CONVERSATION by IYC

After operating KOJU from the very beginning, Captain Nick Battaglia knows the 121’ (37m) Benetti in a way few people do. With the yacht now on the market, Nick takes us beyond the specifications to discuss what he has learned from running her, why her charter program has been so successful, and what prospective owners should look for when choosing a yacht. Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

ELENI 60m entered the charter market with almost no traditional marketing material, and still secured over six weeks of bookings, with more than 15 weeks of offers on the table. IYC Charter Manager Monisha Benzy-Issac joins us to unpack how trust, relationships and reputation can sometimes sell a yacht before the marketing does. Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

Specifications can sell a yacht on paper, but they rarely make someone fall in love with it. Jared Watney, Founder of Ocean Air Media, joins IYC to explore what makes a yacht story compelling, how to build a distinctive identity in an increasingly crowded market, and why the right imagery can turn a yacht from another listing into one people remember. Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

What does it mean to grow up with yachting as part of your family story? In this episode, Aimilia Kakkou, daughter of the owners of 126' (39m) Sanlorenzo NAIA, reflects on family, life on the water, and the journey behind the yacht’s remarkable transformation. From childhood charter holidays to watching her parents create a yacht designed around hospitality, she shares a personal perspective o...

A beautiful yacht is only the beginning. The world's best charter experiences are shaped by far more than design or amenities—they're defined by exceptional crews, thoughtful layouts, personalized service, and the countless details guests remember long after they've returned home. In this episode, IYC Charter Consultant Alice Newnham shares what separates a good charter yacht from a tr...

The Caribbean is one of the world's most sought-after charter destinations, but its true beauty lies beyond the well-known islands and bustling ports. In this episode, we step aboard LA LA LAND with Captain Leo Lemešić to uncover the hidden anchorages, unforgettable experiences and local insights that make exploring the region by yacht unlike any other. From secluded beaches and world-class di...

The profile of the yacht owner is changing. Today's buyers are entering the market younger, purchasing larger yachts earlier, and approaching ownership with entirely different expectations than previous generations. In this episode, IYC Sales Consultant Leo Jordil explores how modern wealth is reshaping the brokerage market, from the rise of tech entrepreneurs and global buyers to the growing...

Showcasing your yacht at a boat show is about much more than visibility; it's about creating the right environment to sell. In this episode, together with IYC Sales Consultant Josh Marshall, we explore why boat shows remain one of the most powerful sales platforms in yachting. We discuss how stepping on board influences buyers, why face-to-face interactions matter, what owners often underestim...

The yacht charter market has changed dramatically over the last few years, but is the boom really over, or is it simply evolving? In this episode, IYC Charter Consultant Pantelis Stathis joins us to unpack what's happening behind the headlines, from changing client expectations and booking trends to emerging destinations, market challenges, and where the real opportunities lie. Podcast Hosted...

From regulations and technical maintenance to budgeting, compliance, and crew coordination, a perfectly running yacht depends on mastering countless details behind the scenes—most of which owners never see, but always benefit from. In this episode, we are joined by Cassandra Bruno, IYC Global Director of Yacht Management, to explore what it truly takes to keep a yacht operating at the highest leve...

What can a yacht's charter history reveal about its potential as an ownership opportunity? In this episode, we explore why yachts with an established charter track record are increasingly attracting savvy buyers. Joining us is Matthew Stone, Managing Partner, California at IYC, who shares his unique perspective, leaning on the acclaimed charter yacht KOJU as an example. Together, we unpack what co...

Building a custom superyacht is often seen as the ultimate luxury project. But beyond the design, engineering, and craftsmanship lies a deeply personal and emotional journey. In this episode, we are joined by Farouk Nefzi, Head of Marketing & Brand Experience at Feadship, to explore what owners experience from the moment they begin imagining their dream yacht to the day they step on board for...

Greece is no longer just a seasonal yachting destination—it’s becoming a year-round hub. Bigger yachts, longer stays, and rapidly evolving infrastructure are reshaping the market at speed. In this episode, we speak with Senior Yacht Manager Betty Gkika about what’s driving this transformation, from shipyard upgrades to winter operations and rising berthing pressure. We explore whether infrastructu...

Production yachts are no longer the “entry point” to yachting. They’ve become one of the industry’s smartest and most compelling choices. With shorter build times, advanced engineering, elevated design, and stronger resale confidence, today’s production models are challenging long-held assumptions about what defines true luxury at sea. In this episode, IYC Sales Consultant William Burns joins us t...

Following a multi-million dollar transformation, 182' (55m) HOLDIN’ MY OWN was reimagined as a true charter platform. Captain Dave Smith and IYC’s Marie Molls break down the strategy behind the rebuild, from technical upgrades to guest-focused design choices that redefine life on board. From layout changes to charter positioning, this is a look at what it really takes to build a standout yacht...

Yachting has always been built on relationships, intuition, and exclusivity—but a quiet transformation is underway. In this episode, IYC Chairman Stefanos Makrymichalos joins us to explore how data, digital platforms, and evolving client expectations are reshaping the industry from the inside out. We look beyond tools and technology to ask a deeper question: what does it really mean to become a di...

What makes a yacht truly unforgettable—and what keeps guests coming back year after year? In this episode, we sit down with Captain Nicholas Smith of CBI Navi-built 50m ELENI, one of the most successful charter yachts operating in the West Mediterranean. With her summer season nearly fully booked and reservations already extending into 2027, ELENI is a standout example of what long-term charter su...

In this episode, we chat with Marnix Hoekstra of Vripack to explore what truly lies behind the creation of a custom yacht; not just as an object, but as a deeply personal expression of vision, lifestyle, and emotion. From the first spark of inspiration to the moment a yacht touches the water, we discuss how ideas are transformed into technically complex, emotionally driven yacht designs. We explor...

Chartering a yacht is the pinnacle of luxury travel, but behind the effortless experience lies a world of unspoken rules. In this episode, we sit down with IYC Charter Consultant Abigail Davies to explore the etiquette that defines a truly seamless journey at sea. From navigating the balance between privacy and crew dynamics to mastering requests, hosting, tipping, and family travel onboard, we un...

In this episode, we dive into the heart of yacht sales and chartering with Frankie Maxwell, IYC US Sales & Charter Director. We explore why, even in an era of AI, automated valuations, and data-driven decisions, trust remains the most valuable currency in yachting.  From the moments that make or break a deal to the strategies that keep relationships personal in a digital world, Frankie shares...

A new generation of yacht owners is quietly rewriting the rules of the industry. In this episode, we sit down with the Director of Strategic Alliances at Oceanco, Paris Baloumis, to explore a fundamental shift in superyacht ownership, from status symbols to deeply personal, experience-driven platforms. Today’s clients aren’t just building bigger yachts; they’re building spaces to live, explore, an...

Over the past twenty years, the 50m yacht has quietly transformed. Once designed primarily as statements of scale and prestige, these yachts are now conceived as floating homes; spaces that prioritize lifestyle, well-being, and connection to the sea. In this episode, we explore the evolution of 50m yacht design with IYC Managing Partner Monaco, Mathilde de Roffignac. From changing owner expectatio...

We’re joined by Agne Pavia, IYC Charter Consultant, to discuss what charter really means today — from bespoke concierge services to the global networks and technology reshaping how clients book and experience life at sea. Find out more about RESERVE by IYC: https://bit.ly/3OXDmue Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

IYC CEO, Raphael Sauleau, breaks down the current yacht market from the top-end yachts still flying off the docks to the mid-size segment feeling the pressure. Buyers, sellers, and brokers: here’s what’s really happening, and how to navigate it. more on www.iyc.com Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin