years the couple have big plans, a trip to the extensive <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> archive in the Netherlands is definitely on the cards for one, but they also hope to ship her to Europe and explore the Mediterranean. For the coming year or so however, Nereus will remain in the US and Bahamas, and perhaps the Pacific Northwest.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223703/image/large-1a09783d47a288d9edea3f2693780590.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223703">“Most of all we feel honoured to be the beneficiaries of all of the work that has gone into the vessel, stripping her right back down to bare steel, the replacement of the panelling and furniture – we really can’t take credit for any of it. Her previous owners did a fantastic job” The only planned work onboard is to convert the dining table into an office, making her a viable location to ‘work from home’ from over the course of the coming years. As far as their friends and family are concerned, mad as the purchase may have seemed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4489" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nereus31.09m (102'0&quot;)Feadship1969">Nereus</a> has found the right owners in the end, and we look forward to keeping track of this historic Feadship in the hope she may one day appear in the waters of Amsterdam!

Feadship yacht Nereus

Classic yacht enthusiast Francesca Webster caught up with the owner of the 1969 Feadship Nereus. 
