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With the improvement in the UK economy, British superyacht sector is gaining momentum. Recent research by the BMF says that 69% of members responding to the Superyacht UK survey rating prospects for the next 12 months as good or excellent. The forecast is the most positive outlook for UK based superyacht manufacturing and supply for seven years. The value of the UK superyacht industry has grown to £492 million in 2013/14, a 7.1% increase from 2012/13.

Whilst last year’s headlines reported an increase in refit, this year it is new builds that are driving the improved results with 57% of superyacht revenues from new orders. Overall, 59% of respondents experienced a higher workload over the last 12 months compared to the same period a year ago.

Continue reading “New research points to British superyacht success”

A Singapore based family has formed Echo Yachts, a yacht builder that is to be located in Western Australia’s Henderson Marine Precinct. Their purpose is to undertake the building of the family’s yachts, including the largest ever superyacht built in Australia. The new company has brought together what would seem to be a regional who’s who of the Australian superyacht industry.

Commenting on the project, Echo Yachts director Mark Stothard said “Together with my partners Jurien Van Rongen and Nick Gardiner, we are thrilled to have been selected to head-up this project and we are very excited about the world class credentials of those who will be working with us.”

The 84 metre aluminium vessel will be the largest tri-hulled superyacht ever built anywhere. Construction will take three years from start to finish. The superyacht’s external design and interior styling will be led by Fremantle based (and world renowned superyacht designer) Sam Sorgiovanni. One2three Naval Architects, who operate from both Sydney and Henderson, will act as the project’s naval architects.

Having been one of the original founders of Princess Yachts in 1965, David King has decided to stand down as Chairman. Citing his wish for new minds to lead the company forward, Mr King will remain a director and focus mainly on new yacht design and development, an area in which he has always been heavily involved.

After a period of consultation, the Princess board of Directors has appointed Philippe Mellier as its new Chairman. Mr Mellier is the CEO of The De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, and was previously the Executive Vice President at Alstom s.a., the world’s leading high-speed train producer. Prior to this, Mr Mellier worked in the automotive sector, holding senior and board-level positions within Ford, Renault and the Volvo Group. He brings to the role uniquely useful experience in high-quality, performance-focused product manufacturing, marketing and sales.

Continue reading “Princess Yacht founder to step down”