Leaders

Paul Grys, Fairline, CEO, Squadron, 68, 58, Targa, 40, F//Line, 33, Phantom, 65, production, design for manufacturing, Oundle, Jaguar, JCB, Toyota, Justin Waring, Andrew Pope, Christian Gott

Paul Grys: Fairline’s driving force

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Paul Grys: Fairline’s driving force

February 2, 2023
2:16 am

Fairline CEO Paul Grys is proud of the brand’s new Phantom 65 and flagship Squadron 68, and excited about upcoming models, yet he personally remains focused on design for manufacturing and catching up with a healthy order book. Interview: John Higginson.

Grys has been CEO of Fairline since late 2021

Spanning nearly four decades, Paul Grys’ career includes 19 years with luxury car maker Jaguar (1984-2003) and 17 years at construction-equipment manufacturer JCB (2003-2020), where he was Managing Director of several business units before spending three years as Group Business Operations Director. He led and developed complex manufacturing businesses, a skillset that led to his appointment as CEO of Fairline Yachts in late 2021.

Paul, how would you assess your role and Fairline following your first full year as CEO?

The front end of the business is in really good shape. We’ve got good order coverage, which is outstripping our production plan for the next 12 months, while the product plan is excellent. The challenges in the business are around the supply chain and operationally, and my background is predominantly operations.

Fairline Squadron 68; Photo: Simpson Marine

Most of the years I spent at Jaguar were in operations and I moved to JCB to do more of that before I started running businesses there. At Fairline, I’m focusing on making sure we’re in good shape from the perspective of operations as well as leadership, making sure we’re connected by a joined-up plan and focused on the right priorities.

To help catch up with production, has there been any talk about expanding or supplementing Fairline’s manufacturing base in Oundle or the commissioning facility in Ipswich? We acquired a small facility locally in Corby (west of Oundle, also in Northamptonshire) in 2022 and relocated our prototype and development team there. This has created space in Oundle for a new line, which is predominantly where the [Squadron] 58 is being built. I believe that will keep us going through 2023. If things go to plan, I expect we’d need to expand our facilities from 2024 onwards.

Fairline Phantom 65

What has been the response to the Phantom 65, the first model of Fairline’s new sportbridge series, which was displayed at the Cannes Yachting Festival and Genoa International Boat Show last September and is part of the Boot Dusseldorf 2023 line-up? The hull is based on the Squadron 68 and the main differences are the layout on the main deck and having a sportbridge rather than a full flybridge. The new contemporary interior style we introduced on the upgraded Squadron 68 [in 2022] is also very apparent in the Phantom 65 and is the blueprint throughout all our new boats.

We’ve also had to revise the top speed of the Phantom 65 from 35 knots, as we’ve had it out on the sea at 37 knots, so we’re quite pleased about that. It’s a fun ride in a boat like this.

Interior of Fairline Squadron 68

One of the first units of the new Squadron 68 was delivered to Thailand last year through Simpson Marine. Can you talk about the model’s main changes from the earlier version released in 2019? There’s a softer feel from a furnishing perspective. It’s lighter inside. We’ve changed the wood and colours to give an airier feel. There has also been a lot of work done in terms of optimising the space on the boat, which is key.

Fairline F//Line 33

The F//Line 33 arrived with quite a fanfare in 2019 before an updated version with optional hard top was released two years later. How is the demand for Fairline’s fastest, smallest model?

Sales have been steady. I think we produced about 17 units in 2022, so we’re keeping up with orders at that rate. The model is only available now with the new deck layout and about 50 per cent of new orders are taking the hard top option, which often depends on where the boat is based. The hard top is also available as a retro-fit and many clients are realising it could be a good addition.

CGI of Fairline Squadron 58

There’s a lot of excitement about the upcoming Squadron 58, which will feature drop-down sides.

One of the things people want on a boat is extra space, especially around the aft cockpit area. It’s something we feel is going to work for Fairline. We’re also doing a drop-down bulwark on the [upcoming] Targa 40 but just on one side. It’s a design that makes a boat more flexible and versatile, and again is a way of optimising space.

Are there any concerns about implementing this feature for the first time at Fairline?

The designers and engineers play the key role, while we need to keep an eye on the design for manufacturing, from a production perspective. From a design perspective, it’s great, but we must make sure we can build the boat efficiently, so we can continue to deliver on time.

CGI of Fairline Targa 40

Each Fairline model needs to have its own personal identity, but there also needs to be a theme flowing through the ranges, so I’m trying to get a bit of commonality. I think it’s important we get better at that as we go through these new phases of our long-term plan. I’m conscious the yacht industry is different to the automotive business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn a few lessons.

So, what can the yacht industry learn from the car industry in terms of production efficiency?

I mentioned about ‘design for manufacturing’. I think Fairline is fantastic at designing for our customers and I think our customers should continue to be the number one priority. But I think we can be more conscious about how we design for manufacturing.

A Fairline production hall in Oundle

We’re strengthening the team and manufacturing engineering is a key element of our recruitment. Our new manufacturing team manager started in September. The idea is for that team to become the bridge between the design team and production.

I stress that we’re not changing the look or feel of our boats at all and we’re not ‘nickel and diming it’. We’re still making sure Fairline yachts embody the luxury our customers expect. We’re just pursuing a slightly different way of making the boats, which is one aspect of learning from the car industry.

Another is focusing on production targets. It doesn’t matter what you’re building or how long it takes, you need checks and balances every day to know you’re making progress according to the plan. In the automotive world – or even in the digger world, which I was in at JCB – if you build 90-100 cars a day and you’ve only built 90, you’ve not had a good day. If you build 101, you’ve had a great day.

Grys is implementing design for manufacturing

Monitoring like this in the marine industry is quite difficult, so systems need to be in place to let you know if you’re on schedule, rather than waiting a month to find out you’re not. It requires visible KPIs or measures in place to see that progress.

I think this is important, so everybody knows whether they’ve had a good or bad day. If they’ve had a bad day, we can then work on how to correct it, so we can recover. As much as anything else, it’s a mindset, which you would naturally get in the automotive world, because you can see the numbers.

We’re trying to get to a situation where we can see it here, although I understand there’s a lot more craftsmanship involved in building yachts. I don’t want to get into discussions about lean manufacturing, Toyota and the likes, as that’s completely different, but it doesn’t mean we can’t have some of those disciplines in place.

Craftsmen at Fairline’s Oundle production facility

You mentioned that production has already improved, with numbers for the first eight months of last year matching the 12 months in 2021. What’s driving the improvement? I’d say our new approach played a small part and has a bit of influence, but the improved production is mostly because we’ve got a steadier workforce and the supply chain has got better, although there are still challenges. We have about 400 employees, we’re more stable now, so we have a good foundation from which to grow the business.

However, new designs and new product remain the lifeblood of our business and determine growth. Over the last 12 months, we’ve really strengthened our design team, which has been great. Justin Waring is our Head of Design and is supported by Andrew Pope and Christian Gott, our Lead Concept Designer. We should have a steady 2023 as the new models bed in, then we can really go for it. www.fairline.com www.simpsonmarine.com

Note: The original interview appears in YACHT STYLE Issue 69

Taking The Lead: Giovanna Vitelli of Azimut-Benetti

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Taking The Lead: Giovanna Vitelli of Azimut-Benetti

January 19, 2023
4:22 pm

Giovanna Vitelli, Vice-President of Azimut-Benetti Group, explains why the family-owned company is enjoying record orders and tops the Global Order Book for a 23rd successive year, plus why she’s pushing for more transparency in fuel consumption and emissions. Interview: John Higginson.

Giovanna Vitelli at the launch of B.Yond 37M

What has led to Azimut-Benetti’s “all-time high” record book and the company finishing last year by increasing its lead at the top of the Global Order Book?
I can’t recall when the market has been like this. It has been booming for the past year or so. Our order book was up to €3 billion after the first two boat shows of the season, the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Genoa International Boat Show (in September 2022). It’s a record for us, not only for the value of the order book but especially for the duration, as we have orders for deliveries up to 2026 and 2027.

Such an order book helps us plan production because we can foresee our orders. It’s great in terms of value but also in terms of giving stability for many years. It’s also recognition from the market. Why has this happened? For all the industry, the pandemic was incredible. None of us was expecting this. It led to people rediscovering the pleasure of yachting, being in a place where you’re free, both in terms of where you can move and in terms of choosing the people around you.

This applies from the smaller models to the big yachts. We have been probably luckier or better than others in introducing trends that became even more popular during the pandemic, such as this idea to go back to nature. Our Benetti Oasis has enjoyed record sales. It’s incredible. For the Oasis 40M, we had to double the moulds to satisfy the demand. This has never happened before for a 40m yacht.

Benetti Oasis 40M introduced the Oasis Deck

The idea is to have a beach club which is really a beach area, not a cave where you go inside. Instead, you go back to being close to the sea, to the water, enjoying one connected area between inside and outside, with big windows that open. This lifestyle-focused design has been extremely successful, especially in certain mature markets, with Europe the forerunner.

So, why has Azimut-Benetti led the Global Order Book for superyachts for 23 years?
It’s a reflection of the business going well. It’s a reflection of being winners on the market with our yachts, which is rewarding because it means we’re selected by many owners. However, the growth can’t be fast and big forever, because we want to keep quality under control.

We don’t want to grow our facilities even though the market is booming now. We are at the limit, which is why our deliveries are so far ahead. We don’t want to push production too much today, but to keep the situation under control, especially quality wise.

The Group says it has anticipated the trends and wishes of existing owners while gradually acquiring younger owners, with an average age of 45 for Azimut buyers and 55 for Benetti clients. How have you achieved this?
It’s interesting from a social perspective to see how the profiles of wealthy people are changing, and that’s not just in this industry but across the globe. In the past, it took you a lifetime to become really rich, but in the new economy, digital technologies have changed this.

Vitelli speaks at the Discover the House of Yachting event in Viareggio

In Benetti, we still have the classic navettas or the Motopanfilo [37M], but in the last five years we’ve added some extra product ranges more focused on a lifestyle proposition, such as the Oasis. Even in the steel production, the B.Now series, we propose a more traditional stern and the Oasis Deck® version, which is extremely popular.

Can you tell us more about your focus on Low Emission Yachts, which Azimut says accounts for over half of its current models.
Our new-generation Low Emission Yachts offer considerable reduction in consumption, about 20-30 per cent less than the market average. This has even started to become a selling point. In the Azimut Grande range, we’ve focused on three elements for 10 years. Firstly, the light weight of the models due to the extensive use of carbon-fibre, which we produce internally for the superstructure.

Secondly, our hull shapes, including some that are patented such as the D2P (displacement to planing), which is even more efficient in its latest generation.

Azimut Grande 26M features the POD 4600 propulsion system by ZF

The third ingredient is the propulsion and having the best propulsion for the type of yacht we use. We’ve been pioneers in pods. First, it was with Volvo, such as the triple installation of the IPS on the Azimut line, then it was Rolls-Royce pods on the Benetti Fast series. Now, the new Azimut Grande 26M is the first to have the Pod 4,600 system by ZF.

So, basically weight, hull efficiency and pods. The combination of the three elements brings effective results in terms of reducing consumption, which means less emissions – and we’re not talking a couple of per cent.

We’re also very interested in ideas for the future, so we’re involved in new fuels, hydrogen and so on, but that is the next stage. Today, we believe hybrid electric propulsion is an answer.

Benetti B.Yond 37M uses a new Siemens hybrid propulsion system

We recently launched the Benetti B.Yond 37M, the greenest yacht in its class. Its Siemens hybrid propulsion system reduces CO2 (carbon dioxide) by 24 per cent and NOX (nitrogen oxides) by 85 per cent. New applications are always a risk, so it was truly an entrepreneurial decision. We discussed it within the company, with the sales team initially preferring to have the systems tested elsewhere.

However, we as a family, especially my father, were saying, “If you want to stay ahead, you have to take a risk.” We worked cheek to cheek with Siemens and the system proved to work very well. Of course, it’s much more work for the technical department, so these steps in technology are a challenge, but this is how you show you’re a leader.

What are your thoughts on the Water Revolution Foundation’s new Yacht Environmental Transparency Index?
People often talk about sustainability in very generic ways, and I think we should all try to use figures with an index. To me, the only real index today is consumption, because it’s something that can be tested and used to compare boats. I think the industry should start to only talk about numbers and not just people talking about the “most sustainable materials” but without a tangible approach. I think it’s important to show the real commitment of the industry to this topic.

The 30M is the flagship of Azimut’s Magellano series

I think the idea for the Water Revolution Foundation to establish an index is absolutely the right one, because the industry doesn’t have one, although I believe YETI (click for news article) consumption is a good index. I believe should be passed to an independent authority such as a class society, for example, so it’s not part of an association with members and we take away all possible ‘second thoughts’ behind that. I think the concept is right, but should probably pass from the Water Revolution Foundation to an independent body at a certain point.

What do you think will be the major change in superyachts in the coming years?
I think sustainability and reducing emissions is a necessity. We should not go against the regulations, but we do need regulations that allow shipyards and engine and propulsion producers the time to adapt to new standards.

Even at the association level, I think we should join forces in developing these new technologies together. In the end, the competitive advantage you have in announcing you’re the first with hybrid propulsion or hydrogen is a brief marketing advantage of a few days. In an industry with high investment but few units, we should be more together. I am on the Board in SYBAss (Superyacht Builders Association) and I want to push more in that direction. It’s better to invest our energies and money together.

How do you view the Asia market, where Azimut and Benetti have a strong history and continue to be very popular?
Asia has always been a very rewarding market and we have a long relationship with the region. After my father bought Benetti in 1984, the Hong Kong-based owner of Ambrosia was a minority shareholder. He was a very good customer of Benetti and fell in love with the company, so that helped us enter the market before others.

The Oasis Deck® option is offered on the B.Now series including the 67M

We sell models across our ranges, both from Azimut and Benetti, into Asia and I believe the owners there are sophisticated customers. The mainland China market is yet to evolve properly and is not progressing as we had all hoped, for a variety of reasons including boating regulations and free use of the coastline. We see Chinese owners keeping their boats elsewhere. In the short term, I don’t see a market of middle class owners buying 50-60ft Azimuts and moving up in size, like elsewhere.

Marine Italia is one of Azimut’s most successful dealers, based in Hong Kong but also representing the brand in Taiwan, Guangdong and Singapore. They’ve traditionally sold a lot of Fly and Grande models, but are now starting to sell more models from the Magellano line, which your father highlighted as one of his most important initiatives in Azimut’s first 50 years. What is the appeal of this line?
Magellano has been a revolution in yachting, as the first crossover model in the market. It was conceived in 2007 and launched in 2009. We were followed by many other shipyards, from the small ones to the big ones, and now everybody talks about crossovers. The idea was inspired by trawlers, designed for long cruises, where you enjoy volume and comfort inside.

However, the Magellano is efficient in displacement mode and has a bit more speed than conservative trawlers, so owners can reach 22-24 knots if they need to reach a port quickly or the weather suddenly changes.

Azimut’s Magellano 25M revived the series

The flagship Magellano 30M we launched at the last Cannes Yachting Festival is amazing and we had double-figure sales before it was at any show. I believe in this concept and personally cruised on a Magellano 25M a couple of years ago, having spent all my life on planing hulls. I made a long cruise in a short time because I had to take it from our Fano shipyard (on Italy’s Adriatic coast) all the way down to the southern part of Italy and back north and on to the Cannes show.

Many times, I was eating lunch during navigation – it was so pleasant, even at 21 knots. You can eat and sleep during navigation because it’s so smooth over the waves. It’s a different way of cruising. There’s a lot of internal space with a contemporary design, without that traditional feeling of the old trawlers.

How have you enjoyed collaborating with Vincenzo De Cotiis, whose first yachting projects were the interiors of the Magellano 25M and 30M models?
When he started working with us, all the interior magazines in the US asked for an exclusive because he’s a big name. He’s an architect as well as an artist. He designs collectibles and is represented in New York by the Carpenters Workshop Gallery, which is renowned around the world. He brings an architectural approach and some ideas for the layout I wasn’t expecting and was really impressed with, especially as he had never worked in the industry.

Vincenzo De Cotiis on the Magellano 25M

For example, on the Magellano 25M, it was the first time I’ve ever heard somebody say to me, ‘In the main saloon, why do you put the dining table like this (athwartships), which is a visual obstacle once you get in. If you turn it (along the centreline), the boat has a much wider effect and is much more pleasant, with better service.”

Then when I cruised on the model, I always kept it longitudinally, because he’s right: you don’t have such a big structure in your view, which changes the effect of the boat.

He also plays a lot with mirrors, so you always have a view of the sea and the feeling of water. On top of that, for his collectibles, he has this idea of combining poor materials with rich materials, but these poor materials are reinterpreted. He told me, “My favourite material is fibreglass because I personally convert it by hand and put in some colour powder myself, providing this effect, a mixture between a textile, a resin, a material which does not exist.”

Interior detail on the Magellano 25M

So, the options include this artistic fibreglass, which is handmade, according to his recipe! It’s very textural. It has nothing to do with the fibreglass we’re used to and it’s fascinating because it’s such a typical marine material completely converted into something you wouldn’t recognise as such. It’s very interesting.

On the Magellano 30M, where we propose both this material and more traditional options, most of the customers went for the design from De Cotiis.

His design is very sophisticated. It’s a contemporary interior, but different to what you see on other boats, which are often an empty box where the customer can play with loose furniture, typically by the big brands like Minotti and Poltrona Frau. I believe the Magellano is very interesting because the interior is a contemporary interpretation but with a very specific personality.

As Vice President, you work directly with your father Paolo, President of Azimut-Benetti. What have you learnt from him and how do you work together?

I’ve learned from my father that in this market, you win with the product. Marketing is nice, but you must win on the market with your boats. Even in the period of the global economic crisis in 2008 and 2009, we didn’t save one penny in product development. That made a difference. It was an opportunity to gain market share in those years because we were able to keep investing in new products. Our focus is to keep our feet on the ground and concentrate on being winners in what we offer to our customers.

Paolo and Giovanna Vitelli

Since working together, we’ve planned and managed an important change from the founders’ time to the next stage. Today, Azimut-Benetti is a billion-dollar turnover company. Over 10 years, we planned the growth of our management, so we have a clear governance, where the family has the vision and we are still the ones to decide on the product development. The product is then based on a committee that I coordinate but then delegate and leave space to managers, because this is the way you grow.

The company could not exist as a one-man or one-woman show. I believe we’re on the right path, as this is a way to prepare the company in the future for growing bigger, maybe going public or involving more managers. I think this is a path for good, sustainable growth rather than keeping the family 100 per cent hands on and limiting expansion.

Today, my father is involved in the strategic vision, fortunately, but much less involved in the everyday business. Apart from the B.Yond family, which really came from his spirit and vision, he’s not that involved in the rest of the product development anymore. Sometimes, when I have a little doubt, I go to him for advice, but it’s more about my personal concerns. He’s spending more time on his hospitality activities, as the family owns several hotels in the mountains, but he keeps an eye on the company.
www.azimutbenetti.it

GIOVANNA VITELLI

Since 2000, Giovanna Vitelli has been a member of the Board of Azimut-Benetti Group, which is owned by her father Paolo, who founded Azimut in 1969 and acquired Benetti in 1984. She is currently Vice-President with executive responsibility on product strategy and development, as well as Group R&D. Prior to entering the family-owned Group, Giovanna graduated in Law from Turin University and practised in one of Italy’s leading law firms, Bonelli Erede Pappalardo in Milan.

Note: The original interview appears in Issue 69 (click to download/read PDF).

Petros Michelidakis on Boot Dusseldorf, Blue Innovation Dock (Pt 2)

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Petros Michelidakis on Boot Dusseldorf, Blue Innovation Dock (Pt 2)

January 12, 2023
1:25 am

Part two of an interview with the Director of Boot Düsseldorf about the first Blue Innovation Dock and the return of the world’s biggest indoor boat show, which includes some exciting new attractions.

Petros Michelidakis, Director of Boot Düsseldorf

The 2023 edition of Boot Dusseldorf (January 21-29) will include the first Blue Innovation Dock forum, which will be held in Hall 10 across all nine days of the show.

From the opening Saturday on January 21, the forum will address the following topics: Leaders dialogue – business meets politics; Sustainable propulsion; Financing innovation and start-up disruption; Future fuels; Circular materials; Sustainable nautical tourism and water sports; Innovation for sustainability; Engaging NGOs and all players; and Engaging citizens and boaters.

Free for Boot Düsseldorf visitors and exhibitors, the Blue Innovation Dock has strong support from the yachting industry, with Groupe Beneteau as Performance Partner, Sanlorenzo as Project Partner and Pool Partners including Azimut, Bavaria, Brunswick, D-Marin, ePropulsion, Fabiani, Greenline, Princess, Sunreef and Torqeedo.

Following is the second part of an interview with Petros Michelidakis, Director of Boot Dusseldorf. For part 1 of the interview, please click here.

What are you hoping for after nine days of the Blue Innovation Dock?

That the information we’ve conveyed about our sector to political decision-makers was sufficient to speed up developments in terms of sustainability. Although our watersports only account for 0.1 per cent of EU-wide emissions, it’s important we contribute to keeping our destinations clean and making them cleaner.

The Blue Innovation Dock will be held in Hall 10

It would be fantastic if we could create a framework that is cross-sectoral and EU-wide. Why do Spaniards and Germans protect seaweed in their respective ways and Greeks don’t? And I am Greek. We must enter into dialogue. It’s not about who’s right but about conserving our destinations for generations to come.

What do you tell young people who are concerned about this very topic?

That the water sports industry is dependent on a clean climate and waters. As a networking platform, Boot will continue to raise awareness among society, young and old alike. Above all, we will promote dialogue with decision-makers in politics to ensure the necessary transformation and create the appropriate framework conditions.

Will NGOs also have a say?

Yes. All NGOs that are represented at boot – such as WWF, Greenpeace, NABU or Deutsche Meeresstiftung – are called upon to get involved and join the discussion. ‘Engaging NGOs and all players’ on Saturday, January 28 has been scheduled for this.

What discussions are you most likely to be attending?

I would very much like to participate on the first day when politicians will discuss with shipyard representatives. Quite prominent guests have announced their participation. Furthermore, each day of the Blue Innovation Dock is an innovation driver for the industry, which is why I’ll try to follow all subjects addressed.

Let’s talk about the boat show itself. After two cancelled editions, will Boot return to its old strength and size?

We are very satisfied with bookings received so far, which are on par with 2019, and will present watersports in their entirety on a huge exhibition area measuring 31 football pitches in total.

How many exhibitors will there be?

We expect around 1,500 exhibitors – a fantastic number in the history of Boot. Unfortunately, many small family-run businesses in the diving segment have not survived the Covid crisis, so we’re missing these exhibitors along with direct sales operations that have completely gone online. Nevertheless, there’s no other trade fair in the world with such extended ranges and, what’s more, in such an international setting.

Incidentally, the first admission ticket was sold to Iceland. This visitor will travel to Boot because he offers whale watching and intends to gradually renew his fleet.

Sunseeker 95 Yacht

Can you share some highlights you’re looking forward to?

It’s always difficult to pick some brands because they are all near and dear to my heart. The biggest yachts will come from Sunseeker (95 Yacht) and Sanlorenzo (SD90), both being about 30m LOA. In Hall 17 we will be showcasing – with celebrity support – wing surfing and wing foiling on a 60m long pool and in Hall 12 the new diving tower will be inaugurated. This is also where the opening of Boot will take place.

Halls 13 and 14 seem to be halls that also target visitors who don’t own boats.

Exactly. The Destination Seaside halls are designed to reflect the versatility of holidays by the sea; they focus on activities and regions. Coastal tourism here will be represented by the Lübecker Bucht, Portugal and Croatia as exhibitors. In future, these will probably be very important halls to win over new watersports enthusiasts.

To conclude, will Covid still be an issue at boot?

Boot will be held under completely normal conditions, the way we know and love. We’ve installed 3,000 Hepa filters in the exhibition halls to filter 99.99 per cent of all viruses out of the air, so the indoor air is constantly purified. This allows us to reduce energy consumption by not having to supply as much fresh air.

www.boot.de

Boot Director Petros Michelidakis on the Blue Innovation Dock

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Boot Director Petros Michelidakis on the Blue Innovation Dock

January 5, 2023
2:27 pm

The Director of Boot Düsseldorf explains the background and ambitions of the first Blue Innovation Dock, which will be held on all nine days of the world’s largest indoor boat show.

The Blue Innovation Dock will be held in Hall 10 from January 21-29

This year’s edition of Boot Düsseldorf includes the Blue Innovation Dock (BID) forum, a ‘new platform for sustainability and transformation’, with a different topic (click here for details) on each of its nine days. The content partner is European Boating Industry and the programme covers exhibitors’ innovations, goals and developments from the international watersports community, and even European politics.

Free for Boot Düsseldorf visitors and exhibitors, the nine-day forum will be held in Hall 10 and has strong support from the yachting industry, with Groupe Beneteau as Performance Partner, Sanlorenzo as Project Partner and Pool Partners including Azimut, Bavaria, Brunswick, D-Marin, ePropulsion, Fabiani, Greenline, Princess, Sunreef and Torqeedo.

The topics for the nine days are, in chronological order: Leaders dialogue – business meets politics, Sustainable propulsion, Financing innovation & start-up disruption, Future fuels, Circular materials, Sustainable nautical tourism and water sports, Innovation for sustainability, Engaging NGOs and all players, and Engaging citizens and boaters.

Petros Michelidakis, Director of Boot Düsseldorf, answers questions about the Blue Innovation Dock, whose programme (regularly updated) and list of speakers can be found by clicking here.

Petros Michelidakis, Director of Boot Düsseldorf

What can we expect from the Blue Innovation Dock?

We had this idea for quite some time, but could not put it into practice because of the pandemic. The Blue Innovation Dock is designed to intensify dialogue between the sector and policymakers. We want to flag up the relevance of the watersports industry and encourage a legal framework that allows the industry to grow.

Now is the time to chart the course for the future. Our virtual premiere last August already resulted in the EU developing a watersports roadmap that will be presented at Boot for the first time. I am a little proud of that.

What role does Boot play in the Blue Innovation Dock?

We are the world’s largest watersports trade fair and therefore very suitable as a platform. We have both B2C and B2B visitors and all major boatbuilders and shipyards are here. Boot is predestined for intensifying dialogue. Although not pioneers in this field, we are ideally suited to bringing together the greatest number of key stakeholders.

Which topics will be on the table?

The whole cross-section of topics will be addressed. Do e-fuels make sense? How well suited is hydrogen as a fuel? How can marinas be digitalised faster? Can we involve water sportspeople to protect endangered regions? How will we be boating in 30 years from now?

To table the right topics and gain an insight into opinions, we initiated a study. In cooperation with ADAC, we polled 1,500 boating enthusiasts plus members of our Boot Club. This means, the Blue Innovation Dock is very close to the market, which is why I hope politicians and other decision-makers will be following it attentively. Even today, 100 exhibitors will be presenting sustainable propulsion solutions at Boot 2023.

Halls 13 and 14 will be dedicated to the Destination Seaside. Coastal tourism is a hot topic. Will it also be integrated into the Blue Innovation Dock?

The coastal tourism theme is highly topical and relevant. This tourism in the immediate vicinity of the seaside and up to 11 km inland generates €240 billion in Europe every year. Of this amount, the watersports industry generates between 11-12 per cent, so about €25-30 million. This survey was carried out by us in cooperation with the European Tourism Board.

A small aside on this. Boats only contribute as little as 0.1 per cent to the entire C02 emissions in the EU. What we’re talking about here are 6.5 million boats up to 24m LOA, which are registered in the EU. They have an average of 35-50 operating hours per year.

As an industry, we must go that extra mile occasionally because we are in the public eye, especially when it comes to larger yachts. I see them as part of coastal tourism and like to compare them to hotels, as they are used for living, eating and enjoying entertainment. And how many yachts are berthed in marinas that serve as a residence? In Greece, for example, this is very popular.

So, this is also about societal change?

Absolutely. Let’s have a look at how we will most probably be living in future. We will have a four-day working week. Young people will select the employers who can offer this and the boating industry is also fighting for this day.

We need to remember how the boats and yachts are used here. We must become far more digital and invest while the market situation is good. We have also created the Blue Innovation Dock for this, for inspirations in this regard.

Is there a willingness to change?

I understand from the response to the Blue Innovation Dock that the interest from the industry is very high. What’s more, the numbers speak for themselves. We are a market worth billions that can probably still be expanded if society changes the way many experts forecast. As a boatbuilder or shipyard, I could think about how I could participate in that market even better with my product. This will probably mean looking at use rather than design or propulsion.

Can Boot visitors attend the Blue Innovation Dock without any registration?

Yes. They can simply take a seat, listen and be inspired. We will make some 40-50 seats available and have already enlisted speakers and panellists to appear on stage. On the first day, there will be a session involving policy makers and business, so the initial course can be charted. The updated programme can be found on our website and will be featured on Boot’s social media channels.
www.boot.de

Note: Part two of the interview to follow.

Paul Blanc on Jeanneau’s new directions

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Paul Blanc on Jeanneau’s new directions

December 29, 2022
12:06 am

While expecting record annual turnover, Jeanneau’s Brand Director talks about the company’s exciting paths, led by the launches of its first DB luxury dayboat, biggest Merry Fisher and 65ft flagship sailing yacht, while looking forward to notable debuts in 2023.

Paul Blanc, Brand Director, Jeanneau

Why did Jeanneau create the DB/43 luxury dayboat, which is a huge design leap for the brand?

Boaters are increasingly using their boats for short day trips, even on big boats. In the 30-50ft size, luxury dayboats are progressively becoming the main segment of the market, especially in the Mediterranean and in Florida. It will overtake the classic express cruiser design and I think it will be the style of boat you’ll see everywhere in 5-10 years. We’ve invested in this segment because we believe it’s the future. It’s a very good move for Jeanneau. We would never go into a niche market, so we needed to be sure it was a sustainable trend, not a passing fad. We saw other brands going into it, so we can’t pretend we’re pioneers. We decided to design a luxury day boat when we were sure our clients would appreciate it and demand would last.

Jeanneau DB/43 is the first model in the DB line

We then asked ourselves: If we design a luxury day boat, what is a Jeanneau and how do we approach it? We recognised Jeanneau would always be a family boat, versatile and functional, so it should offer more than the competition. The style, outside entertainment areas and space are in line with the codes of a luxury dayboat. The DB/43 is very sexy. Camillo Garroni did an excellent job on the styling and the lines are very sophisticated. He brought a design inspired by cars, with a sculpted hull. However, we also wanted to offer nice cabins below deck because our clients might go out for the day with friends or kids 90 per cent of the time, but maybe one or two weeks a year, they’ll want to do a longer cruise and go island hopping. They need a nice master cabin and good storage, so that’s how we approached it.

Drop-down sides on the DB/43

The DB/43 brings a bit more rationality in a market segment that’s not the most rational, because it’s party boats before anything else, but we make it usable in a lot of different conditions.

What have early sales been like?

Everything sells well now. It’s more how fast it sells, and it has sold very quickly. Before its first show at the Cannes Yachting Festival (in September 2022), we’d received 50 orders, so it’s sold out until at least the summer of 2023. It was the starting phase of showing the boat and we already had a year of production secured. The feedback at boat shows is above our expectations, so we’re very happy. People go to the competition, then come to the DB/43 and see it offers more, especially inside. They can do more with this boat. And it still has Jeanneau DNA: functional, family friendly and versatile.

The DB/37 is set to debut at Boot Dusseldorf

What’s next for the DB series?

We’ll roll out a full range within the next two years. It’s important to have a series so clients can be offered the same concept in different sizes and budgets, and then move through the range. (Since this interview, Jeanneau has announced it will debut the DB/37 at Boot Dusseldorf from January 21-29, 2023 – click for article.)

Which is Jeanneau’s most popular motorboat range in Asia?

The larger Merry Fisher models. The cabin and enclosed space offer more versatility and comfort, whether it’s for air-conditioning or to have a proper bathroom. Models like the Merry Fisher 895 and 1095 have been very popular, and now we’re launching the new 1295 Fly, so that’s going to be very interesting.

The 1295 Fly is the new Merry Fisher flagship

With outboard engines, the 1295 is an interesting alternative to inboard motor yachts in markets where you can’t easily maintain inboard engines. Servicing outboard engines is possible pretty much anywhere, whether it’s Indonesia or the Philippines, because outboards are used on many professional boats. The 1295 is also interesting because it’s over 41ft with a comfortable flybridge and nice bow lounge area, big enough to entertain large parties, which is important for Asian markets.

With the Merry Fisher 1295 Fly measuring 41ft, Jeanneau is starting to overlap with luxury flybridge motor yacht builders including Prestige, a sister brand. It’s an alternative. The 1295 Fly has a different price point and a different interior finish than Prestige. And some people may prefer inboard engines like on a Prestige for the bathing platform and lower fuel consumption. Although when you look at your overall usage cost, it’s more economical to go for outboards.

CGI of the Jeanneau Yachts 55

Among your sailing boats, the Jeanneau Yachts 60 and 65 launched in 2021 and 2022 respectively. However, the 55 set to debut at Boot Dusseldorf in January 2023 offers a completely new proposition, with an aft deck offering expansive seating and lounging areas. We wanted to innovate on the 55. The monohull sailboat market is one of the boating segments that’s not growing much, losing market share to catamarans and powerboats because people want more outdoor space and features like big sunbeds. Sailing boats designed for offshore voyages are very protected, but once you cross one ocean, you spend six months in a tropical destination where you want a very open design. On the other hand, open designs aren’t so suitable for offshore voyages, because you want protection when there’s bad weather. On the Jeanneau Yachts 55 we bring the best of both worlds with a dual cockpit concept. You have the enclosed cockpit forward, offering great protection during offshore passages, and when you arrive at a destination, you have this huge, relaxing aft deck platform using the whole beam of the boat, which has never been seen before on a monohull. I think it will be very attractive to a lot of our owners with that sailing programme.

CGI of the Jeanneau Yachts 55 interior

Owners sail as a couple or family 90 per cent of the time and it’s only during holidays that they invite a couple of friends to join for a bit of a trip, so the 55’s design with the private owner suite and fully independent guest suites is another great unique feature.

So, the Jeanneau Yachts 55 is competing with sailing catamarans as much as monohulls?

We’ve seen some of our owners moving to catamarans, but sometimes they regret it because they miss the sailing sensations and manoeuvrability of monohulls. What they want on the catamaran is purely the functionality and the space organisation, not specifically the two hulls. By offering more living space on our monohull, owners can get the functionality and privacy, without giving up the pleasure of sailing. We already see a strong demand for the 55. When we presented it to our dealers, who know their clients very well, the first thing they said was, ‘I know a client who was about to move to a catamaran, but he’ll love this’. They really see that we got it right. It’s about bringing back interest in monohulls, not competing against other models.

Jeanneau Yachts 65 is the brand flagship

Are you happy with sales of the Jeanneau Yachts 60 and the 65?

Yes. Our clients have received these new designs very well. They’re true to the Jeanneau DNA and we benefit from a very strong customer base in the Jeanneau Yachts family; half the people buying them are existing Jeanneau owners upgrading. Back in 2008, Jeanneau launched the [Sun Odyssey] 54 DS, which was the first model of the Jeanneau Yachts style, and since then we’ve been renewing the designs, adding a little bit more with each new model. With the 55 we challenged ourselves even more. I think it’s going to be interesting to test this innovative design, before bringing some of those features to other models in the future.

In Asia, how is Jeanneau doing in the 30-50ft sector with the Sun Odyssey and Sun Fast ranges?

Still strong, but in Asia and developing markets in general, people are tempted to go to power boats because it’s less intimidating and they like to get to their destination quickly. There isn’t really the culture of taking time to cruise. It’s hard to get people into sailing when they haven’t grown up with it.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380

We need to work on how to bring people into sailing, not only Jeanneau but the whole industry, because it’s a cleaner way of boating and a different philosophy of life. We make Jeanneau sailboats easy to use and accessible, so that everyone can sail with basic training.

How has Jeanneau handled production in the Covid era, with increased demand but supply chain issues?

We expect to deliver 3,500 boats in 2022, which is a record year in terms of volume and turnover. We’re producing more than before Covid, but sometimes deliveries can be delayed if we need to wait for parts. Covid has been an eye-opener for many; it’s been a call to enjoy life. Even if the market craze is behind us, we believe the demand will continue to be strong.

Why are you confident?

People wealthy enough to afford a boat above 30ft are usually entrepreneurs. Their businesses are doing well. Any inflation may also apply to their assets, so they’re quite resilient to inflation. A key economic indicator – which is quite reassuring – is that savings in the bank are at a record high, compared to 2008 when people were in debt.

The Merry Fisher 1095 Fly

We live in a world full of questions around the Ukraine war, energy crisis or inflation, but if our clients want to enjoy life and escape these questions, they can afford a boat. And if you have the money, why wait? Covid had this impact. If you have a dream, just do it now. Typically, our clients are not much wealthier than they were in 2019, but back then they were thinking about other priorities or that they should keep saving more money. During Covid, they realised they wanted to do something with their family that would take them away from all the trouble and they went for it. I think people will continue to be in this mindset of enjoying life now.

The Cap Camarat 1250 WA

They’re also more flexible in their organisation of time and that makes a huge difference. If they want, they can work three days at the office and two days from their boats, so that’s four days a week on their boat, which is a big change. I think the demand will continue to be strong. Of course, it might be a soft landing and the market will cool down, but I don’t see the demand stopping anytime e soon. www.jeanneau.com

PAUL BLANC

Blanc has been Jeanneau’s Brand Director since April 2020, having spent over 16 years in Asia. After working for Peugeot in Paris, he was Marketing Director of Citroen China in Beijing from January 2004-December 2007. He then spent two years between Beijing and Shanghai as General Manager (Greater China) of On Product Publishing Group. In April 2010, he began a 10-year role as Jeanneau’s Asia-Pacific Sales Director, moving from Shanghai to Hong Kong, where he was also Managing Director of Groupe Beneteau Asia Pacific from July 2018 to April 2020.

Championing the Gulf: Mohammed Alshaali

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Championing the Gulf: Mohammed Alshaali

December 8, 2022
5:22 pm

Mohammed Alshaali reflects on Gulf Craft’s four decades, growing from an isolated fishing boat start-up to a high-tech, fully integrated operation building yachts from 34-175ft across four brands, with two upcoming Majesty superyachts set to kickstart the company’s fifth decade. Interview: John Higginson.

Alshaali was named Middle East Entrepreneur 2022 at the NORNS Awards for his contribution to the Middle East’s leisure maritime industry

Congratulations on 40 years since you co-founded Gulf Craft in 1982. What were the key moves that helped Gulf Craft grow to become the Middle East’s leading yacht and superyacht builder?
The first big jump was in 1991, when we moved from building boats to building the first yacht, a 53 flybridge. The second jump in the history of the company was in 2001 when we began building superyachts, starting with the Millennium 118 for John Staluppi in Florida and the Majesty Yachts brand.

Since then, we’ve tried to balance between building boats, small cruisers, yachts and superyachts. Of course, the superyachts grew bigger over time, but we’re still building fishing boats and cruisers, as well as water taxis in our factories in the Maldives. Our aim is to be among the world’s top five superyacht builders in terms of styling, quality, engineering and interiors.

Gulf Craft was founded in 1982

Are you happy with where Majesty Yachts is today?
I’m very happy because we perfected the interior and exterior styling some time ago. For the last two years, we’ve been focusing more on engineering, on how to make the boat even more comfortable and reliable. We use the latest technology and are always trying to improve.

Now we have, for example, boats using solar panels, battery power, and so on. On our new Nomad 70 SUV, all the hotel loads can be run from the batteries, and you only need the engines for propulsion.

Gulf Craft’s Umm Al Quwain shipyard

We’re trying to introduce new technologies and keep up with the new tech, such as navigation equipment, entertainment systems and everything else on the boat. We’re also trying to use nature-friendly materials on our boats and yachts. This is all part of the work of our R&D department, which includes 50 engineers.

That’s why I say we want to be top five. It doesn’t mean we will be there tomorrow or next year, but this is our target.

Mohammed Alshaali with YACHT STYLE CEO Gael Burlot

In Europe, many leading yacht builders are competing with and learning from neighbouring or nearby yards, but Gulf Craft is all alone in the UAE. How can you keep up?
We have consultants from Europe and are in constant communication with high-tech developers. We invest money in this. We’re physically a little far from the centre of the yachting industry, but we started far away 40 years ago, and we weren’t scared to compete.

However, if you talked to me over 20 years ago and said we’d be regular exhibitors at the Monaco Yacht Show, I wouldn’t have believed you. But things are changing. Yes, Europe used to feel further away, but we’re living in a global economy. We’re inter-dependent.

Alshaali jokes with Cristiano Gatto on the Majesty 120

Gulf Craft is making a concerted effort to open new markets, such as making your US show debut at Fort Lauderdale in late 2019 with the Majesty 140 and Majesty 100. Where do you see your biggest growth regions in the coming years?
Growing around the world has always been a priority and I think we’ve succeeded. If you can compete in Europe, you can compete anywhere, because even in the US, we’re competing with European brands. In Asia, Australia, we’re competing with European brands. We’re selling well in Europe, so if we’re selling there, we can sell anywhere else.

Abeer Alshaali is Deputy Managing Director of Gulf Craft

Your daughter Abeer is Deputy Managing Director, overseeing the company’s global expansion. How closely do you work with her?
We work together as we’re both part of the Management Board. It’s not me or her making the decisions but the whole board. The financial department, engineering department, all the different departments are represented on the board. My daughter and my three sons – two also work for the company – all grew up as Gulf Craft was growing, so boating is in their blood.

The Gulf Craft Experience Centre in Dubai’s Port Rashid

What has been the response to the Gulf Craft Experience Centre at Port Rashid in Dubai since it opened at the beginning of the year?
It has been well received and worked well for us. It’s close to the centre of Dubai and close to the airport. It also allowed us to separate the sales and marketing department from the factory, so they have their own space and can receive clients and prospects in their own facility. It’s much easier for everyone.

The Majesty 120 was at Cannes and Monaco

What was the feedback on the Majesty 120 as it made its European debut in September, showing at both the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show, along with a Majesty 100?
There was a very good response, and this will show in the order book. This year was the first time the 120 came to Europe but we already have hull five in production. This shows that the 120 already had a good reputation with people that saw her in the past, including at the Dubai International Boat Show earlier in the year. Hull two Rocket One, the 120 shown in Europe, went to America to exhibit at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and we have another sale in the US.

The Majesty 100 remains our most popular superyacht. We’ve delivered 12 and have another five or six in production.

Cristiano Gatto announces the Majesty 160

You work regularly with Cristiano Gatto, who designed the exterior and interior of the Majesty 175 and the interior of the Majesty 120, plus he has designed the upcoming Majesty 160. Why does this partnership work for Gulf Craft?
It’s very important when you work with a designer that he understands production. We’re not one-off builders. He doesn’t design one boat for one customer. He designs a series for a yard, so he knows that we’ll be building multiple hulls of each model.

Also, you need to have trust. He trusts what we’ll do, and we trust him. We’ve also developed a friendship since we met. We’re constantly challenging each other on designs, discussing solutions, but he knows he’ll never be undercut or sabotaged because we trust each other.

The Majesty 160 will be Gulf Craft’s second-biggest build

Cristiano Gatto is one of the best designers in the market for bigger yachts and he has designed so many of them. And the Majesty 175 is unique. She’s the most beautiful yacht and I don’t say that because we built it – we’ve built so many – but this is how I feel every time I go on that yacht. The only down side is that not a lot of people saw the yacht in person because she wasn’t at any boat shows.

We’ve been working with Cristiano again on the new Majesty 160, which also marks our first project with Van Oossanen, on the naval architecture.

The Majesty 111 will debut at the 2023 Dubai show

What’s the update on the upcoming Majesty 111, which will fit between the 100 and 120 models in the range?
We’re building two hulls simultaneously and the first one will be at the Dubai International Boat Show in March 2023. The Majesty 111 has been designed by Dutch studio Phathom and we’ve sold hull one, with others in negotiation.

The Majesty 72 debuted at Abu Dhabi in November

How important to the brand are the smaller Majesty models like the 49, 62, 62 M and the new 72? They’re a huge gulf in price from the Superyacht Collection, so who do they appeal to?
I always say we’re a small company. We grew up with our customers. We started in yachts with 50-footers, 60-footers, and the demands from customers kept growing, so we built bigger yachts and superyachts. Yet, we still have new customers coming to us, so we keep the smaller models, which are the bread and butter of the company.

The Nomad 70 SUV debuted at this year’s Dubai show

What distinguishes the Nomad series, which features 55, 65 and 75 Fly models, and 65, 70, 75 and 95 SUV versions?
Nomad is different. The Nomad is not a smaller Majesty superyacht; it’s a relaxing, slower, oceangoing experience, made for people who don’t worry about reaching somewhere quickly or showing off. They want something to live in as a family and enjoy the sea. Considering we only launched the brand in 2015, they’re selling very well and we’re adding new models every couple of years.

The SUV versions have worked well. We launched the Nomad 70 SUV at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show and already have three or four on order.

The Oryx 379 from the brand’s range of sport cruisers

Which models represent the future of the Oryx sport cruiser range (36, 379 and 42)?
We already had the 36 and 42, then we changed the style a bit and released the 379 and now we’re building a 47ft and a smaller one. They’ve been selling well and the price in the market for resale is excellent. We have 70 or 80 Oryx boats on the water, mostly in the Middle East, and we’re also selling a few of the 379 in the likes of the Med and Australia.

Silvercraft is a mix of power catamarans (SilverCat 34 CC/HT/Lux, SilverCat 40 CC/Lux) and monohulls (36 CC/HT, 47). What are the main markets for these models?
Silvercraft is more focused on fishing and utility boats, and this is where Gulf Craft started. We don’t want to lose our heritage, so we still cater to those customers. However, the catamaran models are new to Silvercraft because it’s a popular hull for sport fishing, although these models have more luxury than most fishing boats. They have air-conditioning, a proper saloon, galley, a nice bathroom and so on.

The Silvercraft 40 Lux continues Gulf Craft’s history of powercats

We have a history in catamarans. We built racing powercats in the late 1980s and built our catamaran yachts in the early and mid-1990s, although there wasn’t a big market for it as the materials were expensive.

Now the mentality towards catamarans has changed, and the materials are better, and that’s why you see a lot of people coming back to catamarans because of stability, fuel efficiency and space. We’re not only following the market; we have a background in this. We will have a factory dedicated to catamarans that will open next year.

Alshaali plays host on the Majesty 120

How do you feel when you look back at 40 years of Gulf Craft, having also had such a successful personal career?
I’m proud of what has been done. It’s not for me or my family; it’s for the team at Gulf Craft and for the country. I think we’ve shown we can create a world-class yacht builder. I think it’s a legacy for the UAE and I think Gulf Craft is part of the UAE story. In fact, I don’t think there’s anything else like Gulf Craft in the whole Middle East, a local company that manufactures a high-standard product exported around the world.
www.gulfcraftinc.com

TYBA President reflects on second Thailand Charter Week

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

TYBA President reflects on second Thailand Charter Week

December 1, 2022
1:00 pm

Ditapong Thitadilok, President of the Thai Yachting Business Association, talks about organising the first post-Covid Thailand Charter Week, which built on the inaugural edition in 2019.

Ditapong Thitadilok, President of TYBA (Thai Yachting Business Association)

What were the major changes to this year’s Thailand Charter Week compared to the first edition three years ago?
The yachting industry has received more support from the Thai Government. Yachting has been included in the country’s strategic marine tourism plan and has been a critical mechanism for restoring the economy through tourism.

The Thai Government has officially allowed foreign superyachts to do charter business since early 2021. As a result, there has been much interest from superyachts to charter in Thai waters. The show also had a lot of interest and had three 30m-plus superyachts (click for article), which showed significant growth from 2019.

Ditapong with Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (second right), Minister of Tourism and Sports

What was the feedback from the Government Ministers, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Phuket authorities this year?
Mr Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, fully supported the Thailand Charter Week and the yachting industry (click for article). He has encouraged Thailand Charter Week to become bigger and better next year. Images, video and other media content from this year’s Thailand Charter Week will be used to promote Thailand’s marine tourism globally.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Phuket province have also helped establish Thailand Charter Week on the event calendar. Thailand Charter Week has become a significant event for Thailand’s marine tourism.

VIPs at the Thailand Charter Week opening ceremony

What were the best aspects of this year’s Thailand Charter Week?
Support from government and private companies increased and there was a wider of variety of businesses, not just yachting. It means the marine industry has widened and can be a part of other industry groups. The best part of this year’s edition was the cooperation between TYBA members, the Government, charter brokers and local agents.

Which parts of the Thailand Charter Week can be improved?
Announcing the event. We had limited time to prepare for this year’s Thailand Charter Week as there was still doubt about the exact plan to reopen Thailand to visitors and tourists. However, we expected to have more yachts and more international visitors. We will have more time to prepare for the 2023 edition. As organisers, we have already started a plan to make the event better.

Some potential exhibitors said they didn’t participate because all their yachts were being chartered. Do you think the Thailand Charter Week should be held at a different time?
We think this period is the best time for Thailand Charter Week. This year, some charter businesses were too busy because Thailand had just reopened fully since the Covid pandemic. We’re creating another marketing channel to allow companies and yachts that can’t attend Thailand Charter Week to communicate with visitors. Of course, all visitors can still contact the yachts, yacht management companies or central agents.
www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com

Julien Solari: Singapore thriving as a superyacht hub

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Julien Solari: Singapore thriving as a superyacht hub

December 1, 2022
4:34 am

In a Column for YACHT STYLE Issue 68, Simpson Marine’s Julien Solari reveals how Singapore is living up to its reputation as one of Asia’s key yachting hubs, with Sanlorenzo driving a lot of the city’s superyacht activity.

One of Asia’s leading financial centres, Singapore is a fantastic place for superyachts to dock and prepare for further exploration of the region. With its ideal location in the heart of Southeast Asia, it allows for easy access to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Last year, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove – where Simpson Marine is based and has a dedicated Sanlorenzo Asia lounge – completed an upgrade and reconfiguration to increase the number of spaces for 80ft-plus superyachts from 15 to 33, including several 50m-plus berths in a dedicated superyacht area, facing the marina club.

This major project has significantly helped us to bring in more superyachts on a permanent basis, as berthing space is typically one of the major concerns of superyacht owners and captains in the region.

While there are many superyachts berthed at ONE°15 Marina including Lady Candy (Benetti), Double Haven (Feadship) and Petra Tara (Admiral), I am delighted to witness that Sanlorenzo superyachts currently take up almost half of the superyacht dock.

At present, Sanlorenzo superyachts include two 44.5m Alloy models, a 46Steel and an SD96, while an SX88 is joining them. One of the Alloy yachts features a custom layout, impeccable decoration by Christian Liaigre and a wide range of facilities that combine to give her owner an experience that might only be expected from a much larger yacht.

Among the Alloy model’s notable features is a 148sqm, three-level owner suite with a private terrace and pool. In recognition of her outstanding design, the Alloy was crowned as a winner in this year’s World Superyacht Awards, in the category of ‘Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts, 40m and above’.

Sanlorenzo has been building high-quality motor yachts since 1958 and has pushed its boundaries further and further since then, embracing languages and creative forms belonging to similar worlds such as design and art.

Aside from the global partnership with Art Basel, Sanlorenzo also works with world-renowned designers like Piero Lissoni, Patricia Urquiola, Laura Sessa, Antonio Citterio, Patricia Viel, John Pawson and more. With its growing desirability thanks to its uniqueness and limited production numbers, Sanlorenzo is currently the leading shipyard in the 24m-plus segment in Singapore.

In early October, we witnessed the arrival of two Sanlorenzo superyachts at ONE°15 Marina – an Alloy and the iconic SL86, while another Alloy is in Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. More will follow, with an SD118, SX100 and SX76 among models scheduled for delivery to owners in Southeast Asia in the coming months.

We’re also grateful to the owners and friends who have trusted us to help them find their dream yacht or their house on the sea. Our good relationships with owners have helped us in our continued efforts to grow interest for superyachts. We have some major deals for very large yachts that have not been announced yet and we remain positive superyachts have their firmly established Southeast Asia hub here in Singapore.

One piece of advice we usually share with future Sanlorenzo owners is to take delivery of their brand new yacht at the shipyard in Italy. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy a season of scenic yachting in the Mediterranean, cruising around the Italian coast and south of France, visiting the likes of Sardinia and Corsica.

Other destinations include Spain’s Balearic Islands to the west or the Adriatic Sea to the east, with Croatia and Montenegro. Owners can enjoy gorgeous waters and a superb yachting lifestyle.

They can also attend the Cannes, Genoa and Monaco yacht shows on the Riviera in September and stay at anchor in one of the nice bays around the area. Subsequently, their yacht could head to the shipyard for a couple of weeks of warranty works before being shipped to its destination in Asia, just in time to enjoy Christmas and Chinese New Year festivities in the likes of Phuket or Singapore.

After two years of business impasse due to the pandemic, we’re observing much more activity than ever. The typical owner’s profile has shifted towards a younger buyer, active businessmen and entrepreneurs from various industries including tech.

Another interesting trend is the surge of Chinese citizens in Singapore, a trend that will probably continue to expand due to severe Covid-related restrictions ongoing in Mainland China and partially in Hong Kong. Singapore has smartly outpaced every major city in Asia, and that open, business-minded policy has been reflected in the superyacht industry.

There has never been a better time to consider your superyacht purchase in the Lion City. At Simpson Marine and Sanlorenzo Asia, we offer experience and expertise to make these projects a rewarding reality for our yacht owners.

JULIEN SOLARI

Julien Solari is Singapore Country Manager for Simpson Marine, Asia’s largest yacht dealership. Having studied business and management in France, Netherlands, Denmark and Italy, the Frenchman worked in Rotterdam for three years and spent four years as a yacht broker with The World of Yachting in Nice before joining Simpson Marine in Singapore in 2017. His recent sales have included several Sanlorenzo yachts. julien.solari@simpsonmarine.com / www.simpsonmarine.com

“You only live once” by HSBC Global Private Banking

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

“You only live once” by HSBC Global Private Banking

November 14, 2022
11:40 pm

Even during a “rollercoaster” couple of years post Covid, the superyacht market in Asia has remained lively and HSBC Global Private Banking continues to help clients realise their dreams.

Jyrki Rauhio, Regional Head of Credit Advisory, Asia Pacific, HSBC Global Private Banking

Asia may not be the world’s most developed superyacht region, but it does have a dynamic new generation of owners, many of whom have been inspired to purchase in the Covid era. In fact, a superyacht as a first boat is more common in this region than in the rest of the world, where owners typically upgrade through a series of increasingly large yachts before taking the plunge and buying above 80ft or 100ft.

HSBC Global Private Banking, which has a long history of helping finance and structure superyacht purchases around Asia, revealed that earlier this year it helped a client buy a 100ft-plus yacht valued in the region of US$10 million – impressive for a first boat.

“In Asia, someone’s first yacht may be a 100-footer and our client’s first was above that length. It’s a very nice vessel,” says Jyrki Rauhio, HSBC Global Private Banking’s Regional Head of Credit Advisory, Asia Pacific. “Usually, most buyers would have had several boats before buying a superyacht, but the fact he’s spending US$10 million on his first shows the difference in the market here.”

Stressing how Covid has inspired a strong feeling of carpe diem, he cites a Hong Kong-based tycoon who has been involved in a lengthier purchase of what could be termed a megayacht. Built in Italy, it should be delivered in 2023 and has a value close to US$100 million.

“He wanted to realise a dream,” Rauhio says. “His yacht is of a serious size, but it’s a great example of a project that has been built during Covid for somebody who wanted to realise their dream. Once he gets it, he can enjoy using it far more widely than just cruising around Hong Kong.”

ROLLERCOASTER MARKET

Rauhio, whose job scope covers Asia Pacific, says the mindset of people in the region has been influenced by a reaction to the Covid era’s restrictions, much as it has elsewhere in the world.

“Everybody’s world view has changed in the last couple of years. People have altered the way they approach life, family, work, holidays and so on. There has been a feeling of ‘you live only once’,” he says. “As such, many yacht dealers have done very good business and it has also been evident in the supercar market”.

For all the upsides in the ‘trophy assets’ sector, Rauhio admits that the overall superyacht financing market spanning the various countries and regions across Asia “has been a very interesting rollercoaster, with ups and downs”.

“We’ve closed deals and we’re working on more, but it has been an interesting two or three years and the gyrations have been huge, as have the regional discrepancies.”

In Hong Kong, the yachting market picked up quickly in 2020 after the initial fear of Covid waned, leading to record yacht sales for many dealers and brokers. However, Rauhio says the post-Covid boom in the yachting market has slowed a little, coinciding with more restrictions at the start of the year and a more unsettled business climate.

“Soon after Covid began, people started getting interested in boats and many were sold in the secondary market. This was when [interest] rates were still low. Our clients came to us for funding and there was a lot of activity; we issued plenty of term sheets and closed quite a few deals,” he says.

“People getting on their boats and cruising around Sai Kung or elsewhere was the closest they had to a mini-holiday for the first couple of years of Covid.

“However, that euphoria has cooled a little. Coming into 2022, we moved into higher rates and more uncertainty, with people wondering whether buying a yacht was a good idea. Quite a lot of the people looking at these large yachts had their businesses face headwinds and had better use for their cash, although we’re still working on multiple transactions in Hong Kong.”

Rauhio says his recent travels around Southeast Asia have given him cause for optimism and gives examples of how overall wealth in Asia and around the world continues to grow.

“I’ve recently been in Jakarta, Singapore and Manila, and business prospects look pretty good, people are enjoying themselves, so I think the superyacht sector will continue doing reasonably well, although it’s subject to the market,” he says.

“The number of people holding US$250,000 in Vietnam, the Philippines and India will more than double by 2030, according to HSBC research. It’s an example of how wealth in this region will continue to grow, despite how the markets perform and geopolitical happenings. It’s an unstoppable trend and with it comes a desire for assets like yachts and other items.”

CGI c/o Fraser

QUESTION TIME

In Hong Kong late last year, HSBC Global Private Banking invited clients to visit and tour three motor yachts up to about 120ft in Deep Water Bay in an event organised with a local dealer. Rauhio was happy to see the reaction of clients, but believes potential owners should think long and hard before committing to such a purchase.

“The clients loved it, having champagne and canapes, and spending a day on a very nice yacht. It can potentially stir an impulse purchase, but clients should ask whether it makes sense for them on more than just an emotional level.”

He also cautions potential owners who may have first enjoyed yachting in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, especially if they assume a similar infrastructure for superyachts exists in Asia.

“If their first experience was on a holiday or charter in the Med or the Caribbean, they may have thought owning a yacht is a great idea,” he says. “It is a great idea in the Med, where you can easily go from port to port, but in Asia, you need to think realistically about how you can and want to use your yacht and where you want to go.”

A yacht is also very different from most other trophy assets, especially passive ones such as art or luxury watches. A superyacht is in a different cost bracket to supercars and is only partly comparable to a private jet. The rule of thumb for annual running costs of a superyacht is up to 10 per cent of the purchase price, once you include crew, insurance, berthing, fuel, maintenance and more.

“A yacht is a very complex asset to own, even more complex than a plane. You must keep a plane airworthy, but it’s highly regimented and regulated, and can be overseen by a management company. In the boat industry, certainly in Asia, it’s not plug and play, and it can be a complex process to find the right people, suppliers and support,” he says.

“The running costs are quite a large cash outflow, which is fine if you have enormous cashflow coming in, as many of our clients do. For most of our clients, it’s not a question of whether you’re rich enough but whether you really want to spend this kind of money on this asset. Do you want to get involved in all the costs and hassles of ownership?”

PERSONAL CHOICE

However, once a buyer has committed to purchase, HSBC Global Private Banking works with clients on how best to structure any purchase and how to set up ownership, and even – if needed – to help discuss the type of yacht they wish to buy.

Choosing a yacht can involve discussions about pre-owned, new or custom build, special features and size, which can be a personal choice or based on the owner’s plans, such as whether it will be used for long journeys and ocean crossings. The choices are far more varied and complicated than when choosing a private jet, when it’s far clearer how the client is likely use it.

“For a plane, a client may typically fly within Asia or to Europe or New York, and estimate that they fly 20 or so times a year, for example. Based on usage, you determine the size and narrow it down to a few options,” he says.

“Planes are more limited than yachts, where we have more of an advisory relationship. A yacht purchase is more emotional and the options for design and customisation are endless.”

He also cites a client in Australia as an example of someone who knew what he was looking for and how he was going to use it. Rauhio visited the client’s house in Sydney and was amazed at the personal involvement in the design of his upcoming yacht.

“He had a beautiful house and one of the rooms was full of blueprints of the yacht, which measures a couple of hundred feet. He had all these blueprints taped around the walls, so that was like his design room. He got very deeply involved in the actual customisation of his yacht.

“When you get to that level of involvement, you know all the questions have been answered. He then used this yacht to travel between continents, cross oceans, going up the coast from the Panama Canal to Alaska.”

CGI c/o Fraser

STRUCTURING AN ACQUISITION

Once a yacht has been identified, discussions revolve around how to structure a purchase. For starters, HSBC’s yacht financing is not about enabling purchase. Clients typically can afford the outlay and the yacht sits within a large portfolio of hard and soft assets.

“The important question for the client is, ‘Do you really want to tie up your capital for the full value of the yacht? Then you get into what we do, and this is where the financing angle comes in,” says Rauhio, who admits such discussions are a little more complex now than even just a year ago, when rates were lower.

“If you’re a successful businessperson, tying up US$50 million in an asset that yields a negative cashflow is not necessarily a smart thing. You’d rather release some liquidity from that and invest it in something that brings you a positive cashflow to help offset the cost of ownership.

“As we stress, our yacht financing is not about enabling purchase but about making your money and equity sweat harder. If you earn a 10 per cent yield on your capital in your primary activity, then even with these rates, financing makes a lot of sense while using your hard-earned cash possibly doesn’t.”

The structures of yacht financing and ownership can vary widely. Rauhio says the tycoon who ordered a yacht valued at close to US$100 million was looking how to best finance it and structure the acquisition. HSBC Global Private Banking arranged pre-delivery financing, approving a facility against the project, and has separately arranged delivery financing.

“He’s a very good client of ours and has substantial assets. We enabled him to finance the entire construction period so when the project is realised, he will take delivery, but he has been mostly using our money to build it. He then effectively puts in the equity at the end,” Rauhio says.

“We take a fair amount of risk, but because of our deep and long-term relationship with this HSBC Group connected client, we were happy to take that risk.”

Otherwise, financing structures can be more straightforward, with options including placing the boat in a trust, depending on the client and family estate. Rauhio says the financing for the first-time buyer of a US$10 million yacht was about 50 per cent LTV (loan to value).

“Basically, we need a borrower and a guarantor. Typically, you establish an SPV (special purpose vehicle) to hold and own the boat. The SPV becomes the borrower and there’s a personal guarantee by the client,” he says.

“It can make sense for a family estate to hold it in an SPV, especially if you charter the yacht. All the running costs and assets are in one place, and it can be run as a mini company, which can be used to hire the crew and make and receive all other payments.”

HSBC has also, with prior approval, put clients in touch with other clients who have been through the process, for advice and learnings.

“We can connect you with others going through the same thing,” Rauhio says. “Maybe you want to have a discussion with a like-minded millionaire locally in Asia to discuss how they did this, as opposed to having a Zoom call with somebody offshore, for example. That’s an advantage.”

Ultimately, HSBC Global Private Banking has the on-ground expertise and experience across Asia to help clients make their money work for them, offsetting some of the large costs of what’s often seen as the ultimate trophy asset but also one that can be used as a working ‘home away from home’ when required.

“As a wealth partner, we’re here to help enable our clients to do it. We even had one client who had both a yacht and a plane, and if you want to go down the trophy asset lane, we can even finance the art you want to put in your yacht,” Rauhio smiles.

“It’s all part of your wealth and we want to accompany you on your wealth journey, whether it’s hard or soft assets, commercial or leisure. If you’re thinking about a yacht, I’d encourage you to engage with us. It’s worth a discussion.”

www.privatebanking.hsbc.com

Disclaimer: Investments in emerging markets may be extremely volatile and subject to sudden fluctuations of varying magnitude due to a wide range of direct and indirect influences. Such characteristics can lead to considerable losses being incurred by those exposed to such markets. This article is not a personalised communication from HSBC to you and does not constitute and should not be construed as legal, tax or investment advice or a solicitation of the sale or recommendation of any product or service. You should not make any investment decisions based mainly or solely on this article. All investments involve risks and may experience upward or downward movements and may even become valueless.

Issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Grandtech’s Meme Poon: Heading Volvo Penta in Hong Kong

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Grandtech’s Meme Poon: Heading Volvo Penta in Hong Kong

October 23, 2022
10:46 am

As founder and General Manager of Grandtech International Engineering, Meme Poon heads the Hong Kong dealer for Volvo Penta engines, a fixture for several leading luxury yacht builders.

What services does Grandtech International Engineering provide for Volvo Penta?

Grandtech is the authorised dealer of Volvo Penta industrial and marine engines in Hong Kong, although over 95 per cent of our business is for private yachts and five per cent is for industrial engines.

We handle the supply of spare parts, while our service team can handle pre-delivery commissioning (PDC) for new engines, annual general maintenance, ad hoc repairs, replacing of long block engines and overhaul of engine services. We typically handle an average of 20 PDCs for new boats every year, but in 2021 we recorded over 30.

What are the most popular Volvo Penta products in Hong Kong?

Volvo Penta IPS (inboard performance system) is the most popular drive in Hong Kong. It has lower emissions, lower fuel consumption, higher speeds and lower perceived noise level. The joystick for easy boating is perhaps the most well-known feature of Volvo Penta IPS.

Which yacht brands and dealers do you work with?

We work with many dealers including those representing Azimut, Absolute, Princess, Galeon, Sessa, Dufour, Jeanneau and Hanse. All Absolute and Sessa models use IPS, while Azimut and Princess, for example, use a mix of IPS and other Volvo Penta drives.

Can you outline your boating background in Hong Kong and how you joined the yachting industry?

I had no idea about yachts before I joined Jebsen Industrial, although I had some experience of windsurfing and sailing boats during school summer holidays in Hong Kong. I later obtained an Advanced Diploma in China Business and a Bachelor of Management Studies.

I had been a Senior Secretary at Rieckermann Pharmatech and Executive Secretary at Chun Yip Industrial before joining Jebsen Industrial Technology in 2009 as Personal Assistant to the BU Director. Later our BU had a structural change and set up a new customer service team to handle the whole order processing including enquiries, quotations, preparations, contracts, logistics and billing.

As Head of Customer Service from 2012, I oversaw the operation team for China and Hong Kong. In 2016, I was promoted to Sales Manager of the Volvo Penta service team, which was my first time working in the boating industry. In this new post, I had to use both my experience of machinery service at Rieckermann Pharmatech and customer service at Jebsen.

What did you learn in this new role with Volvo Penta?

I learned a lot of new things, such as going to Kwai Chung Container Terminals to accompany yacht dealers receiving new power boats. Our team checked the engines and installed the propellers. I saw the surveyor inspecting the boat and shipyard workers installing the flybridge accessories. It was amazing teamwork between all the different parties.

After Jebsen Industrial closed, how did you continue representing Volvo Penta in Hong Kong?

Sadly, Jebsen decided to suspend its cooperation with Volvo Penta in 2017, closing most industrial business lines. In Hong Kong, Volvo Penta had a third of the market share of marine engines, from sail boats to 100ft motor yachts.

We had loyal technicians who had been working on Volvo Penta engines since 1993. I believed our team could continue to support our customers in Hong Kong, so I established Grandtech and started to discuss the business plan with Volvo Penta and Jebsen.

How has IPS evolved since its introduction in 2005?

The first generations were IPS 1, 2 and 3, but now it’s IPS 10, 15, 20 and 30. IPS is always developing and the range is expanding. New advantages are related to electronic vessel control (EVC) and accessory functions.

IPS10, for example, fully integrates the engines, electronics and EVC features with the glass cockpit, and has joystick docking, electronic shift and throttle, low-speed control, and support for triple engine application. Options include the joystick, autopilot with joystick driving, and dynamic positioning system (DPS). There’s also support for the Easy Connect app and maintenance assistance with service alert.

New features in the IPS transmission include a high-capacity oil filter with pressure sensors that detect a clogged filter, oil-level sensor and water-in-the-oil sensor, while the oil exchange is done from inside the vessel.

Why is IPS popular?

A few of the many benefits when comparing to inboard shafts are up to a 40 per cent longer cruising range, 20 per cent higher top speed, 30 per cent reduced fuel consumption, 30 per cent less CO2 emissions and 50 per cent lower perceived noise. It’s easy to install and allows for more onboard space.

Along with spare parts and repairs, what else does Grandtech offer?

We offer preventive maintenance, which Volvo Penta recommends every 12 months. We stock all regular items – engine oil, filter, belt, transmission oil, coolant, zinc anode and so on – that are required for general maintenance of inboard engines from D1-D13.

We also stock items like sensors, PCUs (powertrain control units), sealing ring for drives and steering cylinders for ad hoc repair services. I should emphasise that preventive maintenance is very important for the performance and shelf life of an engine.

www.grtech.com.hk

www.volvopenta.com

Aquila Power Catamarans: 10 Years, 10 Questions

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Aquila Power Catamarans: 10 Years, 10 Questions

October 17, 2022
12:08 am

With Aquila celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Brand Manager Alain Raas sits down with YACHT STYLE to answer 10 questions about the builder’s rapid path to the top of the powercat market.

Alain Raas, Brand Manager, Aquila

1. With Aquila marking a decade since it was founded by MarineMax and Sino Eagle in 2012, the brand exhibited all six of its current models together for the first time at this year’s Miami International Boat Show. What are the plans for upcoming shows?

Yes, we’re ready to again show all six of our models at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (October 26-30), so will be displaying the 28 Molokai, 32 Sport, 36 Sport, 44 Yacht, 54 Yacht and 70 Luxury. We’re also teasing two upcoming models, the 42 Yacht and the 47 Molokai, which are going to continue the amazing growth and success of Aquila.

We also have some very exciting news and information in terms of the development of our E-Motion hybrid power package on the 70 Luxury. The plan is then to show all six of our current models and the new 42 Yacht at the next Miami International Boat Show (February 15-19, 2023), while the 47 Molokai will also debut in 2023.

CGI of Aquila 42 Yacht

2. How does the 42 Yacht design make it different to other Aquila models?

The Aquila 42 Yacht will be a completely new model, with naval architecture firm VPLP (Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prevost) at the forefront of following in the Aquila DNA. The various cabin configurations and power-package options make her a unique offering for the private owner as well as yacht charter programmes throughout the world.

The 42 is also a new introductory model for our Yacht range, further enhancing our robust product offering and presenting our loyal client base with a more affordable opportunity to move up to our flybridge models. Aquila is excited to be leading the tremendous growth in the power catamaran market after 10 years, and we continue to push the limits of our design and development teams to remain at the forefront.

Aquila 36 Sport

3. Aquila’s best-selling models are the 36 Sport and 44 Yacht, which sit below and above the 42 Yacht in the size range. Can you indicate the sales to date of the 36 and 44, and how these models rank globally among cruiser and flybridge powercat models?
Combined, the 36 Sport and 44 Yacht have sold 380 units, which is a remarkable achievement in such a short period of time. Both models are consistently at the top of domestic and/or global rankings and have helped Aquila become the world’s No. 1 power catamaran brand among private owners. Orders for both stretch into the later part of 2023 and we don’t see foresee demand waning any time soon.

Aquila 44 Yacht

Both models offer the Aquila Hydro Glide Foil™ option, providing clients with exceptional range and efficiency. Our 36 Sport owners can achieve up to 30-40 per cent gains in efficiency and range, which is amazing, while the heavier 44 Yacht gains roughly 20 per cent, tremendous for such a large yacht. Aquila’s belief is to build efficient hulls and then improve the platform with new technologies.

4. Can you tell us more about the Hydro Glide Foil System™, which was first made available as an option on the Aquila 36 Sport?

Aquila’s DNA includes focusing on hull designs that provide optimal efficiency, unmatched in the industry, at both displacement as well as cruising speeds. Our Hydro Glide Foil System™ is at the forefront of that innovation on our Aquila 36 Sport, resulting in a third of the model’s current sales selecting the foil package.

Aquila Hydro Glide Foil system

Innovation and efficiency are symbiotic to enhance new technologies that continue to evolve at Aquila as we continue to expand the offering of this option on other models, including the 44 Yacht. In the recreational boating space, Aquila is the No. 1 manufacturer for the foil system on privately owned power catamarans.

5. Can you indicate how well the 54 Yacht and 70 Luxury have sold across the globe?

Both the Aquila 54 Yacht and 70 Luxury have had unprecedented success since coming to market in early 2021. Both models are highly sought after globally, with sold units on order for the next 24 months.

Aquila 54 Yacht with Aquila tender

6. Can you update us on Asia sales of these two large models.
Sales in Asia and the Middle East continue to grow for our two largest models, with robust deliveries already on the calendar through 2024.

7. What has been the market response to the 28 Molokai, both globally and in Asia?

Having launched in December 2021 and debuted at the Miami show this February, the momentum for our two new Molokai offshore models – the standard version with centre console as well as the Cuddy version – continues to grow, with orders already confirmed for Australia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Aquila 28 Molokai

Outside of Asia, we’re shipping to Italy, France, Spain, Canada and beyond. In the US, sales and deliveries are growing daily for both models.

8. Is Aquila looking to implement any ‘green tech’ such as solar panels and lithium batteries as a standard option on its models?
As the technology matures throughout the world, Aquila is uniquely positioned to incorporate green technologies such as electric power, lithium batteries, hybrid options and others. However, it’s important for Aquila that these technologies can be supported throughout the world and don’t detract from the speed and performance that our owners demand.

Aquila 70 Luxury

Aquila is a firm believer in partnering efficient hull designs, innovations such as our Hydro Glide Foil System™, and green technology to provide our owners with a unique ability to travel the world’s waters efficiently. As such, we’re very excited as we prepare to introduce the e-Motion Hybrid System into our Aquila 70 Luxury product line, with plans to expand the technology to other select Aquila models soon.

9. How do Aquila’s projected production and sales figures for 2022 and 2023 compare to the ‘Covid years’?

Pre and post-Covid production and sales remain strong and maintain Aquila’s position as the world’s number one power catamaran manufacturer. Global supply-chain challenges related or unrelated to Covid certainly have been exhaustive and challenging for every boat manufacturer.

Aquila 32 Sport

However, Aquila has done an exceptional job leveraging our experienced logistics and manufacturing teams as well as unequalled distribution teams and partners throughout the world to mitigate these challenges. We continue to stay ahead of these challenges to ensure consistent and reliable delivery of our boats worldwide.

10. How do you expect the catamaran sector to continue growing within the yacht industry compared to the likes of monohull motor and sail boats?
Depending on each owner’s need for their water adventures, there’s a boat for everyone today. However, you only need to browse through the pages of industry magazines or walk the docks at any boat show or local marina to witness the continued growth of catamarans around the world.

Aquila production facility

The growing popularity is understandable. The wide beam of catamarans offers both more stability and greater interior volume. I’d estimate that a 60ft cat is roughly equal in volume to a 90ft monohull. A catamaran also offers separation of guest cabins between the two hulls, which can be another plus.

Other benefits include a shallow draft, which means you can access areas monohulls can’t, while the catamaran’s length compared to its volume means good value in terms of by-the-foot berthing fees in marinas. In fact, the global growth of powercats is now being seen in the development and design of marinas around the world, as more work to accommodate catamaran designs.

www.aquilaboats.com

www.simpsonmarine.com

Sunreef reflects on two decades of super cats

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Sunreef reflects on two decades of super cats

September 27, 2022
2:22 am

As Sunreef Yachts celebrates its 20th anniversary, founder and President Francis Lapp looks at how the company’s focus on “superyacht DNA” helped it become the world leader in large, luxurious catamarans, a brand of choice for sports stars and a pioneer in green technology.

Already a successful businessman, Francis Lapp founded Sunreef in 2002

Sunreef’s decision to stage its 20^th Anniversary Celebration at the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) during this year’s Monaco Yacht Show seemed fitting. After all, last year, YCM had hosted a signing ceremony between Sunreef’s President Francis Lapp and Fernando Alonso as the latter commissioned a new 60 Sunreef Eco, before Rafa Nadal and Nico Rosberg had a table-tennis showdown for the Sunreef Ambassadors’ Cup at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show.

The Polish builder’s relationships with high-profile owners and ambassadors appears to have evolved quite naturally, although their appointments have been steadily unveiled and highlighted the builder’s rapid expansion and evolution in recent years.

Nico Rosberg and Rafa Nadal on the latter’s 80 Sunreef Power

Nadal, who won his 22nd Grand Slam at this year’s French Open, had seen the Sunreef 80 sailing catamaran at the 2018 Cannes Yachting Festival, which inspired the tennis superstar to buy an 80 Sunreef Power, a model only unveiled the following year. In the summer of 2019, his order was announced by Sunreef before he joined the yard for a party at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the following summer, he received Great White in his native Mallorca.

Rosberg, a sustainability entrepreneur since retiring from F1 after winning the 2016 world title, was announced in 2020 as the ambassador for Sunreef Yachts’ Eco range of solar-power catamarans, with a particular focus on the sailing models, having tested the Sunreef 60’s ‘E’ electric version in Monaco and, more recently, the first Sunreef 80 Eco in Dubai.

Francis Lapp with Fernando Alonso after the two-time F1 world champion signed for a Sunreef 60 Eco

Alonso – a two-time F1 world champion and currently driving for Alpine – followed in 2021 when he ordered the first 60 Sunreef Power Eco, which will be among the first motor yacht models in the Eco range. And as if the celebrity roll call wasn’t long enough, professional explorer Mike Horn was announced this year as the ambassador of the builder’s new Explorer line of yachts, with designs already revealed for 40M and 50M models.

“We like to work closely with our ambassadors. Most of them found their way to Sunreef Yachts by simply looking for a boat that would meet their needs. The synergy we found with Fernando Alonso or Rafael Nadal is something that lets us express our brand spirit – we like competition, we are a dynamic company,” says Lapp, who was born in France and holds two passports, having obtained Polish citizenship in 2014.

Mike Horn at the Sunreef facility in Poland

“With Nico Rosberg we explore the potential of green technologies and highlight the importance of the electric revolution in yachting. Mike Horn helps us promote the Explorer range and encourages people to discover new destinations, as he’s the best person to voice that kind of message. It’s all about finding the right synergies.”

A FRENCHMAN IN GDANSK

Following particularly rapid growth in the past four years, Lapp now oversees a company with 2,000 employees split quite evenly across the company’s original facility in the historic Gdansk Shipyard and its new site further east along the Martwa Wisla river. In addition, Sunreef is currently developing a third site in the United Arab Emirates.

An electrical engineer, motorsport fan and keen rally driver, Lapp first visited Poland in 1991 to compete in an off-road championship before moving to Warsaw the following year to further his career.

Lapp is both a French and Polish citizen

“Post-communist Poland was a country full of great opportunities,” says Lapp, now 64. “When I moved to Warsaw, my friends in France were surprised. They couldn’t understand my decision, but I knew this was my chance to evolve as Poland offered a fresh, dynamic business environment with plenty of room for growth and talented workforce.”

Lapp’s company developed electrical equipment for global brands, and later designed and installed electrical, sanitary and air-conditioning systems for large industrial facilities. He also developed an interest in sailing, first with racing catamarans, before developing a side business chartering cruising catamarans in the Indian Ocean.

As clients asked for larger, more luxurious catamarans, Lapp couldn’t find what he was looking for, so decided to build his own after recognising a gap in the pleasure boating market.

Sunreef’s first shed at the Gdansk Shipyard

“Back then, pleasure catamarans were very basic. When I bought my first power catamarans for my charter business, I realised their quality and finish could be improved. I started to ask around and searched for shipyards that could build me a customised multihull, but nobody wanted to do it, so I decided to build on my own,” he says.

“The idea from the start was to inject superyacht DNA into twin-hull yachts. I found my own market gap and introduced a new type of boat – a luxury catamaran. We started a trend.”

Lapp founded Sunreef in 2002 after finding a suitable production facility at the historic Gdansk Shipyard, where Lech Walesa – also an electrician – famously led a strike then negotiations between workers and the government in 1980, leading to the Solidarity movement and the fall of communism by 1989 before he was elected President the following year. Walesa has been a good supporter of Sunreef, appearing at the brand’s events on multiple occasions.

Sunreef organised the Pomorskie Rendez-Vous near the Gdansk Shipyard

“After the political changes in Poland, the Gdansk Shipyard was in a difficult position with many workers being laid off,” Lapp says. “The place needed new energy and I like to think we breathed new life into the docks.”

Lapp admits building there is both ‘a privilege and a challenge’, as the pride in constructing yachts in such an historic shipyard is balanced by restrictions on modernising or upgrading the facilities due to the site’s heritage status.

“Many buildings are monuments, so we have to adapt to the existing infrastructure,” says Lapp, who decided to expand and build a new shipyard a few years ago after exhausting capacity at the Gdansk Shipyard.

FIRST AFTER FIRST

In 2003, Sunreef launched its first yacht, the Sunreef 74 Che, which was the first luxury oceangoing catamaran of that size with a flybridge. Lapp proudly showed the 74-footer at the Monaco Yacht Show, where both catamarans and Polish-built luxury yachts were an unfamiliar sight.

In 2010, Sunreef launched the 102 Ipharra, the world’s first double-deck sailing cat

“Launching the first Sunreef 74 was obviously a big moment,” he says. “At the time, boat building was a kind of hobby for me, but it quickly grew into a business once I realised the potential. The Sunreef 74 was the world’s first luxury sail cat and on top of that, she had a flybridge – an industry-first in the world of multihulls.”

More world firsts followed. In 2008, the company launched the 70ft power catamaran Jambo, the world’s first double-deck powercat.

Having developed 25m-plus carbon masts, Sunreef unveiled two huge models in 2010: the Sunreef 102 Ipharra, the world’s first double-deck sailing cat, and the Sunreef 114 Che, the world’s biggest sloop-rigged catamaran and what Lapp calls the company’s entry into the ‘monohull-dominated world of superyachts’.

The Sunreef 114 Che was the world’s biggest sloop-rigged catamaran

“Sunreef’s key has always been the innovative mindset. We started out by basically inventing a new type of yacht and kept innovating all the way. We were the first to come up with double-deck cats, aft garages, folding masts and so many other solutions. I think this is what distinguishes us the most.”

For about a decade from 2008-2017, Sunreef’s most popular sailing and powercat models were in the 58-74ft range, with sales to Asia including the Sunreef 70 Feng to China in 2013 and the Supreme 68 Eagle Wings and Sunreef 62 Annette delivered to Singapore in 2016 and 2017 respectively. The builder’s launches in 2017 also included the one-off Sunreef 88 Double Deck.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Launched under the ‘New Beginnings’ banner, the company’s current range of sailing models was first seen in 2018 with the Sunreef 60 and Sunreef 80, before the first units of the 50 and 70 followed in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

The popular Sunreef 80

Remarkably, the Sunreef 80 has proved the most popular of the four models, underlining Lapp’s focus on large catamarans. Likewise, the 80 Sunreef Power – which premiered at Cannes in 2019 – is the most popular of the current range of powercats, which also includes 60 and 70 models. A blue-hulled, three-cabin 80 Sunreef Power for a China-based client was launched in 2020.

“I felt we needed to reassess our offer and create a whole new range of power and sail yachts, which have proved bestsellers and led to our further growth,” Lapp says. “These models are also the base of our Eco range of electric solar cats, which has been another big step forward for us.”

Kokomo, an 80 Sunreef Power

It’s also worth emphasising that Sunreef’s powercats are built on different hulls to the sailing models, and are notably wider. For example, the 80 Sunreef Power is 23.95m long with a 12m beam, while the Sunreef 80 sailing model is 24.4m long and has a 11.5m beam.

ECO FUTURE

At Cannes in 2019, the builder revealed the Sunreef 60 E electric sailing cat, as the fully fledged Eco range was being developed behind the scenes. This groundbreaking series offers a wide range of green technology and materials that can be implemented on the existing ‘New Beginnings’ models.

Marie-Joseph, the first Sunreef 80 Eco

The most obvious and arguably most innovative technology is the solar panels, which have been developed in-house, are less than a millimetre thick and can be curved to wrap around parts of the yacht.

As well as being used on flat surfaces like a hard top, this ‘solar skin’ can also be integrated into the hull sides, superstructure and even the mast of sailing yachts, as shown on the first Sunreef 80 Eco, Marie-Joseph, that appeared at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show. The first Sunreef 60 Eco was also launched earlier this year and began cruising this summer.

The 80 Sunreef Power Eco

Optional power-generating green tech includes hydrogeneration, wind turbines and high-performance kites, while the Eco range’s other highlights include lithium battery packs described by Sunreef as the lightest in the industry, an ultra-economic air-conditioning system and smart energy management. The result is silent, emission-free cruising and reduced running costs and maintenance.

The Eco range also offers the option to use sustainable materials not only for the décor and finishing materials but, with the likes of basalt fibre and linen fibre, also in the hulls, superstructures and furniture. Lapp has been overwhelmed by the response to the range.

“Most of the enquiries we get today are for Eco yachts. People realise they offer so many advantages. The environmental aspect is obvious, but Eco yachts also represent a new philosophy of enjoying time at sea. Once you try an electric yacht, you probably won’t go back to diesel engines,” he says.

The 60 Sunreef Power Eco

“The silence and the absence of fumes and vibrations take the cruising experience to another level. When you’re in a quiet bay, the last thing you want to hear is your genset running. In the coming years, I expect even more interest. Electric boats will become a new standard.”

BIG IS BEAUTIFUL

Sunreef has also been challenging itself with the scale of its boats, launching the first 100 Sunreef Power late last year, with the yacht featuring on the cover of Yacht Style Issue 65, this year’s ‘Multihulls Issue’.

Earlier this year, the builder announced the sale of a second hull that will also feature twin 1,300hp engines but will be a bespoke version distinguished by a white hull and superstructure that includes an enclosed flybridge. The company wants to go bigger and can, as evidenced by the fact it can fit the hull of the 49M Power at the builder’s new purpose-built facility, which has dedicated halls for superyachts.

The 100 Sunreef Power was on the cover of Issue 65

The company has released designs for the Sunreef 100 sailing model – based on a slightly slimmer hull than the 100 Sunreef Power – and a 150ft Sunreef MM 460 Cat designed with Malcolm McKeon. More recent concepts include the Sunreef 43M as well as an Eco version of the 140ft sailing model, whose appealing features include a 50ft-plus beam and stunning three-sided ‘ocean lounge’ beach club.

Always looking ahead, Sunreef has this year revealed its plans to develop an Explorer line, following the release of 40M Explorer and 50M Explorer concepts. Billed as the ‘next generation of expedition superyachts’, Sunreef’s new Explorer series of powercats will feature a shallow draft, enormous storage capacity and vast entertainment areas.

“Nowadays, luxury is about finding that quiet spot, somewhere far away from all the crowds. It’s about truly getting to know the place you’re visiting,” Lapp says.

The 50M Sunreef Explorer

“To do this, you need a safe, well-equipped yacht that will never fail, and catamarans seem to be the perfect choice for exploration. They offer inherent stability, great storage capacity and wide aft decks. Furthermore, every system is doubled because of the twin-hull structure. That’s why we came up with an entire series of Explorer yachts.”

NEW FACILITIES

Lapp says Sunreef’s in-house control over all aspects of a yacht’s production has enabled the company to quickly build and deliver its new models and subsequent production, which has helped retain clients and attract new customers.

“Because we rely on in-house work, we’re fast, so the time to market is fairly short with us,” Lapp says. “We carry out every stage of the process ourselves, so have the means to craft our ideas into reality on time and in sync with customer expectations. This is how we keep pole position.”

Sunreef’s new facility in Gdansk

Sunreef has managed to accommodate its astonishing rising demand because of its new 80,000sqm riverside site that has enabled them to design and develop a purpose-built facility, a world away from the red-brick halls in the Gdansk Shipyard.

Design, engineering, production, finishing and carpentry are all handled in the brand-new facility, with the office building and the covered production facilities already covering 15,000sqm.

As well as superyacht halls big enough to build models up to 50m, the high-tech production facilities include an impressive carpentry and CNC workshop, plus a vast, brand-new paint shop with advanced technology including light, humidity and temperature control.

Sunreef has about 2,000 employees

Meanwhile, the offices at the entrance to the shipyard neighbour one line of production halls and are a short walk to the other. The three-storey office building has almost a Google office vibe, with young staff in casual clothing working and conversing in an open-plan design, with big windows, sleep pods and even free fruit.

“The new facility is simply a different world. We still rely on inhouse production, but now we’ve taken it to another level with new machinery, manufacturing halls and bridge cranes. In addition, our offices and manufacturing site are interconnected, which means our engineers and designers have easy access to the production,” Lapp says.

“For the offices, we wanted to create open spaces where people can feel at ease. At the same time, there are many spots in the office where people can focus on tasks requiring silence and concentration. I believe we created a good environment where all the departments can communicate and interact easily.”

Lapp at the new facility

Sunreef does have the ongoing challenge of sourcing workers and has had to recruit from neighbouring countries for several years. Lapp says the two shipyards are on a constant search for more staff, while there are plans to acquire more land to supplement the new Gdansk site and provide more production halls and a warehouse.

Meanwhile, Sunreef recently added Singapore-based Hong Seh Marine to its dealer network and is investing over US$27 million in its Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) site in northern UAE, its first overseas production facility and one with good access to the Gulf and Asia-Pacific countries.

“We have a growing number of enquiries coming from the Middle East, Asia and Australia,” Lapp says. “Expanding to RAK will help us build a stronger bond with those markets. In a longer perspective, we plan to build every model of the Sunreef range there, including the Eco series.”

www.sunreef-yachts.com

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