Megayacht News Radio

Steve Gresham of Gresham Yacht Design hung his own yacht-design shingle in 2011, but his experience in working with superyacht clients dates back farther. In fact, he's worked with some of the biggest names in the design and build worlds. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Gresham shares insight into his inspiration as a professional yacht designer, as well as challenges that he's faced. He also shares what excites him about the future of yacht design and construction.

Steve Gresham of Gresham Yacht Design hung his own yacht-design shingle in 2011, but his experience in working with superyacht clients dates back farther. In fact, he's worked with some of the biggest names in the design and build worlds. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Gresham shares insight into his inspiration as a professional yacht designer, as well as challenges that he's faced. He also shares what excites him about the future of yacht design and construction.

We've all heard of owners' representatives in the superyacht sector... but what exactly does this person do? And, do you need one? Diane M. Byrne discusses the details with Peter Wilson, co-founder of MCM, who has taken on the task with a variety of owners over the years, most recently the owner of the Feadship Najiba. Among the things Wilson discusses: 1. Does an owner need a formal owner's representative? Is the role the same as that of a project manager? 2. What criteria should an owner use to select a project manager? 3. When should an owner bring in this specialist? 4. Is it easier to work with experienced clients like the owner of Najiba compared to relative newcomers, or does experience present its own set of challenges?

We've all heard of owners' representatives in the superyacht sector... but what exactly does this person do? And, do you need one? Diane M. Byrne discusses the details with Peter Wilson, co-founder of MCM, who has taken on the task with a variety of owners over the years, most recently the owner of the Feadship Najiba.Among the things Wilson discusses:1. Does an owner need a formal owner's representative? Is the role the same as that of a project manager?2. What criteria should an owner use to select a project manager?3. When should an owner bring in this specialist?4. Is it easier to work with experienced clients like the owner of Najiba compared to relative newcomers, or does experience present its own set of challenges?

Joe Hollier addresses a blunt question on this episode of Megyacht News Radio: Who is responsible for cybersecurity when it comes to your superyacht?  The short answer: you.. and your captain, and your crew, and everyone else around you. But, the actions to take don't stop at merely creating strong passwords, or keeping security software up to date.  In this podcast, Hollier discusses why it's important to create a cyber strategy--and to follow it. He also discusses the challenges of finding cyber insurance. While it's not easy, it is possible, as he has discovered, as somene personally and professionally concerned about cyber risk.

Joe Hollier addresses a blunt question on this episode of Megyacht News Radio: Who is responsible for cybersecurity when it comes to your superyacht? The short answer: you.. and your captain, and your crew, and everyone else around you. But, the actions to take don't stop at merely creating strong passwords, or keeping security software up to date. In this podcast, Hollier discusses why it's important to create a cyber strategy--and to follow it. He also discusses the challenges of finding cyber insurance. While it's not easy, it is possible, as he has discovered, as somene personally and professionally concerned about cyber risk.

Robert van Tol is the executive director and co-founder of the Water Revolution Foundation. He's spent more than a decade working with a variety of non-profits, especially within the superyacht sector. Those experiences partially inspired him to establish this particular non-profit in late 2018, as Diane M. Byrne, the host of Megayacht News Radio, discusses with him in this episode. The two further discuss Water Revolution Foundation's sustainability goals, and how people like you can support the initiatives. In fact, to that end, van Tol is particularly fond of an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” 

Robert van Tol is the executive director and co-founder of the Water Revolution Foundation. He's spent more than a decade working with a variety of non-profits, especially within the superyacht sector. Those experiences partially inspired him to establish this particular non-profit in late 2018, as Diane M. Byrne, the host of Megayacht News Radio, discusses with him in this episode. The two further discuss Water Revolution Foundation's sustainability goals, and how people like you can support the initiatives. In fact, to that end, van Tol is particularly fond of an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” 

“We set out to create a great company; one that could have a profound impact on the lives of the owners of our vessels and that could actively contribute to a better understanding of the oceans.” So says Jasper Smith, the founder of Arksen, a newcomer on the global yacht stage. The company isn’t what you’d expect. While it’s offering hard-core offshore yachts and megayachts to 98 feet (30 meters), it’s going beyond that. Arksen’s approach further includes an explorers’ club and a non-profit conservation foundation. In addition, it considers itself a technology and innovation company first.

“We set out to create a great company; one that could have a profound impact on the lives of the owners of our vessels and that could actively contribute to a better understanding of the oceans.” So says Jasper Smith, the founder of Arksen, a newcomer on the global yacht stage. The company isn’t what you’d expect. While it’s offering hard-core offshore yachts and megayachts to 98 feet (30 meters), it’s going beyond that. Arksen’s approach further includes an explorers’ club and a non-profit conservation foundation. In addition, it considers itself a technology and innovation company first.

Nicola Nicolai, who heads Nicola Nicolai Yacht Consulting & Project Management. has extensive experience working with clients from around the world, on more than 100 superyacht projects measuring upwards of 295 feet/90 meters. These include yachts from shipyards like Riva, where he was a direct employee in the early 2000s, and more recently fully custom yachts like Flying Dagger, delivered by Rossinavi, as well as Spectre, delivered by Benetti. He is leveraging his abundant experience especially to assist American yacht buyers seeking to build superyachts in Europe. 

Nicola Nicolai, who heads Nicola Nicolai Yacht Consulting & Project Management. has extensive experience working with clients from around the world, on more than 100 superyacht projects measuring upwards of 295 feet/90 meters. These include yachts from shipyards like Riva, where he was a direct employee in the early 2000s, and more recently fully custom yachts like Flying Dagger, delivered by Rossinavi, as well as Spectre, delivered by Benetti. He is leveraging his abundant experience especially to assist American yacht buyers seeking to build superyachts in Europe. 

Some of the most remote places on earth are accessible only by water. EYOS Expeditions helps superyacht owners, guests, and crews get there, thanks to its team's decades of experience exploring them. But, it doesn't solely secure permits, design itineraries, or arrange specialist guides. EYOS further takes a leading role in new builds whose owners want to pursue adventurous itineraries--whether diving to depths unknown, or seeing Antarctica up close. In fact, it has an ongoing relationship with Damen, which just launched its first SeaXplorer explorer yacht. In this episode, Rob McCallum, EYOS' founding partner, talks about how he and his team advised on details from the SeaXplorer's hull form and bridge layout to the tender davits and Zodiac boarding arrangements. In addition, having led multiple expeditions to the RMS Titanic and battleship Bismark, McCallum explains how overall EYOS works one on one with owners and crew to ensure their safety both above and below the surface.

Some of the most remote places on earth are accessible only by water. EYOS Expeditions helps superyacht owners, guests, and crews get there, thanks to its team's decades of experience exploring them. But, it doesn't solely secure permits, design itineraries, or arrange specialist guides. EYOS further takes a leading role in new builds whose owners want to pursue adventurous itineraries--whether diving to depths unknown, or seeing Antarctica up close. In fact, it has an ongoing relationship with Damen, which just launched its first SeaXplorer explorer yacht.In this episode, Rob McCallum, EYOS' founding partner, talks about how he and his team advised on details from the SeaXplorer's hull form and bridge layout to the tender davits and Zodiac boarding arrangements. In addition, having led multiple expeditions to the RMS Titanic and battleship Bismark, McCallum explains how overall EYOS works one on one with owners and crew to ensure their safety both above and below the surface.

As the president of American Yacht Agents, Deb Radtke works with a lot of international captains and crew. She assists them with tasks related to cruising the United States and overseeing refits here, including advising on what visas they need to enter the country. Unfortunately, despite abundant accurate information readily available, crew still sometimes apply for the wrong visa--relying on hearsay from misinformed friends, or bad advice spread on social media. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Radtke sets the record straight. In fact, she discusses: * which visa crew need, and why--as well as which visa is not the right one * why listening to chatter in the crew house instead of the captain can prevent crew from entering the United States * why social media is not your friend * how her own background as a captain helps properly educate other captains and crew.

As the president of American Yacht Agents, Deb Radtke works with a lot of international captains and crew. She assists them with tasks related to cruising the United States and overseeing refits here, including advising on what visas they need to enter the country. Unfortunately, despite abundant accurate information readily available, crew still sometimes apply for the wrong visa--relying on hearsay from misinformed friends, or bad advice spread on social media. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Radtke sets the record straight.In fact, she discusses:* which visa crew need, and why--as well as which visa is not the right one* why listening to chatter in the crew house instead of the captain can prevent crew from entering the United States* why social media is not your friend* how her own background as a captain helps properly educate other captains and crew.

Whenever any of us sees a yacht on the horizon, oftentimes our first thought is, "I wonder what that looks like inside?” Yacht interiors are specialties for Glancy Fawcett—but the company is far more than just a showroom with items on the shelves. In fact, it custom designs and manufactures some pieces specifically for owners, plus has a strong emphasis on, in its words, “luxury that does not cost the Earth.” In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we speak with Elizabeth Caddick and Tom Batty of  the UK-based company to get the details.

Whenever any of us sees a yacht on the horizon, oftentimes our first thought is, "I wonder what that looks like inside?” Yacht interiors are specialties for Glancy Fawcett—but the company is far more than just a showroom with items on the shelves. In fact, it custom designs and manufactures some pieces specifically for owners, plus has a strong emphasis on, in its words, “luxury that does not cost the Earth.” In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we speak with Elizabeth Caddick and Tom Batty of  the UK-based company to get the details.

John and Michael Kelly are more than father and son. The two have always wanted to work together, especially within a family business framework, and even more so wanted a family business tied to the boating lifestyle that they've long enjoyed. As of a year ago, the duo's dream came true. They acquired the well-known shipyard Bradford Marine in Fort Lauderdale. They additionally own the Bradford Marine location in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Having visited many marinas and shipyards as customers, John and Michael came to believe that there simply had to be a way to simplify the yacht ownership and management experience. With this in mind, they're transforming and expanding Bradford Marine. The ultimate goal is to grow Bradford's community of owners, captains, and crew through top-notch service, premium covered dockage, and of course a family approach to yachting. We’ll be talking about all of this in today’s podcast.

John and Michael Kelly are more than father and son. The two have always wanted to work together, especially within a family business framework, and even more so wanted a family business tied to the boating lifestyle that they've long enjoyed. As of a year ago, the duo's dream came true. They acquired the well-known shipyard Bradford Marine in Fort Lauderdale. They additionally own the Bradford Marine location in Freeport, Grand Bahama.Having visited many marinas and shipyards as customers, John and Michael came to believe that there simply had to be a way to simplify the yacht ownership and management experience. With this in mind, they're transforming and expanding Bradford Marine. The ultimate goal is to grow Bradford's community of owners, captains, and crew through top-notch service, premium covered dockage, and of course a family approach to yachting. We’ll be talking about all of this in today’s podcast.

From Airbnb to Poshmark and even Uber and Lyft, the sharing economy, also called the peer-to-peer economy, is a big part of today's world. Not surprisingly, luxury companies are carving out corners for themselves in this market, too. LUXNow is one such company. Originally focusing on exotic and fine cars, LUXNow has since expanded to include fine homes and of course yachts, including megayachts. It's an opportunity that CEO Matt Sweetwood says is ideal not just for those who want to see what yacht ownership is all about, but also for existing owners who want to monetize their assets. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we speak with Matt about: how LUXNow differentiates itself from the competitionhow a yacht owner becomes what the company calls a partner: whether there's an approval process, for examplehow consumers become members--and whether they are screened in advancehow pricing and rental periods are set and more.

From Airbnb to Poshmark and even Uber and Lyft, the sharing economy, also called the peer-to-peer economy, is a big part of today's world. Not surprisingly, luxury companies are carving out corners for themselves in this market, too. LUXNow is one such company. Originally focusing on exotic and fine cars, LUXNow has since expanded to include fine homes and of course yachts, including megayachts. It's an opportunity that CEO Matt Sweetwood says is ideal not just for those who want to see what yacht ownership is all about, but also for existing owners who want to monetize their assets.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we speak with Matt about:how LUXNow differentiates itself from the competitionhow a yacht owner becomes what the company calls a partner: whether there's an approval process, for examplehow consumers become members--and whether they are screened in advancehow pricing and rental periods are setand more.

Dating back to the mid-1800s, the original Adirondack guideboats were just what they sound like: rowboats that helped people in the waters of upstate New York hunt, fish, and explore. Entirely hand-crafted of wood, they were sturdy enough to row for days on end, yet light enough for even one person to carry for lengthy journeys. For decades, these boats dotted the waters of the Adirondack Mountains, fulfilling the need for transportation throughout the region. Once the automobile was invented, however, the guideboats were no longer needed... but remained wanted. In fact, they started taking on a new role, that of recreational cruising. Today, the Adirondack Guideboat company keeps hand-craftsmanship fully in focus for legions of loyal buyers as it builds many of its boats out of cedar, and still others out of more modern materials. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Ian shares with us: * what inspired him, along with his brother, to take over the company * how long on average it takes to make one of the guideboats * what brings him the most joy about what he does * and more.

Dating back to the mid-1800s, the original Adirondack guideboats were just what they sound like: rowboats that helped people in the waters of upstate New York hunt, fish, and explore. Entirely hand-crafted of wood, they were sturdy enough to row for days on end, yet light enough for even one person to carry for lengthy journeys. For decades, these boats dotted the waters of the Adirondack Mountains, fulfilling the need for transportation throughout the region. Once the automobile was invented, however, the guideboats were no longer needed... but remained wanted. In fact, they started taking on a new role, that of recreational cruising. Today, the Adirondack Guideboat company keeps hand-craftsmanship fully in focus for legions of loyal buyers as it builds many of its boats out of cedar, and still others out of more modern materials.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Ian shares with us:* what inspired him, along with his brother, to take over the company* how long on average it takes to make one of the guideboats* what brings him the most joy about what he does* and more.

The thought of a design studio having a fleet manager might strike you as being a bit odd, since you may typically hear of someone having this role at a retail charter company, or a yacht management company. But, it’s not only quite normal for Vripack, it’s vital. As the fleet manager, Joost is in constant contact with not just captains, but also owners of yachts bearing the studio’s naval architecture and engineering expertise. This way, not only does he get first-hand feedback from them on how their yachts are performing, but also—as we discuss in this podcast—he can fill in the rest of the Vripack design team so that they can incorporate improvements into future designs wherever possible. Specifically, we cover:  * how specifically he helps owners, their captains, and their crews as they pursue voyages, from advising them to answering questions even while they're in the midst of a journey * how Vripack clients cruise all over the world, in all sorts of conditions * how he monitors the usability of the Vripack fleet, which in turn influences future designs.

The thought of a design studio having a fleet manager might strike you as being a bit odd, since you may typically hear of someone having this role at a retail charter company, or a yacht management company. But, it’s not only quite normal for Vripack, it’s vital. As the fleet manager, Joost is in constant contact with not just captains, but also owners of yachts bearing the studio’s naval architecture and engineering expertise. This way, not only does he get first-hand feedback from them on how their yachts are performing, but also—as we discuss in this podcast—he can fill in the rest of the Vripack design team so that they can incorporate improvements into future designs wherever possible.Specifically, we cover: * how specifically he helps owners, their captains, and their crews as they pursue voyages, from advising them to answering questions even while they're in the midst of a journey* how Vripack clients cruise all over the world, in all sorts of conditions* how he monitors the usability of the Vripack fleet, which in turn influences future designs.

David Knowles and the Artelier staff provide art-consultancy services for owners of fine homes, yachts, and private jets. These services include curating special collections and finding and selecting the right artist to create something truly unique—and not just a sculpture in a foyer or a painting on a wall. In fact, Artelier is assisting owners and designers who are truly pushing the boundaries of art onboard. Simultaneously, David and his team know are mindful of the challenges that a moving object like a yacht in a humid environment pose, and guide clientele accordingly. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, David shares with us: * how the company became involved with sourcing and securing artworks for superyachts * how the marine environment poses a special set of challenges, especially in terms of motion and salt air, some of which owners may not realize threaten their valuable pieces  * how, despite residential design influencing yacht design, yacht buyers hold a key advantage over home buyers * and more.

David Knowles and the Artelier staff provide art-consultancy services for owners of fine homes, yachts, and private jets. These services include curating special collections and finding and selecting the right artist to create something truly unique—and not just a sculpture in a foyer or a painting on a wall. In fact, Artelier is assisting owners and designers who are truly pushing the boundaries of art onboard. Simultaneously, David and his team know are mindful of the challenges that a moving object like a yacht in a humid environment pose, and guide clientele accordingly.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, David shares with us:* how the company became involved with sourcing and securing artworks for superyachts* how the marine environment poses a special set of challenges, especially in terms of motion and salt air, some of which owners may not realize threaten their valuable pieces * how, despite residential design influencing yacht design, yacht buyers hold a key advantage over home buyers* and more.

Heesen Yachts has its roots in lightweight, swift yachts, dating back to 1978. While series builds have played a large part in its growth, the Netherlands-based builder is increasingly taking on custom projects. And not custom for custom's sake, either. From a superyacht fitted with a patent-pending structural support called the "Backbone" to one with a fishing cockpit and an astoundingly powerful 22,000-hp engine package, Heesen is challenging traditional ideas of what large luxury yachts can do. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we speak with two key members of the sales and management team, Mark Cavendish and Thom Conboy, to learn: * how Heesen has evolved, and is continuing to evolve * how it balances customers' desires for yachts with a proven technical package with other customers' desires to push the notion of what's possible * the risks and rewards of concept designs, especially ones that are anything but traditional * and more. 

Heesen Yachts has its roots in lightweight, swift yachts, dating back to 1978. While series builds have played a large part in its growth, the Netherlands-based builder is increasingly taking on custom projects. And not custom for custom's sake, either. From a superyacht fitted with a patent-pending structural support called the "Backbone" to one with a fishing cockpit and an astoundingly powerful 22,000-hp engine package, Heesen is challenging traditional ideas of what large luxury yachts can do.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we speak with two key members of the sales and management team, Mark Cavendish and Thom Conboy, to learn:* how Heesen has evolved, and is continuing to evolve* how it balances customers' desires for yachts with a proven technical package with other customers' desires to push the notion of what's possible* the risks and rewards of concept designs, especially ones that are anything but traditional* and more. 

Born and raised in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Sean Meagher has captained vessels ranging from search and rescue craft to powered megayachts and sailing superyachts. He's perhaps best known for taking the helm of the famous motoryacht Latitude, upon which he led journeys through the Northwest Passage--twice--and a circumnavigation of Svalbard, coming within 400 miles of the North Pole. Due to his experience as an explorer and expedition leader, Sean is invited to speak around the world to fellow yachting enthusiasts as well as adventurers at heart. As much as he loves sharing stories from his travels, though, he's particularly passionate about one thing: creating the perfect customer journey. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Sean shares insight into not only what the perfect customer journey is, but how to deliver it time and time again. As he puts it, when it comes to those of us on the service side of yachting, "We're not curing cancer of the body, but definitely curing cancer of the soul." These are lessons for everyone regardless of where you cruise or how you work with superyacht owners and guests.

Born and raised in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Sean Meagher has captained vessels ranging from search and rescue craft to powered megayachts and sailing superyachts. He's perhaps best known for taking the helm of the famous motoryacht Latitude, upon which he led journeys through the Northwest Passage--twice--and a circumnavigation of Svalbard, coming within 400 miles of the North Pole. Due to his experience as an explorer and expedition leader, Sean is invited to speak around the world to fellow yachting enthusiasts as well as adventurers at heart.As much as he loves sharing stories from his travels, though, he's particularly passionate about one thing: creating the perfect customer journey.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Sean shares insight into not only what the perfect customer journey is, but how to deliver it time and time again. As he puts it, when it comes to those of us on the service side of yachting, "We're not curing cancer of the body, but definitely curing cancer of the soul." These are lessons for everyone regardless of where you cruise or how you work with superyacht owners and guests.

In partnership with Nicholas Dean, Peter Hürzeler runs Ocean Independence, one of the world's leading companies focusing on yacht brokerage, charter, management, and new construction. With more than 30 years of experience in yachting, Peter has seen a lot of highs as well as lows in the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact especially on superyacht charter and traditional boat shows, leading to a lot of uncertainty among business professionals and customers alike. Even with that uncertainty, though, Peter believes there are positive signs on the horizon.  In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Peter discusses these as well as:  how yacht charter has evolved to become family-focused and experience-drivenhow Ocean Independence's charter brokers are managing the current situation, and how clients feel about booking in uncertain timeshow yacht buying has evolved in both the brokerage sector and the new-construction sectorwhether Ocean Independence has pivoted its strategies to create a new type of customer service.

In partnership with Nicholas Dean, Peter Hürzeler runs Ocean Independence, one of the world's leading companies focusing on yacht brokerage, charter, management, and new construction. With more than 30 years of experience in yachting, Peter has seen a lot of highs as well as lows in the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact especially on superyacht charter and traditional boat shows, leading to a lot of uncertainty among business professionals and customers alike. Even with that uncertainty, though, Peter believes there are positive signs on the horizon. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Peter discusses these as well as: how yacht charter has evolved to become family-focused and experience-drivenhow Ocean Independence's charter brokers are managing the current situation, and how clients feel about booking in uncertain timeshow yacht buying has evolved in both the brokerage sector and the new-construction sectorwhether Ocean Independence has pivoted its strategies to create a new type of customer service.

Megayacht News Radio, the podcast series of MegayachtNews.com, features engaging conversations with leaders in the large-yacht industry. As the first superyacht-specific podcast in the world, we have more than 10 years of interviews with the top designers, yacht builders, project managers, and more. Our goal is to educate you and to enhance your customer experience.

Megayacht News Radio, the podcast series of MegayachtNews.com, features engaging conversations with leaders in the large-yacht industry. As the first superyacht-specific podcast in the world, we have more than 10 years of interviews with the top designers, yacht builders, project managers, and more. Our goal is to educate you and to enhance your customer experience.

As the Chief Commercial Officer for the Ferretti Group and CRN Executive Board Member, Stefano De Vivo oversees a lot of activity at the dedicated Superyacht Yard in Ancona, Italy. Specifically where CRN is concerned, and the four custom yachts it has under construction currently, this translates to hundreds, if not thousands, of employees and subcontractors flowing in and out of the gates over the course of the construction cycles. It's a challenge to keep all of these craftspeople stay on schedule, while simultaneously ensuring the ownres can make important changes. Yet, this challenge is exactly what makes Stefano's job so rewarding. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Stefano shares with us: how CRN's buyer demographics have changed over the yearssome of the special requests the owners of the yachts presently under construction madewhether customers are paying more attention to "green" technologyand whether yacht builders like CRN should take the lead in terms of being more environmentally minded.

As the Chief Commercial Officer for the Ferretti Group and CRN Executive Board Member, Stefano De Vivo oversees a lot of activity at the dedicated Superyacht Yard in Ancona, Italy. Specifically where CRN is concerned, and the four custom yachts it has under construction currently, this translates to hundreds, if not thousands, of employees and subcontractors flowing in and out of the gates over the course of the construction cycles. It's a challenge to keep all of these craftspeople stay on schedule, while simultaneously ensuring the ownres can make important changes. Yet, this challenge is exactly what makes Stefano's job so rewarding.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Stefano shares with us:how CRN's buyer demographics have changed over the yearssome of the special requests the owners of the yachts presently under construction madewhether customers are paying more attention to "green" technologyand whether yacht builders like CRN should take the lead in terms of being more environmentally minded.

Many megayacht owners and guests consider Newport, Rhode Island the ideal summer season base. Others, meanwhile, prefer taking slips in New York City, and head out east along Long Island’s Gold Coast. Few, however, consider Connecticut an option. Bobby Christoph is out to change that: He's the developer behind the newly opened Bridgeport Harbor Marina. Catering to megayachts to 250 feet (76 meters), Bridgeport Harbor Marina can further accommodate deep-draft yachts. Having its own helipad makes owners' and guests' arrivals and departures incredibly convenient, too--all the more so considering the property is just 60 miles from New York City.  The city of Bridgeport may seem an unusual choice for a megayacht marina. But, as Bobby explains in this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Bridgeport Harbor Marina is within a major redevelopment area, which is seeing major retailers, coffee shops, restaurants, and more being established walking distance away. Plus, Bobby and his team have big ideas in mind for the future of yacht shows... which don't entail big crowds, or big inconveniences.

Many megayacht owners and guests consider Newport, Rhode Island the ideal summer season base. Others, meanwhile, prefer taking slips in New York City, and head out east along Long Island’s Gold Coast. Few, however, consider Connecticut an option. Bobby Christoph is out to change that: He's the developer behind the newly opened Bridgeport Harbor Marina.Catering to megayachts to 250 feet (76 meters), Bridgeport Harbor Marina can further accommodate deep-draft yachts. Having its own helipad makes owners' and guests' arrivals and departures incredibly convenient, too--all the more so considering the property is just 60 miles from New York City. The city of Bridgeport may seem an unusual choice for a megayacht marina. But, as Bobby explains in this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Bridgeport Harbor Marina is within a major redevelopment area, which is seeing major retailers, coffee shops, restaurants, and more being established walking distance away. Plus, Bobby and his team have big ideas in mind for the future of yacht shows... which don't entail big crowds, or big inconveniences.

Usually, when megayacht owners or charter guests want to visit somewhere remote, their yacht agents reach out to expedition guides. BWA Yachting created its own company, Berkeley Rand, to handle the tasks, with a twist. Berkeley Rand employs artificial intelligence and other technology in combination with real-life knowledge, making far-off voyages far more special.In fact, Andrew Grant Super, Berkeley Rand’s managing director, says the technology has previously only been used in the aerospace industry. He sees it greatly enhancing expedition cruising. “There is a thirst for adventure and experiences at sea,” he declares.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we dive into how he and his team are enhancing these experiences, whether a few days or a few weeks. Specifically, we discuss with Andrew:why he considers his team "experiential engineers," and what that meansexamples of how Berkeley Rand is enhancing the onboard experiencewhat the future will bring for the application of these technologies in yachtingand more.

Usually, when megayacht owners or charter guests want to visit somewhere remote, their yacht agents reach out to expedition guides. BWA Yachting created its own company, Berkeley Rand, to handle the tasks, with a twist. Berkeley Rand employs artificial intelligence and other technology in combination with real-life knowledge, making far-off voyages far more special. In fact, Andrew Grant Super, Berkeley Rand’s managing director, says the technology has previously only been used in the aerospace industry. He sees it greatly enhancing expedition cruising. “There is a thirst for adventure and experiences at sea,” he declares. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we dive into how he and his team are enhancing these experiences, whether a few days or a few weeks. Specifically, we discuss with Andrew: why he considers his team "experiential engineers," and what that meansexamples of how Berkeley Rand is enhancing the onboard experiencewhat the future will bring for the application of these technologies in yachtingand more.

Real yacht owners read stories to their grandchildren and love spending time with their multi-generational families onboard. This is why, according to Kiran Jay Haslam, you won't see  mannequin-like models posing on sunpads or settees, ready for their closeup, in Princess Yachts' M Class video. In fact, the people you do see are actual customers. Similarly, the chief marketing officer of Princess Yachts believes real conversations are what customers want, versus PowerPoint presentations, when the builder unveils new models. If you caught the recent Facebook Live reveal of the X95 superyacht, you felt as if you were sitting in on a comfortable, casual chat among Princess Yachts executives. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Kiran shares how these strategies are succeeding at changing the customer experience. Furthermore, he reveals: how tapping into the emotion of a yacht is far different than tapping into the emotion of a luxury watch or supercarwhat sets Princess Yacht customers apart, yet what also makes them similar to other yacht buyersand how the pandemic has proven yachting is only reaching a fraction of the people who can afford and want to enjoy this lifestyle.  

Real yacht owners read stories to their grandchildren and love spending time with their multi-generational families onboard. This is why, according to Kiran Jay Haslam, you won't see  mannequin-like models posing on sunpads or settees, ready for their closeup, in Princess Yachts' M Class video. In fact, the people you do see are actual customers.Similarly, the chief marketing officer of Princess Yachts believes real conversations are what customers want, versus PowerPoint presentations, when the builder unveils new models. If you caught the recent Facebook Live reveal of the X95 superyacht, you felt as if you were sitting in on a comfortable, casual chat among Princess Yachts executives.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Kiran shares how these strategies are succeeding at changing the customer experience. Furthermore, he reveals:how tapping into the emotion of a yacht is far different than tapping into the emotion of a luxury watch or supercarwhat sets Princess Yacht customers apart, yet what also makes them similar to other yacht buyersand how the pandemic has proven yachting is only reaching a fraction of the people who can afford and want to enjoy this lifestyle. 

Robert van Tol, the founder of Water Revolution Foundation, has had an ambitious--and attainable--goal in mind since establishing the non-profit: driving and accelerating sustainability in the superyacht industry. In fact, as you may remember from a podcast we did with Robert last year, Water Revolution Foundation is proving to shipyards, designers, suppliers, and more that they can pro-actively establish the industry's own sustainability agenda. Not only that, but also the agenda can and should go beyond legislative requirements,  The question is, of course, how does a company eager to embrace this figure out where to start? The solution comes in the form of specialized sustainability training. Robert and the Water Revolution Foundation have partnered with the Centre of Sustainability & Excellence (CSE), a renowned sustainability training institute, to provide a credited and proven program tailored to the industry. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Robert and Nikos Avlonas, president of CSE, discuss: how their two organizations came to work with one anotherhow sustainability has a far broader definition, and far more wide-reaching impact, than recycling or eschewing plasticswhy being pro-active can positively impact a company's bottom line and image among yacht buyerswhat becoming a certified Sustainability Practitioner means, and its benefits and more.

Robert van Tol, the founder of Water Revolution Foundation, has had an ambitious--and attainable--goal in mind since establishing the non-profit: driving and accelerating sustainability in the superyacht industry. In fact, as you may remember from a podcast we did with Robert last year, Water Revolution Foundation is proving to shipyards, designers, suppliers, and more that they can pro-actively establish the industry's own sustainability agenda. Not only that, but also the agenda can and should go beyond legislative requirements, The question is, of course, how does a company eager to embrace this figure out where to start? The solution comes in the form of specialized sustainability training. Robert and the Water Revolution Foundation have partnered with the Centre of Sustainability & Excellence (CSE), a renowned sustainability training institute, to provide a credited and proven program tailored to the industry.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Robert and Nikos Avlonas, president of CSE, discuss:how their two organizations came to work with one anotherhow sustainability has a far broader definition, and far more wide-reaching impact, than recycling or eschewing plasticswhy being pro-active can positively impact a company's bottom line and image among yacht buyerswhat becoming a certified Sustainability Practitioner means, and its benefits and more.

Jaclyn Sienna India believes that luxury is personal. That's why for nearly two decades, she herself has been vetting some of the most extraordinary travel experiences around the world. As the founder of Sienna Charles, she combines her passions for travel and luxury with understanding the wants and needs of discerning individuals. Whether it's luxury yacht charter, grand estates, off-the-beaten-path travel, wellness retreats, or other experiences, Sienna Charles combines this first-hand knowledge with a veritable little black book of contacts who make it all possible, and perfectly tailored to your tastes.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Jaclyn reveals how the definition of luxury is taking on new meanings in this ever-changing world, and how she believes that no adventure is ever beyond the imagination.

Jaclyn Sienna India believes that luxury is personal. That's why for nearly two decades, she herself has been vetting some of the most extraordinary travel experiences around the world. As the founder of Sienna Charles, she combines her passions for travel and luxury with understanding the wants and needs of discerning individuals. Whether it's luxury yacht charter, grand estates, off-the-beaten-path travel, wellness retreats, or other experiences, Sienna Charles combines this first-hand knowledge with a veritable little black book of contacts who make it all possible, and perfectly tailored to your tastes. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Jaclyn reveals how the definition of luxury is taking on new meanings in this ever-changing world, and how she believes that no adventure is ever beyond the imagination.

In yachting, regulations come from a variety of sources. One of them is the International Maritime Organization (also known as the IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The IMO has a particular focus on improving the safety and security of international shipping and preventing pollution from vessels of all kinds. To that latter point, the IMO has a set of emissions standards, commonly referred to as the Tier III standards, which will begin applying to a significant number of megayachts starting January 1, 2021. While there's been a lot of talk about Tier III over the past few years within yachting, unfortunately few owners and their advisors understand what it means. So, consider today's podcast an Education 101 session. Chris Swanhart of DLBA Naval Architects is our guest, explaining:what the new regulation requires, and for what sizes of yachts, in layman's termshow the regulation impacts both new builds and refitswhat equipment these yachts will now have to carrywhat the challenges are in terms of design, space utilization, and costand more. 

In yachting, regulations come from a variety of sources. One of them is the International Maritime Organization (also known as the IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The IMO has a particular focus on improving the safety and security of international shipping and preventing pollution from vessels of all kinds. To that latter point, the IMO has a set of emissions standards, commonly referred to as the Tier III standards, which will begin applying to a significant number of megayachts starting January 1, 2021. While there's been a lot of talk about Tier III over the past few years within yachting, unfortunately few owners and their advisors understand what it means. So, consider today's podcast an Education 101 session. Chris Swanhart of DLBA Naval Architects is our guest, explaining: what the new regulation requires, and for what sizes of yachts, in layman's termshow the regulation impacts both new builds and refitswhat equipment these yachts will now have to carrywhat the challenges are in terms of design, space utilization, and costand more.  

In our recent monthly newsletter, our editor Diane M. Byrne shared her early experiences of sexism in the yachting industry. Furthermore, she shared how MegayachtNews.com has become a Supporting Organization of She of the Sea, a two-year-old initiative to promote diversity and inclusion across yachting. Clearly, both struck nerves, as more than 2,000 people have read it as of this writing. Because She of the Sea has gained global support from both inside and outside of yachting, we’re pleased to feature this interview with Jenny Matthews, its founder.Matthews and her business partner, Natasha Ambrose, are each yachties who noticed a decided lack of women on deck. They created She of the Sea to ensure professionals and owners benefit from a high-performing, competency-focused industry, regardless of gender.In this Megayacht News Radio interview, you’ll hear Matthews explain:what convinced her to shine a spotlight on the need for diversityhow She of the Sea has evolved rapidly since its inceptionhow She of the Sea holds signatories of its Diversity Pledge accountable, demonstrating change within their organizationswhat the coming months have in store, including a mentorship program.

In our recent monthly newsletter, our editor Diane M. Byrne shared her early experiences of sexism in the yachting industry. Furthermore, she shared how MegayachtNews.com has become a Supporting Organization of She of the Sea, a two-year-old initiative to promote diversity and inclusion across yachting. Clearly, both struck nerves, as more than 2,000 people have read it as of this writing. Because She of the Sea has gained global support from both inside and outside of yachting, we’re pleased to feature this interview with Jenny Matthews, its founder. Matthews and her business partner, Natasha Ambrose, are each yachties who noticed a decided lack of women on deck. They created She of the Sea to ensure professionals and owners benefit from a high-performing, competency-focused industry, regardless of gender. In this Megayacht News Radio interview, you’ll hear Matthews explain: what convinced her to shine a spotlight on the need for diversity how She of the Sea has evolved rapidly since its inception how She of the Sea holds signatories of its Diversity Pledge accountable, demonstrating change within their organizations what the coming months have in store, including a mentorship program.

For the past five decades, the non-profit AMIkids has empowered 135,000+ kids across the United States by helping steer them toward a positive future. Megayacht owners and yacht brokers regularly lend their support to the organization through the AMIkids Yacht Donation Program. While the donation provides you with an alternative to selling your yacht, the benefits go far deeper. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, AMIkids' Dudley Savage discusses how these donated yachts help the kids he and his team serve, how thousands of yacht owners have participated so far, and most important, how you can help out yourself.

Howard T. Scott is a proud yacht owner and a newly published author. He treasures abundant time aboard an 80-foot Burger, named Capricho, which he bought seven years ago and essentially lives aboard. As an author, Howard just published his first novel, Rascal on the Run, a legal thriller set in Athens, Georgia. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Howard shares his longtime love of yachting and cruising with us, including what convinced him to buy this Burger and turn it into his floating home. He also shares how Capricho actually led to a plot twist in Rascal on the Run--and how Rascal on the Run came about, following a chance meeting with a Hollywood producer.

For nearly 20 years, Bob Denison has been at the helm of Denison Yacht Sales, a.k.a. Denison Yachting. Since then, he has distinguished the firm by embracing video and other web-related best practices in ways others have not.In some ways, yachting was his destiny, considering his grandparents established the well-known Broward Marine in the late 1940s in Florida. His parents established Denison Marine years later. Bob Denison himself even worked on the shipyard floor in his youth. Experiences outside of yachting, however, had just as much of an influence on him, as you’ll learn in this episode of the Megayacht News Radio podcast. 

The pandemic saw a marked increase in yacht buying and yacht chartering activities around the world. Similarly, it proved to yachting industry representatives that the way business has been done for years may not be the best path forward. In fact, Tom Mukamal, the CEO of IGY Marinas, is among those who believe re-imaging experiences is important. Mukamal and his team therefore have joined forces with the International Yacht Brokers Association to create the inaugural Caribbean Yacht Show this December. IGY Marinas’ Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas will host the event. Although it’s a trade show focused on charter, it will have an impact on the consumer superyacht experience, as he reveals in this Megayacht News Radio podcast episode.

Fort Lauderdale and Bermuda are each renown for their beautiful waters. While Fort Lauderdale additionally holds the title of Yachting Capital of The World,  Bermuda has caught on with superyacht owners and guests in more recent year. The two destinations are pairing their nautical strengths for an unprecedented tourism campaign, called Go Where the Yachts Go. Stacy Ritter of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and Douglas Trueblood of the Bermuda Tourism Authority explain what it's all about, and how you can take advantage of it.

Amanda Armstrong and Neil Hornsby are two longtime charter brokers who actually consider themselves more like charter designers. The founders of Yomira, which translates to “your ocean” in Sanskrit, are not your customary charter professionals, and neither is their firm. Armstrong and Hornsby realized the longtime “yacht first” ideology in yacht charter just wasn't right for the changes naturally occurring among clientele. Therefore, they're making charter experiences less complex, more transparent, and more interactive. In this Megayacht News Radio podcast with the duo, you'll learn:·         how they're helping clients uncover what they truly want to do even when they can't or don't know how to express it·         why now, even in the midst of a pandemic, is the right time for Yomira to emerge·         how the onshore experience is becoming even more important during a superyacht charter, and how Yomira has a “little black book” of connections from French Polynesia to Porto Cervo to make the magic happen·         and more.

Mark Pascoe and Dean Stoneman run the British superyacht tender builder Falcon Tenders. While Falcon is a new name in the sector, Mark and Dean are anything but new to the world of highly detailed, high-performing craft. In fact, they're pairing their collective experience to bring something new to the superyacht tender sector: a small, family-style operation that can rival larger companies with its skilled craftspeople capable of delivering fully custom designs.In this Megayacht News Radio podcast, you'll learn how Falcon Tenders is blazing a new trail. It's doing so through partnerships with top-tier stylists like Tim Heywood, Michael Leach, and Patrick Banfield, as well as some lesser-known but equally gifted designers like David Weiss. It's further doing so by incorporating more sustainable materials like reclaimed teak and more sustainable systems like hybrid propulsion. 

Geoff Moore, the managing director of West Nautical, accomplishes a lot with a small team in terms of superyacht management, sales, and charter. What's particularly notable, though, West Nautical is making a concerted effort to educate buyers, owners, and charterers. In fact, the staff regularly posts original articles on the company website, guiding clients through their options and inspiring them with creative suggestions on what to do while cruising on vacation, rather than posting generic itineraries or a litany of sales they just completed. The reason is simple: Geoff believes education is the single most important thing he, his team, and the yachting industry overall needs to do to do right by customers, especially newcomers to the yachting lifestyle.In this Megayacht News Radio podcast, Geoff shares his views on a few things, including:why time is more important to owners than anything elsewhy West Nautical has tools like a fuel calculator on its websiteand why "tell them the truth" is the operative philosophy that the industry needs to approach when it comes to dealing with clients.

Christine “Bugsy” Drake is a superyacht stew who thousands of television fans are familiar with thanks to the Bravo series Below Deck Mediterranean. More importantly, Bugsy is a seasoned yachtie and a newly published book author. She wowed television viewers with her extraordinary creativity the way that she's been wowing yacht owners and guests since joining the yachting industry—and she shares her favorite decorative and theme tips, plus a lot more, in her book The Art of Tablescaping; Deck Out Your Table With the Queen of Theme. In this Megayacht News Radio podcast, Bugsy shares what it's like to work onboard superyachts, what the so-called Below Deck effect is on the industry, and of course what inspired her book. In fact, she asserts that anyone, regardless of budget, can re-create the amazing tablescapes and theme parties she reveals.

Personal submarines have become more popular aboard megayachts--but they're also more than just toys. They open up a world of possibilities to owners, guests, and crew, letting them see life beneath the ocean's surface that otherwise they'd never discover, and in turn better appreciate this big blue marble we all call home. Patrick Lahey of Triton Submarines is well versed in how to make these possibilities a reality. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we discuss how Triton Submarines has designed and engineered dozens of manned submersibles for superyacht owners around the world, plus how he has taken part in historic and truly extraordinary expeditions to the deepest depths of the oceans. 

Due to growing concerns about mental health among superyacht crew, we have a sobering conversation for this episode. Tim Clarke, the director of Quay Crew, and Charles Watkins, the managing director of and a clinical psychologist with Mental Health Support Solutions, explain how their companies joined forces to conduct a survey of more than 1,000 crewmembers. There are some alarming discoveries—such as nearly half of all crew have considered leaving yachting due to stress, burnout, poor leadership, and other issues. But, there's also good news, with the overwhelming majority of crew believing it would be helpful to have some type of mental-health training, for themselves and to help their fellow crew. Furthermore, in this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Clarke and Watkins discuss:·         why Quay Crew felt the survey was important in the first place·         how most of the issues come down to poor leadership—with “leadership” being the responsibility of more people than captains·         how female crew's challenges are disparately high, and how most crew, regardless of gender, don't know how to access available resources ·         what steps captains, yacht department heads, owners' representatives, and other advisors can start implementing now to turn the tide.

News media and social media around the world have covered the ongoing Russian yacht arrests and detentions related to the invasion of Ukraine. However, a number of media reports and social media posts since March have gotten the facts wrong, which has understandably led to confusion about what has actually occurred. Some of the reports seem to have stemmed from a rush to have an “exclusive,” but much of it stems from the use of one particular word, “seize,” and variations of it. In a nutshell, there's an impression that all, or nearly all, of the Russian yachts that have been arrested or detained have been confiscated. But that's not true.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we help you better understand what has gone on so far, and what is likely to continue. We start with some background on the American task force that's enforcing sanctions and taking possession of assets, such as yachts, then explain the difference between a yacht being detained and being under arrest, as well as why  “seize” is causing a lot of the confusion, and finally outline what the future fate may be for these yachts.

It's no secret that boating and yachting have been booming due to the pandemic, with people from all walks of life realizing that being out on the water, with just your family, is one of the safest and most relaxing ways to spend time. The upper end of the industry that we cover has certainly been no exception—but some recent news from Fraser Yachts along these lines is remarkable.First, the average age of its customers today is 10 years younger compared to prior to the pandemic—with the youngest clients in their 20s and 30s. Secondly, Fraser saw a 175% increase in sales from 2020 to 2021. These in turn have brought newcomers to yachting, new buying and cruising attitudes, and some pretty interesting business opportunities. So, to talk about them, Mark Duncan, the director of marketing and business development for Fraser Yachts, joins us for a great discussion.From the so-called COVID effect that drove--and continues driving--the boom in buying and chartering, to how clients are placing a far higher priority on the experience onboard, especially in charter, Mark reveals some fascinating and at times eye-opening details, all of which are changes for the better for the superyacht industry and customers alike.

As the executive director of the New Zealand Marine Industry Association, Peter Busfield helps promote his country's vast cruising and service offerings to superyacht owners, guests, and crew worldwide. During the pandemic, of course, that became tremendously difficult, since New Zealand kept its international borders shut. With the sea border about to re-open--in August--several superyachts are making plans to return. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Peter discusses how New Zealand superyacht marinas and service providers have made several significant improvements, to handle more business. He also shares some of his personal favorite places to enjoy superyacht cruising, which we all should put on our bucket lists. 

As a senior charter manager and group director with Ocean Independence. Daphne D'Offay oversees the charter marketing operations for the company's American-managed fleet.  She has keen insight into how first-time yacht-charter guests are discovering this extraordinary vacation option, and how yacht charter overall has skyrocketed in popularity over the past two years. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, D'Offay shares:how her own upbringing--aboard a boat!--influenced her careerwhat yacht charter is, and what makes it such an extraordinary vacation optionwhich destinations are perfect for first-time yacht charter guestswhat destinations experienced charterers are beginning to discover, and what the allure isand more.

You've likely seen more than a few headlines and stories from traditional news media chronicling sordid details about superyacht owners' lives, giving the impression that people who buy these yachts are hoarding their wealth, have no empathy for the rest of society, and essentially live like Thurston Howell III from Gilligan's Island did before he was shipwrecked.While attention-grabbing headlines are effective tools to convey information, there's also way more to the story of superyacht owners than a hackneyed stereotype. The Superyacht Life Foundation wants to ensure the general public understands this. Its mission is to change the conversation around superyachting. Megayacht News Radio's host, Diane M. Byrne, speaks with Dilan Sarac, the marketing manager for the Foundation, and Charlotte Thomas, the editor-in-chief for all of their content, to find out how they're doing this.  Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.Thanks for listening!

Since yachting is all about enjoying big, beautiful bays and the world's oceans, the health of those waters is of increasing importance to yacht owners and crewmembers.  Scientists and researchers, however, face a big obstacle in learning more about our oceans: access to vessels. Thankfully, owners and crew can welcome scientists onboard and see with their own eyes the difference and the discoveries. Better yet, you can do the same.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, we introduce you to the team at the International SeaKeepers Society, a non-profit that helps connect scientists in need with superyacht owners and crew wishing to lend a helping hand with scientist-led expeditions and citizen-science initiatives. Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.Thanks for listening!

Currently in yachting, conversations frequently focus on sustainability and efforts towards lessening yachts' environmental impact. It's not a simple task, though. Despite an abundance of general information about emissions, power consumption, and related topics, the superyacht industry and superyacht owners have lacked an objective way to judge whether some yachts are actually “greener” than others. That's where the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index comes in, and is making a difference.The index is a tool from the Water Revolution Foundation, a non-profit focused on preserving the oceans and simultaneously diminishing yachting's impact on them. In development for the past four years, the index has led to the establishment of a benchmark by which existing and in-development projects can evaluate themselves. Robert van Tol, the executive director of the Water Revolution Foundation, explains the details in this Megayacht News Radio podcast episode.As you'll learn, the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index relies on real data that owners, their crew, and/or their representatives provide. The Water Revolution Foundation team analyzes that information side by side against data from AIS, “to understand what is actually the average operational profile of the fleet,” van Tol explains. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

YachtAid Global is best known for its charitable work connecting superyachts to communities in crisis around the globe, helping to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid after natural disasters. The non-profit also is closely aligned with conservation causes, and Operation Swimway is its latest initiative. The expedition and dive specialists from Tahiti Private Expeditions are joining it in this incredible cause--as can you.Operation Swimway enables interested owners, guests, and crew to work closely with distinguished members of the scientific community to accelerate the conservation of pelagic species. The collaborative efforts are focused on conservation of critical migration corridors for sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, whales, and billfish. Overfishing and bycatch have dramatically impacted these corridors, making it all the more crucial to help the species reach new feeding grounds and maintain their population numbers. In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, you'll hear how you can join in on planned activities with scientists, including assisting with dives, operating underwater equipment, tagging, measuring animals, and learning hands-on conservation methods and science. It's an exciting educational experience and comes with the pride of knowing you've contributed to ocean preservation efforts. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

Commitment. In a word, this is exactly what superyacht owners want, in the experience of Patrick Knowles.  In fact, as much as every company in the superyacht industry talks about putting owners at the center of what they do, their talk tends to focus on themselves. It's an often inadvertent mistake that can lead to confusion, conflict, and more. That's why Patrick Knowles Designs takes note, literally, of everything that its clients say in every meeting--because even the smallest things can add up to big breakthroughs and ultimately success.Knowles explains how his team does this, and how trust has taken shape beyond the walls of his clients' yachts, in this episode of Megayacht News Radio.Knowles has produced award-winning designs for domestic and international clients, many of whom have become longtime collaborators and retained clientele. With beginnings in designing aircraft interiors for private, VIP, and head-of-state sectors, Knowles used his ability to capture and interpret the imagination of the world's most discerning clients to cross over into the luxury yacht market more than three decades ago. Since then, he's worked with numerous shipyards in Europe, the Americas and beyond, collaborating with the likes of Burger Boat Company, Christensen Shipyard, Delta Marine, Feadship, ISA, Palmer Johnson, and more. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey with us, as we sit down with Ron Cleveringa, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Burger Boat Company. Get ready to delve into the awe-inspiring 160-year legacy of Burger, from its beginnings crafting Mackinaw fishing vessels and schooners, to producing mighty military vessels and extravagant yachts. We discuss Burger's evolution and its commitment to tracking its fleet. Learn why even commercial clients prefer Burger's hands-on approach and the craftsmanship that goes into its custom yacht construction and modern-day steel and aluminum vessels. In our second act, we journey into the heart of Burger's creation process as we explore the construction of two of their biggest projects right now, each a 180-foot yacht. Ron Cleveringa walks us through the careful planning and execution that goes into each venture, keeping the client's vision as the guiding light. Listen for insights into the dedication and detail that go into creating these seafaring beauties and the unique aspects of nurturing a long-term relationship with a client. Join us for this inspiring tale of craftsmanship, customer relationships, and the enduring legacy of Burger Boat Company. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

Prepare to be transported into the world of luxury yacht charters as we enjoy an insightful conversation with Nicole Haboush. As the senior charter broker manager for TJB Super Yachts and the head of its Florida office, Nicole has an extraordinary professional journey to draw upon, starting in a modest cubicle in a leading American superyacht shipyard. She shares her expertise on the significance of building relationships and patterned attention to detail, which has earned her respect among her clients. As we dive beneath the surface of luxury yacht charters, Nicole talks about the importance of going the extra nautical mile. Ceating unforgettable experiences for clients means personalizing services in a wide range of ways. This includes in-depth research into emerging destinations--including ones rarely visited by superyachts. We also uncover the impact of reality shows like Below Deck on yacht charter. Nicole underscores how these portrayals have actually heightened the popularity of yacht charters. In fact, she says they invite more people to experience this luxury vacation. Tune in for a captivating peek into the yacht charter business, and discover how it's further an incredible job opportunity. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

Embark on an enthralling odyssey with Dee Momi, the visionary behind Seven Access, as she recounts her astonishing transformation from a London personal shopper to a superyacht chef on the high seas, and eventually a lifestyle concierge for the crème de la crème. Discover how a serendipitous email and the turbulence of a global recession launched her into the opulent realm of yachting, equipping her with the finesse of tailored service and the might of intimate connections. As Momi unfolds her narrative, you're invited to grasp the essence that fuels Seven Access, meticulously fulfilling the fancies of not only ultra-affluent private clients, but also the clients of yacht brokers, ultimately purveying supreme travel experiences.Momi imparts a sea of wisdom, gleaned from a dozen years navigating the waters of luxury service, where being second-best is never an option. Through her eyes, we learn how the anticipation of a client's desires and the flawless execution of even their most trivial whims can forge an indelible impact. Revel in the tales of how a scrupulous eye for detail and adept problem-solving can elevate any encounter from mundane to magnificent. Tune in and let Momi's unique trajectory, navigated with grace,  inspire you to work with her and her team. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasWhen tradition waltzes with innovation, the result is the timeless elegance by the team at Silverlining Furniture. This episode peels back the curtain on nearly four decades of passion and precision, where each piece of furniture tells a story steeped in family heritage and creative spirit. Mark Boddington, the maestro behind the studio, shares tales that trace the lineage of artistry running through his veins and how Silverlining Furniture harmoniously blends age-old handcraftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing.Sail away with us into the world of custom superyacht interiors, where luxury meets the resilience of the high seas. Mark delves into the art of designing spaces that not only cater to multi-generational families but also adapt to the myriad activities that unfold on a yacht. Discover how Silverlining Furniture confronts the unique challenges of marine environments by selecting robust yet opulent materials that transcend mere aesthetics. The company's commitment to sustainability sets sail as well, ensuring that the beauty of the ocean is matched by conscientious craftsmanship.Embark on a journey through Silverlining Furniture's rich history and the art of bespoke design, which you can also experience in the company's upcoming book. Overall, Mark offers a glimpse into the studio's creative process, from the collaborative dance with clients to the birth of innovative ideas that push the boundaries of luxury design. Access a world where dreams are skillfully transformed into tangible masterpieces. Whether it's a dressing table sculpted around a beauty regimen or a chair that carries the echo of a family's laughter, Silverlining's website is your portal to its universe of refined craftsmanship. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasEmbark on a maritime adventure with Amanda and Adam Langley, the pioneering duo behind Superyacht East Coast, as they chart a course through Canada's East Coast's yachting splendor. Uncover the secrets of navigating serene waters from the balmy Northumberland Strait to the awe-inspiring fjords of Newfoundland. This episode offers a treasure trove of surprises, including unexpectedly swimmable waters and a refreshing climate that rivals the American East Coast's summer warmth. Learn the ideal times to cruise these northern waters and discover why this region promises to become your next nautical home away from home.Set your compass for an episode filled with the allure of the high seas as we reveal the unspoiled beauty and outdoor adventures that await you along Canada's Atlantic provinces. With the Langleys as our guides, we're not just cruising; we're transforming into ambassadors for the unique charm and maritime traditions of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. From the thrill of iceberg spotting off the rugged Newfoundland coast to the tranquil sails up the St. John River, join us as we lift the veil on this hidden yachting haven. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasWhat if luxury design could blend seamlessly with sustainability? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Jim Dixon from Winch Design, who takes us through his inspiring journey from crafting furniture to becoming a key player in the world of superyacht and aviation design. Jim shares the visionary process behind creating yacht owners' dreams, starting with the very first yacht he ever contributed to, the 165-meter motoryacht Dubai, and unveils the behind-the-scenes magic of integrating clients' lifestyle preferences into high-end yachts, along with private jets and luxury residences. Tune in to hear about the development of a 43-metre explorer vessel for an eco-conscious American family, where sustainable design principles meet unparalleled luxury. Jim delves into how the family's values influenced the use of low-VOC materials and other green practices. We also explore the philosophy that drives Winch Design, a firm committed to innovation and excellence. From the serendipitous start of their aviation projects to their dedication to using sustainable materials, this episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the evolving world of luxury design. For more details, visit winchdesign.com. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasDiscover the increasingly popular world of support yachts with us as Jennifer Johnston-Smith from Shadowcat takes center stage, sharing the fascinating journey behind their innovative superyachts like Hodor and Wayfinder. These  vessels are setting new benchmarks in the luxury yachting industry, offering unprecedented stability and versatility. Learn how Shadowcat's client-driven approach and collaboration with a top naval architecture firm are transforming yachting experiences, maximizing both adventure and functionality on the open seas. From tackling the challenges of carrying extreme-sports-oriented tenders to providing comprehensive support facilities, these catamaran platforms redefine what's possible on the water.Venture into the evolving landscape of yacht ownership where catamaran hulls once met with skepticism are now embraced for their superior adaptability. The passionate adventurers driving this trend are reshaping designs and functionalities, demanding more from their yachts. As you'll discover, Shadowcat is doing even more, delving into innovative yachting technologies and sustainability efforts like Drift Energy's green hydrogen-producing vessels, which are making waves in the industry by reducing the carbon footprint of superyachts. Tune in to explore how these advancements are not just enhancing luxury but also promoting sustainable practices, earning accolades from yacht owners who have some of the toughest standards and highest expectations around. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasWhat if your passion could take you from a farm in Ontario to the master stateroom of some of the world's most luxurious yachts? Join us in an engaging conversation with Bobby Genovese, a prominent owner in yachting, as he shares his unexpected journey into boating. Bobby's remarkable story begins with a serendipitous purchase of the historic Miss Canada III and IV, leading to a collection that includes the iconic Rambler. From his early days on a farm to navigating Florida's vibrant boating scene, Bobby shares tales filled with adventure and a genuine love for connecting people through unforgettable experiences on the water.Bobby offers a behind-the-scenes look at the joys and challenges of maintaining a vessel like his current superyacht, the Feadship-built BG Charade. He candidly shares the financial realities, from crew salaries to unforeseen repairs, revealing that the initial yacht price is just the tip of the iceberg. With insights into running a successful charter business and BG Charade's role on the TV show Below Deck, Bobby paints a vivid picture of the freedom and flexibility a private yacht offers. As his family dynamics shift, Bobby discusses how he's selling BG Charade to embrace new adventures on a smaller yacht in the Bahamas. Tune in for a captivating journey into yachting, rich with personal stories and practical insights you won't want to miss. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasSeventy-five years of family business excellence is a milestone worth celebrating, especially in the ever-evolving marine industry. Kristy Hebert, President and CEO of Ward's Marine Electric, joins us to share the remarkable journey from her grandfather's garage-based operation to a marine electric powerhouse serving the world's finest yachts.The story begins with a post-WWII veteran who loved boating and found a way to merge his passion with his generator expertise. What started as a small operation using his personal aircraft to deliver parts to boats in the Bahamas evolved into a cornerstone business that helped shape Fort Lauderdale's development as a global yachting center. Kristy reveals how her family played a pivotal role in the 1961 initiative to bring electric power to local marinas – a seemingly small change that transformed the region by encouraging vessels to remain docked and seek maintenance locally.Kristy's own path into the family business wasn't predetermined. Initially helping with a catalog while applying to law school, she discovered an unexpected passion for the industry. Her leadership philosophy balances honoring their rich heritage while embracing innovation, as reflected in their podcast initiative and her tagline, "We're 75 and we're just getting started." The company's unique workforce structure – with half their team serving 30+ years and half under five years – creates a powerful blend of expertise and fresh perspectives.Beyond their business success, Ward's  Marine Electric has become a powerful advocate for the marine industry. Kristy shares valuable insights on effective legislative engagement, explaining how focusing on economic impact rather than political differences has helped secure bipartisan support for initiatives benefiting marine businesses and their employees. When asked to distill what yacht owners ultimately seek, her answer is simple yet profound: "Freedom" – to explore, escape pressures, and create exceptional experiences with loved ones. Ready to learn more? Visit wardsmarine.com and discover how this three-generation family business continues to power marine excellence worldwide. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasYacht marketing is undergoing a revolution, and Moby Maritime Media founder Oriana Schneps is leading the charge. Known for viral moments like NBA star Dwight Howard's yacht-to-yacht three-point shot, her agency is redefining how luxury vessels connect with potential buyers and charterers.Drawing from her background working with marketing guru Gary Vaynerchuk and her own yachting experience as a crewmember and on the TV show Below Deck Adventure, Schneps brings a fresh perspective to maritime promotion. Her journey began at the New England Aquarium, where as a high schooler she cared for penguins and joined research expeditions that sparked her passion for life at sea. This unique blend of promotion know-how, hospitality skills, and maritime knowledge eventually led her to create Moby Maritime Meda. In brief, it takes a marketing approach that transcends traditional yacht promotion.In fact, the core of Schneps' philosophy is treating yachts not as depreciating assets but as brands with inherent value. Rather than producing generic walkthrough videos focusing on salon layouts and stateroom configurations, she creates content showcasing experiences and destinations. When potential charterers can visualize a yacht's divemaster exploring underwater caves or see a chef creating culinary masterpieces, they remember those moments far more than standard features. Schneps also highlights the value of strategic brand partnerships with luxury products, restaurants, and lifestyle companies - creating mutually beneficial relationships that can generate additional revenue streams for owners. Whether you're considering selling your yacht, upgrading to a larger vessel, or attracting charter clients, her insights demonstrate how thoughtful marketing creates lasting legacy and memorable experiences that define what yachting is truly about. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasThe beauty of yacht interiors often steals the spotlight, but what happens when we approach design from a completely different angle? Anita Rivera-Turcotte, founder of Verge Yacht Design, brings a novel perspective to yacht interiors that places engineering and function squarely before style.From their studio in Savannah, Georgia, Anita and her team blend interior design expertise with naval architecture to create spaces that work flawlessly while looking stunning. "Anybody can make something pretty," she explains, "but let's make it work for that specific owner and that crew." This philosophy stems from understanding that beautiful design must always respect a vessel's operational needs first.What truly sets Verge Yacht Design apart is the studio's groundbreaking work with sustainable materials. Forget the notion that sustainability means compromise – Anita's team develops fabrics from mushrooms, crushed stones, and corn husks that rival traditional luxury materials in both aesthetics and performance. "I feel like sometimes people look at sustainability and automatically think a dollar sign," she notes, "and that is not the case at all." Through biomimicry and innovative processes, Verge Yacht Design is proving that yacht interiors can be responsible without sacrificing an ounce of luxury.Beyond their design work, the studio team is actively shaping yachting's future through mentorship programs with the Savannah College of Art and Design, introducing bright young minds to the industry. And when asked what yacht owners ultimately want? Anita doesn't hesitate: "Experience." It's the perfect word to encapsulate Verge's holistic approach – creating vessels that function beautifully, respect both people and planet, and deliver unforgettable moments on the water.Ready to discover how function, sustainability, and beauty can harmoniously coexist in yacht design? Visit vergeyachtdesign.com to explore their progressive approach to creating extraordinary yacht experiences. Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.