Croatia

Morii Yachting

“What I like about the vision for the Red Sea is to create a high-end destination that preserves the authenticity of local Bedouin culture,” reflects Armin Dressler, owner of the 24.97-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> sailing catamaran <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16006" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Imladris24.97m (81'11&quot;)Lagoon Yachts2025">Imladris</a>. Attracted by the region’s mix of natural beauty and cultural depth, Dressler is now establishing a charter operation in Egypt’s Red Sea.Dressler’s charter activities are managed through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8557" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Morii Yachting (Company)">Morii Yachting</a>, the company he co-founded, which now operates across the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8557" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Morii Yachting (Company)">Morii</a> works closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7369" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Felix Maritime Agency (Company)">Felix Maritime Agency</a> in Egypt and receives operational support from FX Yachting, bringing together brokerage services, charter management and local market expertise. The three companies are part of a joint venture based in Egypt that aims to strengthen the region’s charter offering and facilitate a seamless dual-season programme between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.SuperYacht Times spoke with Dressler about his decision to launch a charter business in the Red Sea, what sets the region apart from other yachting destinations, his preferred cruising grounds, and his future plans.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/379128/image/large-1e16f60244637782139cc1ea84cebc9d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/379128">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64667" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025: Topics and speakers updated (2025-11-24 13:15:00 +0100)">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025: Topics and speakers updated</a>From sailing to launching a charter businessBefore expanding into the Red Sea, Dressler’s path to yacht ownership and charter began much earlier. His passion for yachting began during his student years in France, when he bought his first sailboat and spent weekends voyaging with friends around the rough seas of French Brittany. “That’s how I started sailing,” he recalls. While professionally Dressler built several software companies, he continued to sail as a personal pastime, which gradually evolved into a business.The transition followed a practical logic. “Owning a boat is expensive, and maintenance can be demanding,” he says. “I decided to offset the costs through charter, and over time that became a business in itself.” Dressler began with smaller yachts before acquiring a Privilege 495 and later moved on to larger catamarans.Since then, he has owned several <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> models. A <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> 46 operated in a bareboat setup was followed by a crewed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> 55 with five guest suites, which he still runs for charter. Dressler later added a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> 51 into the Croatian charter market, describing it as “a nice add-on” to the fleet. His latest and largest yacht, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> Eighty2 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16006" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Imladris24.97m (81'11&quot;)Lagoon Yachts2025">Imladris</a>, marks the next step, and he is already considering complementing her with a slightly smaller 70-foot model.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378185/image/large-2f5be9fcb038bf3f4d0acfa88711e84f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378185">Explaining his decision to acquire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16006" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Imladris24.97m (81'11&quot;)Lagoon Yachts2025">Imladris</a>, named after the Elven settlement of Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings, Dressler cites both circumstance and business alignment. “It was partly coincidence and partly business,” he remarks. “I’m invested in a bareboat company with around 150 boats, and we’re also a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> dealer. I know the brand well and have access to dealer discounts, so it was natural to stay with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a>.”He adds that personal preference also played a role. “I’ve always liked <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> for its combination of practicality and elegant design. The proportions are well thought out, and the designers have done an excellent job of balancing comfort and functionality.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378192/image/large-383142e1cc30327415c1f7ac49531007.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378192">Preferred cruising destinationsDressler has explored much of Europe by sea, with Spain, Greece, and Croatia among his favourite cruising grounds. Of the three, he places Greece slightly ahead for its sense of adventure and authenticity. While Croatia offers highly developed sailing infrastructure, he finds Greece more varied and rewarding, combining simplicity, local character, and good value in its coastal tavernas and smaller harbours.He remains particularly fond of Spain and the Balearics, describing Mallorca, Formentera, and Ibiza as ideal destinations for their balance of natural beauty, lively atmosphere, and proximity between anchorages.Beyond Europe, Dressler has also enjoyed cruising in the British Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean, drawn by the region’s diving and scenery. Yet he acknowledges that service standards and infrastructure can be uneven. “It’s beautiful for nature,” he comments, “but the long flights and connections make it less convenient from Europe. It’s a great destination for North Americans, but perhaps one to visit every few years rather than regularly.”Looking ahead, Dressler sees the Red Sea as his preferred winter cruising destination, having already positioned a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> 51 there, and moving <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16006" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Imladris24.97m (81'11&quot;)Lagoon Yachts2025">Imladris</a> to Egypt for the coming season. Although he has not yet sailed the region, he has begun exploring its potential, visiting emerging yachting hubs such as El Gouna, the Tawila Islands, and new developments by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7759" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Sea Global (Company)">Red Sea Global</a>. “It’s the combination of world-class diving, untouched nature, and a welcoming culture that makes the Red Sea unique,” he says. “There’s a real sense of discovery, and few have experienced it by yacht so far.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/379130/image/large-b215dfee50d655021b58624dc69aaedd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/379130">Expanding to the Red SeaFor Dressler, expanding his charter operations to the Red Sea holds both strategic and cultural appeal. He views Egypt and Saudi Arabia as destinations with a developing hospitality mindset that blends regional warmth with an increasing focus on international standards. “The mentality here is one of genuine friendliness and ambition,” he says. “Service levels may not yet match those of Europe, but they already exceed much of the Caribbean.”He also admires the region’s broader vision to create a high-end destination without sacrificing local character. “What I like is that it’s authentic,” he explains. “You still have real communities and Bedouin culture. It’s not a stage set; there’s genuine heritage alongside luxury hotels, fine restaurants, and top chefs. It is a place with history and soul, not an imitation.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/379129/image/large-6febfb0b5b96794715b4953bb362e4bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/379129">Beyond its cultural depth, Dressler sees clear operational advantages. The Red Sea’s reverse seasonality to the Mediterranean offers a practical solution to one of yachting’s persistent challenges: vessel downtime during the European winter. “In the Mediterranean, the season ends around October,” he notes. “From November to April, most yachts are idle unless they cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean.”He points out that transatlantic relocations, while financially attractive, are time-consuming and hard on vessels. “The crossing itself takes around six weeks,” he explains, “but once you factor in repairs, time reserves, and paperwork, the yacht is effectively off the market for about two months. Boats often return in poor condition, and you lose several months in transit.”By contrast, the Red Sea lies within easy reach of Europe. “From Spain, it’s about two weeks; from Greece even less,” he explains. “When it’s too hot in Egypt, it’s high season in the Mediterranean, and when the Med slows down, the Red Sea season begins.” This complementarity, he believes, makes basing yachts between the two regions both commercially viable and operationally efficient.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/379131/image/large-7ba0234f5fdd8b4d5213676d35317b15.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/379131"> Plans for the futureThe operational advantages of linking the Mediterranean and the Red Sea form the foundation of Dressler’s wider business vision, which now centres on developing an optimised fleet for dual-season chartering. He continues to focus on the upper end of the sailing catamaran market, believing the ideal size range for charter yachts lies between 18.3-metres and 24.4-metres, offering the right balance of comfort, performance and operating efficiency.“The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a> Eighty2 is a great entry-level superyacht,” he says. “But the 18.3-metres and 24.4-metres. range is the real sweet spot. It delivers ample space for guests and the capacity to host parties or carry a full range of water toys while remaining commercially viable.”This segment, he explains, also aligns with his target charter rate of roughly €30,000 to €100,000 per week, a range he considers both accessible and sustainable without overlapping with the ultra-luxury market. He is currently exploring models around 21.34-metres that fit this positioning.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/379129/image/large-6febfb0b5b96794715b4953bb362e4bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/379129">Looking ahead, Dressler envisions a gradual expansion of his charter network rather than a large-scale fleet build-up. His aim is to establish a flagship in each key size category to demonstrate performance, test market demand and refine operations. “It’s about proving what works and learning from each segment,” he says.Rather than owning multiple yachts himself, he plans to grow through partnerships with like-minded owners who operate their vessels under the same management structure. “It’s a significant capital commitment to own several boats,” he notes. “And the best way to grow is to have other owners join us and operate their yachts with our team.” This collaborative model also extends to the guest experience. Dressler works closely with Jacob Jan Boerma, the three-Michelin-star chef who serves as the signature chef for the fleet of luxury catamarans.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378186/image/large-732195623ded22e986f2b9fbfa18310e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378186">The model, he adds, offers mutual benefits. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8557" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Morii Yachting (Company)">Morii</a>’s expertise allows owners to base their yachts in the Mediterranean during summer and in the Red Sea during winter, creating a sustainable dual-season operation. “It’s financially attractive and also very appealing for owners,” he says. “You can have your yacht in two very different cruising grounds, perhaps in El Gouna one winter, then Italy, Spain, Greece or Croatia the next.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360679/image/large-13ba2442f3d428757d606b3af49d2ecb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360679">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025As the Middle East’s maritime sector continues to flourish, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> will return in December to the region. The seventh edition of the two-day conference will take place on 4 and 5 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi and promises to draw on the experiences of the previous summits.Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/gulf-superyacht-summit-2025-programme-revealed" target="_blank">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025: Topics and speakers announced</a>The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> seeks to inform, assist and advise yachting clients and related interested parties, with the goal to develop the Gulf as a superyacht winter destination. &nbsp;Tickets are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/gulf-superyacht-summit-2025-tickets-1393764560319" target="_blank">here</a>You can find out more about yachting in the Gulf region by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-reports/gulf-superyacht-report-2024-2025" target="_blank">downloading the full Gulf Superyacht Report 2024-2025 here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/349168/image/large-8445e5adef5d1c4fc32934bec670a6df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/349168">

Yacht owners expands his yacht operations in Egypt’s Red Sea

SuperYacht Times spoke with Dressler about his decision to launch a charter business in the Red Sea.