As one of the largest and most reputable global yachting brokerages, IYC continues to solidify its dominant position in the superyacht market. The company had a transformative 2023, marked by significant global expansion, valuable partnerships, and extremely strong sales activity. 
Expanding horizons
IYC's growth has spread to all facets of the business, from increased revenues, additional geographical locations, and onboarding new team members to having the largest fleet worldwide, with a remarkable seven yachts on average per manager, allowing for a boutique approach. With an eye toward the future, the company continues to reinvest its profits, focusing on overall global growth, achieving record-breaking sales feats, and landing larger central agent listings, like the most recent 74-metre Lürssen Global. 
While the industry naturally fluctuates, IYC adapts its strategies to navigate the evolving market landscape. The start of this year has seen slower sales compared to the post-pandemic sales flurries, but IYC's brokers continue to drive forward, catering to the specific needs of owners and building long-term relationships. 
As history shows, if yachts are priced correctly, they tend to continue to sell. "The key to securing a sale quickly in this market - and keeping the market active - is pricing correctly, in line with the true market value to avoid stagnation," he adds. 
The company remains at the forefront of all market changes, one of which can be seen from the increasing demand for more eco-conscious choices. Michel Chryssicopoulos, Global Managing Partner, explains: "Both sail and motor catamarans seem to be gaining significant popularity. The catamaran market is experiencing a sustainable expansion, likely due to factors aligning with growing environmental concerns. Compared to five years ago, these boats are much more common, and I expect this market segment to keep growing in terms of variety and size." A prime example is the innovative, recently delivered catamaran, This Is It - an IYC project sold and managed by Chryssicopoulos - a testament to the advanced developments in the multihull market. 
By leveraging a positive teamwork ethic and a strong in-house sales and marketing team, IYC continues to broker some of the industry's top deals. Over the last five years, deals where IYC has represented both the buyer and seller have comprised almost 50 percent of the total deals done.
"To be successful, you need to be able to provide clients with off-market opportunities, and we find that more and more sales are happening in this way. IYC has been dominant in this area due to our strong internal communications. Information is shared daily between IYC brokers across the globe, and our digital tools support and keep clients informed quickly and efficiently of any updates," explains Gray.
Maxwell adds: "Last year, we represented both the buyer and seller in a yacht purchase that closed in three days. I trust that this upward trend is a result of our regular sales meetings where brokers can share and promote their listings and an overall improved team spirit."
Innovative approaches
At the forefront of IYC's strategy is its dedicated technology team committed to innovation, utilising cutting-edge technologies and digital tools to drive success. "We focus on using advanced technology by developing proprietary tools, improving SEO, and utilising AI trends," says Maxwell.
Chryssicopoulos adds: "We innovate by creating cutting-edge tools for our sales and charter teams. Crisp marketing is a pillar for our company, enabling us to create a strong charter fleet and consistently maintain a leading position in global sales rankings. The one constant deeply embedded in IYC's DNA is maintaining a clean reputation and ethical approach to business."
With their adept marketing team and substantial investments in digital platforms delivering results, Maxwell explains: "We continue to evolve and find new ways to differentiate ourselves from the competition, which helps us attract and retain top talent."
New-build success
These approaches have secured IYC's success in the new-build sector. The company maximised on the recent wave of activity, securing more than 15 current new-build projects ranging from 30 to 75 metres. "It is very fulfilling to be involved with those new-build projects, which give a breath of fresh air to our company and our industry overall," comments Chryssicopoulos. 
Invaluable industry partnerships
At the core of the company's success lies its collaborative approach and strong industry partnerships and alliances. Following last year's record-breaking sale of the trio of 70-metre Admiral GC-Force superyachts to a single family, IYC continues to cement its relationship with The Italian Sea Group (TISG).
A relationship which has been further strengthened by additional high-profile projects, such as the first model - sold by Chryssicopoulos - of the new 72-metre Admiral line designed by Giorgio Armani. "We are pleased to be involved in projects where Giorgio Armani has been personally in charge of interior and exterior designs. His attention to detail and ingenious perfectionism have been an eye-opening experience that forces one to think out of the box."
As Maxwell explains, in-house collaboration is equally as strong: "When you work with a US-based broker, you benefit from all the IYC global brokers who work together to match sellers and buyers, provide feedback on the condition of charter yachts and crew, and offer recommendations."
"Each successful superyacht sale contributes to the company's growth; these sales build trust with both sellers and buyers, fostering long-term client relationships. By excelling in these areas, IYC can continue to thrive in the superyacht brokerage industry," concludes Chryssicopoulos.
With its commitment to sales excellence, adaptive mentality, and cutting-edge tools and resources, IYC is poised to continue to seize emerging market opportunities in 2024.