Monegasque yachting players out in force for the future

Over a hundred professionals attended the annual Spring Pop-Up organised at the Yacht Club de Monaco by the Cluster Yachting Monaco. The day saw brokers, owners and yachting companies involved in talks focused on market trends, and visiting the 22 yachts presented in the YCM Marina. “This type of gathering is particularly important for our industry today. These discussions give us a chance to step back and share points of view to better understand the changes taking place,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, President of the Cluster Yachting Monaco and General Secretary and Director of the YCM.

Open Discussions on industry trends

Chaired by Arthur Bohr, Monaco Site Director & Key Account Director at Monaco Marine and Vice-President of the Cluster, there were several discussions throughout the day. The first panel, entitled ‘Yachting in transition: Growth strategies in a changing market’, addressed transformations already underway, notably the changing expectations of owners, the rise in personalised services and need for companies to offer more comprehensive support. As Paris Baloumis, Group Marketing Director at Oceanco was keen to stress: “Clients today want to be more involved in the process. They are not only looking to acquire a yacht but to be part of the experience”. According to him, this change is pushing industry players to build projects more collaboratively with clients. Séverine Sciortino, Director of Operations at Sanlorenzo MED Monaco, stressed the importance of building trust with owners: “Clients today are looking for all-round support from concept to the ongoing management of their yacht after delivery”. Patrick Coote, VP of Brand Marketing at MarineMax, highlighted the shift towards more service-oriented models with the aim of offering owners “a proper ecosystem that can support them in all aspects of yachting”. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between the different professions (shipyards, designers, brokers, and management or services companies) in an increasingly international market focused on a holistic approach.

The Cluster Talk led by Romain Motteau, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Fountaine Pajot talked about the evolution of yachting practices and growing role of catamarans in the suite of novel sailing experiences. “New generations of clients are no longer looking for a traditional yacht ownership path but more flexible, user-oriented experiences,” he explained. The debate also touched on the evolution in yacht design and the environmental challenges the industry now faces. The transition towards more sustainable models, changing habits and growth in outdoor experiences were also discussed. All agreed that buying a boat should remain a pleasurable experience.

Catamarans take centre stage

Led by Carlo Torre, Managing Director at MYT, the next panel posed the question ‘Why are yachts getting wider? The rise of catamarans and their impact’, which also focused on their expanding role. Changing expectations of owners with regards to space, comfort and the navigation experience, as well as challenges related to energy efficiency and new lifestyles at sea were key topics of discussion. “Today, owners spend more time outside than inside their yachts,” said Espen Øino, Naval Architect & Yacht Designer at Espen Øino International, highlighting the growing importance of airy spaces open to the sea. The development of more sustainable solutions such as solar panels and energy independence offered by new catamaran models by companies like Sunreef Yachts, were also touched on.

“After our initial success on the market, we began developing motor yachts,” explained Artur Poloczański, PR & Corporate Communications Director at Sunreef Yachts for a clientele more focused on the experience, autonomy and flexibility. Other speakers also cited catamarans. “The catamaran offers a different experience of life on board,” explained Olivier Racoupeau, Naval Architect at Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design. “It’s not about pitting catamarans against monohulls but offering a new approach to sailing and travel”.

Enthusiasm for this Spring Pop-Up was reflected in a record participation with over a hundred professionals and 22 yachts moored in the YCM Marina.

Cluster Yachting Monaco mobilised for World Boating Day

The Cluster Yachting Monaco continues its marking of World Boating Day on Saturday 23 May, with several events organised between Yacht Club de Monaco, Quai Lucciana and Boulevard Louis II, including a welcome reception at Sanlorenzo MED, a visit led by naval architect Espen Øino as part of the ‘Sketch to Reality’ experience, and presentations by YCM’s La Belle Classe Academy on yachting professions and training. Finally, it is integral to the annual Fête de la Mer organised by YCM with a whole range of water sport activities, workshops and sea-related entertainments open to the public.