The Superyacht Group

The 1990s saw an emergence of the powerhouse brands of Amazon, Google and PayPal, all of which have seen the likes of Schmidt, Page, Brin, Thiel and most recently Bezos invest in the yachting world with several iconic projects.   More recently in the 2000s, we’ve seen the social-media world transform our lives and transform our industry in equal measures, with Zuckerberg, Spiegel, Koum and Parker all finding their sea legs with some significant investments in the premium superyacht shipyards.   And finally, 50 years after starting Microsoft, there has been a ‘breakthrough’ with the latest tech billionaire build at Feadship with Project 821, allegedly (and there’s no reason to think otherwise) commissioned, designed and built by Bill and Melinda Gates before their much-publicised separation.   Here, Martin Redmayne highlights the trends and segmentation of billionaires around the world and how they are influenced by their peer group. This first appeared in The Superyacht Report – New Build Focus. With our open-source policy, it is available to all by following the link below, so read and download the latest issue and any of our previous issues in our library. Read Issue 224 now: https://lnkd.in/esQReT5E

Incredible industry input The hot topics being explored at The Balearic Superyacht Forum 2025 on 29 and 30 April, Palma, Mallorca… Following the recent survey looking at the key things that captains, managers and stakeholders want to improve about marinas, their infrastructure, refit shipyards and their processes, we received more than 300 topics and ideas for upgrades to the sector. We’re filtering and analysing the topics, and with all of this incredible industry input, we are confident that this year’s Balearic Superyacht Forum will deliver debates and workshops that will generate tangible output and strategic ideas. As we all know, in the next ten years we are going to experience a fleet growth that is not only consistent, but also includes a shift in technology and operations, with smarter systems, new fuels and energy supply. Combined with the demand and expectation for the sector to clean up its act and develop intelligent recycling and upcycling models, we are going to witness a dramatic shift that requires attention, investment and collaboration. If yachts are built to be greener and have smarter on-board waste-management systems or cleaner technology, it seems ridiculous if the marinas and the shipyards are not also following this trend. If you haven’t registered your place yet, please visit https://lnkd.in/dfpj-4kG and join this important debate. Tap the link to read more on SuperyachtNews: https://lnkd.in/efh8GkuV

Hill Dickinson and Alley Maass sign transatlantic partnership Written by our News Editor Conor Feasey Maritime law firms Hill Dickinson LLP and Alley, Maass, Rogers & Lindsay, P.A. (Alley Maass) have announced a formal alliance aimed at enhancing their global capabilities and client services. As part of the alliance, each firm will retain its independence and maintain complete client confidentiality. “We have long thought that our clients would benefit from the ability to offer a range of services across multiple jurisdictions. We’ve always had the greatest respect for Hill Dickinson’s yacht practice and very much look forward to working with them in a close, coordinated way,” says Robb R. Maass, head of the maritime department at Alley Maass. Tap the link to read on SuperyachtNews: https://lnkd.in/eNhvBjUr

Gulf Craft – The majestic nomads of the desert   About nine months ago, in June 2024, The Superyacht Agency arrived in 38 degrees of heat at Umm Al Qwain, a small emirate just along the coast from Dubai towards Oman, to start a strategic journey with the Gulf Craft Group management team. The journey was one of marketing strategy, refreshed branding and future positioning, and it was a proud moment to see the newly upgraded brands, slogans, identities and visuals adorn the stand, the flags, the collateral and the new fleet of yachts.   The Gulf Craft Brand Transformation   One of our core tasks was to redesign and reinvigorate each of Gulf Craft’s brand logo – preserving their ethos while bringing fresh energy and clarity to their visual identity.   Our rebrand balances tradition with modernity, clarity with impact. Gulf Craft’s refreshed logo enhances legibility while preserving its heritage; Nomad’s bold new identity sharpens its explorer DNA with a rugged, purposeful aesthetic; Oryx distills speed and elegance into a sleek, dynamic look – reflecting both the distinctive features of the indigenous Arabian Oryx and the bow of a yacht slicing through the water; and Majesty’s refined look elevates its luxury positioning with platinum hues and a commanding presence. Each transformation reflects a careful fusion of storytelling, strategy and design – crafted to define the future of these iconic brands.   This is just a glimpse into how The Superyacht Agency refines and elevates brand identities in the yachting industry. From strategic repositioning to sophisticated design execution, we craft visual narratives that resonate. Tap the link to view our work, get in touch and see how we can transform your brand: https://lnkd.in/epyVPi63

A deal 30 years in the making Written by our News Editor Conor Feasey The end of last year marked the closing of one of the biggest deals on the market. On 31 December, MB92 Group acquired GYG Ltd, bringing the Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply Pinmar and Technocraft brands under its expanding company umbrella. As two of the biggest names in refit, the consolidation of one of the largest paint application firms joining one of the most renowned refit providers is a major shift for the industry. With the ink on the dotted line now dried and the dust beginning to settle, SuperyachtNews sits down with GYG CEO Remy Millott and MB92 Group Chairman Pepe García-Aubert. We discuss the two companies’ future, what bonds them and why now, after three decades of working together, is the right time to make it official. Tap the link to read on SuperyachtNews: https://lnkd.in/evsw4_pW

MB92 earmarks multi-million investment at Golfe-Juan Written by our News Editor, Conor Feasey MB92 Golfe-Juan has commenced operations following the haul-out of its first yacht as MB92 Group's expansion throughout the Mediterranean continues. The refit specialists have also earmarked €5 million to modernise the facility as it seeks to enhance operational capacity in the South of France, located around 70 nautical miles east of La Ciotat along the French Riviera. “Our experience with the 300t Origins platform in La Ciotat has proven the value of a flexible, client-focused approach and I am confident we can replicate the same success in Golfe-Juan,” says Rob Papworth, MD, MB92 La Ciotat. Tap the link to read more on SuperyachtNews: https://lnkd.in/e7DdhbmB

The Superyacht Report - New Build Focus Over the next few weeks, I’m sure most of my network will be sitting on a plane or on the bridge or even having a private moment in an arm chair. If you haven’t already done so, quickly go to www.superyachtnews.com and click on Issue 224 and the “read now” button and enjoy some of the best journalism, analysis and intelligence in the superyacht market ! Plus if you click on “Reports” in the main menu, you can actually read any of our comprehensive library of Reports in our new Open Source strategy ! I know I’m biased, but the team has created one of the best Reports that the market needs to read ! No Fluff Congratulations to Conor Feasey Felicity Salmon Charlotte Gipson Miles Warden Amanda Rogers Isla Painter Megan Hickling and thanks to our expert contributors Brennan Dates Meeli Lepik Rory Marshall Terry A. Lateral Naval Architects Awwal Idris #AReportWorthReading

ISSUE 224 - Out Now The first edition of The Superyacht Report in 2025 is now live and ready to read online, dissecting the topics that really matter to the new-build market… What’s included? - The Vitelli Tribute - Analysis of the 24-40m Market  - The Impact of Glass - The Charlie Baker Story - All Hands on Tech - The Power of the POD - Are Sailing-Yacht Owners the Smartest Owners? - Demystifying HVO And much more! “A Report Everyone Needs to Read” - Martin Redmayne, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Click the link and download your free digital copy instantly: https://lnkd.in/esQReT5E

Safe Harbor Marinas acquired in Blackstone billion-dollar buyout Written by our News Editor, Conor Feasey Blackstone Infrastructure funds have agreed to acquire Safe Harbor Marinas from Sun Communities for $5.65 billion in a deal that could have sizeable implications for the rest of the yachting industry. “Marinas benefit from key long-term thematic tailwinds including the growth of travel and leisure as well as population inflows into coastal cities,” explains Heidi Boyd, senior MD, Blackstone. Tap the link to read more on SuperyachtNews: https://lnkd.in/eE3RXut8

Two weeks ago I found myself in a sliding-door moment. It was the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around twice. While wrapping up work on The Superyacht Report, I was offered the chance to join EYOS Expeditions on Hanse Explorer for an Antarctic adventure. Less than 24 hours later I was on a flight to Argentina and made my way to Chile. We then set sail across the Drake Passage. A slightly daunting prospect for a yachting journalist who, rather embarrassingly, has spent very little time at sea. But what awaited on the other side was beyond anything I could have imagined. Breathtaking is the only word that comes close. There are moments in life when you feel deeply grateful for the places you go and the people you meet, but this journey surpassed all prior experiences so astronomically that it felt fitting that upon reaching the frozen continent, I woke up to a landscape that looked like another world. But beyond the scenery this was one of the most valuable learning experiences of my career. I spent time with guests to understand what yachting means to them. I shadowed the crew to see firsthand the level of skill required to run an expedition and gained a new appreciation for the leadership and teamwork that allow yachts to operate in some of the most extreme environments on Earth. Firstly, a massive thank you to EYOS CEO Ben Lyons and John Cotton for the opportunity to experience this firsthand. Witnessing how EYOS operates and the level of expertise they bring to owners and guests was an incredible insight and an experience I won’t forget. Also, to our incredible guides, Richard White and Peter Wilson, whose depth of knowledge brought every moment to life. Not just in terms of Antarctica’s natural beauty but also its human and historical significance. And to Captain Andriy Bratash and the entire Hanse Explorer crew. Your dedication, attention to detail and sheer hospitality made this journey unforgettable. Now that I’m back in London at The Superyacht Group HQ, I’m hitting the ground running. The Superyacht Report: New Build Focus is set to be published this week packed with insights from shipyards, designers and engineers shaping the future of construction. I’m back, ready to work and production is already underway for the next edition of The Superyacht Captains Report. But in the meantime stay tuned. I’ll be sharing more about the lessons learned from this expedition in the weeks to come. What fascinates you most about Antarctica? Is it the wildlife, the isolation or the sheer scale of the environment? Would love to hear your thoughts! Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/eQYvJKg2 #Superyachts #SuperyachtIndustry #Antarctica #Expedition #Explorer #AntarcticaExpedition #PolarExploration #AdventureTravel #BucketListMoment