George Nicholson

Camper & Nicholsons – founded in 1782 in Gosport, England – has announced the passing of George Nicholson, “a visionary leader whose impact on the yachting industry is immeasurable”. Nicholson passed away in late February 2025 at the age of 87.

Born in England in 1937, Nicholson founded Camper & Nicholsons International in 1961 as he expanded his family’s yacht build and design company into the brokerage sector, while also growing its presence beyond the UK, into Europe and then globally.

Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, said: “George was not only a visionary but a mentor, a gentleman, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy will live on in the yachts he helped bring to life, the industry he helped to shape, and the countless individuals he guided along the way.”

For over six decades, Nicholson played a defining role in transforming Camper & Nicholsons into a global brand, pioneering the yacht brokerage industry, and shaping the modern luxury yachting landscape.

“His knowledge, vision and understanding of client relationships transformed the company into a benchmark for excellence in yacht brokerage, construction and charter,” Camper & Nicholsons stated.

His journey with the family business began in 1959 when he travelled to Cannes and began promoting Camper & Nicholsons yachts, which laid the groundwork for Mediterranean expansion in the 1960s as the company established offices in Cannes, Monaco and Palma.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he brokered some of the most significant yacht sales of the time, collaborating with leading shipyards. In the 1990s, he helped expand Camper & Nicholsons’ global footprint, strengthening its presence in the US and Mediterranean while solidifying its reputation as a leading authority in yacht brokerage and new builds.

In the 2000s, he continued to mentor industry professionals and uphold the Camper & Nicholsons legacy as the company flourished, opening more offices in key international markets.

Today, Camper & Nicholsons is owned by the Hong Kong-based Lai Sun Group, has 13 offices around the world, and provides a suite of yacht services including yacht sales, purchase, charter, charter management, yacht management, new build, refit, insurance and corporate services.

“George’s influence extends far beyond business. His warmth, integrity and deep respect for yachting traditions made him a revered figure in the industry,” Camper & Nicholsons stated.

“His family, colleagues and the entire yachting community will forever cherish his contributions. As Camper & Nicholsons looks to the future, the long-standing tradition he upheld continues with [his son] Fernando Nicholson and the next generation, ensuring that his legacy remains at the heart of the company.”

camperandnicholsons.com