United States

RMK Merrill-Stevens

Turkish shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/14" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Marine (Company)">RMK Yachts</a> has announced the opening of its new office in Miami, located within the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK-Merrill Stevens</a> shipyard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394024/image/large-88b0e0522bf33263dfbbf56ce38eaf78.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394024">According to the company, this marks a strategic expansion, with Miami recognised as one of the key hubs in the global superyacht market as the company continues to grow its international footprint.“The move reflects <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/14" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Marine (Company)">RMK Yachts</a>’ long-term commitment to building closer relationships with the U.S-based clients while providing direct, on-the-ground support throughout every stage of yacht ownership,” the compant commented.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK-Merrill Stevens</a> is a superyacht refit and repair facility, where RMK Yachts will establish a permanent operational and client-facing presence in the region. Through this, the yard aims to offer clients both its design and engineering expertise, supported by a service network aligned with the international standards.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/394025/image/large-bef8bfc56ba41776d45294fd74010f0d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/394025">“The decision to establish a Miami office reflects a clear understanding of the priorities of American yacht owners, who place significant value on having a trusted local representative connected directly to the shipyard,” explained the company.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/14" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Marine (Company)">RMK Yachts</a>’ U.S representative and broker, Juan Morillo, will support the collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK-Merrill Stevens</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/14" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Marine (Company)">RMK Yachts</a> to ensure seamless service for American clients.&nbsp;“For U.S. clients, proximity is not simply a preference, it is a matter of trust,” concluded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/14" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Marine (Company)">RMK Yachts</a> Director Cuneyt Okcu. “Having a physical presence there means being accessible, accountable, and responsive, particularly when it comes to after-sales support and warranty services.”

RMK opens new Miami office

Turkish shipyard RMK Yachts has announced the opening of its new office in Miami.

RMK Yachts opens new Miami office within the RMK-Merrill Stevens shipyard

Skip Sorenson is no stranger to the maritime industry, a fourth generation ship builder who spent the first seven years of his career at Newport News Shipbuilding, he describes himself as “a long-time student of the yachting industry”. A true water lover and passionate yachtsman, Skip took over the helm of American heritage boat builder Century Boats in 2020, but it was his own venture into yacht ownership that we wanted to learn more about during our Zoom interview early this year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277851/image/large-f740c3545bf47218df4eeaf426e30538.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277851">A regular charterer, Skip had a lightning bolt idea one afternoon while anchored next to 60.96-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/3067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diamonds Are Forever60.96m (200'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2012">Diamonds Are Forever</a> on the northern side of Capri. “I said to myself, even if I could afford it, would I want to spend $700,000 on a week's charter for a boat like that? Probably not, but if I could charter a cabin for a week at a sixth of the price, I’d definitely be interested in that.” That initial thought sparked the idea of creating a charter business that did just that; offered both cabin charters aboard a luxury yacht as well as term charters. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275837/image/large-e66cd86cb11b2e2d3762fdb02a68535a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275837">With nothing quite like it available in the superyacht sector, the ball started rolling and the company was coined Club Yacht Charter, www.clubyachtcharter.com , but before the concept could progress, Skip needed to source the first yacht. At the top of the wish list was a 30 metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward</a>, “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward</a> was a prolific yacht builder with American pedigree." <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230236/image/large-fbed19940220a3b1c53bcb922b3ac37a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230236"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230231/image/large-84b4d74aea7918b9f6e09109d0d6cf90.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230231">"They built well over 200 yachts, which meant that we could have a fleet of vessels from the same shipyard, making it easy for the crew to move between vessels. It also meant that the capabilities of the vessels have been tried and tested. Most importantly, they are made out of aluminium, which means that they are easy to modify, and we knew we’d be making some major structural changes to the yacht to optimise it for cabin and term chartering.” It wasn’t only <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward</a> that piqued Skip’s interest, he also had his eyes on Mangusta, but the fibreglass construction would have led to complications during refit. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230238/image/large-e7c307ba3acc67ad596c4c6f2e1ea700.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230238"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230239/image/large-d40a99ce5c684e6d901dc1a6aa7b8af4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230239">Eventually the 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A Place In The Sun30.48m (100'0&quot;)Broward Marine1992">A Place In The Sun</a> was chosen as the yacht of choice and in 2018 Skip bought the yacht and almost immediately began the exciting process of redesigning her interior and exterior configuration. Hiring an original <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Marine (Company)">Broward</a> designer to assist with the redesign, Skip began an extensive refit that would create a yacht specifically suited for charter. Undertaken over three years at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens Shipyard</a> in Miami, the work included an aft stairway, reconfiguration of the flybridge, the installation of two new Jacuzzis, a new radar arch and hardtop, the construction of a fifth stateroom on the upper deck, and the reimagining of deck spaces to create a number of lounging and dining areas. “It was a difficult refit, as most refits are, but the team worked well together and the yacht is now much more capable and looks like new.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230224/image/large-7a05ba1118ee6302de95e9421375c452.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230224"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230228/image/large-17bc453b535d53d2e9a333d8200e1594.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230228"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230222/image/large-611b6a8ff407e285a76070b1da885fdb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230222">While the concept of cabin charters was an important perimeter within the rebuild design, Skip also wanted to create a yacht that worked well for term charters or for private owner usage. The amendments to the yacht have created a number of new and unique areas that can be enjoyed by all or just some of her 12 guests and she has already completed five very successful charters in the Bahamas.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230242/image/large-63b2ff2ddd13b7bd1214bad71ff5a01d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230242"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275838/image/large-8ee1ff1fa6ad0e620018bb2b8b663303.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275838">“I truly feel that this type of charter business is an important one for the yachting industry, opening the door to luxury yachting to far more people, and offering a less expensive alternative to the traditional charter experience.” With the extensive refit completed and the business underway, Skip is now looking to redeploy his capital to another potential project within the yachting industry, and so <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A Place In The Sun30.48m (100'0&quot;)Broward Marine1992">A Place In The Sun</a> joined the brokerage market at the tail end of last year. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/230237/image/large-0ea4bbd40814510e54b96da1f99705d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/230237">We asked Skip if the refit experience had dulled his ambition to continue in yachting, but he insisted that it had done quite the opposite. “It has been a significant learning experience, one that I will apply to my next project, designing and building yachts under a major auto manufacturer’s brand… stay tuned.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A Place In The Sun30.48m (100'0&quot;)Broward Marine1992">A Place In The Sun</a> is currently situated in Miami and available to view. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275836/image/large-9acdbf5a724ed094e9c80828d446923e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275836">This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-44" target="_blank">Issue 44 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>.&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Owner insight: Skip Sorenson and the refit of A Place In The Sun

We sat down with Skip Sorenson, owner of 30m Broward A Place In The Sun to hear about his unusual adventure of yacht ownership.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a>, founded in 1866, is Florida’s oldest and most established shipyard. But perhaps also one of its most innovative, thanks to a heavy investment in its facilities on either side of the Miami River.&nbsp;In 2020, the completely rebuilt North Yard reopened as Miami Superyacht Center and was complete with a 2,700-tonne synchrolift. The South Yard was also renovated and is dedicated for the smaller refit works that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a> takes on. The shipyard is about to undergo even more change as Marco Santoro has recently been appointed CEO, and he’s ambitious to turn <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a> into the go-to destination for yacht service and refit. SuperYacht Times found out more. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260708/image/large-669635a454180279c8f962ed47086b2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260708">When did your relationship start with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a>, were you working directly with the shipyard during your tenure as After Sales &amp; Service Director – Americas for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti</a>?&nbsp;I was approached by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a>' top management, and what started off as a casual business conversation led to more detailed discussions regarding the opportunities and capabilities of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a> yard. After numerous meetings, we certainly bonded and realised how well we worked together. At the end of the day, these discussions led to creating a refreshed vision and elevated goals for the yard, and I am very pleased to be leading the company on our new journey.I’m extremely proud to have been appointed as CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a>, this company has an incredible heritage being one of the most historical shipyards in the USA, but also one of the most technologically advanced and modern shipyards. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260711/image/large-08c7c6528a64a7bd6ef2b2eca9ef32f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260711">How was your experience at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti</a>&nbsp;and how has it prepared you for this role?&nbsp;I will always be grateful for the opportunities <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> gave me, which ultimately made me who I am today. My most recent tenure at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> was very special to me: it was an incredible experience for me to start a new venture from scratch.&nbsp;We developed a strategy and plan for a new shipyard for the Group, focused on retail service. After bringing this vision to life and successfully running and growing the yard for a number of years, I felt I had accomplished my mission and was ready to take on a new challenge.At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>, my bosses were the best mentors. I grew professionally into executive roles while working to build networks of clients, professionals, and teams globally. I have worked in a variety of capacities, always focused on providing exceptional yacht service. My professional experience together with my education in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering as well as my passion to build strong teams and workplaces, has prepared me for this new role.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260710/image/large-a78bb34f7c4f4bccb8c62904bd2bb306.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260710">What is your vision for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a>?&nbsp;My main goal is to enhance our client's journey, starting from the moment they get in contact with us till the moment the client leaves our yard. This means being able to listen to our clients’ needs and expectations, and deliver to them the highest quality experience. If we are capable of doing so, we will retain our customers who will also be our best ambassadors.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/239428/image/large-554dec5a443285dd488858e42e61dccf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/239428"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a>&nbsp;currently operates out of two facilities, can we expect further expansions?&nbsp;Our current focus is to become the preferred shipyard in Florida. Our current facilities are next door to each other and enable us to provide services for yachts ranging from 6-76 metres in length. We are also growing our new yacht and brokerage sales operations, representing new brands as their exclusive dealer.&nbsp;For the time being though, we’re focusing on our current market, as we are in the yachting capital of the world. But we have every intention to build our brand and reputation further; we plan to serve our customers in new markets as well.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260712/image/large-db3707bd4ed6c38e0b6164bab1c2aed4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260712">With a lacking inventory of good yachts on the market, have demands for refits been at a high these past years? And how do you expect 2023 to play out?&nbsp;For sure the demand for refit will continue as the supply of new yachts is backlogged and the needs of the clientele continue to evolve. We anticipate a higher number of refits this year and are preparing internally for any project we are approached for. Refitting involves many moving parts, in our geographical area there are only a handful of shipyards capable of hosting these projects. We’re ready!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/239416/image/large-993378b890d6d6d1a47e09f039023d88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/239416">Have supply chain issues now subsided, or are there still many challenges to contend with?Whether it is the backorder of parts or the sparse technical support for unique components, I have found that supply chain issues are a constant occurrence in the yacht industry. Mainly there are a limited number of suppliers and a limited number of qualified technicians for installation and repairs.&nbsp;Having navigated the industry for more than 20 years, I understand where there may be issues and can plan ahead to avoid delays. In addition, I have built strong relationships with suppliers and vendors. It is a small industry and having strong relationships is a big advantage. One day you help a supplier and the next day they help you. That’s how we are able to offer expedited turn-around times and exceptional quality.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/260709/image/large-acba50c3bed8958672c2cbf05e65c312.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/260709">Where would you like to see&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a>&nbsp;in five years’ time?&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RMK Merrill-Stevens (Company)">RMK Merrill-Stevens</a> will be the premier destination for yacht service and refit in Florida. I see new and repeat clients coming and going from the yard exceptionally pleased with their experience, and these happy clients become our invaluable marketing testimonials that drive our reputation.&nbsp;I envision a team like no other, a workload peaking at max capacity, so that we are ready to expand our operations and serve our clients in new markets and capacities.

Marco Santoro CEO of RMK Merrill-Stevens interview

SYT joined Marco Santoro, new CEO of RMK Merrill-Stevens, to hear his vision for the shipyard. 