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In July, two of Australia’s most prominent yachting companies announced a powerhouse merger. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a>, the superyacht charter and brokerage firm and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a>, the sales and management company have joined forces, to utilise one another’s specialities and expand their reach into new sectors. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine’s</a> Brock Rodwell has taken over from his father Rick as CEO, and has joined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a> as Head of Sales for Asia Pacific. Francesca Webster finds out more:&nbsp;How did the recent merger with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a>&nbsp;come about?We’ve worked alongside <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a> for over a decade, often engaged in negotiations related to buying and selling boats and the merger has developed from that long standing relationship.Last year <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a> approached us with the idea of expanding their operations beyond charter management and into boat sales. Whilst <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a> had a successful start in the charter business and later ventured into management services, they had not been actively focusing on the sales element of this business. So the initial discussions were about the possibility of a buyout or potentially retaining me in assisting the development of their sales team. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277102/image/large-4c8b57d451956124f676e71ba50d13e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277102">After nearly a year of talks and deliberation, a unique solution emerged that seemed ideal for both parties involved. Rather than merging into a single entity, we decided to run our businesses parallel to each other. This arrangement allows us to maintain our individual identities while benefiting from a strong collaboration. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a> would bring their expertise in boat sales, whilst <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a> would continue to excel in charter and management services.The timing also couldn't have been better as I found myself elevated to the position of CEO after my father’s retirement the opportunity allowed for a seamless transition of leadership.How do you hope this new partnership will impact the two businesses and does&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray&nbsp;White</a>&nbsp;intend to remain distinct?The new partnership creates a powerful synergy, with each business complimenting the others’. Our companies can retain their unique strengths while working together harmoniously. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a> has made impressive strides in the past five to six years, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a> has already accumulated over a decade of experience in the industry.&nbsp;The name <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White</a> is one of the largest property franchise groups in the Southern Hemisphere and a well-established brand, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.Our partnership originated when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White</a> was appointed to sell our family house, back when we were <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> dealers for Australia. During our discussions, the idea of expanding into the marine industry emerged, as they saw it as a promising business opportunity.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279069/image/large-5f944c62d44c5b9131c3e39220486503.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279069">As for the ownership, we hold the naming rights, and the entire marine business is self-funded by us. It is not financially backed by the broader <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White</a> group. The White family, specifically Brian and Dan White had a positive and supportive involvement in the new stage of the merger with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy club</a>. As a privately owned family-run company, they respected the decision-making process of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a>. The conversation about the merger was straightforward, given the mutual respect and trust built over the years. Brian and Dan White gave their blessing for the merger, but their direct involvement in the process was minimal.You are both CEO of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">RW</a>&nbsp;and Head of yacht sales Asia Pacific for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a>, how are you dividing your responsibilities between the two businesses, without there being any conflict of interest?Yes, it's been a big couple of weeks of integration. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a> wants to concentrate on the higher value and length overall vessels so we will predominantly run superyachts, and new-build management through that side of the business. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a> will focus on new-builds, local brokerage spots, and mainly under the 30 metre mark, as well as our existing distribution rights with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5733" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Technohull (Company)">Tecnohull</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a>. So it sort of delineates where the leads go and where the business goes. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a> will continue to focus heavily on charter and management, whereas <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White</a> will focus predominantly on sales, and then on the bigger end new build management, the resources of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy club</a> will work quite well.What motivated you and the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a>&nbsp;team to host the upcoming auction of five boats during the Sydney Boat Show?We began hosting yacht auctions back in the mid-2000s when brokerage auctions were rare and were an interesting way to approach yacht sales.&nbsp;During the COVID pandemic, we postponed auctions due to the restrictions, as we prefer in-person auctions over digital ones. Buying a yacht is different from purchasing property or commercial real estate online; it involves personal preferences, views, and locations. Hosting in-person auctions aligns with our brokerage model, offering a distinctive avenue for buyers and sellers. Contrary to the misconception that auctions are only for repossessions or distress sales, they serve as an alternative method to traditional brokerage or online listings, garnering broader coverage and encouraging sellers to participate. Ian Malouf, owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a>, has included a number of his yachts in this auction, firstly to see if the structure of the auctions is successful and secondly with the view to potentially expand his operating fleet.&nbsp;Moreover, the post-COVID market has seen some changes, prompting a few listings to explore different selling methods. By combining several boats in the auction, we make advertising more cost-effective, distributing it across multiple vessels rather than focusing on individual ads.Running the auction alongside the Sydney Boat Show provides us with a captive audience, considering its close proximity. It's essential to clarify that while it coincides with the boat show, it's not a part of the event itself. This strategic alignment serves as excellent marketing and generates positive PR for our business.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279066/image/large-9f3af2f69ee4af9e3d8d391274173440.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279066">Do you also have a European vision?We have a comprehensive European vision for our presence in the international boat shows. Under <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a>, we will be attending all major events, including Cannes, Monaco, Miami, Singapore, and the Australian boat shows. Additionally, we'll participate in significant brokerage shows like Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy</a> also usually has a presence. Furthermore, we intend to be at shows in Monaco and Dubai as well, casting a wide net to cover all major opportunities.Our focus at these overseas boat shows will be on showcasing new production boats for sale in Australia and New Zealand, exclusively to Australian and New Zealand passport holders. This ensures we respect territorial boundaries and adhere to specific policies. For clients based in other regions but holding Australian or New Zealand passports, we'll collaborate with local dealers to provide after-sales support and services, maintaining a structured approach to avoid crossing boundaries.This article is featured in Issue 46 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper" target="_blank">Subscribe now</a>&nbsp;to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""></a>

Ahoy Club and Ray White Marine merger

With the news of the Ahoy Club and Ray White merger, SYT sat down with the new CEO Brock Rodwell to find out more. 

A powerhouse is born: Brock Rodwell on the merger of Ahoy Club and Ray White Marine 

The Australian charter and brokerage company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a>, which is owned by the Malouf family, has acquired a significant stake in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a>, which is headed by the Rodwell family and supported by the White family of Australasia's largest property group, is a yacht brokerage firm and new vessel distributor. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277102/image/large-4c8b57d451956124f676e71ba50d13e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277102">The merger, overseen by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a> managing director Ian Malouf and CEO Ellie Malouf, allows the company to increase its market share in Australia and New Zealand, adding to the brands positioning globally."Combining the strengths of both companies opens new opportunities for collaboration and &nbsp;innovation in this space. We've made this decision to strengthen our customer offering and to drive expansion. Strategically for us, having more experts available in key locations is an important part of this merger. Clients will now be able to access us across several offices in Australia and New Zealand including Double Bay and Elizabeth Bay in Sydney, the Gold Coast, Auckland CBD, The Whitsundays and our the prestige showroom in Melbourne with Zagame Automotive Group ”Brock Rodwell has been appointed CEO of Ray White Marine, taking over from his father Rick Rodwell, who will remain with the business in a sales position to ensure his experience and expertise continues to strength the group."<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a> is excited to join forces with Ellie and her team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a>, in a short period of time they have become a main player in our industry when it comes to charter and &nbsp;professional yacht management, integrating a proven sales team was the next natural step. The merger will complement each business in many ways others won’t be able to match ,” Mr Rodwell said.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a> has an exclusive relationship as distributor of 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, as well as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5733" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Technohull (Company)">Technohull</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ray White Marine (Company)">Ray White Marine</a> will continue to carry all the &nbsp;new vessel brands and brokerage divisions. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a>, who recently celebrated their fifth birthday, will focus on their expertise in yacht charters, management and larger scale &nbsp;superyacht sales. As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a> continues its journey to grow the yacht brokerage division &nbsp;globally, Brock Rodwell will also lead the global brand as Head of Yacht Sales for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5102" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ahoy Club (Company)">Ahoy Club</a>, Asia-Pacific.

Ahoy Club acquires stake of Ray White Marine

The Australian charter and brokerage firm has acquired part of Ray White Marine brokerage.

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