Yacht owners that have become active on the business side of the industry have called for active changes in its models during a panel at the Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam. This follows the launch of their platforms aimed at reducing charter by slashing booking fees. "Stop your disrespect." Ahoy Club's Ian Malouf advised the market.
Attending the panel were Australian businessman Ian Malouf, founder of Ahoy Club and fresh of a $578 million exit in the waste management space, Philippe Bacou, founder of Yotha and Matty Zadnikar, founder of SeaNet. All founded yachting businesses in recent years stepping over from yacht ownership. The debate was moderated by Martin Redmayne.
According to Malouf, his primary goal is to improve the market and his secondary one is to make money. "I think we’re portrayed as a one click and you’re there business, but we have a large team and we are a full-service digital platform." Malouf commented. "We have the cheapest structure in the business and we expect it will go lower before it goes higher."
Malouf's 54m Mischief
Historically resistant to change, yachting has reacted defensively in recent quarters to the entry of these new actors. Malouf described their behaviour as "cartel-like". According to Philippe Bacou, the market is responding aggressively due to the platforms reducing commissions.
"When you provide something that is automatic instead of manual it reduces costs. What we are doing is making savings here." Bacou detailed. "Of course, we all want to make money, but it comes down to global satisfaction."
Ahoy Club and Yotha's web-platforms power an online search of available yachts for charter, a digital booking process and communication system with the yacht and their concierge team. Thanks to automation, the companies say they can reduce booking prices by near 15%.
Bacou's 43m Philmi
“Their behaviour has been poor but expected,” Malouf described. “We’ve been treated like we’re coming into an industry of brokers who think they own the boats. Our pricing structure is cheaper and we’re being told by many that it’s not acceptable and that it is an act of price-fixing.”
When a representative from a large brokerage house asked Malouf whether it would have been better to go to industry bodies like MYBA or LYBRA and try to improve the sector from the inside, the Australian businessman responded.
"Sometimes you have to break things to fix things and that’s what needs to happen. You’re talking about joining arms and walking down the road, which we’re witnessing and it’s a behaviour that’s unpalatable. The question of why didn’t we go to the industry is the reason we are here. For you to even ask me that question is a joke."
One of Seanet's Benettis
"You expect me to bend a knee for the incumbent and say, is it ok for me to enter your industry? Well, you don’t own this industry and it needs a shake, is getting a shake and will be shaken by us. What happens in a market is you have a business and competitors come in and compete, and whoever provides the best service for the best price and for the best commodity usually ends up with the best business."
The representative responded, as the market typically retorts, saying large brokerage houses offer a knowledgeable brokers, which can't be matched by these digital platforms. Pointing out Ahoy Club has a concierge team, Malouf went further, saying some central agents won't present valid charters that Ahoy brings to them.
"A few central agents will block a charter from us getting to the owner. Our remedy to that is that we respect your CA agreement until you breach it by not recommending our choice. That’s when we’ll go to the owner – it’s simple and fair. We’ve done over 100 charter contracts so far – we make no money off the small charters but they’ll come through. You talk about building relationships and that’s what we’re doing."
Malouf, Bacou and Zadnikar all encouraged the market at the end of the debate to focus on the end client and not to skim clients for commissions. "Put your commission drive aside and focus more on what the client wants." Zadnikar outlined.
"Stop your disrespect." Malouf added on.
Matty Zadnikar comes from the safety monitoring space, having founded and run Z-Group for over 20 years. In 2014, the group was acquired by American industrial safety group Total Safety, which allowed Zadnikar to transform his yachting hobby into a business. Founding the company, Zadnikar announced an investment of €32 million to jump start SeaNet's fleet in the Med, which is based on a co-ownership model.
Made up of Azimut and Benetti yachts of up to 40 meters, the idea is to give owners an option to buy only part of a yacht and improve its efficiency. On a 93ft Benetti Delfino, priced at €9 million, SeaNet lets you buy a 25% ownership stake for €2.3m with annual running costs of just over €110,000 instead of €450,000. This set up grants buyers a total of 7 weeks of use of that type of boat in the SeaNet fleet for 7 weeks per year.
Ian Malouf built his wealth in waste management in Australia with the DADI Group that was ultimately acquired by Bingo for $578 million earlier this year. With the help of his daughter, Ellie Malouf, the two have now switched their attention over to yachting with Ahoy Club, a market that they're now positioning themselves to try and dominate.
Owner of the 54-meter Mischief, which Malouf is also marketing for charter through Ahoy from €137,650 per week in the off-season, the Australian businessman recently listed the yacht for sale at an asking price of €24 million.
Philippe Bacou also launched his yacht platform, Yotha, in 2018 after 15 years of experience on the ownership and charter side of the market. Earlier in 2018, the French businessman raised an additional €1.4 million from strategic investors to develop and launch Yotha. His 43-meter ISA, Philmi was delivered in 2014.
Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group have finalized a merger creating what they describe as the world's largest yacht firm. The combined entity will operate under the Denison Yachting brand with existing leadership from both organizations. The merger establishes a network of 23 offices across the United States and Europe.The expanded portfolio now includes representation of Absolute Yachts, HCB, Riviera, Prestige, and Belize Yachts. Denison becomes the largest Sunseeker dealer globally through the transaction. The combined company will list over 800 yachts with 180 brokers facilitating transactions.Denison Yachting President Bob Denison stated: "By joining with OneWater Yacht Group, we're bringing together two of the strongest teams in the industry. Our clients will benefit from more boats to choose from, the best marketing and technology, and a full-service approach that makes yacht ownership simpler."OneWater Yacht Group President Bryan Braley added: "By combining Denison's unmatched expertise in brokerage and charter with their industry leading marketing, we are creating the most comprehensive and customer-focused yachting company."The publicly-traded entity will continue offering new yacht sales, brokerage, charter services, management, crew placement, and after-sales support. Company representatives will provide additional details during the Monaco Yacht Show from September 24-27, with a press presentation scheduled for September 25.Denison Yachting maintains operations from waterfront offices with licensed brokers providing services including superyacht sales and new construction. The company traces its origins to Broward Marine established in Fort Lauderdale in 1948. The merger significantly expands the company's manufacturer representation and brokerage inventory across multiple market segments.Credits: Denison Yachting
September 11, 2025
Pearl Yachts has introduces the Pearl 100 Hybrid, a 30-meter raised pilothouse model featuring hybrid propulsion. The vessel becomes the largest and first hybrid-equipped yacht in the company's portfolio, designed for extended range cruising with reduced environmental impact.The hybrid system combines twin MAN V12 2000hp engines with E-Motion electric technology, enabling multiple operational modes including silent zero-emission cruising and 24-knot maximum speed. The Power Pack allows overnight operation without generator operation, reducing noise and emissions during stationary periods.Accommodations include five staterooms with two full-beam master suites - one on the main deck with private forepeak terrace access, another midship on the lower deck. Additional spaces include a forward VIP cabin and two twin guest cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms. Crew accommodations consist of two cabins with separate mess and service access.Design collaboration involves Dixon Yacht Design for naval architecture and Kelly Hoppen Interiors for styling. The layout emphasizes social areas including a Riviera-style aft cockpit with folding balconies, foredeck lounge, and extended flybridge with Technogym equipment, Jacuzzi, and dining facilities.Founder and Managing Director Iain Smallridge stated: "As our first hybrid model and our largest to date, it embodies our vision of what the future of yachting should be: elegant, liveable, efficient, and sustainable."The yacht incorporates a concealed garage accommodating a Williams Dieseljet 445 tender, Sea-Doo Spark watercraft, and multiple Seabobs. Construction includes a five-year warranty covering hull and engineering systems, consistent with Pearl's existing product support framework. The Pearl 100 Hybrid enters production as the flagship of Pearl's model range, targeting owners seeking increased range capabilities and reduced environmental impact without compromising interior volume or amenities. Delivery timelines and pricing remain undisclosed at this initial presentation phase.Founded in 1998, Pearl Yachts has established itself as one of the UK’s leading shipyards, specializing in designing luxury motor yachts known for their voluminous interiors, opulence, and design excellence. Credits: Pearl Yachts
September 11, 2025
The Italian Sea Group will participate in the 34th Monaco Yacht Show from September 24-27, 2025, displaying six yachts at Port Hercule. The exhibition will feature recent launches from the group's Admiral, Perini Navi, Picchiotti, and Tecnomar brands.Chief Commercial Officer Gianmaria Costantino stated: "In our exclusive lounge, located in the Quai Rainier Ier area, shipowners and industry experts will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and stylistic innovation that distinguish our yachts."Exhibited vessels include:Admiral Giorgio Armani 72m (Project 596) with design collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Giovanni CostantinoAdmiral Amalya 78m designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & DesignPerini Navi Katana 60m sailing ketch with interiors by Rémi TessierAdmiral Raja² 55m from the S-Force line designed in-housePicchiotti Gentleman 24m by Luca Dini Design & ArchitectureTecnomar for Lamborghini 63 production modelThe group will host a press conference at the Monaco Yacht Club preceding the show to unveil a new collaborative project with Automobili Lamborghini. The presentation will also include updates on future developments across the company's brand portfolio.The Italian Sea Group currently maintains production facilities in Marina di Carrara, La Spezia, and Viareggio. The company's portfolio ranges from 24-meter motor yachts to 78-meter megayachts, with both sail and power configurations available.Recent deliveries include multiple vessels across all brands, with order books extending through 2028 for larger custom projects. The Monaco exhibition represents one of several international shows where the group maintains annual presence, alongside events in Cannes and Fort Lauderdale.The show expects approximately 120 superyachts and 40,000 visitors during its four-day run. The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: The Italian Sea Group
September 11, 2025
Benetti has unveiled its B.Neos concept, a motor yacht design emphasizing sailing yacht proportions and hybrid propulsion technology. The design collaboration involves Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design for exterior styling and FM Architettura for interior spaces.The concept prioritizes reduced volume pursuit in favor of spatial efficiency and functional layouts. Standard hybrid propulsion systems enable silent operation at anchor, reflecting the design's focus on acoustic comfort. The approach targets owners seeking understated luxury rather than ostentatious displays.Azimut|Benetti Group Chair Giovanna Vitelli stated: "B.Neos represents a new approach that looks ahead. We chose a leading designer from the sailing segment to bring the sleek proportions of sailing yachts to a motor yacht, avoiding the pursuit of volume at any cost."Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design brings experience from over 200 yacht projects, incorporating extensive glazing and structural innovation. FM Architettura, led by Francesca Muzio, applies its background in luxury residential and yacht interiors to create minimalist environments.The B.Neos concept forms part of Benetti's ongoing development of alternative propulsion solutions and contemporary design approaches. The company continues to offer both traditional motor yacht configurations and new concepts addressing evolving owner preferences regarding sustainability and spatial utilization.Production timelines and specific technical specifications remain undisclosed at the concept phase. Benetti's current portfolio ranges from 37 to 112 meters, with the B.Neos concept expected to occupy the mid-range segment of the company's offerings. The concept will be presented to selected clients before potential production decisions.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
September 11, 2025
Italian yacht builder Maiora, part of NEXT Yacht Group, will preview its new M|30 model at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. The 30.4-meter yacht is scheduled for delivery in summer 2026, representing the latest addition to the brand's M line.Designed in collaboration with Quartostile studio and Acube Design, the vessel features a 7.5-meter beam and three-deck configuration. Accommodations include five cabins for 12 guests, with a full-beam owner's suite on the main deck and four guest suites below. Crew quarters aft of the lower deck accommodate five staff members.Design characteristics incorporate full-height windows and glass bulwarks to connect interior and exterior spaces. The exterior profile emphasizes coupé-like lines while maintaining interior volume. The beach club area has been enlarged and reconfigured as an open veranda space connected to the main deck.Acube Design's interior approach utilizes natural materials and organic aesthetics. The main saloon offers flexible usage options, while the owner's suite includes walk-in wardrobe, en suite bathroom with windows, and convertible desk space. The upper deck provides customizable layouts alongside a separate wheelhouse area.Outdoor features include a redesigned sundeck, WalkAround concept passageways, and a forward garage convertible between toy storage and swimming pool functions. The hull incorporates a signature lighting strip consistent with Maiora's M|36 model.The presentation forms part of NEXT Yacht Group's strategy to expand its European market presence. The company describes the M|30 development as contributing to its "Renaissance" initiative focused on contemporary Italian yacht design standards. Production will utilize Maiora's existing facilities with the first unit currently in development.Credits: Maiora
September 10, 2025