Iceland

Rafnar

Onur Erardag, the founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautique Yachting (Company)">Nautique Yachting</a>, a brokerage firm based in Turkey, brings an extensive background in yachting to his business. Having grown up in a family passionate about sailing, Erardag has been immersed in the yachting world from a very young age. He began competing in sailing regattas across Turkey at the age of seven, cementing his lifelong connection to the sea.<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a> sat down with Onur Erardag to discuss his background, the establishment and evolution of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautique Yachting (Company)">Nautique Yachting</a>, the current trends in the Turkish yacht market, and future developments for the company.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320295/image/large-c2abe5fb682884737ad3a3ecf5813d4b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320295">Founded in 2010, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautique Yachting (Company)">Nautique Yachting</a> has been involved in a number of recent sales including the 59.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2028" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aifer59.8m (196'2&quot;)CRN2011">Aifer</a>, previously named Ramble on Rose, the 29.7-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/4356" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ceylanim29.7m (97'5&quot;)Custom Line2007">Ceylanim</a> (ex White Rose B), as well as new-build 34.36-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Oasis motor yacht with a scheduled delivery date of spring 2024.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227944/image/large-305d7fd603707e04d56052d76adfa60e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227944">Onur shared his journey into the yachting industry, recounting his educational experience in the Netherlands and his return to Turkey after university. "I was determined to pursue a career in something I truly loved," he explained. "Turning my hobby into my business seemed like a natural step. At that time, the yachting sector was still a niche market in Turkey, which presented a significant opportunity."Onur saw the potential in Turkey's large population and extensive coastline. "Considering the vast maritime possibilities, I believed that the yachting industry had tremendous potential," he continued. Driven by this vision, he founded his company, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautique Yachting (Company)">Nautique Yachting</a>, aligning his passion with his professional ambitions.&nbsp;Onur discussed the strategic approach of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautique Yachting (Company)">Nautique Yachting</a>, emphasising the importance of adopting global practices prevalent in the yachting industry. This included everything from the execution of contracts to engaging legal and surveying services, as well as new-build and charter services. "This international perspective has shaped our initial operations and our collaborations with leading brokerage houses, providing us with essential training and setting performance benchmarks," he stated.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320298/image/large-7082603c9e34d80306f50d856505c09b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320298">"Our marketing strategies and operational efficiencies are heavily influenced by those of prominent brokerage firms," Onur added. He further elaborated on the company's adaptation to industry standards, "We have embraced European brokerage standards and applied these international practices within the local context. This approach has led to the formalisation of agreements with clients and the initiation of boat imports from Europe to Turkey.Discussing the evolution of yacht brands under <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautique Yachting (Company)">Nautique Yachting</a> CA, Onur highlighted significant market shifts since 2008, particularly the growing demand for new brands within the Turkish market. "The rib and day usage boat market was particularly dynamic," he explained. "We initially introduced Saxdor, which has since become a highly regarded brand across Europe, offering day usage boats ranging from 20 to 40 feet. This move proved to be successful, and we reached very good numbers in just two and a half years."Onur continued, "Seeking to expand our portfolio further, we discovered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a>, an Icelandic brand . Known for its patented hull design, originally developed for commercial use, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> is now involved in the leisure market, which we are actively promoting in Turkey. Building on this momentum, Onur noted, "We then sought to cater to more upscale preferences and expanded our portfolio to include the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5671" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Evo Yachts (Company)">Evo Yachts</a> brand from Italy, which offered slightly larger and more luxurious models.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/288439/image/large-de008d8172d937d48bde6794527b813c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/288439">As we continued to evolve our offerings, we recognised a gap in our lineup for catamarans," Onur reflected. "<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wider s.r.l. (Company)">Wider</a> came forward with an impressive catamaran project featuring a serial hybrid propulsion system, promising for the Turkish market." He elaborated on the strategic inclusion of Wider's models, "We decided to bridge this gap with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wider s.r.l. (Company)">Wider</a>, focusing on the 75 to 140 feet range, which also includes their superyacht division. For Onur, the introduction of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wider s.r.l. (Company)">Wider</a> catamaran project was a key step in diversifying our portfolio tailored to the Turkish market.When asked about the latest trends in the Turkish market, Onur explained that the market has been booming over the past four to five years. Traditionally, Turkish clients preferred European brands due to their resale value and the status they conferred, a trend similar to the car market. However, Onur highlighted a recent shift: Turkish clients are increasingly recognising the success of Turkish-built yachts. Brands like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1088" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Numarine (Company)">Numarine</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4910" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sirena Yachts (Company)">Sirena</a> have gained traction, especially as they become successful in Europe and the United States. According to Onur, this success has led to a growing demand for Turkish brands among Turkish clients.Regarding the future plans for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautique Yachting (Company)">Nautique Yachting</a>, Onur shared his strategic outlook. "For the time being, I am focusing on consolidating our existing brands rather than expanding too quickly. Our aim is to enhance our effectiveness within the Turkish market and expand our network steadily." Furthermore, Onur highlighted his commitment to promoting Turkish shipyards on a global scale. "We are actively working with local yards to bring their projects to the international stage in the coming years," he said. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautique Yachting (Company)">Nautique Yachting</a> has also recently established a highly competitive J70 Sailing Team, that is actively competing in regattas throughout Turkey and Europe.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/320297/image/large-41709ced02f37e489949f4f21918eb7a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/320297">On his broader expansion plans, Onur noted, "My vision for the next three to four years includes growing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4569" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautique Yachting (Company)">Nautique Yachting</a> into new markets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, through key contacts." He added, "We've always operated as a boutique company, and I value that. My goal is to replicate our successful Turkish strategy in neighbouring regions that are interesting markets for us, including parts of the Middle East and Europe. Although America presents exciting opportunities, it feels very distant given our current focus on regions closer to Turkey."

In conversation with Onur Erardag on the evolution and future plans of Nautique Yachting

SuperYacht Times sat down with Onur Erardag to discuss his background, the establishment and evolution of Nautique Yachting.

Following the formation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6402" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TendersX (Company)">TendersX Group</a>, a new sister company of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xtenders (Company)">Xtenders</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4947" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Xquip (Company)">Xquip</a>, the division, headed by Gerben Boomsma, announced their partnership with Icelandic boat company Rafnar Maritime. SYT caught up with Boomsma to find out about the newly formed division and discuss why <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> was the partner for them.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/200091/image/large-2dd0239f384355ddcaa23f498438d62a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/200091">For those who aren't familiar with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar Marine</a> – you should be – this Icelandic boat builder has developed a groundbreaking, patented hull design, which moves through the water like no other high speed vessel. Born from the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic, the hull is designed as a combination between the displacement hull and V-hull forms, with a shallow central keel and a V behind it, allowing the water to flow around the keel, build pressure within the V and lift the vessel out of the water.This means that rather than a planing vessel, where the bow is raised out of the water, which can minimise visibility for the driver, the entire boat is lifted. This innovation reduces the slamming effect, common with planing hull yachts, by up-to 95% while improving the mobility on the water tenfold.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/200096/image/large-e1762b28dee34ebc178eda433480b690.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/200096">Designed with the passenger in mind, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> hull prevents injury incurred through slamming and it also reduces time on the water by maintaining the vessel speed, even in rough sea conditions. The Amsterdam-based company will go to market as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> Netherlands and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> Germany, producing and distributing these highly advanced and sought after vessels.As well as ensuring the comfort and safety of those aboard, the innovative hull also ensures that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> tenders have a much longer lifespan than their planing counterparts. With reduced slamming comes less chance of mechanical failure and structural damage, making these vessels a safer investment with lower maintenance and operating costs.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/200095/image/large-433d948fa3f0221cdcab312fa607a8ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/200095">Gerben Boomsma, commented on the exciting partnership; “We are proud to be the newest partner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar Maritime</a> and look forward to further develop the brand as well as sell and produce <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> in our region and for the super yacht industry.”A <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> demo vessel, as a first physical result of the partnership, will soon arrive in the Netherlands and this <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> 1100 cabin will be available later this year. The level of customisation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6403" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafnar (Company)">Rafnar</a> tenders is minimised by their safety and comfort-first design, the deck lay out, the colour pallet and interior materials can be tailored to their owner and to the superyacht they serve.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6402" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TendersX (Company)">TendersX Group</a> have launched a tender rental service, offering super yachts the opportunity to rent vessels at short notice. The fleet consists of carbon tenders in a range of 8 to 12 meter and 2 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1455" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SOLAS (Company)">SOLAS</a> rescue ribs. While this service lends itself fantastically to large scale yachting events and regattas, Boomsma also stressed that the company is offering a 24-hour delivery service within Europe.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/200094/image/large-3b46fff08aa8d89a557cb8affc49f115.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/200094">This unique service means that superyacht crew who need an additional tender for a charter, lose a tender due to mechanical problems, or need a different type of tender at short notice, can request a tender and have it delivered to their yacht the following day.In the coming months, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6402" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TendersX (Company)">TendersX Group</a> will be looking to forge similar relationships with other tender brands to expand their portfolio and services. So watch this space to find out why <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6402" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TendersX (Company)">TendersX</a> should be your go-to tender provider.

TendersX partners with Icelandic tender experts Rafnar

TendersX, sister company of XQuip and XTenders, has launched a parntership with Icelandic Rafnar tenders.