Yachting Channel

Can a shipyard in the desert redefine luxury on the water?

From the Monaco Yacht Show, Yachting USA host Rick Thomas sits down with Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft Group, to explore how the UAE-based builder is reshaping what’s possible with the all-new Majesty 100 Terrace — a 30 m superyacht that blends indoor-outdoor living with innovation and intelligent design.

Together, they discuss Gulf Craft’s evolution, U.S. expansion through Denison Yachting, and how the brand’s vertical integration enables smarter engineering, greater reliability, and future-focused ideas such as crypto-based yacht sales.

🔹 What sets the Majesty...

What does leadership look like when calm replaces command? In this episode of The Bridge, host Alex Siegars — Founder of Yacht Crew Center — talks with Vlado Madžgalj, Chief Officer of M/Y OꞰKO, about navigating the demands of a 41-meter charter yacht, managing older crew with respect—not ego—and the mindset it takes to rise from deckhand to officer by 25.

Vlado shares his journey from growing up by the sea in Montenegro to earning his Master 500 and leading through one of the busiest Mediterranean charter seasons imaginable. Together, they explore what modern leadership in yachting truly means...

When leadership crosses the line from demanding to destructive, the impact can last long after the contract ends. In this powerful episode of The Wellbeing Project, host Karine Rayson, Director of The Crew Coach, speaks with an experienced yacht crew member who bravely opens up about enduring narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, and humiliation under a toxic HOD—and how she found the strength to heal, rebuild, and reclaim her confidence.

This deeply human conversation sheds light on the hidden trauma of toxic leadership in yachting and the importance of compassion, accountability, and psychological safety for crew.

💡 What you’l...

Geraldine Hardy explores why true healing begins beyond medicine — in the spiritual and emotional roots of disease.

In this deeply personal reflection, she reveals how trauma, energetic blockages, and ancestral imbalances can manifest as illness, and how awareness, spirituality, and emotional healing open the path to lasting transformation.

You’ll learn:
- Why trauma and emotion are often the root cause of physical illness
- The link between spirituality, transformation, and self-healing
- How practices like yoga philosophy, Kabbalah, and quantum healing align in purpose
- Why longevity technology alone isn’t the so...

🌍 From the disciplined world of Army medicine to the unpredictable waters of superyacht life, Lily Williams has seen it all. Now part of the ATPI Travel team, she brings her firsthand understanding of crew logistics, crisis management, and operational pressure to help yachts move smoothly across the globe.

🎙 In this insightful interview, host Lucie Gardiner of Yachting International Radio sits down with Lily at the Monaco Yacht Show to discuss:
✨ Transitioning from the British Army to luxury yachting
✨ Managing logistics for a 56-person crew during the COVID lockdown in the Maldives
✨ How her dual role as medic and...

💸 Why do so many yachties earn well yet still struggle to build long-term wealth?

In this episode of Rich AF, host Charl Minnaar (The Yachting Investor) sits down with Josh Swart — a 22-year-old former yachtie from South Africa who swapped the superyacht lifestyle for the world of finance. Together they break down how crew can turn high incomes into lasting freedom, why compound interest is true magic, and how patience beats hype in the investing game.

Josh also created the Yacht Crew Wealth Circle, a WhatsApp community where crew share financial insights and “mid-week money drops.” (Contact C...

What if every new crew member started yachting ready — not just certified?

In this insightful episode of Captain’s Chat, Captain Liam Devlin of M/Y Unbridled welcomes Sarah Diggle Whitlock, founder of Seas The Day Training, to explore how education, mentorship, and mental health support can transform green crew into professional, confident seafarers.

From her early years as a dive instructor in Mallorca to decades as a chief stewardess and trainer, Sarah reveals what it really takes to thrive in yachting — and why etiquette, empathy, and teamwork still define excellence at sea.

🧭 You’ll Learn:

Breaking news from the bow and beyond. 🚨

Hosts Kim Sweers (The Boat Boss, FB Marine Group) and Rick Thomas dive into this month’s biggest headlines — from European show insights and new mega-yacht launches to a high-profile legal battle making waves across the luxury world.

Top Stories & Highlights
- WhatsApp founder Jan Koum vs. designer Rémi Tessier: a $200 million dispute over inflated fees and undisclosed commissions — raising new questions about transparency in ultra-luxury yacht and property design
- Monaco Yacht Show recap: €750 tickets, exclusive dock access, and whether the show’s prestige still justifies the...

From the HQ Lounge at the Monaco Yacht Show — with Acquera Yachting, Bachmann Group, Centtrip, and Destination Hub — Yachting USA host Rick Thomas sits down with Jeremy Katz, Founder of DocksidePros, to discuss his journey from Google marketing expert to one of the industry’s most connected digital leaders.

Jeremy shares how his passion for boating and over a decade of marketing experience evolved into Dockside Pros — an online network serving over 100 maritime businesses worldwide. Together, they explore how technology, passion, and people are driving the next wave of growth in global yachting.

Their conversation dives into:

🌊 From the HQ Lounge at the Monaco Yacht Show — with Acquera Yachting, Bachmann Group, Centtrip, and Destination Hub.

For five decades, Bachmann Yachts has set the standard in yacht ownership, crew payroll, and management solutions — proudly headquartered in Guernsey and trusted by owners across the globe.

In this exclusive conversation, Gary Le Cras, Head of Yachting Services at Bachmann Yachts, joins Lucie Gardiner of Yachting International Radio to explore:
✨ 50 years of yacht management excellence from Guernsey
✨ The evolution of yacht ownership and crew employment
✨ Challenges of maintaining client privacy in a social media era
✨ How...

🌍 Live from Monaco, Geraldine Hardy explores how gossip and negative speech lower our vibration and block manifestation — offering a powerful lesson on conscious communication and spiritual responsibility.

In this deeply personal reflection, Geraldine shares her own experiences from the Monaco investment scene and Tai Chi teaching — revealing how words can plant seeds of energy that shape not only others’ lives, but our own.

You’ll learn:
- How gossip and judgment diminish your energetic frequency
- Why every interaction is a karmic exchange
- How to release the urge to “warn” others and trust divine ti...

💸 Why do so many yachties earn well yet still get wrecked by volatility, scams, and lifestyle creep? In this candid episode of Rich AF, host Charl Minnaar (The Yachting Investor) sits down with Nicholas Santana — Founder & Director of Grand Yacht Crew Ltd. — to unpack his journey from the Royal Navy to yachting, the painful gaps he saw up close, and how GYC aims to make the industry safer, smarter, and actually connected.

Nick shares front-line stories (visa nightmares, fake tickets, mental health dips), the “eureka” that became Grand Yacht Crew, and what’s under the hood: verified job listings, ID...

What happens when courage meets opportunity — and a single message on LinkedIn changes everything?

In this inspiring episode of Captain’s Chat, host Captain Liam Devlin of M/Y Unbridled sits down with Claire Behan, Client Partner at Yotspot, to explore her unconventional path from corporate burnout to crossing the Atlantic — and how that leap of faith led her to one of yachting’s most influential companies.

From her first provisioning adventure in Cuba to her rise within Yotspot, Claire shares what it means to start over, why community matters in yachting, and how innovation continues to shape...

What does an “ambulance at sea” actually look like in real life? From first-response kits to shore-side coordination and confidential counseling, here’s how crews and guests are really supported when things get messy offshore.

In this episode of Superyacht Laundry, host Cherise Reedman sits down with Emma Deal (Aviation & Maritime Division, MedAire / International SOS) to unpack what MedAire provides on board—telemedicine, medical kits, training, and case management—and why early calls and regular drills change outcomes. They dig into female wellbeing realities, mental-health support, and what’s next as AI and better diagnostics move more care onboard.
...

From the HQ Lounge at the Monaco Yacht Show — with Acquera Yachting, Bachmann Group, Centtrip, and Destination Hub — Yachting USA host Rick Thomas meets two powerhouse women connecting global yachting destinations.

Veronica Grandi, Chief Marketing Manager at Acquera Yachting, explains how her Venice-based agency bridges yachts and destinations across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East — combining local expertise with a global network.
Website: acquerayachting.com

Keidy Gregorio, Office Manager at Yacht Club Port de Plaisance in St. Martin, details the marina’s 110 slips, ability to host yachts up to 290 feet, and full-service offerings from customs clearanc...

🌍 Recorded on the road, fresh from instructor training at the Charlene Temple, Geraldine Hardy shares a deeply personal reflection on what to do when you don’t know what’s next.

In this episode of Self Care, Geraldine explores the power of surrender, trusting divine timing, and reconnecting to your inner guidance. She reminds us that self-care isn’t indulgent — it’s essential. When your body, mind, and emotions are aligned, you can hear your intuition clearly and move forward with confidence and calm.

You’ll learn:
- Why self-care is the foundation of clarity and direction

🌍 From shipbuilding in the UAE desert to commanding attention at the Monaco Yacht Show — Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft Group, shares how Majesty Yachts has become a global symbol of innovation, craftsmanship, and ambition.

From the sleek Majesty 100 to new launches on the horizon, Gulf Craft is reshaping what it means to build yachts that blend intelligent design, international appeal, and homegrown pride.

🎙 Hosted by Lucie Gardiner for Yachting International Radio, this exclusive interview explores:
✨ The evolution of Gulf Craft from shipyard to global brand
✨ How the Majesty 100 became the talk of the industry
...

From cruise ships to private yachts, Halima reveals the personal cost of silence and the transformative strength that comes from speaking out. Together, they explore what accountability, empathy, and leadership should look like in the maritime world — and how every crew member can set boundaries, protect themselves, and support others.

🔹 Recognizing harassment beyond “banter”
🔹 The unseen cost of silence on mental health
🔹 Setting and protecting personal boundaries onboard
🔹 Why bystanders matter as much as victims
🔹 How to rebuild confidence and heal after trauma
🔹 Practical first steps for anyone currently being harassed

💼 About the Guest:
Halima...

🌊 From a small university town in Estonia to the Monaco Yacht Show — Meeli Lepik, visionary founder of Holistic Yacht Interiors, has transformed her passion for design and human-centered detail into one of the most forward-thinking consultancies in yacht interiors today.

Her company is redefining how yacht interiors are built — seamlessly blending design, operations, and crew functionality to create spaces that work as beautifully as they look.

🎙 Hosted by Lucie Gardiner for Yachting International Radio, this exclusive feature dives into:
✨ The path from theology to superyachts
✨ Lessons learned from leading major new-build projects
✨ How Holistic Yacht I...

How do we scale climate-smart energy for a thriving ocean economy?

Host Katherine O’Fallon (Executive Director, Marine Research Hub) sits down at Florida Atlantic University’s Research Park with three leaders driving real-world solutions at the nexus of energy, sustainability, and the blue economy:

Andrew S. Duffell — President, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

Daniel Betts — CEO & Founder, Blue Frontier (ultra-efficient, grid-flexible air conditioning)

Rodrigo Griesi — Founder & CEO, NEPTUNYA (ocean-energy R&D and open-source quantum simulation)

🌊 What You’ll Learn
- Why air conditioning is both a climate lifelin...

🌍 Live from Cyprus, Geraldine Hardy returns after the Monaco Yacht Show to share a deeply personal reflection on spirituality and purpose — bridging the gap between inner growth and professional success.

In this episode of Self Care, Geraldine explores the intersection of spirituality and business, drawing on insights from Madonna’s recent Jay Shetty interview and her own ongoing study of the Kabbalah. From prosperity and divine timing to emotional healing and letting go, she offers tools to help you align your energy with purpose and abundance.

You’ll learn:
- Why spirituality and success can coexist h...

What happens when yachting meets truth, transformation, and advocacy for women at sea?

In this episode of Captain’s Chat, host Captain Liam Devlin welcomes Marién Sarriera, Founder of Yachts Mermaids and host of UNCENSORED on Yachting International Radio (YIR). From burnout and identity loss to rebuilding purpose ashore, Marién shares her remarkable journey — and how she’s helping to reshape the industry through honesty, education, and empowerment.

They explore how female physiology, cyclical wellbeing, and mental health intersect with leadership and life on board — and why crew welfare must become the new standard in yachtin...

🌊 What really happens in the shadows of global shipping?

In this episode of Sea Views, host Julia Gosling sits down with Michelle Wiese Bockmann, Senior Maritime Intelligence Analyst at Windward, to unpack the hidden world of the Dark Fleet — the covert network of tankers defying sanctions, faking identities, and endangering lives at sea.

🚢 What You’ll Learn:
- What the “Dark Fleet” really is — and why it exists
- How ships disguise their identities through false flags and GPS spoofing
- The human cost: crew welfare, pay, and safety on shadow vessels
- The environmen...

Can technology protect life beneath the surface? 🌊

In this episode of Positive Waves, host Jana Thomas sits down with Matthew Zimmerman, Founder of FarSounder, to explore how cutting-edge sonar innovation is being used not just for safer navigation — but to protect whales and preserve our oceans.

From detecting marine mammals in real time to contributing vital ocean data through citizen science, FarSounder is redefining what it means to lead with Technology with Purpose.

🔹 What you’ll learn:
- How FarSounder’s sonar helps prevent ship strikes and oil spills
- Why conservation was the comp...

Content Warning: This episode discusses death, assault, and systemic failure.

In the third and final installment of this Yachting USA series, host Rick Thomas continues his conversation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate.

Elle shares the story of her friend Jess, a South African yacht chef whose death in Ibiza was silenced under powerful ownership and management interests. From the suppression of evidence and firing of crew to the lack of repatriation and investigation, Elle exposes the culture of silence that still exists in parts of the yachting world.

She al...

🚢 What really happens when captains and crew communicate with the world’s wealthiest yacht owners?

In this revealing episode of Forward Watch, host Karine Rayson sits down with Captain James Fiske to explore the art (and reality) of speaking to millionaires and billionaires onboard without compromising your integrity. From handling bad news with transparency to navigating unrealistic expectations and safety concerns, James shares decades of experience distilled into practical, lived advice.

🌟 What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Why honesty—early and often—is the most valuable tool in communication
✅ How to adapt to different owners’...

Hosted by Julia Gosling and Adam Parnell, this episode explores what life at sea is really like for yacht crew — the challenges, the pressures, and the support systems that can make all the difference.

⚓ What you’ll learn:
- The true size and scope of the large yacht sector
- Why private yachts often fall outside regulatory protections
- How perceptions of glamour mask the hardships of crew life
- The role of ISWAN’s Yacht Crew Help helpline (www.iswan.org.uk/yachtcrewhelp)
- Why mental health is as critical as physical safety o...

🌍 Live from the Monaco Yacht Show, Geraldine Hardy shares a powerful self-care session on balance, moderation, and resilience. With 27 years of training in Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Kung Fu, yoga, meditation, and functional movement, Geraldine brings wisdom designed for crew, leaders, and anyone seeking lasting wellbeing.

In this episode of Self Care, Geraldine explains why the past 48 hours have been a test of mindset and manifestation — and how your speech, thoughts, and choices directly shape your year ahead.

You’ll learn:
- Why balance and moderation are the foundation of resilience
- How to shift f...

What happens when yachting meets leadership, wellness, and retreat living in Cape Town?

In this episode of Captain’s Chat, host Captain Liam Devlin welcomes Emma Butler, Founder of North Star Retreats, to the bridge of M/Y Unbridled. They dive into Emma’s journey — from interior management on luxury yachts to creating North Star Superyacht Academy — a retreat combining yacht leadership training, personal wellness, and meaningful community.

Set against the idyllic backdrop of Cape Town, South Africa (2-9 November 2025), this retreat offers accredited certificate training, mentorship, yoga, meditation, spa-treatments, and adventure — all designed to support yacht crew...

Step inside the new maritime Allyship Campaign, a global initiative reshaping psychological safety at sea. Hosted by Julia Gosling, this episode brings together Georgia from ISWAN and Sophia Grant from Thomas Miller P&I Club to explore how allyship can transform life on board for seafarers worldwide.

⚓ What you’ll learn:

Why allyship matters for seafarers’ psychological safety How ISWAN’s research on women seafarers inspired this campaign Practical tools and guides for being a better ally at sea The link between mental health, physical health, and safety on board Why cultural change is essential for the futu...

Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and sexual harassment.

What happens when a crewmember says “no” and the industry looks away?

In the second of a three-part Yachting USA series, host Rick Thomas continues his conversation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate. Elle recounts a violent assault in Fort Lauderdale, the system’s failure to protect crew, and a later incident aboard another yacht that tested her resolve to stay in the industry she loves. From restraining orders and DPAs to NDAs, background checks, and psychological screening, Elle calls for practical reforms...

🌿 Long hours, self-doubt, and endless demands — the startup journey is no easy path. In this episode of Self Care, host Geraldine Hardy explores how founders and entrepreneurs can protect their wellbeing while building a business. From meditation and movement to navigating limiting beliefs, Geraldine shares her own practices, the lessons of her healing journey, and why boundaries are the ultimate act of resilience.

You’ll learn:
- Why self-care is a leadership strategy, not a luxury
- How subconscious patterns shape the way you treat your team
- The role of healing emotional wounds in creatin...

🎙️ What makes a bag an investment — and why is monochrome styling taking over everyone’s feeds?

In this episode of Voices of Luxury, host JQ Louise sits down at Big Night Studios, Boston with stylist and creator Style by Florencia to talk Hermès vs. Chanel, quiet luxury, and the real-life wardrobe formulas that actually work. From Birkin 30 “Blue Jean” Togo to the practicality of a Kelly and the rise of Chanel vanity cases, we unpack how to build an elegant, wearable closet without the overconsumption hamster wheel.

💬 You’ll also hear:
- Birkin vs. Kelly: sizes, leath...

What happens when yachting meets community spirit in Alaska?

In this episode of Captain’s Chat, host Captain Liam Devlin welcomes Emily Davis, Yacht Agent with Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska, to the bridge of M/Y Unbridled in Sitka. Together, they explore what makes Sitka unique — from its rich cultural diversity and close-knit hospitality to its growing role as a yachting destination.

Emily shares her journey from Minnesota to Sitka, her work supporting yachts and cruise ships, and her passion for wellness through her business, The Studio by Emily. From yoga and Pilates to community conn...

What happens when training meets lifelong career support? You get UKSA’s cadetship pathway—selecting, preparing, and mentoring green crew from day one to OOW, with readiness, safety, and community at its core.

In this episode of Superyacht Laundry, host Cherise Reedman sits down with Lauren Saltonstall (Industry & Careers Coordinator, UKSA) to talk candidly about competitive entry, why female deckhands are on the rise, and how UKSA’s “careers-for-life” ethos follows alumni across the globe. We also preview Monaco: the Crew Wellbeing Bag initiative bringing practical mental health, legal, financial, and physical-health tools directly to the dock.

💡 This...

Breaking news from the bow and beyond. 🚨

In this episode of Yachting Unplugged, Kim Sweers (The Boat Boss, FB Marine Group) and Rick Thomas bring you the latest industry updates and exclusive announcements, joined by special guest Colin Kiley, Alliance Marine Holdings:

Denison Yachting Worldwide: OneWater Marine and Denison Yachting unite under a single global brand — creating the world’s largest yacht firm, with 23 offices, 800+ listings, and 180+ brokers.

Alliance Marine Launch: Oasis Experiences and Monument Marine transform into Alliance Marine Holdings, combining marina management, development, and technology into one powerhouse. Colin Kiley joins to discuss...

How does a young woman go from music PR in London and Dublin to an unexpected career aboard luxury yachts?

In this first of a three-part series of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas sits down in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate — to trace her unconventional path into yachting. From chance encounters in Ibiza to stepping on board her first 60-meter yacht, Elle opens up about resilience, crew life, and what it really means to work behind the scenes of superyachts.

Filmed on location at Mahekal® Beach Resort and presented in partnership with Blue...

🌊 Long days, dark circles, and endless commitments — yacht show season is no joke. In this episode of Self Care, host Geraldine Hardy dives into the reality of balancing the demands of the yachting world with the non-negotiables of self-care. From meditation to movement, Geraldine shares her own practices, the lessons of her healing journey, and why setting boundaries is the ultimate act of resilience.

You’ll learn:
- Why self-care is a personal practice, not a prescription
- How boundaries protect your wellbeing during high-pressure seasons
- The root-cause approach to healing physical and emotional trigger...

💸 Why do so many yachties earn well but still struggle to build wealth? In this candid episode of Rich AF, host Charl Minnaar (The Yachting Investor) sits down with Hugo Ortega — founder of Super Yacht Sunday School, career mentor, and Below Deck cast member — to unpack money psychology, burnout, gatekeeping in yachting, and how smart systems (not luck) create freedom.

Hugo shares his pivot from oil & gas engineer to yacht officer and captain, how travel and purpose pulled him out of depression, why lifestyle creep sinks crew finances, and the tech-stack + habits that let him build a thriving educati...

What does the future of yachting look like when innovation meets crew culture?

Captain Liam Devlin sits down with Garry Kyle, CEO of MeridianGo.com, to explore leadership, crew placement, and the changing dynamics of the maritime sector. From buying his first boats in Texas to managing an 82’ Princess and building a tech-driven crew platform, Garry shares candid insights on what really drives success for captains, owners, and crew alike.

🧭 You’ll Learn:
✅ Garry Kyle’s journey from yacht owner to tech CEO
✅ How innovation is reshaping crew recruitment and placement
✅ Why pay, culture, and lo...