The business of pleasure

It’s a wonderful thing in life to be able to combine business with pleasure. Owner Vittorio Moretti - this issue's cover story - found this exact ‘holy grail’ combination through building yachts at his yard, Maxi Dolphin. “Quality is the basis of everything,” says the business polymath. “Whether it’s boatbuilding or winemaking, I have no interest in half measures.” The Italian entrepreneur has multiple business interests spanning construction, real estate development, winemaking and yachtbuilding. The owner of 36m sailing yacht, Viriella, says the process of building is part of the joy of ownership. “I started boatbuilding not as a business, but for the fun of it,” he says. Moretti talks about how he applies his fascination for materials in construction to the business of making yachts.

Moretti’s story sets the tone for an issue that takes a hard-nosed look at the business of ownership: charter, ownership structures and inspections, alongside the more purely pleasurable side of yachting.


We’ve followed 62.5m superyacht SuRi with interest and in this issue, we speak to Henry Cookson, who chartered an adventure to Antarctica on board the newly extended yacht. Cookson considers the lessons for other owners and would-be explorers.

Catching up with some of the industry’s top charter brokers at the MYBA Charter Show in Genoa, we ask if owners have realistic expectations about the revenue their yacht can bring in from charter in today's crowded market and what they can do to make their yacht stand out.

Owain Rowlands, chief officer aboard 56m Benetti Ulysses, who found his vessel recently boarded by Port State Control inspectors in Livorno, explains what to expect in this situation. Meanwhile an owner, project manager and designer each offer their thoughts on the pros and cons of dual ownership.



Features on the future of American superyacht design, a breakdown of what security approaches and tactics are needed on a yacht, plus more stories from owners, including 31m Rainbow Rose owner and entrepreneur, Stefan Ackerie, complete this wonderful eighth issue of The Superyacht Owner.

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