Do you ever wonder what the Superyacht industry was like before the invention of new technologies?

Comms is a hot topic amongst crew and owners alike across the Superyacht industry. From keeping up with friends at home, to accessing real-time weather models and streaming movies. Yachts are humming with some of the latest and sometimes most advanced communications technologies on the planet. Budgets are often unlimited. And, owners are usually unwilling to accept compromise as they spend more time onboard. Resultantly, the marine communications sector has radically revolutionised the entire process of managing a yacht over the past 20 years.

It wasn’t always like this though. Those of us who have been yachties for longer than we care to admit will remember the simpler times. Before Kymeta flat-panels, Crestron systems, and the days when the yacht didn’t need its own profile on Instagram.  Having “no signal” was once an inconvenience coupled with a shrug of the shoulder. But today, the key is reliability. Good communications mean happy owners, satisfied guests, and boatloads of charters. Here’s what our captains had to say about ‘the good old days’…

VHWhat?

Captain Alberto Zambelli, M/Y Tommy

Italian captains will remember a VHF telephone subscription service that cost a bundle and required pre-payment. Even if you didn’t use your “minutes”. A switchboard would connect your call but there was a catch.

“During down times, we could listen in to sailors talking to their wives and girlfriends. Which, often turned comical with tears and arguments out in the open for everyone to hear…”

What about when you were out of Italian waters?

“You had to go to the post office and send a telegram to communicate with the owner or a broker to set up a charter!”

The joy of internet cafes

Captain Glenn Shepherd, PARSIFAL III/BigSailBoatJobs

Once the internet was in its infancy, Captain Glenn used to walk down the street to get online. In those days very few people had passwords on their home wireless networks, so catching a lucky break for a streetwise yachtie wasn’t too difficult!

“VSAT was out by 2005, but it was so expensive, with no bandwidth whatsoever. In fact, I once had to take my boss to one of those rustic Internet cafés in the Caribbean to get online. He was an IT billionaire!”

Some of you will also fondly remember the process for contacting suppliers over in Antigua before the advent of mobile phones.

“Remember the VHF 68 channel?! You used that for everything from a restaurant booking to getting in touch with a contractor. And after working hours it wasn’t a bad way of finding out if a mate was in a bar ashore either! It’s funny because I could have sworn Antigua had 4G before most of the UK did…”

You spent how much?!?!

Captain Mike French

Mike talked with us about the changes in the exchange of information that the whole Superyacht industry has experienced since reliable Internet access has come about.

“We used to download emails twice a day. Emails had to be small with no graphics, otherwise, they would be intercepted and deleted. The crew were allowed email addresses for the boat; Deckhand1, Stew2 with the boat’s name etc. This was a major advance, and I recall having several prospective crew members check on whether we had email access prior to interviewing.”

Then there are the horror stories of massive bills, of which there are many. Besides the costs there was always that message that didn’t arrive. Which, meant no delivery of provisions, or a transfer that hadn’t arrived because of a bad connection.

“On one trip, back in those days, we were acting as a wedding guest party venue and had around 100 guests coming and going to and from the boat. One of the guests found the bridge computer and decided to connect to the internet and collect their emails. They left the connection open, and it stayed open for about 36 hours until it was discovered. The bill was close to $30,000 as it was charged by time online as well as data.”

Today’s Superyacht Industry landscape:

Mark Pattman, RoamingExpert Yachts

Modern providers of voice and data solutions for crew and boats are working hard on making connectivity between sea and shore easier and more cost effective. Gone are the days of having a phone number for every country you set foot ashore in (sorry Mum!). Nowadays an entire vessel’s internet connection can be powered by a single 4G SIM package. Which, for the most part, is just as competitive as a regular, shoreside providers offering. Mark from RoamingExpert Yachts explained a bit to us about how they work:

“For us, it’s really important to be able to explain the costs and limitations in simple terms. Users are much more conscious of their usage requirements these days and the related costs. This is because the digital age means that a lot more of our interaction hinges on internet usage. Crew and captains we work with really appreciate it when we let them know if their monthly data usage is approaching. And the limits set by them help to ensure that they get the best deal regardless of excessive data usage.”

Offering support and flexible data packages is key to keeping the roaming workforce of yachties connected and content.

“On the rare occasion that there is a connection problem, we ensure that a one of our technical team can be reached directly. We then check for any global network issues. And, go through router settings, often finding a solution to get users back online right away. An added benefit is the ability to pool our data allowance across all of the SIM cards issued to a particular yacht. Which, allows individuals to work away from the yacht with ease.”

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Identifying the perfect yacht for charter this summer is easier than ever with a multitude of offerings that will satisfy even the most discerning guest. We took a look at a few standouts that you will be spotting this year.

A fan-favourite

M/Y SEANNA is a gorgeous 65m Benetti and available for charter with Burgess. With a flexible seven-cabin configuration (five doubles, two twins) and a fully loaded water toy garage, M/Y SEANNA is equally elegant and comfortable. SeaBobs, canoes, paddleboards, jet skis, and a super fun aqua park trampoline will ensure parents won’t ever hear the proverbial “Are we there yet?!”. Relax in the jacuzzi or get in your daily workout with the yacht’s personal trainer at the indoor/outdoor gym. With loads of deck space and at anchor stabilizers that keep her steady in all sea conditions, this yacht in the words of her broker “packs a punch!”

Perfect for fishing enthusiasts

M/Y BELUGA is a 34.7m Moonen based in Port Douglas in far north Queensland on the doorstep of the incredible Great Barrier Reef. Kitted out for serious fishing enthusiasts, she offers a 40-foot custom built game fishing boat, M/V MINKE, which is perfect for a day out when the marlin are biting. With a 4,000 nautical mile range, each and every corner of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world, is available to you and 11 other guests.

A charter yacht for food lovers

It goes without saying the dining onboard a yacht should be sublime. Yet it is not often that your dinner is designed by a celebrity chef of Australian and Sri Lankan heritage. The 40.2m Mondomarine, M/Y INFINITY PACIFIC, offers just that for 10 lucky guests. Peter Kuruvita is an Australian celebrity chef who draws heavily from his heritage to produce dishes such as Ceylon tea prawns with mulligatawny soup. Each dish is a full sensory experience.

Discover bella Italia on this sailing yacht

Sailing yacht ADESSO, offered for charter by the Italian boutique charter agency Forzatre (celebrating this year their 25th anniversary this year) is the perfect choice to explore the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Sardinia. She was built in 1996 by CCYD (project by German Frers) with interiors by Gae Aulenti; this dream team created a vessel that provides a thrilling high-performance ride with the opulent feel of a luxurious yacht. Eight lucky guests will revel in the exceptional cuisine and appreciate the experienced crew who know this region inside and out.

For the person that just wants everything

The exceptional 63.5m M/Y SURI has undoubtedly one of the longest lists of watertoys out there on the market; this yacht is perfect for 15 guests who want just everything on board. From a helipad with a five-passenger helicopter and a two-person SEARAY seaplane to a multitude of speedboats, tenders, watertoys, and dive equipment too long to mention, there really is something for everyone here. With a greater volume and more amenities on board than comparable explorer vessels of her dimension, she will be a showstopper coming into port.

Ideal for families with small children

M/Y INDIGO STAR I just returned from a 3-year world cruise to the USA, Caribbean, Central America, and Asia with the owners and their children; the crewmembers are very experienced entertaining kids of all ages. The yacht has five luxurious cabins and a bonus sixth that is perfect for accommodating the little ones. With an abundance of outdoor space, a home theatre, and loads of water toys, this is a perfect option for a relaxing and fun cruise around the Med this summer.

For those who want to be noticed

The 38.5m M/Y 4A will turn heads coming into port with her dark metallic exterior, sleek lines, and four fold down terraces over the sea, a hallmark of the Italian builder, Sanlorenzo. A three person Waverunner, SeaBobs, a waterski, a wakeboard, and a super fun two meter turbo tube on board will ensure that you will have plenty of toys to choose from for a fun afternoon at anchor.

Here in Europe, talking about GDPR compliance reminds me of the doomsday scenarios discussed as we approached Y2K; everyone was talking about it, and no one quite knew what would happen. However, while potential Y2K issues and fixes were relegated to the hushed tones of an IT office to “fix” back then, GDPR is a very different beast that is going to affect every aspect of a business that employs anyone or maintains any kind of database containing personal data in Europe. And unlike Y2K, we know for sure that something is going to happen.

On May 25, 2018 all businesses that collect, record, organise, or use personal data, and are either established in the EU or offer goods or services to EU-based individuals (whether free or paid) are going to be affected by these new privacy laws.

We talked to Benjamin Maltby of Keystone Law to understand the legalities of what this means for the yachting industry.

What is the GDPR?

 
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) applies to ‘personal data’. This means any information relating to an identifiable person who can be directly or indirectly identified from that information will be affected. This includes names, addresses, dates of birth, identification numbers, and location data. 

The four biggest GDPR pitfalls are:
1. To regard GDPR as so much extra paperwork and do nothing at all;
2. To glance at existing data protection policies and hope that they will suffice – there should a paper trail of analysis and consideration;
3. To copy and paste online materials in the hope that generic documents will satisfy GDPR requirements (they won’t); and
4. Not to take advice as needed.

What are the specifics?

Affected businesses must comply with the core principles of the GDPR. These are that personal data must be:

1. Processed lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner in relation to the individual;
2. Collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes;
3. Adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed;
4. Accurate and up-to-date;
5. Kept in a form that permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed; and
6. Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorized or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction, or damage, using appropriate technical or organizational measures.

Overall, what is your impression on how prepared the industry is for May 25th?

 
Bad. It’s not just about being prepared for May 25th – it’s about being prepared for the next decade at least.
 
It’s not as if the data inspectors are going to be knocking down doors on May 25th – it’s the reports submitted by disgruntled employees, clients, or rivals over the coming years which will have the greatest effect.
 

What would be your suggestions to companies which have not yet started looking at compliance yet?

 
The GDPR is complex, but compliance for those affected is mandatory.
  

  

Who will be enforcing GDPR regulations and what are the penalties for non-compliance?

 
The GDPR will be enforced by national government agencies.
 
Non-compliance could result in fines of up to EUR 20 million or 4% of annual global turnover – whichever is higher.
 
 
Affected businesses can contact Benjamin Maltby via:
His website profile, email or telephone (t +44 20 3319 3700/ m +44 7773 246 246).

This article does not constitute legal counsel, and you should seek independent expert advice in order to comply with current legislation.

More than seventy percent of businesses are now on Instagram. Pause for a second and think back just a few years and you will realize just how staggering this growth is. With engagement statistics 10 times higher than Facebook, 54 times higher than Pinterest, and 84 times higher than Twitter, it’s no surprise that 8 million businesses are now on Instagram.

If a picture really is worth a thousand words and 90% of the information transmitted to our brains is visual, what does your Instagram account communicate about your brand? Start the year off and do an InstaAudit with these simple tips to help you become an Instagram superstar.

Find the next generation of superyacht owners and charterers

A post shared by Superyacht Content® (@superyachtcontent) on Oct 23, 2017 at 9:04am PDT

The demographics of Instagram are young and motivated with ninety percent of users are under 35. They are 70% more likely to purchase a product online than non-users, and outside China, almost 50% of Instagram users conduct product research on social media. Ninety of the world’s top 100 companies in the world are now on Instagram; so, if you are still reading this and think it still not for you, think again.

Spiff up your bio

Most people open their social media accounts and don’t ever think about their bio again. Do a little spring cleaning and make sure a right link to your website (or the landing page for your current campaign) is correct. And while you’re there, check your company name is the same (or related to) all of your company’s social media accounts so that you can be found easily. The same goes for your profile images. Keep them consistent across all of your platforms so that you can be easily identified.

#BuyAYachtFromMe

A post shared by SuperYachtTimes (@superyachttimes) on Dec 24, 2017 at 1:26pm PST

Seventy percent of the most popular hashtags are branded, and if you haven’t created one for your company yet, make it a resolution to set one up for 2018. But don’t make the mistake Susan Boyle did when launching one. Sure #SusanAlbumParty seemed like a good idea, but the goal is for other people to use it… and many don’t capitalize letters in hashtags which meant it ended up looking like this… #susanalbumparty. See what I mean? Albeit, it did go viral before her PR team corrected it.

Timing

An Instagram photo typically has a life of about 4 hours before it gets buried in your feed, so posting at night is a no-no… or is it? If your business is global-centric like most in the superyacht industry, vary your posting times from early morning to late evening to make sure you reach high traffic times in Australasia, the Med, and the USA/Caribbean markets. Thinking across multiple time zones where your followers may be at a given time of the year will help you grab them at key “break-times” in the day.

Where in the world is…

A post shared by Superyacht Content® (@superyachtcontent) on Feb 19, 2018 at 6:01am PST

You already include hashtags into your post, which boosts the level of engagement along a relevant handle on occasion, but what about the location? Telling your followers where you are (or where the picture was taken) will increase the level of engagement by almost 80%. This year, make it a point to always include a location and watch your likes soar.

Set yourself up with an expert

Feeling overwhelmed organizing an event or at a show? Why not welcome a social media expert to support your accounts during those times when you wish you could clone yourself. With their reach and influence, you can quickly pump up your stats with thousands of likes and hundreds of comments and is one way to introduce your brand to a larger audience while keeping you sane and focused on other things.

Riza Tansu is a man who has enjoyed much success on the busy banks of the Bosporus with his design studio and yard, Tansu Yachts. In the last 12 months, Tansu has launched an impressive four superyachts (do we hear the rumblings of a record here?). Now back in Istanbul after a few busy weeks of travelling, we speak to Tansu for some exclusive insight into what’s behind the success of the company.

“Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the infrastructure here is second to none. It is a privilege to live in this very inspirational place as a designer and superyacht builder.” – Riza Tansu

Tansu is inspired and influenced by simple and honest design, which is evident in every aspect of the yard and the vessels it builds. He attributes the yard’s success to its simplistic approach and unique perspective, filling a niche in the marketplace for those searching for a vessel that is less ostentatious than most and one that shuns the trends of the day. Tansu’s designs, along with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, focus on cruising performance and understated luxury – large, expansive deck areas with external galleys and relaxed seating arrangements that take precedence over infinity pools and waterfalls.

With this less is more approach, Tansu finds inspiration from his country’s rich traditions, across other industries, and from his childhood. He fondly remembers his father’s Oldsmobile, “I was looking for a sister car for a long time and found one in the States. After 45 years, when I saw the car, I realized how its design made a profound impact on me when I was a kid.” Think minimalist with clean lines without sacrificing exceptional performance and function.

The latest string of successful launches includes the 39.3m SEXY FISH (winner of a 2017 Showboats Design Award), 38.4m HIGHLIGHT, 39.1m ESOSH, and 43.7m CYCLONE – the yard’s largest build to date. With a further four yachts in build totalling over 155 meters in cumulative length, there seems to be no stopping this Turkish team and Riza Tansu is confident about the next few years. “I’m very positive about the future of the Turkish superyacht industry; although I can’t offer knowledge of the country’s output figures, on the whole, I work like a lunatic, and I just concentrate on what we’re doing!”

Why we’d choose Tansu

Tansu Yachts has delivered over 22 superyachts in its 21-year history. Based in Istanbul, this boutique yard specializes in the construction of both steel and aluminium yachts, in addition to cold-moulded wood construction while maintaining a small production allowing the yard to focus on producing the highest quality superyachts.

The 2017 UBS/PwC Billionaires Report has just been released, and the results of the analysis this year are particularly interesting. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of the report to understand what this means for the yachting industry.

The Big Picture

• The report analysed over 1,500 billionaires who own or partly own, businesses employing over 27 million people (roughly the size of the working population of the UK).

• During the year 2016, billionaire wealth returned to growth after a dip in 2015 (with their total wealth globally rising +17%).

• Newly minted billionaires in 2016 employ close to 3 million people.

• Self-made entrepreneurs and rapid wealth creation in Asia drove the surge in wealth.

• The tech industry creates the youngest billionaires — although most of the wealth creation was still driven by those over the age of 50.

• Europe continues to be the home of multi-generational billionaires. While it may not be the best at creating great wealth, Europe has proved to be the best at keeping it.

Asia outpacing the US for the first time

• For the first time, Asian billionaires outnumbered their US counterparts with 637 in Asia compared to 563 in the US. (In terms of total value, the US still retains the highest concentration of wealth – but it is slowing.)

• At this rate, the total wealth of Asian billionaires will overtake that of their US counterparts in four years.

• Powered by China, Asia is creating one new billionaire every three days.

• One hundred and thirteen Asian entrepreneurs attained billionaire status during the year, accounting for more than half (53.8%) of 2015’s global total.

NextGen

• The exceptional wealth creation over the past 20 years will soon be followed by the biggest-ever wealth transfer.

• For most of Asia’s young economies, this will be the first handover of billionaire wealth, as over 85% are first generation. 

Female Power

• The number of female billionaires grew by a factor of 6.6 from 1995 to 2014, and the number of men by a smaller factor of 5.2.

• While most female billionaires come from the US and Europe, Asia has the greatest growth in the number of self-made female billionaires.

• Over 80% of female billionaires are coming from the US and Europe.

• More than 50% of Asian female billionaires are self-made, compared to 19% in the US and 7% in Europe.

With wealth in Asia Pacific featuring prominently in every aspect of the report as compared to Europe or in America, developing your business and creating meaningful business partnerships in this region must be part of your long-term strategy if you want to sell in the next decade.

Today, a concerted effort is being made by several industry leaders to educate local governments in Asia on how more yacht-friendly legislation can ignite growth in their regions. One such person leading the charge is Andy Treadwell, owner of the Singapore and Thailand Yacht Shows.

Billionaires are generally self-made in this region, as this report confirms, and tend to be much younger (a third of them under 50), with a huge appetite for learning and living new lifestyles. They are starting to like the look of yachting for fun. So the more big boats that come this way in the winter, the more their curiosity and desire will be aroused, and the more they will want to take part – get on a yacht and try it out … so a new potential yacht charterer, and eventual owner is being produced every day, Andy told us.

Those present in Asia are already capitalizing on the opportunity to get clients on the water in the region. Camper & Nicholsons International opened their office in Hong Kong less than six months ago. Carmen Lau, Managing Director, told us that, “the headquarters started with three staff in May and with the increased demand from Asian customers the office now has a team of 10 covering sales & purchase, yacht management, and charter services.”

With more friendly charter regulations in Thailand potentially coming into play, industry insiders are confident that foreign superyachts will start coming to discover what Asia has to offer, as a change from the Caribbean. And with big new marinas like Ana Marina Yacht Club in Vietnam opening shortly for business, infrastructure developers around the region are preparing to take advantage of the expected influx.

Just last month at the Singapore-Indonesia Investment Forum, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo led talks that focused heavily on the development of marine tourism. Andy Treadwell commented that, “There’s a major plan underway to create “10 New Balis” (high-end resorts) and real excitement about the potential economic impact from yacht arrivals”.

In Thailand, the government has already signalled their readiness to make major regulation changes to boost superyacht charter. The Thailand Yacht Show was in fact conceived by the government themselves to drive this project, with Andy’s team the chosen organizer, and he believes this will be finalized very soon now.

When it is, he said, “…it will stimulate change and new business in the whole ASEAN region, where the cruising grounds are almost limitless in extent and diversity – from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam in the north, both coasts of Thailand, down through Malaysia and Singapore, the 17,500-island paradise that is Indonesia”. And with the Australian industry body also pressing their government to open up to charter there too, while New Zealand and many of the Pacific Islands have already done so, the opportunities to create exceptional business opportunities in this huge extended region are there to be taken.

Roaming abroad can be a subject that automatically starts making you feel a bit panicky, often you have no idea how much it will cost and the chances are, your bill is going to be enormous. Luckily it doesn’t have to be this way and we’ve been catching up with the team at RoamingExpert to find out how they’ve been helping the yachting industry with their data fantastic packages.

These are the top issues that they’re hearing every day and they’ve got a solution for each one!

1. There’s no internet on-board

It’s very likely you are using the wrong SIM card. Usually, crew members tend to use the SIM once they have received it not knowing it hasn’t been activated – this is easily fixed by sending an email to your provider to activate your SIM card. Another issue is that sometimes Yachts will use the ‘spare’ SIM card rather than the active one. Be sure to check you have the right one in your router by checking the SIM number on the back.

2. Docked into a new country and we’ve suddenly lost our data coverage

This is a common issue that yachts tend to have a lot of the time, as they will have their router set to the Manual Network Selection Function. When you are changing destination frequently, make sure this is switched off otherwise your router will stay connected to the old network (that you just left) and you won’t be able to access any data. It is best to set your router to the Automatic Network Selection function to prevent any future issues.

3. My router is on the fritz

In the famous words of Ann Lamott, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes.” That goes for routers too. If you are struggling with a technical issue, turn it off and restart it – this usually fixes the problem. (Just make sure you get on the walkie-talkie first to warn the crew ahead of time if you want to remain friends with everybody.)

4. The Yacht is running out of data too quickly

Do you have a password on your router? If not, set that up right now, if you want to make sure that crew don’t use your guest’s data or vice versa. A password ensures that only certain people have access to the onboard data.

5. I can make calls but can’t get online

You could have the wrong APN settings set up. The Access Point Name (APN) refers to the network settings on your phone or router that allows your SIM to connect with your service provider. Usually, most handsets have a ‘default’ setting, however, if not and you can make calls but not access your data then call your mobile provider so they can guide you on fixing this issue.

6. I never have enough data

Thought your plan sounded great when you signed up? Think again… Streaming data, music, TV shows and movies uses at least 1GB of data per hour in standard definition (SD) or at least 3GB per hour for high definition (HD). If you know you are constantly going to stream Netflix or music then make sure you have a large data package in place to cover your monthly usage.

7. My phone bills are huge

When roaming abroad, it is crucial to choose a mobile/data tariff that will suit your needs, especially if you regularly call certain regions or are cruising between different destinations. If you regularly use WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to speak to others, be aware it will eat all of your data quite quickly (particularly if you call). Usually, when you go ‘out of zone’, you will most likely have lower or slower data coverage in addition to your higher standard calls charges. Make sure the plan you choose will cover you wherever you go… with the same level of service and speed.

With more than 15 years of industry experience within the telecoms market, RoamingExpert has built a flexible, affordable mobile roaming tariff that will make yacht crew smile. Learn more about how they can give you peace of mind and keep your costs low whilst sailing around the world via www.roamingexpert.yachts/crew-tariffs.

You have been thinking about it for a while. Maybe your owner saw a custom tender over the summer and the subject just keeps coming up or maybe you have been looking around and can’t find one that meets your owner’s requirements. Once you have acknowledged that you are ready for a custom tender, one that meets the needs of your yacht to a tee, know that there are a multitude of benefits for you to build one and get exactly what you want on time and within budget. Here are a few suggestions to get you started…

Step One: Go to an expert

Make sure you have chosen a designer and builder who are up to the unique task at hand. Custom tenders are high-value items so this is not the time to get over creative and experiment. Tenders must have a high-performance profile in an ever more challenging marine environment, so ensure you have experts guiding you on its design and build quality. This will give you the opportunity to include all of the aspects and specifications you want while keeping in mind your space and onboard stowage requirements.

A post shared by Compass Tenders (@compasstenders) on Aug 14, 2017 at 2:03am PDT

Step Two: Get your team together

For new builds, the first point of contact is usually the owner’s representative (who may or may not be part of a specialized yacht management company). It could also be a longstanding captain or management structure who has earned the trust of the owner over many years and who is appointed to manage the process. Alternatively, your point of contact may be a specialist company (like Superyacht Tenders & Toys or Superyacht Tenders). Get your team together as the key decisions are made in design and planning before the build starts. Regardless of who guides you through the process, the collaboration will continue right through the launch and during sea trials.

Compass Tenders has successfully completed custom tenders with companies like Y.CO, Edmiston, Imperial, and Camper & Nicholsons, who supply management support to owners during custom builds. – Richard Faulkner, Compass Tenders

Step Three: Consider your wish list carefully

Understand and articulate how you will be using the tender, in terms of look, feel and also budget. Whether the mothership is private and used sparingly or is a part of a busy charter yacht tailor-made for entertaining, consider the specific uses for which the passengers will be using the vessel. Your wish list may also include design accents from the yacht, which provide an important clue into the look and feel of the vessel.

I would build a very much different tender for a given LOA for an elderly couple who just want to go ashore on their own with two guests at 15 knots as opposed to a 40-year-old client who loves water sports and has a gang of friends around him at all times – Richard Faulkner, Compass Tenders

Step Four: Think about design

Clients today are demanding a high level of design work before a build contract is even signed and minimal changes along the way mean delivery dates and cost estimates are maintained. There is also less to decide upon once production has started. Fabrics and final interior finishes for limousine tenders are usually considered about half way through the build stage.

A post shared by Compass Tenders (@compasstenders) on Aug 30, 2017 at 3:39am PDT

Step Five: Visit and keep in touch

It’s important that owners’ representatives stay in touch; as visitors during the build, they often pick up on points that the client may want to consider. Once all the composite components are dry fitted to the tender, it is a great time to stop by. At this point, certain elements can be adjusted if needed before the tender goes into the painting process. (However, keep in mind this is referring to minor changes. Engineering layouts need to be determined at the beginning of the process and no later than a quarter of the way through the build.)

Step Six: Stick to the plan

Making changes is going to cause delays and cost money. A key moment in the process is the sign off for design finishes and fabrics for the limousine tenders. Sourcing fine leathers and textiles requires time not to mention the work required to final adjust headliners, window panels, and consoles.

A post shared by Compass Tenders (@compasstenders) on Aug 8, 2017 at 8:40am PDT

Creating a detailed plan is simple if you are dealing with people who are specialised in just that. If you are thinking about considering a custom tender this year, then your first port of call should be to Compass Tenders who can walk you through the entire process.

“I hope it’ll just go away.” “I am afraid to know.” “I don’t have time.” Sound familiar? Whether it’s regarding your health or your money, the reactions all sound the same.

And just like the doctor will tell you about the importance of treating that stubborn cough, putting off dealing with your financial health will surely result in more problems, paperwork, and costs down the line.

Whether you are new to the yachting industry with a season or two under your belt or are a seasoned veteran starting to plan what may come next, you’ll sleep better and have more money if you make a little effort to get your ducks in order finance wise.

Stressed already? Don’t be. Here are a few tips to bring your financial situation in order regardless where you are in your career.

Relatively new crew members are often diagnosed with malaise. The treatment is simple: a three-prong approach that gets your banking, savings, and taxes in tiptop shape.

BANKING

If you are being paid in one currency and your bank account is in a different currency (or you have a bank account offshore which someone told you to set up but you aren’t sure why), you are losing money on the exchange. In the case of offshore banking you may also be paying high fees without gaining any interest.

SAVINGS

Your friends shore side are doing it, so why aren’t you? Put aside 100 or 200 quid each month in a dedicated savings account. This will allow you to save (and earn interest) and start a nice nest egg for that car, down payment, or a spectacular trip you are planning to take when you step off the yacht. (And notice we aren’t even mentioning ISAs, stocks, or shares…)

TAX

It usually takes a couple of years to either pay attention or realise you need to do something about your taxes. Think your salary is tax-free? Think again. Just because it isn’t being deducted from your salary doesn’t mean you are exempt.

For those of you who have been in the industry for 4-5 years, you are by now earning a decent salary and have some ideas of how you want to use it in the future. You may or may not be doing your taxes, or you may have an investment property generating a little rental income. Here’s what you need to do to maximize your investment potential.

GET A CHECK UP

A full physical of your investments will ensure your banking and finances are working as efficiently as they should, and this will help fine tune what options/potential you have for the future. Make sure your tax situation is in order to avoid any unwanted surprises down the line.

MAKE THE RIGHT PROPERTY INVESTMENT

Many crew purchase property in the area they grew up/live in. While it seems logical, it may not always the best idea. You need to consider property costs, the rental market, and the management of that rental to make it worth your while financially. Get some professional property & mortgage advice.

BUSINESS IDEAS

Have you come up with a few really interesting investment ideas but aren’t sure you have the resources to get them going? The meds here are simple. Get experts to help you understand and evaluate the market and help you get the best return you can for your great business idea.

You’ve been in the industry over 10 years and congrats… you are now considered an industry veteran. You have plenty of money saved, several properties, and a few investments generating a good return. Think you are all set? Think again…

OFFSHORE BANKING

Many of you have spent your entire career banking offshore and/or investing offshore for that matter. You may have in the back of your mind your post-yachting career but aren’t 100% sure you have enough to realise your plans. Long-term professional wellness planning is needed here to bring your banking and investments onshore with an eye on any potential tax liability.

PENSION PLANNING

Understanding your saving potential and/or how to leverage your pension so that your money works better for you in the future is fundamental to understanding how much you have to invest and play with for the future. Don’t just peruse your quarterly statements and throw them in the drawer. Get some professional advice to make sure your money is working for you now and not the other way around.

A big thanks to CrewFO who provided us with a lot of this great financial advice for crew and who are helping to diagnose and cure yacht crew of their financial aches and pains, one crew member at a time. You can take a look at their site and services here but regardless of whoever you reach out to… here are the last few pieces of advice for you.

1. The yachting industry is a unique sector, as we all know. Make sure the professionals you speak to have experience working with yacht crew and know the particularities of how crew contracts and banking are done.

2. Choose a qualified professional who is trained in the specific service you need them for. (IE: Have your taxes done by a chartered accountant rather than your buddy at home. Not only will you sleep better, but you’ll also be sure that you are covered by a local institutional body in the case of an audit.)

3. Make sure whoever is advising you is governed by the regulatory body that governs the profession. (For example, for financial advice your advisor needs to be regulated by the FCA in the UK. This offers a that extra piece of mind that you are checked out by the experts!)

One of the conversations I still never tire of having with professionals in the industry is how yachting has grown and developed in such a magnificent and swift fashion over the past twenty years. From its infancy when walking the docks and word-of-mouth was the only way to get a job onboard or to sell a product, to the industry’s place today prospering as a professional niche market in the luxury sector, perhaps no other business aside from telecommunications has developed so incredibly over past few decades. And one of the benefits coming out of our developing sector is the windfall of companies, associations, and organizations that are deciding to take concrete and structured actions towards protecting the world’s waters and delicate marine environment which are at the heart of our business and the lifestyle we sell. Looking back at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show and observing what has developed out of an inherent love of the water, it’s mindboggling to look at the development that has happened (and those of you who were at MYS at the turn of the millennium know what I mean). So it is with great encouragement and enthusiasm that we see so many initiatives now contributing to the protection of our livelihood.

A post shared by The Superyacht Group (@thesuperyachtgroup) on Jul 12, 2016 at 6:27am PDT

There are a few companies that have been in it for the long haul. And this year The Superyacht Group, behind a host of well-known publications, global industry forums, and perhaps best known for the celebrated The Superyacht Annual Report, which has reached biblical-like status for those producing data analysis sales pitches one PowerPoint presentation at a time, is celebrating 25 years of business. This year for their landmark anniversary, we half expected one of their fabulous parties they are known to put on, but we were actually delighted to see that they won’t be sending out invitations anytime soon.

A post shared by Marine Conservation Society (@mcs_uk) on Sep 11, 2017 at 6:14am PDT

This year to mark their milestone, they have decided instead to give back to the community that has given so much. During their 25-week campaign (which began the 25th of September), they will be running initiatives to support the delicate marine environment that is central to all of our work. From beach cleanups, to dedicated media coverage highlighting key environmental issues, the Superyacht Group will also be actively raising funds for two key charity organizations supporting marine conservancy, namely The Ocean Agency and the Marine Conservation Society. The challenge is on with their 25th Anniversary Ocean Chari-Tee Campaign. For £25 (yes there is a theme going on here) you can purchase one of their Chari-Tee Shirts, with all the profits going to these charities.

A post shared by OCEAN (@oceanmagazine_au) on Oct 4, 2017 at 6:18pm PDT

While an initiative like this from one company surely won’t save the planet or change the world, we hope that this action, by one company, will generate a windfall of support in the industry for marine-based planetary issues. Rising sea levels, plastic waste, coral bleaching, and overfishing have become commonplace, just ask any captain today about the pollution and contamination they see each and every day cruising the world’s waters. This is, after all, our marketplace, our storefront, and also the playground, which our industry relies upon for its livelihood. Just think about what would happen if the 30,000 or so captains, crew, owners, shipyard technicians, brokers, attorneys, and service providers in our industry started to actively give back?

A post shared by yacht-a-porter (@yachtaporter) on Sep 25, 2017 at 11:27am PDT

We are putting forward their challenge and would like to encourage everyone in the industry to do their part. Start here by simply buying a t-shirt and then dedicate time to evaluating other causes you can to support this year; there are so many worthy organizations out there in need of your assistance. Volunteer some time if you can, put your money where your mouth is, and let’s do it before it is too late. The waters are the lifeblood of all of our businesses and kudos to The Superyacht Group for leading the charge in honour of their 25th year!

Fancying having one of these t-shirts for yourself and helping out an important cause? Click here for all the info!

If you are in charge of marketing, you are up to your ears with to-do lists this week getting ready for Monaco. Confirming stand technician’s access credentials for set up, collecting RSVPs for your press visits, packing up brochures and oh yeah… you have to issue just one last press release before everything kicks off. You just realised that the gadgets you ordered have your logo printed in the wrong pantone colour and the boss has just passed by your office and asked you to find three more hotel rooms for the team and a meeting room for a pre-show management meeting. All this and you have to remember to somehow get a haircut, pick up your dry cleaning and get some sleep in before the 4-day, 24-hour marathon that is the Monaco Yacht Show.

Sound familiar? I imagine dealing with your social media presence may be the last thing on your mind. You’ve already posted that your company is at MYS and that you’d love to meet potential customers yadda yadda yadda, but that’s about the extent of what you have done so far. Whether you are part of a big brokerage firm, or a boutique yachting supplier, here are some quick and dirty tips for you to get your social in order for #MYS2017.

1. Know the #hashtags

If you haven’t figured out what the official hashtags are yet for the show then drop everything and memorize these right now: #MYS2017 // #MonacoYachtShow. Also, if you love Instagram, like we do, you need to follow and tag @mys_monaco ‏or @MYSCaptainCrew ‏(which is the official account for the Monaco Yacht Show Captains and Crew Lounge) in every post you put out from now going forward.

2. Start sharing your teasers. Right. Now.

If you have a teaser image, or video, of what you’ll be presenting next week at the show start getting that out daily, right now and everywhere. There are lots of new products and services being debuted at this year’s Show so stop duty-free shopping at the airport, head to the lounge and take a few minutes to get that out.

3. Personalise your campaign

Those who have been working ahead of the game may have created a speciality hashtag specific to your company’s campaign for this year’s Show. Give it a shot if you haven’t to add something new to the mix, but if you want to repeat it in 2018 you’ll need to start earlier to get real leverage out of it. #buyyouryachtMYS2017

4. Invite people for a catch up

Incredibly, so few people will take the time to write a personal invitation to visit a stand or organise a meeting via LinkedIn. Take an hour this weekend, go through your contacts and do just that. If you are really pro-active send your colleagues a short script to copy and paste (include all the details of where the company’s stand is and/or any special events) and encourage them to invite their connections to stop by for a coffee and a chat.

5. Keep promoting

Are you sponsoring a party next week? Even if it is strictly invite only, don’t leave all the promotion to the organizers. Get out a few posts to promote your involvement to your followers. After all you spent the money in sponsoring the event… you might as well get as much visibility out of it as you can.

6. Talk to the press

Send a few key press an invite to stop by and visit to learn more about [why my company is so great]. But leave out the words “innovative”, “leading” and “foremost” PLEASE! Give them a hint at the story you want to communicate. The press appreciates having some insight on story ideas.

7. Remember, social is now

Stop thinking about social media in the past tense and look forward. If you only share at the end of the day, after it’s all over, you don’t give your followers the opportunity to join in on the fun. Think into the future and get news out early (and then keep everyone updated throughout the day via your social channels).

8. Get organised

This is one of the busiest (if not the busiest) show on the planet. So, think ahead and identify WHO is going to be in charge of real-time social media posting at the Show. Regardless of the size of your team, one person should be designated to do the posting. (That is, if you haven’t hired experts like us to do it for you… shameless plug 😉 ). You can only pre-schedule so many posts… The most valuable ones will be those you do ad hoc from the quayside.

9. Every image counts

Images are important. If the social media designee will be dedicating a few hours throughout the day to tweeting and Facebooking then make sure you have a few others helping out with taking photos and video as they walk around the show. After all, you can’t have one person be everywhere at once.

10. Write about it

Write a blog post about participating in the show. If you have a dedicated area on your company website it shouldn’t take too long to create a captivating, call-to-action for your followers to stop by and see you at MYS. Max 400-500 words is all you need and this is also a great nugget to share in the following days on your social channels.

Look forward to seeing you at #MYS2017!

A custom tender, of high-quality build and unparalleled design, ranks highly on the luxury to-do list of many a discerning superyacht owner. Compass Tenders have become well known for their ability to answer that request, with attention to detail and the ability to deliver on the most specific of requirements.

We talked to the team at Compass Tenders, the company responsible for some of the most exclusive tenders for the largest and most iconic superyachts on the planet. We sat down with Richard Faulkner (Owner/CEO) and Ed Wingate (Head of Design Department and Manager) to understand their design philosophy and approach for custom builds.

How do you go about designing a custom tender for a client? Is the mothership the primary source of inspiration or are there other factors that come into play?

Richard Faulkner (RF): From the first initial contact with the owner’s team, our first objective is to establish the intended use for the tender, outline what its ‘duties’ will be and beyond that start to look at what design aspects will suit it best.

For limousine tenders, we absolutely take inspiration from the mothership to complete a design; the key is to incorporate staying accents as the whole thing scaled down doesn’t tend to work. Historically, we have worked with leading superyacht designers and stylists to execute our limousine tender builds.

What makes a project successful

Ed Wingate (EW): Good communication between all parties, namely client’s representatives, client’s designers, the build management teams and crew, when possible, is essential at the start of a project. If the clients are experienced in yachting this helps a lot, as they know what they want and more importantly what they don’t need, onboard. There can be strong temptation to pack too many features into a tender especially when the owner’s representative isn’t sure what they want; therefore, the development of a sensible and fully achievable wish list from the outset is paramount.

What are the biggest challenges you face in the design process?

RF: Generally, the hardest custom tenders to design are the open ones. These tenders tend to have to perform many different tasks and duties for both the owner and crew. Some design aspects are challenging to replicate on open tenders; however, we are confident we can fulfil the client’s wish list, which can be extensive and all encompassing! If the mothership is over 90 meters, our job becomes easier as we can usually create more than one open tender, which means outfitting each for a specific duty and not having to compromise.

What inspires you and your designs?

RF: My inspiration comes from wanting to give my clients a practical and stylish solution for their luxury transport ashore in a Compass Tender. In the forefront must be comfort and safety and we are proud to have an excellent reputation for tenders with excellent sea keeping qualities. Further inspiration comes from working with leading designers and stylists to create the ‘perfect’ tender to compliment their super yacht master pieces. Needless to say as a lover of cars, the automotive industry provides inspiration as well whether it be from Aston Martin, Bentley or Porsche and I am often looking at how we can incorporate design accents from that sector as well.

What design trends are you seeing in the industry?

EW: Trends and fashions are cyclical, but there is a noticeable trend in recent years of transforming functions, dual purpose, with large complex moving parts and hinges. I believe this trend will stick as clients’ expectations are growing. This is something Compass Tenders have been doing in calculated moderation for a number of years now, from hydraulic three-part bow doors, to flush three-part glass sun roofs. With complex moving parts, there is always the risk of malfunction and this is our primary concern; hence, not overdoing things just to satisfy a trend is a focus.

What types of tenders are in demand at the moment?

RF: As yachts are getting larger, they are anchoring further and further offshore. Transport to land, especially in the evenings, takes place via limousine tenders that have become a more significant part of the volume of custom tenders we build today.

Look into the future and tell us what you see?

RF: Looking forward to the next 10 years, I see hybrid drive solutions starting to pave the way towards fully electric powered tenders, particularly in the limousine tender sector of the market. As a result, we are investing a great deal in both our electric powered and hybrid solutions, which will permit the owner to leave and approach the mothership or port in near silence.  

Compass tenders will be presenting their new range of semi-custom limousine tenders at the Monaco Yacht Show. Stop by their stand at TT21 to find out more.