Norwegian yacht brokerage firm <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skippern Yachts (Company)">Skippern Yachts AS</a> has announced that it will take over the operations of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent BV</a> yacht &amp; ship brokerage. The transition is set to take effect on 1 July 2026.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396785/image/large-11656c5f35c638490d570c2a8263141e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396785">The move follows the decision of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent</a> founder and Chief Executive Officer Marcel Borgmann to step back from the yachting industry after more than 35 years. Established in 2010, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent</a> has grown into an internationally recognised brokerage network. The company provides sales, charter and advisory services to yacht owners and buyers through a network of brokers across multiple countries.Under the new arrangement, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent's</a> activities will continue under the ownership and management of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skippern Yachts (Company)">Skippern Yachts</a>, led by Managing Director Rune Riktor. The company stated that the transition is intended to ensure continuity for clients and partners while preserving the values and reputation established by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent</a> over the past 16 years.“Marcel has created something truly remarkable," said Rune. "<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent</a> earned its reputation through hard work, expertise, and an unwavering focus on clients. We are honoured by the trust Marcel has placed in us and are committed to carrying forward the values, relationships, and high standards that have defined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent</a> for so many years.”Rune is no stranger to the brokerage house, having worked with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent</a> for several years as both an agent and partner. According to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skippern Yachts (Company)">Skippern Yachts</a>, this longstanding relationship will help maintain the level of service and international reach that clients have come to expect.“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent</a>. It has been an incredible journey, made possible by our clients, partners, and colleagues around the world,” concluded Marcel. “I have every confidence that Rune and the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skippern Yachts (Company)">Skippern Yachts</a> will continue this journey with the same passion and dedication that have always been at the heart of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2574" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Independent BV (Company)">Sea Independent</a>.”Photo courtesy of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skippern Yachts (Company)">Skippern Yachts</a>.

Skippern Yachts takes over Sea Independent brokerage

Skippern Yachts acquires Sea Independent 

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Norwegian yacht brokerage firm Skippern Yachts AS has announced that it will take over the operations of the Sea Independent BV.

Skippern Yachts acquires Sea Independent brokerage operations

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">International Marine Management</a> (IMM) has announced the acquisition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic Refit Center (Company)">Atlantic Refit Center</a> (ARC) in La Rochelle, France. The shipyard is dedicated to the refit and repair of superyachts up to 150 metres in length.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395123/image/large-b4dd49b5ee58da2c0bddbdcd499e313b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395123">With 130 in-house employees, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM</a> operates across key Caribbean hubs including Puerto Rico, St Maarten, Guadeloupe and Grenada. The acquisition marks the company’s expansion into Europe, combining <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM’s</a> refit expertise with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic Refit Center (Company)">ARC’s</a> established facility and infrastructure.“Returning to Europe is a defining step for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM</a>,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM</a> CEO Norina Edelman. “Marrying the strength of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic Refit Center (Company)">ARC’s</a> existing infrastructure with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM's</a> spirit and values will create a unique client experience in terms of flexibility, quality and transparency. We are excited to operate a European shipyard that will allow us to give every client a bespoke experience.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic Refit Center (Company)">ARC</a> brings more than 20 years of experience, including projects such as the conversion of the 71.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4954" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Enigma XK71.4m (234'3&quot;)Richards Shipbuilders1988">Enigma XK</a>. Its location in La Rochelle is considered highly strategic, offering direct 24/7 access via the only deep-sea port on the French Atlantic coast.The facility provides extensive infrastructure for large-scale refit and conversion projects, including an 11-metre draft capability and a fully secured ISPS-compliant area. It features two dry docks (176-metres and-107 metres), a 250-tonne travel lift, cranes of up to 150 tonnes, 300-metres of afloat repair quays, and 2,000-square-metres of hard-standing space.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM</a> Founder and COO Fabrice Maitre has more than 40 years of experience in yacht refit and repair, with projects including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/442" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Skat70.7m (231'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2002">Skat</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kogo71.71m (235'3&quot;)Alstom (Aker Yards)2006">Kogo</a>. In 2007, he oversaw the extensive refit of Tatoosh in La Rochelle. This project was regarded as a milestone for the town’s emergence within the superyacht refit industry, according to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395122/image/large-ae50f768748608ce23d4bd3776773ae6.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395122">“In many ways, this expansion is a full-circle moment,” explained Fabrice Maitre. “France is where my career began, and the Tatoosh refit in La Rochelle was a significant step in both my career and superyacht refit generally. Establishing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM’s</a> presence here, with such a capable facility, allows us to bring our experience, standards, and approach back to a market we know deeply.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM</a> positions itself as offering a boutique experience for every vessel. The company states that its team will oversee shipyard operations to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and to the highest standards of quality. Each client will benefit from robust planning, transparent workflows, and stringent quality control systems.“At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic Refit Center (Company)">ARC</a>, the entire shipyard is prepared and optimized for each client and refit project. Having a rich network of local contractors, as well as easy connectivity to Central Europe makes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic Refit Center (Company)">ARC</a> particularly attractive, especially for yachts over 5,000 tonnes, for whom haul-out options on the market are very limited, especially in shipyards specializing in superyacht refit,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM</a> Global Director Víctor Pérez<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic Refit Center (Company)">ARC’s</a> outgoing President and Co-Founder Stephane Marcelli will remain involved in the company’s operations. He concluded: “The integration of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1768" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic Refit Center (Company)">ARC</a> into the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2256" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Marine Management - IMM Yachting (Company)">IMM</a> group brings exactly the kind of expertise and momentum the French Atlantic superyacht sector needs to further strengthen its position internationally."

International Marine Management acquires Atlantic Refit Center

 International Marine Management (IMM) has announced the acquisition of Atlantic Refit Center (ARC) in La Rochelle, France.

Lai Sun Development Company Limited is selling an initial 80 percent stake in leading superyacht services provider <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons International</a>, in a transaction valuing the business at €50 million.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/395214/image/large-c14a422e2246a71de936781ef03d2690.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/395214">The agreement, signed on 28 May 2026, sees the Hong Kong-listed group divest its majority interest for an initial consideration of €40 million, subject to customary post-completion adjustments. The valuation is based on approximately 12 times FY2025 EBITDA, with management EBITDA reported at around €4.1 million.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons International</a>is a long-established player in the global superyacht industry, offering a full range of services including yacht and charter brokerage, yacht and charter management, new build and design supervision, insurance services, corporate support, and crew placement.The company's CEO Paolo Casani commented on this agreement: "<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> welcomes this investment as an important milestone in the company’s continued &nbsp;growth. The transaction reflects strong confidence in the brand, its global platform, and the expertise &nbsp;of its team. Working alongside our existing shareholders, Lai Sun Group, we look forward to this next &nbsp;chapter and to continuing to build on our strong foundations."The buyer, Wave Expandary Limited, will acquire the stake with a guarantee provided by Sea Expandary Limited. The seller retains the remaining interest in the business under a structured shareholders’ arrangement governing future ownership.Sea Expandary Limited is ultimately linked to a newly established yacht-focused industrial platform in China. The group is associated with an initiative led by JD.com founder Richard Liu Qiangdong. In February 2026, he announced the launch of an independent yacht brand under the “Sea Expandary” name, backed by an investment of approximately USD 700 million.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65463" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JD.com founder Richard Liu invests $700M to establish Sea Expandary yacht brand in China (2026-02-25 10:45:00 +0100)">JD.com founder Richard Liu invests $700M to establish Sea Expandary yacht brand in China</a>The venture is understood to span R&amp;D, manufacturing, sales, brokerage and after-sales services, with a focus on new-energy propulsion systems and broader yacht industry development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area."The company will continue to operate without disruption, maintaining full continuity across its &nbsp;leadership and suite of yachting services. Clients and partners can expect the same high standards of &nbsp;service and commitment that have long defined <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>," Paolo added.As part of the agreement, both parties have agreed put and call options over the remaining stake, exercisable from 31 December 2027. Each option is estimated at €9.135 million and is linked to the original transaction valuation.For the financial year ended 2025, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> generated revenue of HK$270.7 million and recorded a net profit after tax of HK$13.1 million. Upon completion, Lai Sun expects to recognise a gain of approximately HK$91-92 million, and the business will be deconsolidated from the group’s accounts.&nbsp;Completion remains subject to customary conditions, including shareholder approvals and regulatory clearances, with a long stop date set at 30 September 2026. Lai Sun said the disposal is part of its strategy to streamline its portfolio, improve liquidity, and support working capital and debt repayment objectives."Looking ahead, this development supports the company’s long-term strategic direction, enabling &nbsp;further investment in its capabilities and strengthening its position as a leading global yachting &nbsp;business," concluded Paolo.

Wave Expandary Limited acquires Camper & Nicholsons

Lai Sun Development Company Limited is selling an initial 80 percent stake in Camper & Nicholsons International.


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Camper & Nicholsons to be sold in €50M deal to Chinese billionaire-linked venture

Online marine marketplace <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Off The Hook Yacht Sales (Company)">Off The Hook Yachts</a> has completed the acquisition of marine, service and storage company, Apex Marine Group.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393587/image/large-77d79f43d3f87b5a5a2311f82a62aa95.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393587">The acquisition was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65451" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Off The Hook Yachts to acquire Apex Marine Group (2026-02-24 14:00:00 +0100)">first announced in February 2026</a>, with the deal valued at $5.5 million, with $1.83 million in cash, approximately 670,000 shares valued at $2.70 and a $1.83 million secured seller note at six percent due in three years.Located in South Florida, the Apex facilities include four prime storage and service locations, haul-out capability up to 150 metric tons and vessels up to 40 metres, and comprehensive in-house service teams for repair, refit and refurbishment.“The integration of these capabilities is already generating millions of dollars in annual cost savings by reducing third-party service dependencies, lowering transportation costs, accelerating turnaround times, and delivering higher-quality refurbishments,” said Brian John, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Off The Hook Yacht Sales (Company)">Off The Hook Yachts</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/386344/image/large-a0334d742061ce908dacbd406c529d7b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/386344">“This centralised approach allows us to standardise refurbishment quality, reduce cycle times from acquisition to resale, and scale inventory without proportional overhead increases.”Founded in 2012, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Off The Hook Yacht Sales (Company)">Off The Hook Yachts</a> is an online marine marketplace for pre-owned boats, with an integrated ecosystem that includes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8384" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Autograph Yacht Group (Company)">Autograph Yacht Group</a>, Azure Funding and proprietary lead-generation platforms.“This acquisition is fundamentally about operational dominance through infrastructure,” concluded Jason Ruegg, Founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Off The Hook Yacht Sales (Company)">Off The Hook Yachts</a>. “Facilities like these are unique in South Florida. Bringing service, storage and hauling in-house is a game changer for our efficiency, margins and ability to scale.”

Off the Hook Yachts completes Apex Marine Group acquisition

Off The Hook Yachts has completed the acquisition of marine, service and storage company, Apex Marine Group.

Off The Hook Yachts completes acquisition of Apex Marine Group

German defence group Rheinmetall has submitted a non-binding bid to acquire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK)</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/119735/image/large-acfb0b7bab0c6365f9f60566481d2088.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/119735">The bid was disclosed as part of Rheinmetall’s first-quarter financial results on 7 May 2026, although it did not reveal the value of the offer. During the conference call, Rheinmetall CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board Armin Papperger, explained that the company had made a non-binding offer to acquire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a>.“We have now started a due diligence, and we expect over the next weeks that we will have a result about that so that we can give a binding offer also to enlarge our capacities in shipyards.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> is part of CMN Naval Group, the family-owned French shipbuilder active in both naval and yacht construction. In January 2026, German defence and shipbuilding group<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">&nbsp;Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)</a> also submitted a non-binding bid to acquire GNYK.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TKMS submits non-binding bid for German Naval Yards (2026-01-16 15:00:00 +0100)">TKMS submits non-binding bid for German Naval Yards</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/119742/image/large-8d47deb0b2710a78c1048265db2b1b5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/119742"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">TKMS</a> confirmed to SuperYacht Times that it was still in negotiations to acquire the company. In a statement to SYT, the company said: “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1137" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Company)">TKMS</a> has submitted a non-binding offer to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">German Naval Yards (GNYK)</a>. Discussions between our two companies are continuing with an open outcome.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> reportedly employs around 400 people directly and in October 2025, the contract for the construction of the 114.1-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht (2025-10-08 13:30:00 +0200)">Project ELF</a> was signed, with the yard unveiling the 93-metre superyacht concept, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64988" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards unveils new 93m yacht concept Project KOA (2025-12-16 14:45:00 +0100)">Project KOA</a> in December 2025.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64446" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht (2025-10-08 13:30:00 +0200)">German Naval Yards signs contract to complete 114m in-build Project ELF superyacht</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/374090/image/large-176e4c6ae9d16a2aefdd17a353aad349.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/374090">In March 2026, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> also unveiled that they had signed for the hull and superstructure construction of a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards to build hull of +100m Abeking & Rasmussen superyacht (2026-03-18 10:00:00 +0100)">+100-metre superyacht</a> built for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a>. Very few details have been announced about the build, which has an estimated completion date of 2030.SuperYacht Times reached out to Rheinmetall and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8417" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="German Naval Yards (Company)">GNYK</a> for further details on the proposed acquisition, with both declining to comment. We will update this article as the story develops.

Rheinmetall submits non-binding bid for German Naval Yards

German defence group Rheinmetall has submitted a non-binding bid to acquire German Naval Yards Kiel (GNYK).

According to Reuters, US-based boating and yacht retailer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> is reportedly preparing for a potential sale of the company. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265732/image/large-de8e35a3c695c7a0ca1d7601fa95da7d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265732">Three sources told Reuters that one potential buyer had raised its offer and one prominent private equity firm was conducting due diligence. Two of the sources also confirmed that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>’s board of directors agreed last month to move forward with a sale process, advancing discussions into a second round.The decision comes around six months after investment firm Donerail Group began urging the company to consider either a sale, or changes to its leadership structure. Donerail currently owns a five percent stake in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> and according to two sources, the company has increased its initial offer, which originally valued the company at close to $1 billion.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65294" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donerail makes $1 billion offer to acquire MarineMax (2026-02-03 12:30:00 +0100)">Donerail makes $1 billion offer to acquire MarineMax</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265730/image/large-3fda6f192a71e4f552e121164e407ea4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265730">Private equity firm Blackstone has also reportedly expressed interest in the business and is said to be conducting due diligence. Blackstone has existing investments in marinas and yacht-related infrastructure. Reuters previously reported that other parties, including Blue Compass, Island Capital Group and TPG, had also shown interest in a potential acquisition.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> is reportedly working with Wells Fargo on the sale process, while Donerail and its investment partners have retained Jefferies as advisers.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65477" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax attracts further acquisition interest following $1B Donerail offer (2026-02-26 14:45:00 +0100)">MarineMax attracts further acquisition interest following $1B Donerail offer</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/265731/image/large-54496f786fc04228218fba51ab6acb9e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/265731">The company’s share price has risen approximately 30 percent since the beginning of the year as investor pressure for a sale intensified. However, over the past five years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> shares have declined by more than 50 percent.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a>, headquartered in Clearwater, operates 65 marinas and storage facilities alongside 70 dealerships across the United States. The company also has a presence in the superyacht sector, with a portfolio of yachts for sale listed through its brokerage operations.Neither <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1312" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MarineMax (Company)">MarineMax</a> nor Donerail commented on the statements from Reuters, while Blackstone declined to comment. Reuters also noted that, despite progress in the process, there is no certainty that a transaction will ultimately be completed.

MarineMax explores potential sale as Donerail raises its bid

US-based boating and yacht retailer MarineMax is reportedly preparing for a potential sale of the company.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6525" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Swisspath Yachting (Company)">Swisspath Yachting</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tag Yachting (Company)">TAG Yachting</a> have announced a merger to form Swisspath | TAG Yachting, a new fully integrated yacht services group offering charter, management and sales services.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393091/image/large-e961e6e5065594495a29a652526c0e54.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393091">The newly formed company will operate under the ownership of an independent Swiss multi-family office founded by Alessandro Lardi. The merger is intended to create a more streamlined approach to yacht ownership and client services, with a focus on discretion, long-term relationships and tailored support for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.“Owning a yacht is not a single transaction; it's an evolving journey,” explained Phill Gregory, Managing Partner at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tag Yachting (Company)">TAG Yachting</a>. “What this merger allows us to do is support clients at every stage, from first charter through to ownership, management and eventual sale, without fragmentation or compromise.”Swisspath | TAG Yachting’s flagship base will be located at the renovated Club de Mar in Palma de Mallorca. The group will also maintain registered offices in London and Zurich, alongside operational teams in Singapore and Hong Kong.Combined, the businesses bring together around 50 years of industry experience across yacht management, charter and brokerage services. The group stated that its operations span the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Americas and Asia-Pacific regions, with a client base of approximately 200 ultra-high-net-worth individuals.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/393092/image/large-71d187489194227ea7b72711a39a3314.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/393092">“We spoke to a number of potential partners before finding <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tag Yachting (Company)">TAG</a>, and what became clear quickly is how rarely values truly align,” commented James Thomas-Green, Director of Yacht Management at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6525" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Swisspath Yachting (Company)">Swisspath Yachting</a>.“Discretion, long-term thinking, relationships before transactions, these are easy things to say and harder things to live by. With Phill and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tag Yachting (Company)">TAG</a> team, there was nothing to negotiate on the things that matter. That's rarer than it should be.”The merger also expands the company’s ability to provide what it describes as a “360 service”, allowing clients to move between charter, ownership, management and sales services within a single organisation.As part of its next phase of development, Swisspath | TAG Yachting has also appointed Vicky Gale as Head of Marketing. The company stated that her role will focus on strengthening the brand through data-driven marketing, digital development and storytelling initiatives ahead of the Mediterranean season and upcoming yacht shows.

Swisspath Yachting and TAG Yachting merge

Swisspath Yachting and TAG Yachting have announced a merger to form Swisspath | TAG Yachting.

Swisspath Yachting and TAG Yachting merge to form integrated yacht services group

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6468" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Next Yacht Group (Company)">Next Yacht Group</a> has announced the establishment of Next Yacht Spain, a new company aimed at expanding its regional presence and market development, in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Yachting (Company)">Smart Yachting</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383873/image/large-4f8741f8f69522c6a06998d43657bec1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383873">The initiative is part of the Group’s broader strategy and is aimed at building an international sales network that is aligned with the positioning of its brands. Founded in 2021, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6468" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Next Yacht Group (Company)">Next Yacht Group</a> includes the brands <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maiora (Company)">Maiora</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AB Yachts (Company)">AB Yachts</a> and is part of the the strategic vision of GB Invest Holding AG.“The partnership will enable the Group to further strengthen its presence in one of the most important global hubs for yachts over 24 metres,” explained Giorgio Mattei, Deputy Chairman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6468" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Next Yacht Group (Company)">Next Yacht Group</a>. “The launch of Next Yacht Spain is a fundamental step in this direction and significantly strengthens our presence in such an important market.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383870/image/large-50b1b3ce0c7a54190e916bf124d95d97.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383870">Founded in 2008, Smart Yachting offers a comprehensive range of services in Spain and the Balearic Islands, including yacht management services, new yacht sales and after-sales support. &nbsp;“We’re proud to represent AB Yachts and Maiora in Spain,” added Charlie Veale, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5304" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Yachting (Company)">Smart Yachting</a>. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision, offering clients something truly distinctive, backed by a complete ownership experience. With our infrastructure and technical capabilities across Spain, we’re well placed to support owners at every stage.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/392158/image/large-49b1fd905895500ed2afbbf274f0d4f4.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/392158">

Next Yacht Spain established

Next Yacht Group has announced the establishment of Next Yacht Spain, in collaboration with Smart Yachting.

Next Yacht Group establishes Next Yacht Spain in partnership with Smart Yachting

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)</a> has announced that CLP2 has completed its transition to become the majority shareholder of the company, as FIL Bros exits as part of the planned acquisition.In October 2025, it was announced that the holding company of Giovanni Cagnoli (through Carisma) and the Loro Piana family had acquired a majority stake in the shipyard. Before CLP2’s acquisition, FIL Bros Family Office had acquired a 75 percent stake during a management buyout in 2022, led by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10470" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lt. Pete Maverick Mitchell44.33m (145'5&quot;)Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)2024">Lt. Pete Maverick Mitchell</a>'s owner Tom Schröder.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/64536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CLP2 becomes new majority shareholder of Cantiere delle Marche (2025-10-17 09:00:00 +0200)">CLP2 becomes new majority shareholder of Cantiere delle Marche</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/247252/image/large-2fbfbe4b9d5054afb10be5d60abc74bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/247252">The final portion of shares from FIL Bros have now been acquired by CLP2, marking the full exit of FIL Bros and Tom Schröder from the share capital of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a>. CLP2 now holds the majority stake, while Vasco Buonpensiere and Ennio Cecchini retain their minority shareholding positions alongside their executive roles.“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> wishes to express its genuine appreciation to Tom Schröder and the entire FIL Bros team for their years of partnership,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a>. “Their confidence in the yard, the freedom they extended to the management team, and their constant and constructive support were instrumental in allowing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> to grow and consolidate its position as one of the world’s most respected builders of explorer and displacement yachts.”Exclusive interview: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/59568" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Exclusive interview: Tom Schröder on CdM and his new 44m superyacht Maverick (2024-01-24 14:00:00 +0100)">Tom Schröder on CdM and his new 44m superyacht Maverick</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/337241/image/large-5b4bc88d00900d35a6d01d2c4b3f8991.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/337241">CLP2 has now confirmed its commitment to a four-year business plan currently underway. The transaction was advised by Poggi e Associati, led by Emanuele Gnugnoli, with contribution by Tommaso Sacchi, Marella Lavarone and Massimo Castiglioni.

CLP2 completes acquisition of CdM as FIL Bros exits

Cantiere delle Marche has announced that CLP2 has completed its transition to become the majority shareholder of the company, as FIL Bros exits.

CLP2 completes acquisition of Cantiere delle Marche as FIL Bros exits

Nautical interiors company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neptune (Company)">Neptune</a> has been acquired by maritime entrepreneur and owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/293" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Shipyard (Company)">Mulder Shipyard</a>, Nick Mulder, from 17 April 2026. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/391744/image/large-7e7d7e36a4360266a0ef72e3d6d009b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/391744">Based in Zwaagdijk, the Netherlands, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neptune (Company)">Neptune</a> specialises in the production of high-end seating, lounge and sleeping solutions for the nautical sector. All activities will continue under the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neptune (Company)">Neptune</a> name, with the acquisition further strengthening the organisation.&nbsp;The day-to-day management of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neptune (Company)">Neptune</a> will be handled by Matthijs Jonker, while Martin Mast will also remain with the organisation. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neptune (Company)">Neptune</a> is known for its bespoke products including mattresses, cushions and lounge sofas which are produced for both the leisure boating and superyacht industries.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/58047" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The overlooked element: Why mattresses are the key to comfort and satisfaction (2023-07-14 15:30:00 +0200)">The overlooked element: Why mattresses are the key to comfort and satisfaction</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277034/image/large-99db94546f1ab89887c7d6fdc2be739a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277034">The current owner, Marcel Botman will take a step back, with Mulder continuing operations of the company. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neptune (Company)">Neptune</a> has been a trusted partner for various yacht shipyards over the years, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/293" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Shipyard (Company)">Mulder Shipyard</a>.&nbsp;“It was essential for me that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neptune (Company)">Neptune</a> would be in good hands,” explained Marcel Botman. “With Mulder, I have full confidence that the company, the team and our clients will be continued and further developed in the right way.”“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neptune (Company)">Neptune</a> is a strong and respected company within the nautical sector,” added Nick Mulder. “It is precisely the combination of craftsmanship, quality and the close-knit team that makes it special. The strength of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Neptune (Company)">Neptune</a> will be fully preserved, where we will provide targeted support in further growth and development.”

Nick Mulder acquires nautical interiors specialist Neptune

Nautical interiors company Neptune has been acquired by maritime entrepreneur and owner of Mulder Shipyard, Nick Mulder, from 17 April 2026.

Mulder Shipyard owner Nick Mulder acquires nautical interiors specialist Neptune

The 49.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> sold in a deal with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1550" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marine Marketing (Company)">Marine Marketing</a> introducing the buyer, alongside Nathan Farrelly of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/124" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edmiston (Company)">Edmiston</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="One Brokerage Australia (Company)">One Brokerage Australia</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397051/image/large-5a5dce9decb30e6d016cb98d7fde34c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397051">Delivered in 2018 as part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> 5000 Semi-Displacement series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a>, with interior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cristiano Gatto Design (Company)">Cristiano Gatto Design</a> and naval architecture by her Dutch builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen Yachts</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests across a six stateroom configuration, with her master suite situated on the main deck forward, while her VIP suite, two doubles and two twin staterooms can be found on the lower deck.In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which propel her to a top speed of 23 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. At the time of the sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Daisy D49.8m (163'5&quot;)Heesen Yachts2018">Daisy D</a> had a last known asking price of €28,500,000.&nbsp;

Daisy D: 50m Heesen yacht sold

The 49.8-metre Heesen superyacht Daisy D sold, with a last known asking price of €28,500,000.

50m Heesen superyacht Daisy D sold

The 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> sold in a deal with Iain Lawrie of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/322" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merle Wood & Associates, Inc. (Company)">Merle Wood &amp; Associates</a> introducing the buyer and Michael Zaidan of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Borden and Associates Yacht Sales (Company)">Borden &amp; Associates Yacht Sales</a> representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397019/image/large-1adf3cf22ae9625acf3be275898f7595.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397019">Delivered in 2001, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> features exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/326" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jack Hargrave (Company)">Jack Hargrave</a>. Spanning 180 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests across a five stateroom configuration.&nbsp;In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> can reach a top speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots, thanks to twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1497" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Detroit Diesel (Company)">Detroit Diesel</a> engines. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4478" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunday Money30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hatteras Yachts2001">Sunday Money</a> had a last known asking price of $1,450,000.(Image courtesy of Merle Wood &amp; Associates.)

Sunday Money: 31m Hatteras yacht sold

The 30.48-metre Hatteras motor yacht Sunday Money sold with a last known asking price of $1,450,000.

31m Hatteras motor yacht Sunday Money sold

Travelling to Sydney, Leona Caanen speaks with Luke Geelan, family man and owner of the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>&nbsp;fleet.Growing up with a passion for boating, and especially fishing, is Luke Geelan, Sydney native and owner of the 35.05-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>. Having spent most of his life around the water, it seems only natural for Luke to have moved into the world of boating. Overtime the yacht has come to resemble not only a connection to his past, but also to his future, getting to enjoy it with his family and friends, as well as sharing it with charter guests.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388213/image/large-0b83e89d1054e69437b37ff303a35921.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388213">A family passionGrowing up on a river in Sydney, Luke was introduced to the rhythms of tide and weather from an early age. “I’ve grown up with a passion for boating, my father taught me to water ski and sail as a young child” Luke shares. Over time, Luke exchanged sailing for wakeboarding and eventually game-fishing, depending his passion for being out at sea. This passion has remained a constant factor in Luke’s life, deepening even further once he could share it with his own kids.A few years ago, Luke sold his business and decided to step into boating in a more deliberate way by acquiring the 35-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/554" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyds Ships (Company)">Lloyd Ships</a> in Australia in 1986. Purchasing her in 2024, the yacht allowed for Luke and his family to explore the Australian coast with more comfort, as well as for them to get to share their passion for the sea. “My two boys are especially big on game fishing, and my daughter is very passionate about snorkelling and marine life”, says Luke. By acquiring <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>, it allows for the family to share their passions with one another.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396937/image/large-131bb2f788c31defa0822382f533d318.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396937">A three-part refitAs <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a> is from the 80s, she was in need of an upgrade when Luke purchased her. The refit has been phased and purposeful, with 2024 seeing the first of the three phases. The yacht spent September to November at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3255" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (Company)">Gold Coast City Marina &amp; Shipyard</a> where the bridge was upgraded, soft furnishings replaced and extensive paintwork completed. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388209/image/large-c74eb7958e3e321e611bea0e2d9fee9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388209">The second phase was centred around remodelling the saloon, with new flooring, carpeting and ceilings, as well as mechanical enhancements. Other upgrades included a beach club installation, complete with an inflatable pool, protective netting and a shaded cabana, which has proved particularly popular with charter guests. Possibly the most meaningful addition during this refit have been the zero-speed stabilisers, “my wife suffers from really severe seasickness, the stabilisers are essential in making the yacht comfortable for my family,” Luke shares.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388210/image/large-06ec6524534531dc1f3ac942dd743803.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388210"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>’s third and final refit will take place in 2027 and will see an upgrade of the crew quarters. Originally, Luke had hoped to finalise the refit this year, but the yacht’s agenda, both in charter and personal use, is almost fully booked for the calendar year, and Luke wants to ensure there is enough time for the refit: “Our crew is so amazing, I'm super lucky to have what I believe is the best crew.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388187/image/large-fde4622fb25e3e416358ace496ed0104.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388187"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a>&nbsp;juniorYet the 35-metre motor yacht is only half the story. Six months after acquiring the mothership, Luke secured what he describes as Australia’s leading game fishing platform: a custom-built 17.7-metre (58’0”) Assegai sportfisher. Designed specifically for marlin fishing along the country’s east coast, the yacht is equipped with a gyro stabiliser and, more recently, a Furuno Omni Sonar System capable of scanning 360 degrees around the vessel to significant depths, providing a technological edge in a pursuit that still relies on instinct and patience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396954/image/large-96857bf8151cfcd655d86dc3d061d704.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396954">The reason for acquiring the fishing vessel to cruise alongside the mothership are his sons. Luke shares that “my sons and I have been game fishing together for the last five years or so,” and have even partaken in various competitions in- and around Sydney. “We’ve won a couple of state titles and other competitions,” a hint of pride sits in Luke’s voice. “My children in particular, have a passion for fishing, and I've just shared that passion, and supported it”, he adds.Lukes really enjoys fishing with his family and friends, on a recent trip to the Great Barrier Reef, the Shore Thing 58' landed a 1,223 pound Black Marlin. Yet Luke is quick to note that they’re conscious about the way they fish. “We only catch what we eat; everything else goes right back in the ocean. We’re not hunters, we just fish for the joy of it.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388186/image/large-a98a34adf0095495d9e5f32f36eb458e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388186">The joy of cruisingSome of Luke’s most cherished moments onboard are those with friends and family. “We hosted my 50th birthday onboard,” Luke shares, having chartered the yacht to Whitehaven Beach, located in the Whitsundays, “there were about 40 guests, all friends and family.”&nbsp;Possibly Luke’s favourite memory is the recent Christmas holiday onboard. “Spending time with our family and another family, sitting around and just having deep belly laughs over some beautifully cooked meals by our chef onboard.” Luke describes this as delightful and quite possibly one of the most memorable times onboard. “Your kids grow up so quick, getting to share such a beautiful time together and feeling like, as your kids become young adults, that you can really share laughs and stories. It was just special.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396938/image/large-04bc34860fd9bc9b421321a8d9f42e09.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396938">The beauty of being on a boat is that it ties everyone together, whether that is his own family and friends, or guests who charter the yacht, for Luke, the joy of owning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a> lies in “getting to share the joy with other people.”The yacht and her fishing counterpart offer not just a sense of luxury, but a space for guests to create memories and experience the beauty of the Australian coastline as they cruise <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3832" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shore Thing35.05m (114'12&quot;)Lloyds Ships1986">Shore Thing</a> between the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays and the Sydney Harbour.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/388177/image/large-2991a957e2fdb4ef0038789921600aa2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/388177">

Owning the shore thing fleet 

A look inside Luke Geelan's charter fleet: his 35m Shore Thing and the 58' sport fisher chartering around Sydney.

"The joy of owning Shore Thing is getting to share it with others"

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom Yacht Equipment</a>&nbsp;has earned a prominent position in the superyacht supply chain for its bespoke boarding equipment, platforms, cranes, watertight doors and integrated control systems. Yet the engineering philosophy behind its custom-designed solutions is based on a resolutely modular approach.When Mervyn van der Ploeg was appointed managing director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom Yacht Equipment</a> in 2015, the company was going through a bad patch. It routinely redesigned everything from scratch for each new yacht project, leading to prototype-level inefficiencies and financial strain. A small but telling example is that it used to produce 32 different types of locking pins. Today, through a process of standardisation and modularisation, that number has been reduced to just two sizes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396743/image/large-c20dda6c39f046eea94eaa71057b9e2c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396743">“Previously, when designing a platform for a yacht, four different locking pins might have been specified, requiring multiple suppliers,” explains van der Ploeg. “Now, we buy 200 locking pins per year in two sizes from a single supplier at half the cost.”The process began by redesigning a prototype passerelle from scratch using a fully modular approach, which then became a template for other equipment. While remaining a supplier of custom equipment, modular components are now reused across <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s product range, reducing design complexity and streamlining production.“A key technical insight came from looking outside the yachting industry,” continues van der Ploeg. “For example, swivel joints originally designed for excavators have been incorporated into our gangways. These components are proven, industrial-grade and standardised, which means we can build highly reliable systems without reinventing core mechanisms.”In the ten years since van der Ploeg joined the company, turnover has more than doubled from €12 million to €25 million, driven by increased efficiency along with larger yachts and a rising demand for integrated equipment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396739/image/large-d48d0f06ceeb5a00cfda9bafe1c96878.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396739">Make it modularThe spin-off from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s modular way of thinking are innovations designed to maximise open space while eliminating visual clutter. Many of these solutions revolve around relocating drive systems into hinge lines and the platform structures themselves. In one recent project, a large side platform was initially conceived as two separate elements with a manually installed infill piece. While technically feasible, it was operationally awkward. Instead, by introducing an internal hinge drive already proven elsewhere, the entire system was re-engineered as a single monolithic platform. The infill was eliminated, deployment became faster, crew workload was reduced, and the geometry became cleaner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396744/image/large-4feaec6057dc57f70fe27a2f2a88296b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396744">The Sliding Stairs Access Hatch is another example. Developed in response to a request to optimise the passage from the main deck to the beach platform on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship’s</a> 79.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11677" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Valor79.5m (260'10&quot;)Feadship2025">Valor</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s engineers merged door, hatch and boarding equipment components to create a completely new solution. Essentially, the staircases on each side of the pool form the hatch itself, with half of each staircase retracting into the deckhead like a gangway to provide access to the beach club.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396742/image/large-bd76338bca2c0e5436acede35e416f93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396742">“This marked a next step in modular engineering for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>,” says van der Ploeg. “Our approach not only accelerated the development process, but also showed how modularity enables flexible, cross-disciplinary solutions without compromising quality.”As both staircases form part of the watertight boundary of the vessel certified by Class, one of the main challenges was ensuring watertight integrity, given the angle at which the stair hatches are installed, as well as aligning the treads between the hatches and the fixed structures. In fact, sealing has become a central issue as stern structures grow more complex – folding, rotating and closing at compound angles. While inflatable seals are often the go-to solution and offer excellent theoretical performance, they also represent a single point of failure. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> typically prefers D-profile rubber seals, which wear gradually, remain locally manageable, and allow temporary mitigation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396741/image/large-cf52ffb86158af5f4ac7a5922058d9b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396741">“This approach is especially critical for Lloyd’s-certified watertight items such as split transom doors closing at different angles, where corners and junctions between curved surfaces become critical failure points,” van der Ploeg points out.Such solutions highlight how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> has evolved beyond developing hardware to innovating the onboard experience, a strategy that has resulted in multiple patented solutions, from pop-up gangways embedded in the stern platform to protective cabrio covers engineered to fold, stack or nest completely out of sight when not in use. At the last edition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Metstrade (Company)">Metstrade</a>, the company presented five interactive aft deck models through immersive 3D visualisations showcasing how engineering, design and user experience increasingly converge in the early phases of yacht development.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396745/image/large-b406b1bef2a73b0811b05344a273be7e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396745">Under controlAnother defining feature of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s approach is that its control systems and programming are all developed in-house. Precise timing between electronic commands, hydraulic oil flow and mechanical motion is critical, as are programmed delays that account for inertia and mass. Most systems employ frequency-driven power packs rather than simple on/off hydraulics, resulting in smoother movement, lower noise levels and the elimination of hydraulic ‘hammer’ effects. Automated operating cycles manage sequencing, speed and end-of-stroke deceleration automatically, reducing the risk of impact damage and operator error. Before delivery, full functional testing is carried out in-house, often with owner representatives present.Enclosed helicopter lifts represent some of the most complex control systems <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> has delivered. On yachts such as the 85.95-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ecstasea85.95m (281'12&quot;)Feadship2004">Ecstasea</a>, the 96.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sophia96.6m (316'11&quot;)Feadship2017">Sophia</a> (ex-Faith), 99-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2074" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Madame Gu99.0m (324'10&quot;)Feadship2013">Madame Gu</a> and the 102.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ulysses102.6m (336'7&quot;)Feadship2024">Ulysses</a>, these lift assemblies rely on synchronised spindles and highly precise control algorithms to ensure uniform vertical motion. Ironically, real-world usage of helicopter lifts has revealed an interesting pattern:&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396746/image/large-793a08021cda2fc7bab19c3cd8f1a821.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396746">“On some yachts, the heli hangars are no longer actively used and instead function as static storage platforms,” reveals van der Ploeg. “In such cases, owners may even suspend servicing altogether – an illustration of how operational reality can diverge from original design intent.”Developments in control systems are being matched by advances in data intelligence. During the COVID period, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> expanded its remote-support capabilities and identified a recurring issue: when faults occur, crews often cannot describe what happened beyond “pressing the button”. To address this, its latest systems incorporate data logging that records each operating cycle, sequence order, timing, load condition and fault event with precise timestamps.“When an issue arises, engineers can trace it back to the exact operating condition that caused it,” explains van der Ploeg. “While still being rolled out primarily on new-build projects, data logging represents a shift towards evidence-based rather than purely scheduled maintenance.”Across <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s predominantly hydraulic product range, failures rarely originate in the actuators themselves. Instead, the most vulnerable areas are where forces converge – locations where multiple loads are transferred into a single structural interface. Passerelles are a prime example:“Forces are transmitted through long, slender structures back to a limited number of mounting points,” explains van der Ploeg. “When additional functionality is introduced, such as lateral slewing rather than straight-line deployment, those forces increase substantially.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396750/image/large-74a75f9786460908e4bf98d749448420.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396750">Bonding and bolt-inSome <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> passerelles now extend up to 16-metres in length, pushing the limits of lightweight structural engineering while maintaining stiffness, safety margins and regulatory compliance. Designing these interfaces requires careful attention to geometry, material thickness and fatigue behaviour.Marine-grade aluminium remains the primary structural material, selected for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Steel is used selectively in high-load interfaces where stiffness and wear resistance are critical. Carbon fibre has also been deployed strategically, particularly in the outermost sections of passerelles. Reducing mass at the extremity lowers bending moments throughout the structure, enabling greater reach without adding reinforcements.&nbsp;A more recent addition to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a>’s fabrication methodology is the introduction of structural adhesive bonding. In lightweight aluminium constructions, particularly passerelles, welding thin sections sometimes caused unacceptable deformation due to heat input. To address this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> now uses a hybrid method: components are positioned with bolts to prevent movement, while the structural adhesive provides the primary load-bearing bond. In this configuration, the bolts act purely as locators and the adhesive carries the load.Another key evolution is the move towards bolt-in housings for boarding equipment such as passerelles and swim ladders. Historically, these housings were built directly into the hull, placing installation and testing squarely on the shipyard’s critical path. This new approach uses self-contained housings that are assembled and factory-tested in-house, accepted by owners or representatives, and installed later as plug-and-play units.“Once delivered, the housing is bolted into place, hydraulics and electrics are connected, and functionality is assured – eliminating the risk of delays, rework and repainting,” says van der Ploeg.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396752/image/large-1ea3884318d73cd6441f8d9cf8801f9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396752">Breaking outSolely owned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4951" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw (Company)">Koninklijke De Vries,</a> until recently <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> worked exclusively within <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>. It is now pursuing a more open strategy, with roughly 60% of turnover derived from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> new-build projects, 25% from service and refit work on existing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadships</a>, and the rest from other shipyards – a share that continues to grow as the company expands its marketing network.An early major non-<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> contract was with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4644" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AKYACHT (Company)">AKYACHT</a> in Turkey for its 120-metre-plus project (NB012) due for delivery in 2030. Another is the new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> Custom 80 currently under construction at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA Yachts</a> in Ancona. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ISA Yachts (Company)">ISA</a> client, an experienced <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> charterer, specified <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> to supply the boarding systems with which he directly interacts – in total, five independent mechanical systems with fully integrated control logic.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396754/image/large-0eae94a6e941a08764d18f82632bee1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396754">Across all these developments, a clear evolution emerges. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akerboom Yacht Equipment (Company)">Akerboom</a> has progressed from boatbuilder to specialist supplier, system integrator and, ultimately, lifestyle collaborator. Each project begins by asking what experience the owner, designer or shipyard wants to achieve. From there, complexity is carefully analysed and engineered so that systems are notable precisely for their absence – seeming to disappear once installed, leaving spaces that feel more open, intuitive and fully resolved.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396753/image/large-24074ca4b4f597fe6f6d7ba61d16b96a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396753">

Standardising the bespoke: The engineering behind custom superyacht equipment

Akerboom Yacht Equipment explains how modular engineering is reshaping its custom superyacht boarding systems, platforms, cranes and control systems.

The fourth 53.25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> YS53 yacht support <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> has been delivered to her owner, following her launch in March 2026 from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> facility in Antalya, Turkey. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397013/image/large-c33b6dbec1e5da99757b484375d47d5b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397013">Designed to operate either alongside a mothership or independently, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> has been crafted in-house by her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, which were responsible for her interior, exterior and naval architecture.&nbsp;Created around family experiences, shared moments on the water and operational purpose <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> will now serve as a purposeful extension of her owner's fleet, where she has been developed to provide additional space, support and flexibility.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397012/image/large-e7a8adfa9276e3affbe8d0454cf3c3d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397012">"From the outset, &nbsp;there was a clear vision for how the owner wanted to use YS53 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> and the role she would play within the fleet," explained Rob Dolling, Owner’s Representative. "Together with Damen Yachting, we were able to translate those wishes into a vessel that is highly functional, personal and closely aligned with the owner’s programme."<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests, as well as 10 crew plus her captain. Her interior reflects the owner’s personal style, combining timeless elegance with Old English influences throughout. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397011/image/large-c5c4c4fd9fd1617d2fa194c1f00b061d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397011"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> boasts the brand’s signature axe bow, while her reinforced deck supports touch-and-go helicopter operations. With a generous open main deck of more than 200 square-metres, this versatile space can be used for large tenders, toys and specialised equipment.This is complemented by a 15-tonne crane, enabling the handling of substantial tenders and heavy loads. With a volume just shy of 500 GT, she can accommodate up to eight guests, along with a crew of eight.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397010/image/large-d904abeb9d80368dab56f223768c6958.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397010">"As the fourth Yacht Support 53 delivered by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a>, she reflects the versatility of the Yacht Support range within modern superyacht ownership and has been created with a very clear purpose," concluded Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive USA.Crafted with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which provide her with a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 19 knots. Once her sea trials are complete, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13202" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rafter53.25m (174'8&quot;)Damen Yachting2026">Rafter</a> will prepare for delivery to her owner. &nbsp;

Rafter: Fourth Damen Yachting YS53 yacht on sea trials

The fourth 53.25-metre Damen Yachting YS53 yacht support Rafter has been delivered following her launch in Antalya, Turkey in March 2026.

Fourth Damen Yachting YS53 yacht support Rafter delivered

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> has completed the refit of the 37-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> Classic 120 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1886" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kos37.5m (123'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2009">Kos</a>, following a comprehensive programme of works spanning structural modifications, onboard systems, technical upgrades, exterior areas and interiors. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396976/image/large-40153e77114e1432e88b74a33b05ac53.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396976">Built in 2009 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1886" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kos37.5m (123'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2009">Kos</a> forms part of its Classic 37 series, featuring exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefano Righini Design (Company)">Stefano Righini Design</a>, interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Interior Design</a> and naval architecture developed in-house by her builder.The refit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1886" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kos37.5m (123'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2009">Kos</a> commenced in August 2025 shortly after the yacht was acquired by her new owner and was completed in approximately six months through the coordinated efforts of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a>'s project management team, specialised technicians, skilled craftsmen and interior designer Laura Rossi. According to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a>, the programme was undertaken with the aim of improving operational efficiency, enhancing the onboard experience and extending the yacht's service life.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397008/image/large-c77ef9362600c70fc7acbd85faee16f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397008">From the outset, the owner and project team sought to preserve the yacht's original layout and distinctive character while improving her functionality, comfort and the perception of space. On the main deck, the refit scope included the installation of new full-height windows in her main saloon alongside the reconfiguration of the staircase area between the main and upper decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397007/image/large-91d720dd0c041da15a467ac85b61b3da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397007">Laura Rossi oversaw the interior redesign, introducing what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> described as "greater fluidity, brightness and visual continuity." A new transparent balustrade around the staircase would allow natural light to flow between decks, while satin-finish glass panels replaced selected opaque surfaces in the corridors. New fabrics and materials were also integrated throughout the guest accommodations to enhance comfort, durability and ease of maintenance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397009/image/large-f3728f4818fd2bd0f7063bd374fc9a4e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397009">"<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1886" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kos37.5m (123'0&quot;)Benetti SpA2009">Kos</a> does not deny what she has been, nor does she try to become something else," commented Rossi. "The project was conceived to lighten, simplify and enhance the yacht's original identity, creating spaces that are brighter, more fluid and more natural to experience every day."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/397006/image/large-04998d04550196299f04c73e269ea5f1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/397006">In addition to the living areas, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> carried out a myriad of technical upgrades involving the main engines, generators and essential onboard systems. The entire lighting system was replaced with energy-efficient LEDs, while the bridge and onboard electronics were updated to make them easier to use and improve navigation safety. Exterior works included restoring the teak decks, reconfiguring the sundeck after removing the existing Jacuzzi and completely repainting the hull and superstructure.&nbsp;

Lusben completes refit of 37m Benetti yacht Kos

Lusben has completed an extensive refit of the 37m Benetti Classic yacht Kos.

37m Benetti yacht Kos completes extensive refit at Lusben

The 25.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> sold in a deal with David Legrand of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> introducing the buyer and Derk Jan Rolff of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5652" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Yacht Connection (Company)">Holland Yacht Connection</a> representing the seller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/346966/image/large-acba5ebb2d4596b138324b59ae61deb9.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/346966">Delivered in 2003 as part of the Moonen 84 series, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/240" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marimecs BV (Company)">Marimecs</a>, interior design penned in-house by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/130" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moonen Yachts (Company)">Moonen Yachts</a> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/241" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="René van der Velden Yacht Design (Company)">René van der Velden Yacht Design</a>.Spanning 115 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests across a four stateroom configuration on the lower deck, with her full-beam master suite situated amidships, alongside a VIP at her bow and two twin staterooms.&nbsp;In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, which provide her with a top speed of 12 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moon River 25.75m (84'6&quot;)Moonen Yachts2003">Moon River</a> had a last known asking price of €2,200,000.&nbsp;(Image courtesy of Holland Yacht Connection.)

Moon River: 26m Moonen yacht sold

The 25.75-metre Moonen motor yacht Moon River sold with a last known asking price of €2,200,000.

26m Moonen motor yacht Moon River sold

As contemporary superyacht design continues to prioritise light, openness and seamless connections to the sea, glass has evolved from a purely functional element into a defining aesthetic feature and, with the use of significantly larger glass panels, has become an essential structural component. Expansive glazing now shapes not only the visual identity of a yacht but also its engineering framework, requiring a far more integrated and technically rigorous approach.For German specialist <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a>, this shift represents both an opportunity and a responsibility – to ensure that increasingly ambitious designs are matched by uncompromising structural integrity, durability and precision.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/293944/image/large-ecdb75ea245212d313561b3fadf7f87c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/293944">Integrating glass from the concept stageLarger glass surfaces have fundamentally changed how glazing is approached in yacht construction. No longer a late-stage addition, glass must be embedded into the superstructure concept from the earliest design phases, with engineers analysing how forces move through the pane, adhesive bond and surrounding structure.Unlike static architectural environments, yachts operate under continuous dynamic loads, with hull flex, vibration and thermal variation all influencing performance. Safety margins must therefore reflect real marine conditions, while thickness, laminate composition, bonding strategy, edge detailing and installation methodology all need to be considered from the outset.Early collaboration is essential. By working with designers and naval architects at the concept stage, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a> helps ensure that visual ambitions are achievable without compromising technical feasibility, long-term serviceability or structural integrity. This proactive approach allows glazing to do more than fit within a design – it helps shape the structural logic of the vessel, balancing elegance with engineering robustness.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/286853/image/large-74c88213b1c3eba82cf06fc659c13e71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/286853">Bonding as a safety-critical interfaceOne of the most significant technical challenges is bonding glass – which is inherently brittle – to aluminium or steel structures that move, flex and expand differently under load and temperature change. The adhesive joint must do more than hold the panel in place: it must accommodate movement, transfer loads safely and maintain integrity under UV exposure, salt, humidity and vibration.“The real challenge is not only the glass pane itself, but the interface between glass and a structure that is constantly moving at sea.”As panel sizes increase, this interface becomes even more critical, since minor mismatches in movement, geometry or application can have amplified consequences. Bond thickness, surface preparation, laminate compatibility and UV protection must therefore be precisely controlled. In superyacht glazing, adhesive design is not a detail – it is part of the safety concept, and a well-engineered bond line underpins both structural integrity and long-term durability.Simulation and real-world performanceFinite Element analysis helps validate glass performance, particularly in complex or non-standard applications, by modelling the interaction between glass, adhesive and supporting structure under realistic marine loads. This allows engineers to identify stress points, optimise designs and support conditions, and mitigate deflection risks early in the project lifecycle.Unlike building façades, yacht structures are subject to continuous movement, making accurate modelling essential. Long-term factors such as moisture ingress, ageing and laminate degradation must also be assessed, as they can directly affect load-bearing capacity.As glass panels grow in size, tolerances become increasingly critical. Millimetre-level deviations in shaping or installation can influence load distribution and compromise both structural performance and visual alignment. Handling and installation of large panes have therefore become technical operations in their own right, requiring precise three-dimensional measurement and meticulous execution.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/333152/image/large-73662ca86854e3909e622abf8863c6a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/333152">Ensuring long-term laminate integrityLong-term durability begins with material selection. Because traditional PVB interlayers, which are widely used, can be vulnerable to humidity and temperature fluctuations, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a> uses a specially developed resin interlayer designed for enhanced moisture resistance at sea, thereby preventing delamination.Chemical toughening further improves optical clarity, reduces distortion and avoids the anisotropy often associated with thermally toughened glass. Strict quality control from raw material selection to lamination, sealing and final inspection ensures each pane meets superyacht standards.Consistency in bespoke productionFor bespoke glazing, consistency depends on rigorous process control across the entire project chain, from early consultation and three-dimensional measurement through to production and installation. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a>’s integrated approach reduces variability and ensures consistency across the entire project chain, even when each pane is uniquely specified.Combined with stringent inspection protocols and a commitment to rejecting substandard components, this enables the delivery of reliable, high-performance glazing systems.Engineering next-generation glazingLooking ahead, the trajectory of superyacht design points towards even larger, clearer and more seamlessly integrated glass surfaces. However, the next phase of innovation will be defined not by scale alone, but by the ability to balance ambition with practicality. Manufacturability, optical quality, structural safety, durability and ease of replacement will all play an increasingly important role in shaping future designs.As glass cements its position as a defining element of modern yacht design, its successful application depends on far more than aesthetics. Structural integration, bonding expertise, advanced simulation and uncompromising material quality must come together from the very beginning.In response, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TILSE Glass (Company)">TILSE</a> continues to invest in expanded production capacity, advanced handling capabilities and earlier involvement in complex projects – helping today’s most ambitious glazing concepts to be realised safely, durably and with the clarity expected of the next generation of superyachts.

Tilse yacht glass in design

Larger glass surfaces have fundamentally changed how glazing is approached in yacht construction. 

Engineering transparency: The evolving role of glass in superyacht design

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/396837/image/large-d8ba973efacc6a431309d036f5b1a3df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/396837">The 95-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/778" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Golden Yachts Ltd. (Company)">Golden Yachts</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Pari95.0m (311'8&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2020">O’Pari&nbsp;</a>was recently seen anchored in Athens, Greece, ahead of Posidonia 2026. Several other superyachts, including the 60.98-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13282" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Madeleine60.98m (200'1&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2025">O'Madeleine</a>, were also spotted in the area during the international shipping exhibition, which took place from 1 to 5 June.Delivered in 2020, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Pari95.0m (311'8&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2020">O’Pari&nbsp;</a>remains the largest yacht built by the Greek shipyard to date. She forms part of a fleet of distinctive <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/778" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Golden Yachts Ltd. (Company)">Golden Yachts</a> projects, alongside notable vessels such as the 87.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project X87.6m (287'5&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2022">Project X</a> and the 77.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11076" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malia77.7m (254'11&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2023">Malia</a>, which was launched in 2023.Her exterior and interior design were penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/76" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Studio Vafiadis (Company)">Studio Vafiadis</a>. Spanning 2,700 GT, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Pari95.0m (311'8&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2020">O’Pari</a> offers a range of standout amenities, including a touch-and-go helipad positioned on the forward upper deck, an expansive sundeck complete with a DJ booth, bar and Jacuzzi, and a dedicated wellness area featuring a massage room, Turkish hammam and Finnish sauna.Accommodation is provided for guests across a collection of marble- and mosaic-clad staterooms, comprising nine double cabins and four twin cabins.Powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="O'Pari95.0m (311'8&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2020">O’Pari</a> cruises comfortably at 16 knots and can reach a top speed of 20 knots. She is currently en route to Split, Croatia, according to AIS Data.

Golden Yachts yacht O’Pari in Athens

The 95-metre Golden Yachts superyacht O’Pari was recently seen anchored in Athens, Greece.

95m Golden Yachts superyacht O’Pari in Athens

Mergers & Acquisitions

Skippern Yachts acquires Sea Independent brokerage operations