Megayacht News Radio

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasThe beauty of yacht interiors often steals the spotlight, but what happens when we approach design from a completely different angle? Anita Rivera-Turcotte, founder of Verge Yacht Design, brings a novel perspective to yacht interiors that places engineering and function squarely before style.From their studio in Savannah, Georgia, Anita and her team blend interior design expertise with naval architecture to create spaces that work flawlessly while looking stunning. "Anybody can make something pretty," she explains, "but let's make it work for that specific owner and that crew." This philosophy stems from understanding that beautiful design must always respect a vessel's operational needs first.What truly sets Verge Yacht Design apart is the studio's groundbreaking work with sustainable materials. Forget the notion that sustainability means compromise – Anita's team develops fabrics from mushrooms, crushed stones, and

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasYacht marketing is undergoing a revolution, and Moby Maritime Media founder Oriana Schneps is leading the charge. Known for viral moments like NBA star Dwight Howard's yacht-to-yacht three-point shot, her agency is redefining how luxury vessels connect with potential buyers and charterers.Drawing from her background working with marketing guru Gary Vaynerchuk and her own yachting experience as a crewmember and on the TV show Below Deck Adventure, Schneps brings a fresh perspective to maritime promotion. Her journey began at the New England Aquarium, where as a high schooler she cared for penguins and joined research expeditions that sparked her passion for life at sea. This unique blend of promotion know-how, hospitality skills, and maritime knowledge eventually led her to create Moby Maritime Meda. In brief, it takes a marketing approach that transcends traditional yacht promotion.In fact, the core of Schneps' philosophy is treating yachts not a

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasSeventy-five years of family business excellence is a milestone worth celebrating, especially in the ever-evolving marine industry. Kristy Hebert, President and CEO of Ward’s Marine Electric, joins us to share the remarkable journey from her grandfather's garage-based operation to a marine electric powerhouse serving the world's finest yachts.The story begins with a post-WWII veteran who loved boating and found a way to merge his passion with his generator expertise. What started as a small operation using his personal aircraft to deliver parts to boats in the Bahamas evolved into a cornerstone business that helped shape Fort Lauderdale's development as a global yachting center. Kristy reveals how her family played a pivotal role in the 1961 initiative to bring electric power to local marinas – a seemingly small change that transformed the region by encouraging vessels to remain docked and seek maintenance locally.Kristy's own path into

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideas Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasWhat if your passion could take you from a farm in Ontario to the master stateroom of some of the world's most luxurious yachts? Join us in an engaging conversation with Bobby Genovese, a prominent owner in yachting, as he shares his unexpected journey into boating. Bobby's remarkable story begins with a serendipitous purchase of the historic Miss Canada III and IV, leading to a collection that includes the iconic Rambler. From his early days on a farm to navigating Florida's vibrant boating scene, Bobby shares tales filled with adventure and a genuine love for connecting people through unforgettable experiences on the water.Bobby offers a behind-the-scenes look at the joys and challenges of maintaining a vessel like his current superyacht, the Feadship-built BG Charade. He candidly shares the financial realities, from crew salaries to unforeseen repairs, revealing that the initial yacht price is just the tip of the iceberg. With insights in

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasDiscover the increasingly popular world of support yachts with us as Jennifer Johnston-Smith from Shadowcat takes center stage, sharing the fascinating journey behind their innovative superyachts like Hodor and Wayfinder. These  vessels are setting new benchmarks in the luxury yachting industry, offering unprecedented stability and versatility. Learn how Shadowcat's client-driven approach and collaboration with a top naval architecture firm are transforming yachting experiences, maximizing both adventure and functionality on the open seas. From tackling the challenges of carrying extreme-sports-oriented tenders to providing comprehensive support facilities, these catamaran platforms redefine what’s possible on the water.Venture into the evolving landscape of yacht ownership where catamaran hulls once met with skepticism are now embraced for their superior adaptability. The passionate adventurers driving this trend are reshaping designs and functionali

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasWhat if luxury design could blend seamlessly with sustainability? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Jim Dixon from Winch Design, who takes us through his inspiring journey from crafting furniture to becoming a key player in the world of superyacht and aviation design. Jim shares the visionary process behind creating yacht owners' dreams, starting with the very first yacht he ever contributed to, the 165-meter motoryacht Dubai, and unveils the behind-the-scenes magic of integrating clients’ lifestyle preferences into high-end yachts, along with private jets and luxury residences. Tune in to hear about the development of a 43-metre explorer vessel for an eco-conscious American family, where sustainable design principles meet unparalleled luxury. Jim delves into how the family's values influenced the use of low-VOC materials and other green practices. We also explore the philosophy that drives Winch Design, a firm committed to innovation an

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasEmbark on a maritime adventure with Amanda and Adam Langley, the pioneering duo behind Superyacht East Coast, as they chart a course through Canada's East Coast's yachting splendor. Uncover the secrets of navigating serene waters from the balmy Northumberland Strait to the awe-inspiring fjords of Newfoundland. This episode offers a treasure trove of surprises, including unexpectedly swimmable waters and a refreshing climate that rivals the American East Coast's summer warmth. Learn the ideal times to cruise these northern waters and discover why this region promises to become your next nautical home away from home.Set your compass for an episode filled with the allure of the high seas as we reveal the unspoiled beauty and outdoor adventures that await you along Canada's Atlantic provinces. With the Langleys as our guides, we're not just cruising; we're transforming into ambassadors for the unique charm and maritime traditions

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasWhen tradition waltzes with innovation, the result is the timeless elegance by the team at Silverlining Furniture. This episode peels back the curtain on nearly four decades of passion and precision, where each piece of furniture tells a story steeped in family heritage and creative spirit. Mark Boddington, the maestro behind the studio, shares tales that trace the lineage of artistry running through his veins and how Silverlining Furniture harmoniously blends age-old handcraftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing.Sail away with us into the world of custom superyacht interiors, where luxury meets the resilience of the high seas. Mark delves into the art of designing spaces that not only cater to multi-generational families but also adapt to the myriad activities that unfold on a yacht. Discover how Silverlining Furniture confronts the unique challenges of marine environments by selecting robust yet opulent materials that transcend mere a

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasStep aboard the luxurious world of yacht chartering as Tim Davis, the marketing manager at Burgess, unveils the secrets to curating your dream voyage on the high seas. We promise that you'll emerge with a treasure trove of knowledge, from the prime time to secure your floating sanctuary to the artistry of pairing with a crew that's as bespoke as your itinerary. Peak seasons and glamorous global events like the Monaco Grand Prix no longer confine the possibilities—charter seasons are expanding, and with them, opportunities to set sail in less traditional, yet equally enchanting times of the year. A perfect match goes beyond just the yacht's aesthetics, with a crew's personality and the vessel's amenities playing pivotal roles in ensuring your sea escapade is nothing short of extraordinary.Cast off into the trends shaping luxury yacht charters, where the timeless allure of the Mediterranean beckons and the whispers of past voyagers g

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasEmbark on an enthralling odyssey with Dee Momi, the visionary behind Seven Access, as she recounts her astonishing transformation from a London personal shopper to a superyacht chef on the high seas, and eventually a lifestyle concierge for the crème de la crème. Discover how a serendipitous email and the turbulence of a global recession launched her into the opulent realm of yachting, equipping her with the finesse of tailored service and the might of intimate connections. As Momi unfolds her narrative, you're invited to grasp the essence that fuels Seven Access, meticulously fulfilling the fancies of not only ultra-affluent private clients, but also the clients of yacht brokers, ultimately purveying supreme travel experiences.Momi imparts a sea of wisdom, gleaned from a dozen years navigating the waters of luxury service, where being second-best is never an option. Through her eyes, we learn how the anticipation of a client's desires and the fl

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasHave you ever wondered how a farm girl from Indiana with a background in chemistry became a sought-after mentor, educator, and speaker in the yachting industry? We're talking about none other than our guest, Captain Kelly Gordon. With no previous boating experience, Kelly's life journey took an unexpected turn when she found her passion on the water. Her inspiring voyage from land to sea and the valuable lessons she learned along the way will surely take you by surprise.We move beyond the glittering aesthetics of yachting and venture into the deeper waters of professionalism and gender dynamics prevalent in the industry. Kelly, along with our hosts, share their personal experiences and unique insights into the challenges faced by crew members living and working together in confined spaces. With a focus on leadership training and the importance of mutual regard, this episode sheds light on the realities of life aboard a yacht. Finally, we celebrat

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasPrepare to plunge into the captivating world of superyacht submersibles! Whether you're an aquatic aficionado or just a curious enthusiast, this episode promises an immersive journey. We're thrilled to have Charles Kohnen from SEAmagine, Patrick Lahey from Triton Submarines, and Ofer Ketter from Submerge onboard today. Their impressive insights shed light on the cutting-edge technology propelling these remarkable machines, the evolving safety regulations that they adhere to and proudly uphold, and the sense of wonder and discovery that superyacht owners and guests get to enjoy.From the uncharted depths of the ocean, we bring you first-hand experiences of navigating these submersibles. Our expert guests reveal how comprehensive briefings and well-trained crews are key to ensuring a safe and exhilarating voyage. They'll regale you with thrilling stories of underwater discoveries and conservation initiatives that superyacht submersibles have ma

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasPrepare to be transported into the world of luxury yacht charters as we enjoy an insightful conversation with Nicole Haboush. As the senior charter broker manager for TJB Super Yachts and the head of its Florida office, Nicole has an extraordinary professional journey to draw upon, starting in a modest cubicle in a leading American superyacht shipyard. She shares her expertise on the significance of building relationships and patterned attention to detail, which has earned her respect among her clients. As we dive beneath the surface of luxury yacht charters, Nicole talks about the importance of going the extra nautical mile. Ceating unforgettable experiences for clients means personalizing services in a wide range of ways. This includes in-depth research into emerging destinations--including ones rarely visited by superyachts. We also uncover the impact of reality shows like Below Deck on yacht charter. Nicole underscores how these portrayals have actuall

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasPrepare to embark on a captivating journey with us, as we sit down with Ron Cleveringa, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Burger Boat Company. Get ready to delve into the awe-inspiring 160-year legacy of Burger, from its beginnings crafting Mackinaw fishing vessels and schooners, to producing mighty military vessels and extravagant yachts. We discuss Burger's evolution and its commitment to tracking its fleet. Learn why even commercial clients prefer Burger's hands-on approach and the craftsmanship that goes into its custom yacht construction and modern-day steel and aluminum vessels. In our second act, we journey into the heart of Burger's creation process as we explore the construction of two of their biggest projects right now, each a 180-foot yacht. Ron Cleveringa walks us through the careful planning and execution that goes into each venture, keeping the client's vision as the guiding light. Listen for insights into the dedi

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasBack in 2004, two ambitious young men from Italy created Hot Lab, a yacht-design studio with equally big ambitions. Fast forward to today, and Hot Lab has grown not only to have nearly a dozen people under its roof, but also to have clients and primarily fully custom yachts on the water and in build around the world. Additionally, and importantly, Hot Lab focuses on more than simply superyacht décor. The studio’s tag line, “Architecture for Voyagers,” lends a little insight into the difference.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Hot Lab’s co-founder, Antonio Romano, explains how the tagline is the guiding principle for everything the studio does. He further explains:·        why Hot Lab decided to pursue yachting, despite Romano never having been aboard a boat·        how the studio landed its first contract (a great story, too)·        what “Architecture for Voyagers” means, and how it differentiates what the studio does·        why family is at the

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasIf you’re a longtime listener, you may remember a few years ago we welcomed Andrew Grant Super of Berkeley Rand to the podcast, to talk about what was then a new concept: having “experiential engineers” create off-grid superyacht experiences for owners and guests through immersive technology and artificial intelligence. Well, a lot has changed since that conversation back in 2000. Berkeley Rand is even more aptly called an experiential adventure company, and it’s creating experiences in well-traveled destinations as well as the far-off ones.In this episode, we talk to Andrew about what exactly this means, as well as how Andrew and his team are delivering what yacht owners and guests want—even when they themselves don’t initially realize the possibilities.   Thanks for listening! Follow Megayacht News and engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Threads! Email us at info@megayachtnews.com.

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasCommitment. In a word, this is exactly what superyacht owners want, in the experience of Patrick Knowles.  In fact, as much as every company in the superyacht industry talks about putting owners at the center of what they do, their talk tends to focus on themselves. It's an often inadvertent mistake that can lead to confusion, conflict, and more. That's why Patrick Knowles Designs takes note, literally, of everything that its clients say in every meeting--because even the smallest things can add up to big breakthroughs and ultimately success.Knowles explains how his team does this, and how trust has taken shape beyond the walls of his clients' yachts, in this episode of Megayacht News Radio.Knowles has produced award-winning designs for domestic and international clients, many of whom have become longtime collaborators and retained clientele. With beginnings in designing aircraft interiors for private, VIP, and head-of-state sectors, Knowles

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasYachtAid Global is best known for its charitable work connecting superyachts to communities in crisis around the globe, helping to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid after natural disasters. The non-profit also is closely aligned with conservation causes, and Operation Swimway is its latest initiative. The expedition and dive specialists from Tahiti Private Expeditions are joining it in this incredible cause--as can you.Operation Swimway enables interested owners, guests, and crew to work closely with distinguished members of the scientific community to accelerate the conservation of pelagic species. The collaborative efforts are focused on conservation of critical migration corridors for sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, whales, and billfish. Overfishing and bycatch have dramatically impacted these corridors, making it all the more crucial to help the species reach new feeding grounds and maintain their population numbers. In this episode of Megayacht Ne

We love fan mail: text us with your feedback and ideasCurrently in yachting, conversations frequently focus on sustainability and efforts towards lessening yachts’ environmental impact. It’s not a simple task, though. Despite an abundance of general information about emissions, power consumption, and related topics, the superyacht industry and superyacht owners have lacked an objective way to judge whether some yachts are actually “greener” than others. That’s where the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index comes in, and is making a difference.The index is a tool from the Water Revolution Foundation, a non-profit focused on preserving the oceans and simultaneously diminishing yachting’s impact on them. In development for the past four years, the index has led to the establishment of a benchmark by which existing and in-development projects can evaluate themselves. Robert van Tol, the executive director of the Water Revolution Foundation, explains the details in this Megayacht News Radio podcast episode.As yo