United States

Sea Ray Boats

The eighth hull of the 26.84-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14727" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander 27R0826.84m (88'1&quot;)Ocean Alexander2025">Ocean Alexander 27R</a> has been sold and delivered to her new owner. The sale was handled by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> Yacht and Brokerage Sales Executive Gus Serrano, who represented the first-time <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander (Company)">Ocean Alexander</a> owners. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/375136/image/large-94cc76545383984d87f4a7e557141064.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/375136">Built in Taiwan, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14727" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander 27R0826.84m (88'1&quot;)Ocean Alexander2025">Ocean Alexander 27R</a> yacht features exterior and interior designs by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/111" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Evan K Marshall (Company)">Evan K. Marshall</a>, while her naval architecture was crafted in-house by her builder.According to an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander (Company)">Ocean Alexander</a> press release, the owners are passionate about spending time on the water with their family and chose the yacht as experienced boaters and travellers, who have extensively cruised in the Bahamas.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/375169/image/large-f2efba1b23b433f0eeb035ba9880b975.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/375169">Serrano first connected with the family in 2018 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> Miami store, starting a journey that began with a 19-foot <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> and evolved as they upgraded to larger vessels. Through boating, the family discovered a way to bring everyone closer. The yacht became, as they fondly described, a “factory for memories.“From the day we met, this family told me they wanted a boat that would keep everyone close,” said Gus. “They compared many options again this year, yet the 27R kept speaking to them. They loved the massive look, the comfortable volume, and the feeling the yacht creates as soon as you step aboard. As the owner likes to say, life smiles at us, and when things do not go our way, we smile back to life when we are on board an Ocean Alexander.”Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/fifth-ocean-alexander-27r-yacht-sold-and-named-still-waters" target="_blank">Fifth 27m Ocean Alexander 27R motor yacht sold and named Still Waters</a>With a beam of 6.25-metres, a draft of 1.75-metres and a volume of 206 GT, she accommodates up to eight guests across four well-appointed staterooms and houses up to three crew members in two cabins. In terms of performance, 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 and carries 11,280 litres of fuel and 1,700 -litres of water, providing extended cruising capacity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/375171/image/large-e36f781b1f99944cd84b8dc5e8575cf6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/375171">“The 27R delivers the presence, space, and refinement that families like this truly value. We’re grateful to Gus and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> team for a patient, client-first process that ended with exactly the right yacht,” concluded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander (Company)">Ocean Alexander</a> Head of Global Operations Dan Mundy.&nbsp;The delivery was coordinated by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>’s Yacht Division in Pompano Beach, working alongside the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander (Company)">Ocean Alexander</a> service and commissioning team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4914" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="East Coast Yacht Sales (Company)">East Coast Yacht Group</a> in Fort Lauderdale, to ensure a smooth handover and comprehensive post-delivery support.All photos provided courtesy of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1394" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Alexander (Company)">Ocean Alexander</a>.

Ocean Alexander motor yacht 27R yacht sold and delivered

Ocean Alexander has delivered a new 27R motor yacht to first-time owners in Miami, represented by MarineMax’s Gus Serrano

Eighth 27m Ocean Alexander 27R sold and delivered

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax Yachts</a> has announced the sale of a new-build 23.64-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14629" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut 78 Fly / 6723.64m (77'7&quot;)Azimut Yachts2025">&nbsp;78 Fly</a> yacht by Brendan Bailey of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> Fort Myers. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/338923/image/large-8625dc0f3bccc01ef34d4883f219898e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/338923">With an expected delivery date of 2025, the yacht was sold to an avid private jet pilot and seasoned boater, who met Brendan at a marina in Dallas, Texas, where he kept his <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> 44 Sundancer.&nbsp;The owner’s passion for boating grew over the years and he eventually upgraded to a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> 540 Sundancer, and later an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> 60 Fly. “The relationship I have with the owners goes beyond any transaction and has become a lifelong friendship,” explained Brendan Bailey.“We might have been united by water initially, but our bond will continue well beyond boating. Until then, we’ll keep creating Polaroids on the water!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/240507/image/large-f5a1b9ea4c833ad0d551d4fb4e897d76.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/240507">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> 78 Fly yacht mimics the ambience of larger models, without compromising the agility of smaller vessels. The yacht features a unique layout, including crew quarters integrated into the main deck space, allowing for flexibility for hosting family and guests.In terms of performance, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> 78 Fly yacht is powered by triple <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> IPS engines, providing her with a top speed of up to 33 knots and a cruising speed of up to 26 knots.&nbsp;The owner plans to use the yacht for coastal cruising and family adventures, including an orientation experience in the Florida Keys.

24m Azimut 78 Fly yacht sold

MarineMax Yachts has announced the sale of a new-build 23.64-metre Azimut 78 Fly yacht by Brendan Bailey of MarineMax Fort Myers. 

24m Azimut 78 Fly yacht sold with 2025 delivery date

Hull 20 of the 26-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Grande 26/2026.0m (85'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2024">Azimut Grande 26 Metri</a> yacht series sold in an in-house deal with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> broker Buck Bonner introducing the buyer and Mike Doyle representing the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/336675/image/large-a77b82ba828c422d4c5f012857cf0d96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/336675">Built on speculation and launched in February 2024, the popular <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> Grande 26 Metri yacht features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3025" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alberto Mancini Yacht Design (Company)">Alberto Mancini Yacht Design</a>, interior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/563" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Salvagni Architetti (Company)">Salvagni Architetti</a> and naval architecture by her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220862/image/large-255931a095dafdca9b949eab6c308998.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220862">&nbsp;The client’s journey with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> Lake Lanier began several years ago with a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> 540 Sundancer for the lake, with the owner later building a fleet of Cruiser Yachts, with a 42 GLS and 50 GLS.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220860/image/large-4353b92938f384fc5f545b3545045871.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220860"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220861/image/large-beee3615032bd7f65ea2cdcb53d25ab7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220861">The flybridge yacht boasts a volume of 140 GT and can accommodate as many as 10 guests between five staterooms. The Grande 26M features an exclusive master’s suite with floor-to-ceiling windows on the main deck for complete privacy from others, while four additional guest staterooms are located on the deck below.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220855/image/large-dd62f4bed8b4d63a8ca76bbe4caa49ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220855"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220856/image/large-90d2b6740c958eb3f008e6dd1489c1b9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220856">In terms of performance, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11782" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Grande 26/2026.0m (85'4&quot;)Azimut Yachts2024">Azimut Grande 26M</a> yacht 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. As the client embarks on new adventures onboard the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut Yachts (Company)">Azimut</a> 26M yacht, their crew is planning family trips across the Caribbean and the South Pacific to meet the yacht at each destination.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/220859/image/large-a56d25c7a89af554ef69523aa4640472.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/220859">

26m Azimut Grande 26 Metri yacht hull 20 sold

Hull 20 of the 26-metre Azimut Grande 26 Metri yacht series sold in an in-house deal with MarineMax broker Buck Bonner and Mike Doyle.

Hull 20 of Azimut Grande 26 Metri yacht series sold in-house

The dates for <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="boot Düsseldorf">boot Düsseldorf</a> 2022 have just been confirmed for 22nd – 30th January. The maritime trade fair has confirmed that the event will take place under the implementation of Covid-19 regulations.&nbsp;Messe Düsseldorf CEO Wolfram Diener commented, "Messe Düsseldorf has a responsibility towards both the exhibitors and the large water sports community to hold <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="boot Düsseldorf">boot 2022</a>. Since we already updated our access regulations a fortnight ago with regard to the vaccinated or recovered regulations, we are fully on track with <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="boot Düsseldorf">boot 2022</a> even under the new regulations in the current Covid Protection Ordinance. With our tried and tested hygiene concept 'PROTaction', we will offer all participants a safe trade fair. The approval from the water sports industry for boot 2022 is good. We will be able to put on another boot in 2022 to kick off the new season".<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213365/image/large-1f11a899e09561820161e9668c80f9f2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213365">The company has recognised that some exhibitors will choose not to attend this years event, but that it expects a good turn out from the industry, both in terms of guests and exhibitors. Martin Guscott, Exhibition Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker International</a> commented, “We are really excited to be back at the one of, if not the largest indoor boat show in the world – boot Dusseldorf. We have an incredible line-up, including the global premiere of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> Predator 65 which will take centre stage among the fantastic display of yachts. This has been an accumulation of months of planning and organising, from boat deliveries up the River Rhine, all the way down to the finer details to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all that visit – we are ready and excited to welcome guests to our stand and hopefully”.Other companies including Bavaria Yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> and Kiriacoulis Charter have also announced their participation and excitement for the upcoming event, which is the first show in the annual calendar.&nbsp;

boot Düsseldorf 2022 dates confirmed

Boot Düsseldorf 2022 dates have been set as 22nd-30th January.

boot Düsseldorf 2022 set to take place 22nd-30th January

SYT catches up with Mike Newton-Woof, industry veteran and Managing Director of UK-based yacht brokerage <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ventura Yachts (Company)">Ventura Yachts</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199974/image/large-0fd9e0a66f0dc91315422435b10160d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199974">Can you tell me a bit about yourself, your introduction to the industry and role at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ventura Yachts (Company)">Ventura Yachts</a>?In 1990, after my studies, a role as an Offshore Accountant became available for a Marine company in Marbella, Spain. Over the course of three summers I learnt my trade under the guidance of Robin Tupper. I eventually joined the newly formed Ancasta Powerboats, which later became <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Marbella (Company)">Marina Marbella UK</a>, the UK’s exclusive importer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray Boats</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/361" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Yachts (Company)">Ferretti Yachts</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a>.We then opened a new office in London, but the industry was really struggling through a recession and many of the team left. At the tender age of 24 I was quite literally ‘last man standing’ and became a Director. In 1993 when I joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Marbella (Company)">Marina Marbella UK</a> we sold five <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Rays</a>. When I left as Managing Director in 2001, we sold 150 Sea Rays and a number of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/361" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Yachts (Company)">Ferretti Yachts</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a>s. To this day, I am still extremely proud of our team’s achievements during those years together.&nbsp;In 2002, Robin, Kristofer Westermark and Francis Holbourne set up <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ventura Yachts (Company)">Ventura Yachts</a> as the exclusive <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> distributor for Spain. I joined as their UK Managing Director and I am still in this role today, happier than ever!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/117312/image/large-5267d79654dfad0943f7c0a707d71100.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/117312"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ventura Yachts (Company)">Ventura Yachts</a>&nbsp;have been very successful in recent years, what do you think the reason for this is?Firstly, we strongly believe in the products and management behind the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>. The range of yachts across all the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> brands; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/361" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Yachts (Company)">Ferretti Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/363" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riva S.p.A. (Company)">Riva</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line Spa (Company)">Custom Line</a>, Itama, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN Spa (Company)">CRN</a> and the newest addition <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>, sets us apart in this very competitive environment.Secondly, arguably the backbone of our success, is our customer retention, after-sales support and customer care. One of the many things I learnt very early in my career was if you don’t look after the customers who like, trust and respect you, then you will only ever sell one boat to one person for the rest of your career.Over the course of my careers at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Marbella (Company)">Marina Marbella</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ventura Yachts (Company)">Ventura Yachts</a>, I have been fortunate enough to have worked with one excellent marketing comms agency, Creative Partners, headed by Robin Petherbridge. We foster and build client trust by creating consistent and cohesive marketing campaigns, progressively building confidence in the Ventura brand.It was the same for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Marbella (Company)">Marina Marbella</a> in the UK, where we built the status and desirability of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> brand in the eyes of a UK audience, while at the same time building trust in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2577" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marina Marbella (Company)">Marina Marbella UK</a>. You never know who is watching, listening or sharing information, so treat every customer like they are your last. Respectfully!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/187044/image/large-5112096856949b32da1413973b4e7a4e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/187044">Are there any particular yacht sales which stand out to you in your history with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ventura Yachts (Company)">Ventura</a>?Perhaps the most amusing (looking back at it) and fortunate sale came at the end of the financial crisis in 2010. The client was interested in a 30-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line Spa (Company)">Custom Line</a> and wanted to meet in Monaco to ‘thrash’ out the details.I took my seat on the flight on the day in question, when over the tannoy system an announcement was made for Mr Newton-Woof. I sheepishly raised my hand, when I was informed that I was on the right flight but on the wrong day.&nbsp;I transferred to City Airport and arrived in Monaco just in time to meet the entire party walking out. At which point I introduced myself to everyone and the buyer said, as he was shaking my hand, “How very nice of you to turn up”. At which point he turned around and walked off! His family office and I continued the meeting and signed the order the following week. I was sure I lost years off my life that day.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197526/image/large-a961547166a76fa8fb7c12fab07fa03d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197526">How do you see the rest of 2021 playing out in terms of yacht sales and charter, with many brokers complaining about lack of inventory?It is astonishing that 2020 and 2021 have seen such a surge in sales activity throughout the industry. As new boat production levels never quite recovered to pre-financial crisis levels, there has been a short supply of young products in the marketplace over the last 10 years. Added to a huge uptick in sales activity, there is inevitably a supply / demand challenge. We, as are most of our competitors, are seeing new orders being secured well into 2023, which in my 30+ year experience has never happened in the sub-35m sector. The challenge the industry now faces, which is going to become a global phenomenon, is inflation and interest rate raises. This will encourage existing boat owners to put their boats back on the market, possibly at more than they paid for them, which will increase supply in the pre-owned market at a time when demand may be easing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/191292/image/large-ae855d361595f18dc8954803ab8d8577.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/191292">In your opinion, are there any burgeoning markets in the superyacht industry, and how do you think the market is going to change in the coming years?&nbsp;Without a doubt the environment will play a major part in purchases over the next decade. This may take the form of changes in propulsion to hybrid, electric, solar and hydrogen and in the physical materials used to reduce weight, through to underwater coatings to prevent fouling build-up and increase through-water efficiency.The refit market will invariably benefit from retrofitting more fuel efficient engines and power plants, as has been seen from the speed of development with gyroscopic stabilisation systems.&nbsp;Another observation I have made is the traction and development of the fractional yacht ownership program. The next generation of younger buyers means manufacturers and retailers will need to look closely at their business models to ensure that those new buyers are not alienated.&nbsp;

Broker interview with Mike Newton-woof

SYT catches up with Mike Newton-Woof, industry veteran and Managing Director of Spanish yacht brokerage Ventura Yachts.

Increased supply and ease of demand: Mike Newton-Woof on market predictions

Following the recent announcement of the formation of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Yacht Group (Company)">OneWater Yacht Group</a> (OWYG) by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater Marine</a> (OWM), SYT caught up with the Director of the new division, Tom George, to talk about his plans for the venture. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater Marine</a> has been on an extensive acquisition schedule, purchasing the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">Tom George Yacht Group</a> in December, shortly before they acquired the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roscioli Yachting Center (Company)">Roscioli Yachting Center</a> in Fort Lauderdale. With many American brokerage firms buying up smaller businesses, it's interesting to hear how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a> are preparing for the future and expanding their already impressive remit. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195708/image/large-98b60529a8f8728db23af2fd5894e39d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195708">Could you explain your background in the yachting industry and the foundation of your company,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">Tom George Yacht Group (TGYG)</a>, before its acquisition last year?&nbsp;I started in 1988 with Gulfwind Marine. Gulfwind was a boat dealership based on the Florida west coast with locations in Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Venice and Fort Myers, primarily selling <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> boats and yachts. In 1998, the company merged with four <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> dealerships across the USA to form <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>, and I was one of the founding partners with Chairman Bill McGill before we rolled it up and took it public.&nbsp;I was at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> for 20 years and became the top selling yacht and brokerage salesman as well as the top <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a> salesman. Additionally, I was doing several large custom build yachts in the 40 to 50-metre range, with both the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christensen Shipyards, LLC. (Company)">Christensen</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/217" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Westport Yachts (Company)">Westport Shipyards</a> in the Pacific Northwest. In late 2008 and early 2009, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> began pulling their lines in to weather some very turbulent times and they wanted to minimise and get back to selling small boats. I left and went into business on my own to continue my relationship with my loyal database of clients who supported me throughout the years. I contacted my top clients and asked if I started my own firm would they stay with me and support my new venture. Each one stated “Tom we don’t care what hat you wear, as long as you continue to take care of us, we will follow”. This answered my question and I started my own boutique brokerage firm, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">Tom George Yacht Group (TGYG)</a> in Dunedin, Florida with my nephew Jimmy Rogers. We did exceptionally well and in 2013/2014 we became a dealer for Cobalt Boats, Edgewater Boats, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras Yachts</a>, Carver and Marquis Yachts, Everglades Boats and Invincible Boats. Within 10 years, we had 35 employees, had grown sales to around $50 million and opened a second store in Clearwater.I remained in touch with Anthony Aisquith, COO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a>, as we had worked together previously, and also with a number of the management team, as we watched each other grow. We would connect at boat shows and dealer meetings and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">TGYG</a> both started growing exponentially to record sales each year. I admired how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a> was acquiring dealerships and maintaining the name and brand and not destroying the legacy dealerships had created over the years. Companies are built by the people and I felt if I ever sold, I would want the name to live on as well as the employees to remain. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195781/image/large-2a89bdea4bcbc524848504013e8fd088.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195781">So, what was it that finally encouraged you to join&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a>?&nbsp;Just prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, we had been looking to offer our employees’ health benefits and 401k’s, but had been struggling to offer a competitive benefits package. Additionally, we had been searching for new boat lines as well as new store and marina sites. &nbsp;All of this was becoming very difficult as there were no marinas available and boat lines were being acquired by big houses with very large buying power. When we came out on the other side of the pandemic still running and sales took an unexpected jolt, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a> made an offer I never dreamed I would see that was in the best interest of everyone, with a fantastic package for my employees and allowing me to keep everyone on board and stay at the helm myself. It relieved me of the personal liabilities with banks and allowed me to do what I do best, selling large yachts and helping two local stores continue to grow.&nbsp;When <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a> buys companies, 99% of the time they retain their name and autonomy which was very appealing to me. I had built a phenomenal team and made it a prerequisite that no one be let go ensuring everyone was taken care of with a top shelf benefit package.&nbsp;I also felt that as the pandemic came to a close, there would be a surge in demand that a smaller company like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">Tom George Yacht Group</a> might not be able to meet due to a shortage of product. Predicting we would struggle to expand alone in the coming five years when you’re competing with big companies like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a>, it also made sense to join the larger firm to ensure continuity for our clients and employees. That, combined with the fact I could retain my position and have the freedom to expand <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a>, made it a very attractive offer. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195779/image/large-b461d330a052e74f9a12dafd0a409f3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195779">Shortly after their purchase of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">TGYG</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a>&nbsp;bought&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roscioli Yachting Center (Company)">Roscioli Yachting Center</a>, can you tell me a little more about the motivations behind this partnership?When <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a> offered to buy us, I asked CEO Austin Singleton, what the plans were for servicing the yacht brands, and advised that we would need a high-end yard to service these brands. A month later, he informed me they bought <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roscioli Yachting Center (Company)">Roscioli Yachting Center</a> (RYC). I was amazed this acquisition happened so quickly as I believe it is one of the best shipyards in Fort Lauderdale. The deal closed 30 days after the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">TGYG</a> sale closed and we were able to maintain the name, legacy and history of Bob Roscioli which I loved.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195707/image/large-de67fa31773c049f18d6b319a791d975.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195707">Austin said “take it, run with it and make it work” so I am in the process of building up <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roscioli Yachting Center (Company)">RYC</a> with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Yacht Group (Company)">OneWater Yacht Group</a>, formerly <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4990" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grande Yachts International (Company)">Grande Yachts</a>. &nbsp;We have rebranded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4990" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grande Yachts International (Company)">Grande Yachts</a> who have been selling <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5729" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Absolute Yachts (Company)">Absolute</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1399" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riviera Yacht (Company)">Riviera</a> and Belize Yachts under the direction of Bryan Braley, and already have a sales facility in the shipyard with covered slips for all the yachts. It makes us unique to have such a large array of offered services and such a high standard of service available. We can haul up to a 150’ Tri-deck, paint a yacht from bow to stern and do just about any first-class refit with our own employees. I know of no other organisation in the USA that offers this with a full-fledged shipyard at their disposal for taking care of their clients 24/7, 365 days a year.&nbsp;As a sales advantage, our yacht brokerage team can now schedule haul outs, surveys and requested punch list work to get our new clients up and running sooner in lieu of long yard waits. All our <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roscioli Yachting Center (Company)">RYC</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Yacht Group (Company)">OWYG</a> clients will have priority for service work and/or storage, including hurricane planning. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195782/image/large-e6c4bbaeed15cd74fd7256f1e347a2ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195782">Finally, looking at the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Yacht Group (Company)">OneWater Yacht Group</a>&nbsp;website, it is clear that they have taken your structure and branding from&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">Tom George Yacht Group</a>, how does this work?When we were purchased, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a> wanted to retain the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">Tom George Yacht Group</a> name for the new yachting centre of the company and the rebranding of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4990" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Grande Yachts International (Company)">Grande Yachts</a> name. I believe it is vital to have the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OneWater</a> name out there for this division of the business, showing strength, size and growth over time. I felt it was time for the world to recognise who <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">One Water Marine</a> is and making a statement of using the new name was exciting. The Tom George name will remain on my two original stores in Clearwater and Dunedin and that legacy will live on.We have used the compass rose from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2771" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tom George Yacht Group (Company)">TGYG</a>’s branding, which shows our clients we are pointing them in the right direction, and it is a clear sign we have retained our ethos. I want that same direction to pinpoint the compass rose for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Yacht Group (Company)">OWYG</a> and we're going to guide our clients, now with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Roscioli Yachting Center (Company)">Roscioli</a> by our side, offering a full range of services for all of their needs and giving our clients a new experience. It’s really fun continuing to work with my old team as well as the entirely new team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Yacht Group (Company)">OWYG</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="OneWater Marine Inc. (Company)">OWM</a>. It’s amazing the growth we have experienced in just a short period of time and there are so many more opportunities and partnerships coming down the water way. Life is good!&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195876/image/large-32d8b8b0f27759b7db07a4b83e183c55.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195876">

OneWater Yacht Group and their recent acquisitions

SYT sits down with director of the newly founded OneWater Yacht Group and their future in the U.S.

Tom George on the foundation of the OneWater Yacht Group

Over the past 50 years, American philanthropist and dentistry entrepreneur Jim Glidewell has built a multimillion-dollar business from the ground up. Founder and CEO of Glidewell Laboratories, he has used that success to not only grow one of the largest dental companies in the world, but to continuously invest in his ultimate passion: boats. Following the traditional route of yacht ownership, Glidewell started out with a 29-footer (8.8-metres), slowly progressed to superyachts in the 50-metre range, and has enjoyed plenty of variation in between. Currently aboard his 49-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts, LLC (Company)">Trinity</a>-built yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zoom Zoom Zoom49.07m (160'12&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2005">Zoom Zoom Zoom</a> with his family in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Glidewell tells us about his journey through yacht ownership, the charter market during Covid-19, and why he will always charter his boats for the benefit of his crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193876/image/large-41909e51970552244c44a84e51b1812b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193876"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193875/image/large-c8f05d464d9eb50f4d06ce4fe4d402b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193875">Though his ownership experience has been somewhat conventional, Glidewell's entry into the world of luxury superyachts wasn't quite so traditional. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Glidewell grew up a world away from the open ocean. His introduction to boating was not as a child, nor was it in the polished luxury of superyachts, but onboard rugged naval vessels during his time in the Vietnam War. "Even though I was raised in Las Vegas in the middle of the desert, when I went into the navy, I somehow ended up running boats," he explains.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/7234/image/large-c6002b09443b6afb200e3506a3ef2a11.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7234">Since opening its first store in California in 1970, Glidewell Dental Labs is today the world's largest privately-owned provider of restorative dental solutions and has expanded to include 13 offices across the Americas with over 4,000 employees. As the business grew over the years, so did the yachts. In 1987, Glidewell upgraded to a 50-footer and over the next decade, moved on to a 19.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> before testing the waters of the large yacht market with a 25.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/88403/image/large-74ccf9101d1a43a3c0903dd8acbc53d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/88403">In 1995, Glidewell took the official leap into superyacht ownership with the purchase of the 28-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> motor yacht Voyager (built in 1985 and now named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8085" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Flying Dutchman 28.04m (91'12&quot;)Heesen Yachts1985">The Flying Dutchman</a>). From there, Glidewell's fleet expanded to include a whole host of sportfishers, small runabouts and more than a couple of sizable yachts, including the 47-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/371" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral Marine Works (Company)">Admiral</a> motor yacht Ohana (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rhino46.93m (153'12&quot;)Admiral Marine Works1998">Rhino</a>, previously Roxana). <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/72172/image/large-efcb6884846efb030399e2c752b9f0ec.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72172">Today, Glidewell's fleet includes a line-up of all-American boats: a 25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a>, the 39.62-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/217" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Westport Yachts (Company)">Westport</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Serengeti39.62m (129'12&quot;)Westport Yachts2002">Serengeti</a> and the 49-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zoom Zoom Zoom49.07m (160'12&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2005">Zoom Zoom Zoom</a>. A dedicated father of four, the entire family spends several weeks a year on the water, with each boat also listed on the charter market. "We bought <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/358" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zoom Zoom Zoom49.07m (160'12&quot;)Trinity Yachts, LLC2005">Zoom Zoom Zoom</a> in 2015 and did work on her in 2017," Glidewell says. "I've always liked the way that the aft decks are set up on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/106" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trinity Yachts, LLC (Company)">Trinitys</a>, as well as the typical side stateroom with the master suite and nine-foot ceilings. My gosh, they are great for charter, and I love the boat."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/72188/image/large-67f2a9d45d3b4c7c973d1c05ab3051da.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72188">Regardless of running a successful charter operation, having a young family, it turns out, is the real driving force behind the last 10-15 years of yachting for Glidewell. "We cruise the North East from Maine to Florida in the summer and spend the winters in Fort Lauderdale with quick trips out to the Bahamas," he says. "I'm into boating mainly because of my kids. If I didn't have young children to share all of this with I would not be into yachting as much as I am. Well... maybe just a little bit."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/72187/image/large-cc7fb396eee2eb8dbb635850e17827d3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72187">Covering up to 75% of operating costs by chartering his yachts with his trusted brokerage firm, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a>, he explains: "I charter because it makes it more affordable, and I charter because it makes my crew sharper and allows them to make more money. I've always owned boats, and I take the beating - I have a large enough company that it doesn't bother me that much. It is a benefit for my children. But I strongly believe in charter as a yacht owner. It also offers my crew a chance to make excellent money on tips. Chartering keeps the crew active, whereas if you have a boat that just sits at a dock until the owner is on board, the crew can go stale. They start losing interest. On a charter boat, you've got to keep everything at 100% all of the time."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/72192/image/large-1a7ea97669288f83f4e82170ceb8f842.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72192">And, according to Glidewell, there has been no better time to be in the yacht charter game. With the Covid-19 pandemic restricting travel, movement and daily life around the world, the isolation and privacy that a yacht charter delivers are all the more attractive. "The charter market in the US is definitely up," says Glidewell. "Boats are chartering in the New England area where I am right now that would never usually charter up here. People want to get out of their houses; they want to escape the restrictions. We had three cancellations in July and August, and every one of them got filled back in. It just shows you how much demand there is. It's been a busy year here. I would not expect it to be this busy next year."This article was originally published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/yacht-tenders-and-toys-newspaper" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Tenders and Toys edition of The SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To receive all future issues straight to your door, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">subscribe to the newspaper here</a>.

Owner of Zoom Zoom Zoom 

Jim Glidewell talks to SuperYacht Times about his fleet of charter-friendly, all-American yachts

California Dreaming: Owner Jim Glidewell and his fleet of charter yachts

When news broke in July 2019 that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> had been acquired by the US’ largest boat dealer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>, from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimut|Benetti Group</a>, the superyacht industry sat up and took note. Here, we sit down with CEO Brett McGill to learn what is next in the pipeline.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/184962/image/large-c9755869f8bda2423ae7ccebcf3e0061.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/184962">Not only did the move add the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti&nbsp;</a>Class of yachts to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>’s motor yacht offering, but also “dramatically increase [<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>’s] presence and strength in the strategically important superyacht category'” according to a statement released at the time from CEO Brett McGill. And, as if that wasn’t enough to get the industry talking, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> hit the headlines once again through its purchase of brokerage house <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> in July this year.&nbsp;With a revenue of $1.1 billion for the nine months ending in June 2020 reported by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> in its results for the third quarter (an increase of approximately 20% compared to the same period in 2019) and a net income for these same months of $49.1 million (an increase of 67% compared to the previous year), the stock-listed company – which went public in 1998 and is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida – could certainly be described as something of a ‘big dog’ in comparison to the rest of the industry.&nbsp;These impressive figures, however, do not mean that there is anything impersonal about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>. CEO Brett McGill replaced his father, Bill McGill, in the role in 2018, with his father maintaining his position as Executive Chairman. Speaking to the younger McGill today, it’s apparent that his passion for boating and being on the water began at home. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/26059/image/large-048969591068b3c21a36c0176657ae02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/26059">A family affair&nbsp;“My father started in the boat business well over 40 years ago, so I grew up within it. He established a company called Gulfwind Marine on the west coast of Florida and started selling <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray</a> boats literally on a rundown gas station, growing that into the largest <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Ray&nbsp;</a>dealer in the country. He then got together with other dealers to form the larger company, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>.“I grew up washing boats, delivering boats, doing everything there could be to do on a boat dealership property during evenings and weekends. When I was younger, I probably didn’t love it, but it was such an invaluable experience.” Following this early immersion in all things boating, McGill gained a degree in computer science before getting his first job with a software development firm, Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS), which worked within the RV (recreational vehicle) and marine industry. “It was a natural fit,” McGill explains. “I understood marine dealerships and I have always been interested in technology. I spent about 5-6 years growing that company and then came back into the boating business, joining <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> in 1998.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/184961/image/large-7b3a8e5522cc94741bd09b8bb536a113.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/184961" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Passing on the traditionIt was McGill’s passion for life on the water that brought him back: “My wife and I have four boys, and we have been blessed to be able to take boats all over the US, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">Sea Rays</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6046" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azimut-Benetti Group (Company)">Azimuts</a> and other yachts. I know what it feels like when I'm with my family on the water and what it does for both our customers and our team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>.”Brett, 51, was able to bring a wealth of experience to his role of CEO, having served as President and Chief Operating Officer from October 2017, and holding down numerous other positions within the company, including Executive Vice President of West Operations, Director of Information Services and Vice President of Information Technology, Service and Parts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/184952/image/large-40bc2a4643a30e453b9efab4c95aaed2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/184952"> The first steps to CEO&nbsp;“When you take on a new challenge, it is exactly that: a challenge which is fun and exciting. I think so many years in the business working in so many different roles has served me very well.” In his typically unassuming fashion, McGill also places much of his success within the role elsewhere. “I’ll tell you, it’s by no means easy, but when you have a team like we’ve developed, that sure does make it easier. You’ll probably hear me say that a bunch, and I apologise, but it’s all about our team! They tell me what their problems are and I help them get the resources they need to go fix them.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Indeed, the importance of listening is a common note sounded throughout our conversation. The two major acquisitions which he had under his belt within two years of being CEO – &nbsp;with one taking place during a pandemic to boot – were taken on in response to the shifting desires of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>’s customer base: “You wake up one day and you realise how many yachts we’ve sold within the 80-120 foot [24-37-metre] range. We saw that what the consumers want is to charter their boats and they want access to yacht management services. Providing this will enable them to grow with us at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>. Speaking candidly, some of those people that have bought 50-metre boats have previously owned a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ray Boats (Company)">SeaRay</a> or other smaller boats. And we wanted somewhere to go with these people – so we looked at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> and brought them into our family.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/184959/image/large-4c195ac54d5c6528b5d5e0756609d9dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/184959">Expanding acquisitions&nbsp;And then, just a day short of a year later, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> was brought in to complete the picture. As McGill explains, “It wasn’t just: ‘Hey, let’s consolidate with another superyacht services company and add it to our business. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> was the puzzle piece that fit right in. Where Fraser is strong with yacht management, Northrop &amp; Johnson didn’t really have any, and where Fraser wasn’t dealing with some of the smaller, say 40-metre yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> had a good performance there. Where one was strong, the other had a little weakness, even including their US versus European presence, so when you put the two together, we really feel we have something special. Even in the short period of time we’ve been together, we’re having fun with some new synergies – it’s going very well.”As to what exact form these ‘synergies’ will take, it is too early to say. Will they be keeping both the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/526" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Northrop and Johnson (Company)">Northrop &amp; Johnson</a> names intact going forward? “We are looking at this very carefully, bringing all of our experienced parties together to discuss. Nothing is off the table – we want to understand what the customers want and need, what will make them feel better about both companies. If I knew exactly where we were going, I’d probably start telling you, but we’re still trying to study it.”&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/184953/image/large-b5764b68c3609b517e2af5399b33b01e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/184953" style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 1rem 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13.6px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Digital adaptation&nbsp;What is more certain though, is the importance of digital transformation to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax’s</a> future. Representing far more than just a Covid-opportunistic fad, the investment in new technologies has always been important to McGill, as typified by the company’s purchasing of the technology company BoatYard in March this year. Offering a new, digital Customer Experience Platform for owners, it is also helping <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> with its app development and online chat tools. “By having a little technology company instead of growing technology within <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>, we can be much more nimble and fast, as you are not slowed down by the workings of a big company.”&nbsp;When it comes down to it, for McGill, technology is best used when it is harnessed to improve the customer’s experience prior to purchase. “The more fun we make it for the customer, the more interactive and engaging we make it, the more likely it is that they may get to a closer point of transacting on a boat before they’ve even walked into a dealership.”&nbsp;“Our stores weren’t even open and our leads were blowing up. We were Facetiming with customers showing them boats and the waterways around us were absolutely packed. And that's not going to go away. The amount of new customers we're bringing in right now is amazing. Whenever you build that new foundational layer of new boaters, it's just great because there's a cycle of when they'll upgrade next. They'll tell friends about it, they'll get friends boating. It's a pretty exciting time. We're very blessed to be doing well with what's going on around the world.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/184954/image/large-cb047084464f2702c524eb07295a896c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/184954">The next steps for MarineMax&nbsp;As to whether <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> will be bringing in any other companies from the superyacht industry into the family fold, McGill is open minded: “We're focused on integration and synergies right now, but I'm out there looking actively, there's no stance of 'no way'. We are going to be very smart and not just grow to grow. In <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>, we now have 77 locations and have done almost 40 acquisitions over the years, so we've learned what not to do! “We are new on the scene, so although we do get calls here and there from people wanting us to buy their business, I think people might be a little standoffish just because they're not sure who MarineMax is. Maybe we're the hundred-pound gorilla in the boat dealership business, but I think once people in the industry get to know us, they will say, 'Wow, these guys are great!’” And, as McGill signs off our interview with a genuine invitation to meet in Florida when things have finally become more normal, we are quite inclined to agree. This article first appeared in a recent issue of The SuperYacht Times newspaper. 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MarineMax CEO Brett McGill on the future of the industry giant

Here, we sit down with MarineMax CEO Brett McGill to learn what is next in the pipeline for the US' largest boat dealer. 