Marine Money’s Monaco Superyacht Forum examined how the yachting industry is showing resilience despite global economic and political uncertainty.

Photos: Marine Money/Ed Wright

Ahead of this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, Marine Money’s Monaco Superyacht Forum drew leading players from across the industry to Le Meridien Beach Plaza. Throwing the spotlight on the key economic and geopolitical forces shaping the yacht market, the one-day event gathered leading experts from across the superyacht ecosystem to exchange on market conditions and trends in finance, shipbuilding, ownership and operations.

Opening remarks were given by Mike McCleery of Marine Money and Bob Allen, founding partner at Robert Allen Law. Kicking off the programme, Heather Parkman, Director of BOATPro – Boat International, presented a deep dive into BOAT’s current Global Order Book, looking at the charter market, industry trends and market outlook.

Benjamin K.F. Wong of Invest Hong Kong presented details of four new marina developments in Hong Kong. Louis E. Sola, former Chairman of the US Federal Maritime Commission, licensed yacht broker and founder of Evermarine, shared his perspective on one of the biggest stories of the year: the impact of US trade policy on the superyacht market.

Tariffs remain a major concern, he said, noting that a 15 per cent levy on a US$20 million yacht adds US$3-5 million in costs, which directly impacts the industry.

Current US tax policy, known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, offers relief by allowing full first-year depreciation of yachts classified as business assets, even when financed, but its renewal depends on political decisions in Washington. Currency fluctuations add further pressure, as the weak dollar against the euro raises yacht prices by 10-12 per cent.

A Builders’ Panel featuring Barbara Amerio, CEO of Amer Yachts, Tim Kershaw of Dunya Yachts, Chris Blackwell of Echo Marine Group and Echo Yachts, and Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, exchanged on market agility, sustainability mandates and changing buyer expectations.

The Navigating HNWI Relationships in Yachting session examined relationships with high-net-worth clients, acquisition strategies and brand communication with a strong panel composed of Nada Serafini from Pershing and Itama Yachts, Carmen Lau, Senior Advisor, Camper & Nicholsons, superyacht industry expert Eleonora Pitasso, and Vivika Bellmann, Private Clients Manager, Döhle Yachts, Monaco.

In the key session, Today’s Superyacht Finance Market, capital providers Toby Robilliard (Investec Bank plc), Steven Hawkins (JP Morgan Private Bank), Willem Steenkamer (St Julian’s Maritime Finance), Zack Hamric (Azul Marine Lending) and Olivier Blanchet (BNP Paribas) reviewed funding models and investor expectations.

Bob Allen then hosted a one-to-one conversation session with Marco Valle, CEO of AzimutIBenetti Group, focusing on current challenges in the market. Boosted by a “very successful Cannes Yachting Festival”, Valle highlighted that instead of a perceived industrywide slowdown, it was yachts under 80ft (24m) that represented a more price-sensitive thus affected segment compared to larger vessels.

Afternoon discussions turned to communications, with influencers Alex Jimenez (TheYachtGuy), David Seal (Yachts For Sale) and Matthijs Rhee (MrSuperyachts) analysing the impact of social media on yacht sales.

marinemoney.com