BOAT Briefing

Laurens Last bought Heesen Yachts with his eyes wide open to the challenges ahead. As the owner of a superyacht built by another Dutch brand, he understands the ins and outs of an industry that can leave many outsiders scratching their heads – for instance, how most shipyards can survive only making a sliver of profit on each build. Last wants to change that and secure Heesen's future by introducing new manufacturing techniques and innovations learned in his hugely successful packaging business. In this interview, Last talks about his personal journey to superyacht ownership and why we all might be a li...

Two hours from LA, down the legendary Highway 1, there's a place where the mountains kiss the turquoise sea where property developer Owen Perry says “Palm Springs meets the Pacific.” A Rhode Island native turned real estate maven, Perry stumbled onto a piece of huge tract of uninhabited land on the Sea of Cortez during a cruise on his yacht around 16 years ago and saw something no one else did. And now? Villa del Palmar at the Island of Loreto by Danzante Bay is multi-purpose resort with the only TPC course in Mexico, a master-planned community and an all-inclusive resort with fine...

Two hours from LA, down the legendary Highway 1, there's a place where the mountains kiss the turquoise sea where property developer Owen Perry says “Palm Springs meets the Pacific.” A Rhode Island native turned real estate maven, Perry stumbled onto a piece of huge tract of uninhabited land on the Sea of Cortez during a cruise on his yacht around 16 years ago and saw something no one else did. And now? Villa del Palmar at the Island of Loreto by Danzante Bay is multi-purpose resort with the only TPC course in Mexico, a master-planned community and an all-inclusive resort with fine...

Heesen Yachts CEO Niels Vaasen and US sales director Thom Conboy share candid stories and behind-the-scenes insights — from the legendary founder Frans Heesen to the company’s exciting new Dutch shareholder.

Thom vividly recalls the electric moment 30 years ago when the 35-meter Tropic Sea (now Sea Axis) stole the spotlight at Bahia Mar — a defining memory for Frans, who felt “like King Kong.” That iconic yacht is still cruising today, part of Heesen’s ever-growing and evolving fleet.

From navigating the sales process (“sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs”) to celebrating with chocolate cake at launches, the...

After four decades, Henk de Vries has stepped down from his day-to-day duties as a director of Feadship and CEO of De Vries. In this interview, he charts his rise to the top of the world of superyachting, and how and why he has decided now to take on a more supporting role at the company. Henk has seen some extreme highs and lows in his 40-year boatbuilding career, many of which he discusses in this interview, delivered with his usual charm and candour. Don't miss this opportunity to sit down with one of the biggest names in the superyacht...

In the third of our three-part series celebrating Ocean Talks 2025 on 12 June, Lucy Dunn sits down with speaker Dr Camilla Floros, a marine scientist with over 20 years of experience in marine conservation across the Western Indian Ocean. In a case of her career coming full circle, Floros is now working in the same place she visited as a child  - which means she is in the best place to understand the effects of climate change and the need for local people to safeguard and protect marine resources. Floros talks about the importance of mixing generations-old Indigenous knowledge with next-gen methods s...

To kick off our three-part series celebrating Ocean Talks 2025 on 12 June, Lucy Dunn sits down with keynote speaker, conservationist and producer Colin Butfield to discuss his latest film project, Ocean with David Attenborough and companion book, Ocean: Earth’s Last Wilderness. The two discuss Attenborough's handwritten archives, octopus gardens and the ocean’s remarkable propensity to bounce back. If the ocean is allowed to recover, Butfield concludes, it will do a huge part of fighting climate change for us.

BOAT Pro:https://boatint.com/zg
Subscribe:https://boatint.com/zh
Contact us: podcast@boatinternationalmedia.com

In the third of our three-part series celebrating Ocean Talks 2025 on 12 June, Lucy Dunn sits down with speaker Dr Camilla Floros, a marine scientist with over 20 years of experience in marine conservation across the Western Indian Ocean. In a case of her career coming full circle, Floros is now working in the same place she visited as a child  - which means she is in the best place to understand the effects of climate change and the need for local people to safeguard and protect marine resources. Floros talks about the importance of mixing generations-old Indigenous knowledge with next-gen methods s...

Continuing our three-part series celebrating Ocean Talks 2025 on 12 June, Caroline White sits down with Nicolas Rochat, CEO of Mover, the world’s first one hundred per cent plastic free sportswear brand. The pair discuss the environmental problems caused by synthetic apparel, the company’s high-tech approach to natural fabrics that is changing the game, plus a recent collaboration with Sail GP, as well as Mover’s very own sailing collection.

BOAT Pro: https://boatint.com/zg
Subscribe: https://boatint.com/zh
Contact us: podcast@boatinternationalmedia.com

To kick off our three-part series celebrating Ocean Talks 2025 on 12 June, Lucy Dunn sits down with keynote speaker, conservationist and producer Colin Butfield to discuss his latest film project, Ocean with David Attenborough and companion book, Ocean: Earth’s Last Wilderness. The two discuss Attenborough's handwritten archives, octopus gardens and the ocean’s remarkable propensity to bounce back. If the ocean is allowed to recover, Butfield concludes, it will do a huge part of fighting climate change for us.

BOAT Pro: https://boatint.com/zg
Subscribe: https://boatint.com/zh
Contact us: podcast@boatinternationalmedia.com

In this week's episode, we dig into the recently published Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) interim report into the sinking of the 56-metre superyacht Bayesian in August last year, resulting in the loss of seven lives. For the first time, the narrative of what happened that night can be disclosed, and we also review the MAIB's comments on the weather conditions that fateful evening and Bayesian's stability vulnerabilities. Georgia, meanwhile, is newly returned from the Galapagos and tells us why these very special islands should be on every superyacht itinerary. 

BOAT Pro: https://boatint.com/zg
Subscribe: h...

In this interview, Stewart sits down with Bruce Brakenhoff, executive director at Edmiston, in the cockpit of 56-metre Rosehearty, to talk about his long career in superyachting. After starting out working for his father, Bruce joined Perini Navi and went on to sell some of the best known sailing yachts in the world. He joined Edmiston as few years ago and continues to be involved in some of the biggest sailing deals on the market. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the superyacht business's best known characters.

BOAT Pro: https://boatint.com/zg
Subscribe...

After a spectacular ceremony in Venice, let us take you through all the winners from this year's World Superyacht Awards. Caroline and Stewart discuss each winner and bring you the judges' comments about each one.

BOAT Pro: https://boatint.com/zg
Subscribe: https://boatint.com/zh
Contact us: podcast@boatinternationalmedia.com

Jeff Summers, senior designer for Scout Boats in South Carolina, walks us through the story of building the American boat builder’s flagship, the LXS 670 670, a $6.8 million, five-outboard powered, 60mph, 20.35 metre yacht, created with superyacht designers Harrison Eidsgaard. Summers, a graduate of a car design school, interned with Heesen Yachts where he got an understanding for superyacht design and from there, looked for a place with a beach and palm trees and landed his job with Scout, an ambitious and innovative builder that has made a giant splash with its newest launch, in 2016. Debuting this year at the Palm Beach In...

This week, we remember two legends of the superyacht industry – Frans Heesen and Eddie Jordan. Heesen has also been in the news due to a recent change of ownership and the release of some very positive financial results. We dig into both stories in the podcast. Our travel editor, Georgia, meanwhile, tells us why Nova Scotia is one of the most exciting new destinations for food, drink and superyacht lovers and we look at the latest tariff news and examine ways the superyacht industry might be affected if Trump's reciprocal tariffs aren't negotiated down. All this and more in this we...

In his 30 years of cruising the world in his 51-metre Feadship Double Haven, there aren't many places Merle Hinrich hasn't been. He has circled the globe three times in his yacht, which was built as one of the original explorers (complete with bullet proof windows). Double Haven was commissioned for adventure, and Merle and his family have seen plenty of that. Don't miss this rare opportunity to sit down and hear from one of the world's most experienced superyacht owners.
 
BOAT Pro: https://boatint.com/xp
Subscribe: https://boatint.com/xn
Contact us: podcast@boatinternationalmedia.com

This week we catch up with Christian Truter (CT), captain of the groundbreaking 106.7m DynaRig sailing yacht Black Pearl. The yacht was in St Barths for the Bucket, where we caught up with CT to discuss Black Pearl's extraordinarily ornate interiors, why the spirit of her owner lives on, and what the future holds for one of the most technically advanced boats ever built.

BOAT Pro: https://boatint.com/jj
Subscribe: https://boatint.com/jk
Contact us: podcast@boatinternationalmedia.com

In this episode of BOAT Briefing, Caroline sits down with BOAT’s business editor Gabrielle Lazaridis to discuss the fate of sanctioned superyacht Amadea, after a US judge dismissed an attempt to halt the vessel’s forfeiture to the US Justice Department. They also touch on Trump’s recently enacted steel and aluminium tariffs, and how this is expected to disrupt the yachting industry, along with a sneak peek at the record number of superyachts attending this year’s Palm Beach show, which could very well become the US's number one showcase for large yachts. 

In this episode of BOAT Briefing, Stewart and Caroline discuss the latter’s recent visit to Norway to explore the 194.9-metre research vessel-cum-superyacht REV Ocean. They reveal the latest news and mind-blowing facilities of this historic project, as well as serving up the inside scoop on its mysterious two-year hiatus. The team also dive into the rollicking history of the upcoming St Barths Bucket and exclusively unveil the full-year 20204 brokerage sales figures and trends – as well as unpacking what they mean for the superyacht industry.

First images of world’s largest yacht REV Ocean released: https://boatint.com/jf
...

In this week’s episode of BOAT Briefing, Charlotte catches up with Tobias Reichmuth, owner of the 45m yacht Prometej. On March 1st, Tobias will embark on a journey around the world, stopping in everywhere from Greece to Costa Rica and Japan, all in a quest to discover the secret to a longer life. Those onboard won’t be charter guests, but people he’s invited specifically because they share his curiosity around longevity and health. They’ll dine on personalised recipes, tailored to results of their own DNA, blood and microbiome tests, follow rigorous workout plans, and share their own acad...

Charlotte and Cecile announce the winners of the prestigious Design and Innovation Awards, in this episode of BOAT Briefing. They also give the inside scoop on the most hotly contested categories, and share their top tips for those hoping to claim victory next year.

Explore the winners here: https://boatint.com/dy

BOAT Pro: https://www.boatinternational.com/boat-pro

Subscribe: https://www.boatinternational.com/subscriptions

Contact us: podcast@boatinternationalmedia.com

Josh Golder, the owner of yacht King Benji, is a disruptor. He doesn’t call himself that but his unusual approach to charter marketing is raising eyebrows. He named King Benji, a 47 metre custom yacht he commissioned as his largest boat to date, after his dog, and from there built a brand and charter program. From being imaged as his personal home on the water, King Benji has become one of the best-known and most recognisable yachts on the charter market today thanks in no small part to its social media presence. And this digital marketing expert who can’t sit...

In this issue of BOAT Briefing, Charlotte and Katia discuss the cover yacht of our latest issue, Maverick, and where she plans to cruise this year; an exciting (and top secret) new collaboration from Vripack and Oceanco; and scrutinise what makes the perfect – and most genteel – guest. They also take a look at this week’s hottest news stories, while the data report focuses on the impressive yachts that graced St. Barths with their presence for the most memorable New Year’s party to date.


LINKS:
https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/editorial-features/on-board-cantiere-delle-marche-flexplorer-146-yacht-maverick?utm_source=Podcast...

In this week's podcast we look back on a busy year, with lots of events and travel – and plenty of highlights and lowlights. Just in time for Christmas, we examine the travels of the superyacht fleet and bring you the top five most travelled yachts in 2024. We also take a look at the fleet's migration, seeing where some of the world's most spectacular yachts are spending Christmas and New Year. Last but not least, we review the biggest stories of the year and try and solve the mystery of the stolen walrus.

LINKS:

Superyacht Design Festival: ht...

In this week's podcast, Caroline and Georgia discuss Georgia’s trip to the Antigua Charter Yacht Show and visits onboard some of the most spectacular yachts in attendance. News this week reveals new details about 142-metre Lürssen Dragonfly, the keel laying of Heesen’s Project Grace and a mysterious press release from Abeking & Rasmussen. Data this week is a sneak peek at the eagerly anticipated Global Order Book – published in the January issue of BOAT International – a revealing shapshot of the industry, taking in all superyachts in-build or on order around the world.

 
LINKS:

The larges...

For this week’s episode of BOAT Briefing, we return to the fantastic speakers at BOAT International’s Explorer Yachts Summit in Monaco. From Chile’s rugged shores to the remote islands of Brazil, 73m Planet Nine has not shied away from the roads less trodden. In this conversation, captain Philip Atkinson tells our superyachts editor Katia Damborsky about an epic rescue in the mid-Atlantic and reveals some of Planet Nine’s most memorable moments at sea.

LINKS:

Highlights of the Explorer Yachts Summit 2024:

https://www.boatinternational.com/luxury-yacht-events/explorer-yachts-summit/highlights-2024?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medi...

For this special episode of BOAT Briefing, we turn to the brilliant line-up of speakers at BOAT International’s recent Explorer Yachts Summit in Monaco. When REV Ocean was first announced back in 2017 it was big news. When delivered in 2026, this will be the world’s largest Research & Expedition Vessel, packed with scientific facilities, and featuring design by Espen Øino and H2 Yacht Design. REV Ocean’s CEO Nina Jensen tells us more about the project, including some exclusive updates.


LINKS:
Highlights of the Explorer Yachts Summit 2024:
https://www.boatinternational.com/luxury-yacht-events/explorer-yachts-summit/highlights-2024?utm_source...

In this week's BOAT Briefing, we look back at the Explorer Yachts Summit in Monaco, bringing you some of the highlights from the fifth edition of this event, including sessions from explorer Monty Halls and Nina Jensen, CEO of REV Ocean. We also examine what the incoming Trump presidency might mean for brokerage sales and new builds. In the news is Feadship's hydrogen-powered Project 821, Numarine's 45XP and Westport's first W117. Data this week focusses on some of the big numbers behind the expedition yacht market.

 
LINKS:

Trump impacts: https://www.boatinternational.com/boat-pro/news/taxes-tariffs-trump-superyacht-industry

Stewart Campbell sits down with Captain Guy Booth to discuss Phi, the 58-metre Royal Huisman motor yacht that has been trapped in London since March 2022, when she was placed under a temporary detention order by the British government. This fully custom yacht now faces several looming deadlines. She is at risk of falling out of class and having her insurance revoked, and now presents an increasing danger to her crew and nearby residents. The yacht needs to be lifted out of the water urgently, but hopes of a solution are fading fast.

https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news...

This week Cecile and Katia look back on a very busy Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show during the last days of a long and hot US presidential campaign, from creative marketing by yacht King Benji to the press conferences there, including the introduction by Sunseeker of the company’s two new owners, the launch of a new Riva Residenze on Fort Lauderdale Beach and an unusual and much noticed boat show visitor, a Maine Coone cat named Romeo. Katia tells us why is looking forward to the upcoming Yacht Explorer Summit kicking off November 13 at the Monaco yacht club and hi...

In this week's episode of BOAT Briefing, Katia reports back from an extraordinary birthday party on board 73m Titania with its owner John Caudwell, as well as a trip to Barcelona to sail on board the wallywind 110 with its designer Luca Bassani. Stewart, meanwhile, discusses an exciting new concept to transform a container ship into a superyacht and looks at the expanding fleet of yachts turning up in Sindalah for the grand opening of the Saudi giga project. In the news is Feadship's fuel-cell-powered Project 821, which is undergoing sea trials, and the acquisition of Holterman Shipyard by Steeler Yachts. Our...

In this week's episode of BOAT Briefing, Stewart reports back from the Superyacht Charities golf event in Palma and the first few exciting days of America's Cup racing in Barcelona. Charlotte talks Toto Wolff and why he's been banned from freediving with Lewis Hamilton and picks her biggest superyacht bugbears after her first turn as co-chair of the BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards at the Monaco Yacht Show. In the news is Kingdom 5KR's crunching encounter with a dock in Tunisia and the uncertain fate of Dutch shipyard Holterman. Our data section, meanwhile, focusses on the boats attending the upcoming...

In this week's pod, Caroline and Georgia talk travel, including the potential of Madagascar as a superyacht destination, the true meaning of barefoot luxury and the upcoming opening of Sindalah Island in Saudi Arabia. They introduce two spectacular charter yachts, run through the latest news and delve into data on fleet movements this summer to see how Mediterranean hotspots are changing.
Links:
https://www.boatinternational.com/boat-pro/news/neom-sindalah-interior-yacht-club-stefano-ricci
https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/benetti-yachts-b-loft-new-range-monaco-yacht-show
https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/ineos-britannia-win-louis-vuitton-cup-barcelona
https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/superyachts-racing-barcelona-superyacht-regatta
https://www.boatinternational.com...

In this week's episode, Stewart and Gabrielle reflect on the Monaco Yacht Show, bringing you all the highlights from the event, from the boats to the parties (and the rain!). The pair also discuss which boats they managed to get on board and all the big breaking news from the show. Lastly, we open up the massive October issue of BOAT and discuss the story of one particularly scandalously named superyacht.

Heesen's Project Monte Carlo: https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/heesen-62m-yacht-monte-carlo
Feadship concept: https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/feadship-monaco-yacht-show-concept-c
Greenline's GX Superyachts: https...

In this week’s Big BOAT Interview, celebrated underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta talks to BOAT’s content director Lucy Dunn about his mission to unlock the mysteries of the ocean; taking the first photo of a coelacanth, a prehistoric fish that hides away in the world’s deepest underwater caves few humans can reach - and also about DONIA, his clever but simple-to-use app which helps captains and boat owners negotiate the fragile and endangered Posidonia seagrass meadows off the South of France. 
LINKS:

https://www.boatinternational.com/luxury-yacht-events/ocean-talks/laurent-ballesta-ocean-talks-2024
https://www.boatinternational.com/luxury-yacht-events/ocean-t...

In this week's BOAT Briefing, Stewart is joined by Gabby, BOAT's Business Editor, to discuss all the news from the Cannes Yachting Festival and look ahead to a bumper edition of the Monaco Yacht Show. More big boats will be packed into Port Hercules than ever before and we highlight some of the ones to put on your must-see list. Meanwhile, we bring you the latest news from the public hearing into the Titan submersible disaster and dig through the headlines, which this week include the biggest brokerage deal of the year – the sale of 90.1 metre Phoenix 2.

This ep...

In this Big BOAT Interview, Caroline speaks to Sebastian about the sudden, violent weather event that sank the 56-metre Bayesian off Sicily. The tragedy is part of a broader story about longer storm seasons, freak weather and unpredictable winds – changing global weather patterns ­that are already having an impact on the marine industry. Sebastian explains the precision with which extreme weather can be predicted, and the kind of conditions that should raise alarm bells at sea.

Wache will speak at the BOAT International Explorer Yachts Summit on November 13.

LINKS: 

The sinking of Bayesian: https://www...

In this week’s podcast Katia and Georgia dive into the racing world and outline everything you need to know to watch the Louis Vuitton 37th Americas Cup. Having begun out in Barcelona, Georgia outlines the format, tactics and technology deployed by each of the teams to make this one of the most exciting races there is. There is also the Barcelona Superyacht Regatta taking place alongside the Americas cup and the pair reveal how to get involved. Later in the podcast, Katia reflects on a yachting, beach based TedX and reveals her plans for show season. The data section lo...

In this week's podcast, Stewart and Charlotte reflect on the tragic sinking of the 56 metre Perini Bayesian and the news coverage it generated. They look at the way the mainstream media covered the sinking and what the real experts are saying about the incident, which claimed seven lives. Later in the podcast, we examine how the first half of the year shaped up from a brokerage point of view, and bring you details of the refit of 68 metre Aviva and the new 23.2 metre Solle One from Nautor Swan.

LINKS: 
Stephen Edwards statement: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/08/27/former-bayesian-captain-offers-insight/

In this special episode of the Big BOAT Interview, Katia speaks to insurance expert Michelle van der Merwe, to find out why 2024 has seen a record 12 superyachts destroyed. Michelle, who works as a superyacht account manager at Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, explains why we might be seeing more accidents and how extreme weather can play a role in the claims process. Touching on Bayesian, the pair discuss how it's usually a number of factors that lead to a yacht ultimately sinking, and Michelle draws on her experience with some high-profile yacht insurance cases in the past.

https://www.boatinternational...