Greece

Yachtlove

With his appointment as the new President of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA association</a> announced in April, SuperYacht Times’ Jessamie Rattray and Francesca Webster sat down with Raphael Sauleau to find out how he intends to bring a fresh approach to the association that has just celebrated its 40th anniversary.&nbsp;What is your vision for your tenure as President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a>, particularly in respect of Yachtfolio and its development?As an association, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> is run by panels and committees and so it is not the case of changing things as one individual, but our vision as the board is to review our processes and to become faster at developing projects and products for our members. Yachtfolio, which we have been working hard on for the past two years, is going to be a major focus of mine. The platform was quite obsolete in its original format, but we have bought in a company to rebuild the platform and now we will be implementing the ads, because the platform has been missing elements that help brokers to perform.&nbsp;We are also going to have a thorough review of our existing processes, including the yacht show which has been successful this year, but which we can still improve. The location of the future shows are still up for discussion between Genoa and San Remo and we will soon decide which one. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245836/image/large-83bd41ab5d0f12028e30ada83d3a867d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245836">So Yachtfolio is now functional and being used by brokers?It absolutely is. Of course as we have rebuilt the platform there are elements that are new and which brokers are not used to yet – so there are some teething issues – but we are going to continue to develop it and iron out any bugs over the coming months with the developers.&nbsp;How does <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> feel about other companies coming into the Yachtfolio space, namely Ankor who launched a charter calendar software last year?My take is very simple, we are the one and only tool which has been utilised by brokers worldwide. Obviously it went through some bumpy times with lack of improvement, but we have worked through these and are receiving very positive feedback from the brokers.&nbsp;It is also important to note that we undergo a lot of due diligence for brokers to become <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> members. We are diligent with all of the yachts that are given access to the platforms because we want to ensure a certain level of charter boat. This does however mean that some smaller yachts and brokers are not given access to the systems, which is something that we are looking into for the future, perhaps creating a Yachtfolio for smaller boats. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/276439/image/large-5d0e96dd70316d12074110f8ae4542ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/276439">The Association has historically received some criticism, as you have outlined, what are the main advantages for brokers becoming <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> members?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> is the pillar of our industry. The association has gone through highs and lows, but the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> contract is the contract used by our industry and though it needs refreshment, it is the most recognised and respected out there. Its wide utilisation recognises its importance to the sector. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> was founded 40 years ago, and I believe it has been proven as a reliable institution for our industry, irrespective of the bumpy time it may have gone through, I see it as a very strong association going forward. And obviously I'm here to make it stronger and stronger with the board and the members.&nbsp;If you look at the amount of companies applying for membership, and the waitlist for the shows alone, you can see that it has a solid reputation.&nbsp;Is there any conflict of interest as both the CEO of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;and the President of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a>?Not at all. Each committee is run by people from each member company. The goal is to have perspectives from each company. Of course that also poses challenges, because we are all working pro bono which means it is harder to be very reactive - but this is one of the things we will be working to improve.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310580/image/large-e83336851740caf22cb3a488a36d7ff7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310580">For the upcoming conference with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYBA (Company)">IYBA</a>, do you already have topics on the table?The industry is getting bigger and bigger with more members, and while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2717" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association (Company)">MYBA</a> is super strong in Europe, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYBA (Company)">IYBA</a> is extremely strong in America. So it's a very good thing that both Associations are coming together once or twice a year, and come up with initiatives such as at the, the panel, the conference, which will take place in June. The idea is to discuss the challenges our sector faces, such as the Class Action that is currently taking place in the US, which is of course also impacting European companies with American offices.&nbsp;I believe that this kind of collaboration will make us as an Association stronger so I look forward to our discussions next month.&nbsp;Finally, looking to&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>&nbsp;in Greece and Fraser’s recent acquisition of Atalanta Golden Yachts, how is the team feeling about another house in this region?As ex-Fraser CEO, of course I knew that part of their strategy was to expand into Greece and it definitely increases the sense of competition having such a strong house making this kind of move. However, I would say that as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> we are very strong in what we can do, we are here at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mediterranean Yacht Show - 2024">MEDYS</a> with more than 20 excellent yachts and we are regularly signing more vessels onto our charter management, so I am not concerned about the competition – it is always healthy. We plan to continue our organic growth, as seen by the acquisition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4463" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtlove (Company)">Yachtlove</a> in January, and as always our greatest strength is the fantastic team that we have at the firm.&nbsp;This article is featured in&nbsp;Issue 49&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="http://superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">SuperYacht Times</a>&nbsp;newspaper.&nbsp;You can find a full archive of all previous SuperYacht Times newspapers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

Modernising MYBA with new President Raphael Sauleau

SuperYacht Times sat down with Raphael Sauleau, the new President of the MYBA association, to discuss future plans. 

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">International Yacht Company</a> (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>) has announced the acquisition of Greek Charter Management specialist company, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4463" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtlove (Company)">Yachtlove</a>. This acquisition is set to further solidify <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>’s position in the luxury yacht market. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299268/image/large-e0ecbf823433feafda80a9355d5c1378.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299268">Xenia Tsipidou, founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4463" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtlove (Company)">Yachtlove</a>, had previously been Head of Charter for seven continuous years at CAPE4 Yachting (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>) before establishing her own company. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4463" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtlove (Company)">Yachtlove</a> provided luxury yacht charters in the Greek islands. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245837/image/large-a3a9f76c40d53529fbfcd90f5871af0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245837">Raphael Sauleau, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a> commented, "With the addition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4463" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachtlove (Company)">Yachtlove</a> to our family, we are thrilled to welcome Xenia and Vasiliki to our team of over 160 dedicated professionals worldwide. Their expertise and passion for yachting will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities and contribute to the continued success and growth of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>."

IYC announces acquisition of Yachtlove

The International Yacht Company (IYC) has announced the acquisition of Greek Charter Management specialist company, Yachtlove.

One of the many Greek yachting brands that were present at this year’s Mediterranean Yacht Show was the Athens based Yachtlove, a relatively new company providing luxury yacht charter and charter management in the East Med. SuperYacht Times’ Maarten Janssen spoke to Director and Owner of the company, Xenia Tsipidou whilst at the show from the 2nd to 6th May, who told SYT about the establishment of Yachtlove as well as the best aspects of chartering in Greece.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154444/image/large-20f26cdd88d87d0953bff755828bd2cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154444">Set up just one month ago, Tsipidou begins by telling us a little bit about her background in the industry, boasting 12 years of experience before she made the decision to break off on her own. She says, “I have a great passion for what I do. Before I established Yachtlove, I was with Cape4 as Head of Charter for five years, and then before that, I was a Charter and Sales Assistant for another seven years. I now believe that I have the experience that’s essential to offering a professional service with attention to detail, and because of my 12 years of experience, I’m also able to foresee certain things to protect and advise the clients and brokers that I work with.”As yet, the Yachtlove fleet consists of two yachts - certainly not a bad feat when considering the young age of the company, something in which Tsipidou states her surprise at. “Having two boats already in our fleet is a big surprise for me seeing as the company is only one month old! We have Daloli, which is a Heesen 37 metre yacht - I’ve been managing this boat for the past five years. We also have a smaller boat, a 23.5 metres, called Amor designed by Ferretti yachts. They are both available for charters in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the captains have a high level of knowledge about this area. I give great attention to having quality yachts with experienced crews onboard, as I count on long term relationships of trust”.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154445/image/large-136602959948528af385eb71908ebe8b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154445">This high level of knowledge is reflected within every employee of Yachtlove, especially Tsipidou, whose passion for cruising the Greek islands is easy to determine. Tsipidou demonstrated her love for the area by sharing her personal advice for first timers to the islands, recommending Mykonos. She says, “I would definitely go to Mykonos - not because it’s a popular island that is constantly promoted, but in Mykonos you have a selection of choices of activities".“Most people that charter a yacht are used to high end, high standard service, and on the Ionian islands which are more virgin and less spoiled, you can find very nice turquoise waters and green landscapes but you cannot find this cosmopolitan lifestyle. So if I had never been to the islands before, I would choose to go to Mykonos - where you have a wide selection of beaches or you can also arrange a daily cruise to visit Santorini and view the romantic sunset in Oia”.As for the future of the young company, Tsipidou is looking forward to development but, for the moment at least, states that her primary goal is to increase the numbers of vessels in the Yachtlove fleet. She says, “My target for the moment is charters, so I’m aiming to gather a nice fleet of quality yachts with good crew, and Owners that are willing to cooperate with the mentality of chartering. It’s a different thing to have a yacht privately in comparison to chartering it. Maybe from September we will have more yachts added into the fleet! Because I was a sales assistant for several years, we will be developing also the sales department slowly".In conclusion about the company and how people you work with are important to becoming successful as a company, she tells Finding the right people to work with, and sharing the same goals and ideas is so important such as transparency, efficiency, and being creative in every project you take over. We wake up every day with new ideas, new goals and a lots of love for Yachtlove daily projects! We have to be inspiring and inspire people around us too! What we “sell” is pleasure and summer holidays, so we try to make our Clients and cooperators feel how much we really love what we do!”By Maarten Janssen, edit by Gemma Fottles