Germany

Hanse Yachts

Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke is not a typical yacht CEO. A lifelong sailor who once spent six weeks at sea fuelled by little more than tins of ravioli, he now brings more than three decades of leadership experience from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Power Systems (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a>, Aston Martin and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7709" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hanse Yachts (Company)">Hanse Yachts</a> to his new role at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/365762/image/large-8719a0da26656774e1040a5c70f1612d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/365762">That unusual mix of sailor, engineer and executive is exactly what he believes makes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> special. “This is a niche where the combination of my two worlds comes together,” he explained during our conversation at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/269" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cannes Yachting Festival - 2025">Cannes Yachting Festival</a>. “Loving sailing and being on the water, but also driving engineering, manufacturing and sales at the highest level, that’s what really excites me about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a>.”Zimmermann Zschocke’s connection with the brand stretches back to before he joined. He recalls first stepping aboard an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> with his wife, long before the job opportunity arose. “We had a similar-sized boat at my previous company, but a different quality,” he said. “So we visited <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a>’s stand and I remember thinking: wow, this is fantastic.” It was, he admits, the moment the seed was planted.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378810/image/large-df2ac1e2c1fb1c94ca4922f400f7fdaf.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378810">Much of his leadership style has been shaped by years in the automotive sector. At Rolls-Royce Power Solutions and Aston Martin, he honed an approach rooted in lean manufacturing, process control and quality assurance. “In the automotive industry you learn a language,” he explained. “You do it right the first time, because you don’t have a million chances a year to get it wrong.”It is this mindset, adapted carefully to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a>’s smaller, highly customised production, that he sees as a real opportunity. “We can bring more efficiency without losing craftsmanship,” he said. “That’s how we raise quality even higher.”Zimmermann Zschocke is clear that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a>’s identity lies not in racing or volume production, but in bluewater adventure. “Safety, quality and comfort to sail around the world, that’s what sets <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> apart,” he said. “Our customers aren’t just looking for a weekend sail. They want a yacht that feels safe crossing an ocean, one that can take them on a life adventure.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378812/image/large-bfd04f2d108bc152ed75b37aaa2962ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378812">Central to that identity is the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> World Rally, a 16-month circumnavigation held every two years. But the new CEO sees opportunities to broaden the experience for owners. “Not everyone has 16 months to spare,” he pointed out. “That’s why we’re launching the Explorers Club, with new routes including the Atlantic, Pacific, Nordic and even a challenging Cape Horn passage. It gives owners shorter, equally adventurous opportunities.”Alongside this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> will launch a Bluewater Academy to train less experienced owners who still dream of crossing oceans. “With the right crew and preparation, we can open up the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> experience to more people,” he said.Zimmermann Zschocke’s own sailing background shapes how he sees <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a>’s role. He believes every owner should experience the camaraderie of an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> rally, whether crossing the Atlantic or cruising the Caribbean. “It’s not only your own sailing experience, it’s being part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> family,” he said. “That community is something truly special.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378811/image/large-09e42b8e3770ce85e64a241b12171e1d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378811">When it comes to product development, Zimmermann Zschocke prefers the word “evolution” to “innovation.” Sailing yachts, he noted, have natural design constraints, but subtle refinements can transform the owner experience.Take the 19.05-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a>&nbsp;595SII, the brand’s bestselling model. Owners asked for a more integrated bimini with solar panels and lighting, which is now under development. A new tender garage system is also being introduced and designed to make launching and retrieving tenders effortless. “Imagine you’re anchored in Croatia and want to go ashore for dinner,” he said. “With a proper garage, it’s simple, safe and elegant.”He is equally focused on the upcoming 25.28-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a>&nbsp;805, already in the final stages of development. “It’s a beautiful design that carries the DNA of the 27.08-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/6920" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster 88527.08m (88'10&quot;)">885SII</a> but in a more accessible size,” he said. “We’re looking at modularisation to speed up build times, but that demands even higher precision from our craftsmen and women.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378813/image/large-f6e264dfd96b0c95a19266c04a03c9e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378813">Looking three years ahead, he already has clear goals. “First, I’d like to know every customer personally, commissioning their boat with them. Second, I want the Explorers Club to be such a success that we don’t know where to fit all the yachts. Third, I hope to have extended our product range with exciting new models. And fourth,” he added with a laugh, “I’ll finally be used to English tea, though I may need a few tips on the best leaves to choose!”As he settles into the role with his wife and five children joining him in the UK, it’s clear that this is more than just another executive appointment. For Zimmermann Zschocke, leading <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster Yachts</a> is a chance to merge his lifelong passion for sailing with a career dedicated to engineering excellence. “This is the most loved thing I could dream of,” he concluded.

Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke on Oyster Yachts’ Next Chapter 

Sophie Spicknell sits down with the new CEO of Oyster Yachts, Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke, to find out more about their future.

Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke on Oyster Yachts' next chapter 

The 21.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7709" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hanse Yachts (Company)">Hanse</a> 675 sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13892" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alizee21.1m (69'3&quot;)Hanse Yachts2017">Alizee</a> is on the market with Nikolaos Lappas of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7573" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Istion Yachting (Company)">Istion Yachting</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313662/image/large-2a419b3a0410c5a213975ba66017c1ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313662">Delivered in 2017 by her Germany-based shipyard, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">sailing yacht for sale</a> features an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/328" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Judel / Vrolijk & co (Company)">Judel / Vrolijk &amp; co</a>, while her interiors and naval architecture were both crafted in-house by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7709" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hanse Yachts (Company)">Hanse Yachts</a>. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313658/image/large-07a1ec9c8a7737e06e2942eef30a1237.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313658">With a volume of 50 GT and a beam of 5.9-metres, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a> is capable of hosting as many as six guests across her opulent three stateroom configuration, while separate living quarters can sleep up to two crew members. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313653/image/large-7f8c9a3f68a4e30d13f47a3af587d64d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313653">Inside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13892" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alizee21.1m (69'3&quot;)Hanse Yachts2017">Alizee</a>, a radiantly bright colour palette of whites and pearly greys, complemented by chic light wood finishes pave the way for a highly liveable, luminous onboard experience. Moreover, there is an abundance of natural light streaming through windows, which are situated overhead as well as on the sides of the yacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313652/image/large-c2ed7a6cc9b9b22fdaeb93f8c37bc2ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313652">As for the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/alizee-21m/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Alizee for sale</a>’s high-ceilinged saloon, a comfortable dining table can be found adjacent to a cushy, cream-coloured sofa paired with a modern, floating-style coffee table, serving as a natural social hub for the vessel. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313638/image/large-624a42627b72d928a38b6519dc6858eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313638"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313654/image/large-09e3e633c8c0b63e6f54bd5d949bb326.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313654">Moving outdoors, guests can either admire the surrounding panorama of sea views from the comfort of sofas underneath the shade, or catch some rays from the yacht’s well-appointed beach club.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313659/image/large-d46e18330ff0bf2cd8825fce937f533d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313659"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313649/image/large-d5eb03db6cbc99248f3f2c1c13ab2469.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313649">In terms of her performance, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/hanse-yachts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Hanse yacht for sale</a> is powered by a single <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> engine that propels her to a cruising speed of 8.5 knots and a top speed of 10 knots.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/313642/image/large-eaff8ecdcc7d98e81def5ed9a3d9ce86.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/313642">

21m Hanse yacht Alizee for sale

The 21.1-metre Hanse sailing yacht Alizee is on the market with Nikolaos Lappas of Istion Yachting. 